Cat multivitamins can vary from brand to brand, but there are a few key ingredients you’ll almost always find. “Most contain varying blends of taurine, which is an amino acid that’s essential for heart function in cats. Taurine must be obtained from a cat’s diet, as they cannot produce it themselves,” says Jamie Richardson, DVM, medical chief of staff for Small Door Veterinary in New York. “Cat multivitamins also often contain B vitamins, probiotics, electrolytes, omega fatty acids, and iron.” Dr. Richardson explains that an omega fatty acid supplementation can help decrease inflammation associated with arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic kidney disease, and can even help improve heart and brain function as your cat ages. As for those probiotics (a type of healthy bacteria), Dr. Richardson say that they may improve or maintain gastrointestinal health, meaning they can help keep your kitty’s gut and digestive system in tip-top shape. “The benefits of probiotics on gastrointestinal health and the gut biome are well established, and we are establishing possible links between gut health and overall systemic body health,” says Dr. Richardson. “B vitamins play an important role in the production of red blood cells, as well as digestive, nervous system, and skin health,” Dr. Richardson adds, while, “electrolytes regulate nerve and muscle function and help balance hydration and the blood’s pH. Iron is also vital for the development of red blood cells, deficiencies of which can lead to anemia.”,Jump to section What Goes Into a Cat Multivitamin? So, Should I Give My Cat a Multivitamin? Should I Speak to a Veterinarian Before Giving My Cat a Multivitamin? What Are the Best Cat Multivitamins?
