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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If your vet has recommended vitamin B12 for cats to supplement your kitty’s nutritional needs, it’s because your cat has been diagnosed with a specific medical condition that makes it difficult for them to eat a regular diet or absorb enough B12 from their normal diet. It’s often prescribed for cats suffering from irritable bowel disease or pancreatitis.
“Dietary supplements are not necessary for healthy pets eating a nutritionally balanced diet, but may benefit pets with certain medical conditions,” says Dr. Lisa M. Freeman in this article from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. “Your veterinarian can help you determine which supplements, if any, are right for your pet, what dose to use, and which specific brands have the quality control necessary to keep your pet happy and healthy.”
How to Choose Vitamin B12 for Cats
Follow these guidelines from Dr. Gary Richter, award-winning vet and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, when choosing 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.
- In general, be aware that ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with medication, which is why it’s important to tell your veterinarian about all of your cat’s medications and supplements before starting them on vitamin B12 for cats. The bottom line: As with any nutritional supplement, talk to your vet first.
Vitamin B12 for Cats
If your vet has recommended vitamin B12 for your cat, your choices include drops and chewable/crushable tablets such as these.
Rx Vitamins Rx B12 for Cats and Dogs
Give your cat vitamin B12 via easy-to-administer drops. This liquid solution contains a man-made form of B12 called cyanocobalamin.
Shop on ChewyNutramax Cobalequin Chewable Supplement
If your pet prefers their supplements as treats, these chewable vitamin B12 tablets for cats (and small dogs!) are chicken-flavored to help that medicine go down.
Shop on ChewyFurther Reading
- Liquid Vitamins for Cats: When Does Your Kitty Need Them?
- Crunch! The Best Dry Food for Your Kitty to Nosh
- The 10 Healthiest Cat Food Options to Dish Out on a Budget
- The Best Pet Insurance in 2021
Featured image via Michael Czyz/Unsplash