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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Most cats get all the nutrients they need from a regular cat food diet, but there are special situations when your feline friend may need a boost—that’s where liquid vitamins for cats come in.
“The key point is that most cats consuming a complete and balanced diet probably have a better-balanced diet than most humans,” says Dr. Sherry Sanderson, with the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, in this PetMD article on vitamins for cats. She and other experts suggest going easy on supplements and, in particular, not giving multiple supplements as the ingredients may overlap and result in too high a dosage. The vets at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommend that you never give your cat a supplement without a veterinarian’s approval.
Your vet can tell you if your cat needs additional vitamins to help with a particular health condition, and they can tell you exactly which vitamin your kitty needs. Your vet can also recommend vitamins specially formulated for cats or small animals. (Please don’t give your cat human vitamins—that could lead to a dangerous overdose.)
How to Choose Liquid Vitamins for Cats
- You can refer to these guidelines from Dr. Gary Richter, award-winning vet, and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, to make sure you choose the best liquid vitamins (or other supplements) for your cat:
- Look for brands that have commissioned clinical studies of their products.
- Read labels carefully to ensure quality and safety.
- Look for a lot number on the product. This is a sign that the company uses quality control checks.
- Choose brands with confirmed expertise.
- Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are just that—supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications.
- Do not give human supplements to your cat, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats.
- In general, the best options will be available through your veterinarian.
The bottom line about liquid vitamins for cats: Talk to your vet first before adding on of them to your pet’s diet.
The Best Liquid Vitamins for Cats
Vitamins specially formulated for cats come in many forms, including easy-to-administer liquids and gels. Some brands of liquid vitamins, like Rx Vitamins, focus on one or two key nutrients. Other brands have multi-vitamin formulas. Check the ingredients list carefully to make sure the supplement includes the vitamin or vitamins your cat needs for their particular health issues.
Tomlyn Felovite II Nutritional Gel Vitamin for Cats
This fish-flavored gel includes vitamins A, D, and E along with taurine, minerals, and calcium. It comes in a 2.5-ounce tube and is made in Canada. Start with a small amount on your kitty’s paw or nose to get them interested.
Shop on ChewyNutri-Vet Multi-Vite Salmon Flavor Paw-Gel for Cats
Apply this salmon-flavored gel to your adult cat’s paw and they’ll lick it off, taking in vitamins A, B12, and D2, along with minerals. It comes in a 3-ounce tube and is made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyRx Vitamins Rx B12 Dog and Cat Supplement
Has your vet suggested vitamin B12? It’s often prescribed for cats suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or pancreatitis. This liquid is a simple formula of vitamin B12 (a man-made version called cyanocobalamin) that you can give to your cat using the included dropper.
Shop on ChewyRx Vitamins Amino B-Plex Dog and Cat Supplement
This hypoallergenic liquid vitamin formula is intended to help pets debilitated by illness or surgery. It contains concentrated B-complex vitamins, essential amino acids, potassium, and iron. It’s available in 2-, 4-, and 8-ounce bottles and is made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyRx Vitamins Rx D3 Dog and Cat Supplement
This liquid formula provides a boost of vitamin D3, which can help cats that are having difficulty with calcium and phosphorus absorption, plus it helps support immune system health. It comes in a 2-ounce bottle and is made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyFurther Reading
- Vitamins for Cats: Does Your Kitty Really Need Them?
- Cat Joint Supplements: Do They Really Work?
- Exploring Omega-3 for Cats: Can It Boost Your Kitty’s Health?
- The 10 Healthiest Cat Food Options to Dish Out on a Budget
Featured image via Fey Marin/Unsplash