No matter how much effort you put into your cat's diet, they may still need a little assistance to have a healthy immune system. From kittens to senior cats, the world of feline-appropriate vitamins and supplements is very varied. We've selected ten of our favorite cat vitamins to help your cat with everything from healthy skin to their digestive health. For our suggestions for the best vitamins for cats, keep reading.
Key Takeaways
- Cat vitamins aren't just for senior cats.
- Vitamins and supplements can boost a cat's immune system.
- A nutritional supplement can be easily hidden in your cat's food.
- Even healthy cats can benefit from a cat supplement.
- Buy cat vitamins and supplements that have the National Animal Supplement Council seal of approval.
1 VetriScience Laboratories NuCat Multivitamin for Everyday Health
- Formulated with amino acids
- Includes key minerals that are essential for a cat’s diet
- Fish-flavored soft chews
- Aids eye health
Rather than sneaking a tablet into their cat food, try giving your kitty ones of these soft, chewable tablets from VetriScience Laboratories. Their NuCat Multivitamins are made especially for a cat’s everyday health needs. No matter the size, age, or breed of your feline friend, these multivitamins will provide a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals to support your cat. Not only do they support your cat’s everyday health, but they also aid cardiovascular health and function, and assist your cat’s immune system. Furthermore, NuCat contains biotin and linoleic acid, both of which can keep your kitty’s coat shiny and healthy.
50 IU, Vitamin E5 IU, Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 0.67 mg, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 0.5 mg, Pantothenic Acid 0.67 mg, Niacin 4.5 mg, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 0.25 mg, Folic Acid 0.1 mg, Vitamin B12 0.002 mg, Taurine (1.6%) 20 mg, *Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 5 mg. *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. Calorie Content (calculated): 3600 kcal ME/kg; 5 kcal ME/chew. Ingredients: Brewers dried yeast, oat flour, rye flour, fish meal, glycerin, arabic gum, calcium phosphate, cano.
- A soft, chewable tablet that even elderly cats can take
- Uses concentrated fish oil for an extra boost
- Helps maintain a cat’s overall health
- Unpleasant odor
- Contains unessential nutrients
2 Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Digestive Supplement for Cats
- Crafted with nutritionists and researchers
- Contains 100 million live microorganisms
- Supplement in powder form
- Supports the digestive system
A cat supplement that your cat doesn’t need to chew, cat owners may benefit from this digestive supplement for cats made by the household brand name Purina. Every cat owner knows the Purina brand, even if they choose to feed another cat food product to their kitties. This powder supplement can be sprinkled over your cat’s food to help heal their gut when they are suffering from digestive issues. Diarrhea in cats is always a huge concern for owners because it can be a symptom of so many conditions or just a sign that your cat has eaten something strange. Try a small amount of FortiFlora over your cat’s food with the rest of their usual balanced diet, and see the change in their bathroom habits.
Liver Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Proteinate, Taurine, Salt, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite
- No chewing, just sprinkle on food
- Contains vitamin C and vitamin E
- Supports cats who suffer from diarrhea
- Contains added salt
- Not all cats need the full dose
3 Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma Postnatal Vitamin
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Postnatal vitamin with herbs and amino acids
- Made with real meat
- Supports milk production
For the mommy cats that need an extra push towards recovery after giving birth to their beautiful fur babies, this postnatal vitamin from Breeder’s Edge could be the perfect solution. Cat owners don’t usually think about more complex postnatal care, but the matter of the fact is that some cats need a little more help after they give birth. It’s no different from a human mother requiring assistance during their recovery. Oxy Momma is a vitamin that supports lactation and a cat’s postnatal recovery. Without healthy lactation, your cat may not be able to adequately support the early life stages of their kittens. These vitamins contain a range of herbs and essential amino acids to get your cat back to full health, and they’re in the form of a meaty treat that no momma cat can resist. Also suitable for dogs!
Pork, beef and liver, natural casing, vitamin E, cottonseed meal, fenugreek seed powder, fennel seed powder, motherwort herb powder, chaste tree fruit, niacin, chelated magnesium, methylsulfonylmethane, ferrous fumarate, chelated zinc, thiamine mononitrate, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, selenium, chelated potassium, vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), biotin, chelated manganese.
- Enhances milk production post-birth
- Helps female felines recover from the birthing process
- Includes antioxidants to help with reproductive tract recovery
- Only use post-birth
- Contains ingredients that can induce early labor
4 Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Cats
- Globally sourced ingredients
- Recommended by vets as an alternative to other veterinary medicine
- Researched and trademarked ingredients
- High-quality supplement for cats
The two major ingredients in this Joint Health Supplement for Cats from Nutramax’s Cosequin brand are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. If the pet parents reading this recognize those two substances, it’s because both Glucosamine and Chondroitin are often included in many joint health-related supplements for animals. Glucosamine is found in animal tissues, while Chondroitin is found in their cartilage. By using a combination of both in a supplement, you can boost the health of your cat’s joints. Another interesting ingredient in this product is the use of gelatin. By adding gelatin, these supplements have more protein, amino acids, and collagen than they would without. This great combination will give your cat better joint support, heal their muscles, and help with their skin issues.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride (125mg), Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate (100mg), Manganese (1mg)
- Comes in a convenient capsule
- Can be broken open and sprinkled over food
- Suitable for joint health maintenance
- Contains red and blue synthetic food dyes
- No MSM, which helps more with arthritis issues
5 Golden Paw 10-In-1 Multivitamin for Pets
- Liquid supplement
- For pets of all sizes
- Extra cranberry for natural support
- Cruelty-free
This amazing multivitamin product from Golden Paw has everything that your cat (or other pet) needs to supplement their diet. The foundation of the supplement is pure water and glycerin that is sourced from vegetables. From there, Golden Paw adds organic cranberries, Glucosamine with MSM, and a huge range of vitamins – including Folic Acid, which aids digestion and promotes healthy growth. With its combination of vitamins and other ingredients, this supplement can take action on multiple levels, caring for everything from your cat’s brain to their hips and joints.
- Fully supports your pet’s health
- Comprehensive body care for your pet
- Everything your pet needs in a bottle
- Full dose may cause stomach upset
- Doesn’t cater to the needs of cats
6 NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins
- Specially formulated for senior cats
- Over 8 essential vitamins
- Supports joint health with added Glucosamine
- Suitable for cats over 12 weeks of age
A great supplement for cats who have wheat allergies, NaturVet’s VitaPet vitamins are made with senior cats in mind. A cat is considered a senior once they are older than 7 years of age, even though many cat owners would disagree with the idea of a 7-year-old cat being elderly. Though some reviews of this product complain about the vitamin supplements being hard, others have complimented how easy they are to crush up and sprinkle over food. Most cat foods will easily disguise the flavor of any vitamin supplementation, which is great because picky cats can be very fussy when they detect something new in their food. Most cats start having joint issues in their senior years, which makes a vitamin with added Glucosamine an excellent choice to support your cat’s overall health!
- Can be crushed for easier administering
- Glucosamine for extra joint support
- Can be used daily
- Supplements become hard after opening
- Has a strong odor
7 Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Paw-Gel for Cats
- A multivitamin in gel supplement form
- Contains essential nutrients for cats
- Has all the benefits of other comparative multivitamins
- Tasty fish flavor
A unique way to get your cat to take a vitamin that can help with their overall health and provide better immune support! This gel-based supplement makes our list of the best cat vitamins for a few great reasons. First of all, instead of having to give your cat a tablet or sneak their supplement into their food, you can simply apply it to their paws. Cats frequently lick their paws, especially if there’s something on there. Second, the blend of vitamins and minerals helps with immune function, which can be hugely beneficial if your cat has health issues. And third, the gel formula contains vitamin B12, which can aid in new red blood cells being formed and can support cardiovascular health and function.
- Applied to paws so cats lick it off
- Includes antioxidants
- Promotes better immune health
- No taurine
- Cats may not like having it applied
8 Vetflix Probiotic for Dogs and Cats
- 3 Billion CFUs
- 6 Different probiotic strains
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Can reduce bloating
Probiotics are seldom found in cat food, which means that buying the right probiotic supplements is crucial should your cat need them. Pet parents should be patient when starting their feline friend on probiotics because they can take several days to show any improvement and may cause stomach upset while your cat’s body adjusts to the supplement. This one of the cat vitamins and supplements we’ve reviewed in this guide is purely for digestive health. It contains six different strains of probiotics, which can help with a range of issues including bloating, gas, and intestinal function. There are very few ingredients – one of which is the probiotic strain L. Casei, which is known for encouraging good bacteria in the body and strengthening the immune system.
Proprietary Blend (L. Rhamnosus, E. Faecium, L. Acidophilus, B. Lactis, L. Fermentum, L. Reuteri). Other Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.
- Aids the digestive tract
- Great for cats suffering from stomach upset
- Made with natural ingredients
- May give cats diarrhea as they adjust to the product
- Not specifically catered towards cats
9 Wholistic Pet Organic Feline Complete Powder Supplement
- Regulated by the National Animal Supplement Council
- All-in-one supplement
- Raw, natural ingredients
- Powder formula
With everything from a dose of vitamin C to omega fatty acids, this powder-based supplement from Wholistic Pet Organic is a game-changer. Looking at the ingredients, it’s easily comparable with a human supplement and is able to give your cat immune support while also giving their organs and digestive system a little help. Though this best cat supplement product isn’t entirely plant-based, it does reap the benefits of a number of fruits and vegetables. In fact, the very first ingredient is kelp, which is known to be able to support the digestive health of dogs and cats, and maintain their dental health. The only issue is that the amino acid taurine isn’t in this product, despite being considered an essential part of a cat’s diet.
- For cats of all ages and sizes
- Easy to hide in or sprinkle over food
- Contains essential fatty acids
- Doesn’t contain taurine
- Mostly plant-based
10 Viralys Oral Gel L-Lysine Supplement for Cats
- Maple-flavor supplement gel
- Approved by the National Animal Supplement Council
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- 250mg L-Lysine per 1.25ml
Even cats that are a healthy weight may experience allergies or sneezing fits. If your cat tends to get a lot of runny noses or suffers from watery eyes, Viralys’ Oral Gel for Cats can help. This maple-flavored supplement gel contains a daily dose of L-Lysine, which is used to support eye and respiratory health in cats and can also aid their immune system. Viralys’ gel is suitable for kittens and adult cats, and should be given to them twice daily with a syringe or a teaspoon. Some owners have had difficulty giving their cats the gel like this, so you could always try mixing it in with their food.
- Can be mixed in with wet food
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Great for cats with runny noses
- Uses artificial sweetener
- Expensive
Best Vitamins For Cats Buying Guide & FAQ:
Continuing on from our top 10 best cat supplements in the guide above, let’s talk about the benefits of nutritional supplements for cats. Not every kitty’s diet is in need of cat nutrition supplements, but there are plenty of reasons that a cat owner may wish to start providing their furry friend with an extra boost in the form of multivitamins or other supplements.
What are the Benefits of Giving Your Cat Supplements and Vitamins?
They Can Protect Your Cat
Vitamins and supplements that target the overall health of a cat will be able to help protect everything from their eyes to their immune system. Many of these supplements include ingredients that have the power of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost heart health and help your cat fight high cholesterol.
They Supplement Your Kitty’s Diet
The main reason that pet parents will look for the best supplement to give their cat is to supplement their diet. What this means is that their cat’s diet is lacking in some way – usually, it doesn’t have enough nutrition – and they can add supplements to their diet to ensure that their cat is healthy.
They Can Help with Organ Disease
Though supplements that steady your cat’s health and boost their immune system are also good for their heart, some of these products target the symptoms of organ disease. A supplement that contains milk thistle, for example, would be able to remove toxins from your cat’s liver and assist with liver disease.
Multivitamins Keep Your Cat’s Body Fighting-Fit
Multivitamin supplements, like those listed in this guide for being the best mltivitamin for cats, will contain a range of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a cat to have in their diet. Vitamin C helps with tissue growth and immune regulation. Vitamin D helps your cat absorb calcium, which is needed for their bones, muscles, and to aid nervous system function. These are just two of many examples!
Cats with Health Issues Can Be Helped
Veterinary advice following a diagnosis of one health issue or another is often to change your cat’s diet, start them on medication, or look into supplements that they could benefit from. The beauty of supplements is that there are so many out there that they cover a huge spectrum of health concerns for cats. The best cat vitamins are the ones that can target your cat’s ill health and help them back on the path of recovery.
How to Choose the Best Vitamins and Supplements for Your Cat
Choosing the best vitamins and supplements for your cat can be overwhelming at first. This is because, as we mentioned, there are so many out there. What you need to do first is find out exactly what help your cat needs. There’s little point piling your cat with supplements when they may not need what you’re giving them. It’s very much possible for a cat to overdose on certain supplements.
Once you know what would benefit your cat, start looking at products. They may need a wide-spectrum multivitamin that covers various health concerns, a supplement with fish oil for for anti-inflammatory purposes, or even a Glucosamine-based soft chew for joint problems.
Once you’ve found a potential vitamin or supplement, look at the reviews from other pet owners. The beauty of buying supplements online is that you can look at the positives and negatives from other buyers, who will tell you exactly what happened after they started giving their cat the product. Do bear in mind that not all cats are the same. What one person’s cat was sensitive to might be a huge help for your cat. Be willing to look past the few negative comments when the good clearly outweight the bad.
Additionally, you should also seek out products that are recommended by veterinarians, and those that have been regulated and checked by organisations like the National Animal Supplement Council.
What to Avoid
- Supplements with lots of bad reviews or no reviews at all
- Any product that uses an excessive amount of artificial ingredients (sweeteners and dyes, etc.)
- Vitamins or supplements that contain fillers like fish meal
- Any cat supplement that isn’t suitable for the age of your cat (don’t give kittens products that are formulated for adult cats)
- Human-grade supplements
- Products that contain common cat allergens
A Quick List of Common Cat Allergens
- Cheese and milk
- Raw eggs, meat, or fish
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Liver
- Fungi
Please note that many of these are toxic to cats and can be fatal.
Different Types of Vitamins and Supplements
General Vitamins and Minerals
These are single vitamin or mineral products for cats such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, and Calcium. They contain only the ingredients necessary for that vitamin. They can be somewhat dangerous to give to cats because it’s easier for cats to overdose on single vitamins when they’re combined with their daily diet. It’s better to give your cat a regulated multivitamin or a supplement that contains the vitamins and minerals they need.
Multivitamins
These products contain several vitamins and minerals to target more areas of your cat’s health. The ingredients vary and may come from animal or plant sources, as well as synthetic ones. They’re better than buying single vitamin or mineral products because you can find one that meets your cat’s needs without having to give them multiple tablets every day. Your cat will be thankful, even if they hate the taste.
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are used for a wide variety of cat health issues. Everything from coat health to joint soreness. They’re called essential because that’s what they are. Another essential amino acid you should look out for is taurine. Taurine is a huge part of your cat’s health, and they need it for their eyes and their immune system.
Probiotics
Full of strains of good bacteria that can improve your cat’s digestion and gut health. Not all cats need probiotics, and they can be a bit messy to deal with in the early stages. Your cat’s digestive system won’t be used to the extra help, and they may have a few bouts of diarrhea at first. Try lowering the dose when this happens. You may also come across prebiotics, which help grow good bacteria in the gut rather than providing it to the body.
Age-Specific Supplements
Made for one of the various life stages of a cat, you may see supplements for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. Cats require different care throughout their life to stay healthy, and many of these supplements target overall health. Supplements for senior cats are often formulated to help reduce the daily aches and pains they experience and give them a bit of an energy boost.
Nutraceuticals
Herbal or natural remedies for cats. There’s some debate as to whether they are supplements or drugs, but they use natural ingredients like herbs to aid cat health issues. Vets won’t usually recommend natural remedies for cats, just like most doctors won’t recommend herbs for humans. Use your best judgment and don’t buy any products that contain ingredients you’ve never heard of or don’t understand.
Joint Health Supplements
Often a combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM, these supplements target poor joint health in cats and other animals. Supplements containing Glucosamine are the most common, while it’s more difficult to find those that use MSM in their ingredients. Those with MSM are better for cats suffering from arthritis, so they can be a better purchase if your cat has that health condition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The best way to administer vitamins to your cat will depend on the type of vitamin you’ve purchased. A hard tablet or a soft chew can be fed to your cat or hidden in their food, but most cats will eat around these. The best supplements or vitamins to buy are those that you can crush up or completely mix into wet cat food. Sprinkle capsules are popular, as are gel supplement forms and liquids.
Always adhere to the advice that is given on the packaging of any vitamin or supplement. Some are created for daily use, while others are used fin one dosage for a few weeks before the dosage is dropped to maintain your cat’s health. When in doubt, contact the brand directly or seek veterinary advice from your cat’s registered vet.
It’s not the vitamins that are bad, it’s the ingredients. Avoid any vitamins that contain ingredients that are known to be harmful to cats. These would include garlic, onion, chives, some sweeteners, BHT, BHA, and fillers like corn meal and meat or fish byproducts. Fish oil is fine, fish meal is not. It’s also better to avoid single vitamin or mineral products because it’s too easy to accidentally overdose your cat on them. Too much Vitamin C, Vitamin D, or calcium can cause life-threatening issues.
No. It’s not worth the risk to give your can human-grade multivitamins when they can easily contain ingredients that they could be allergic or intolerant to. Human multivitamins are also much stronger than anything a cat takes, which means that you could end up overdosing your cat even if you’re extremely careful. Depending on what they overdose on, that could then be fatal.
L-Lysine is an amino acid supplement that can be used to treat watery, swollen eyes and runny noses in cats. But it’s much more than that. The clinical use for this supplement is to treat signs that are associated with the feline herpes virus infection. Eye and nose discharge can be symptoms of feline herpes, which is why L-Lysine is marketed for such varied use.
