Is your cat getting her vitamins? Before you give that vitamin supplement to your cat, pause and reflect on this information. Cats have different nutritional needs compared to their owners and other animals. These differences are a result of many different factors including the fact that a cat can produce most vitamins and minerals in their own body. As cats can produce certain substances which other animals cannot, they have lower needs for certain essential vitamins. Likewise, cats cannot produce and/or process some substances like the rest of us which is why they have higher needs for specific vitamins and minerals.
Certain substances essential for optimum function in cats include: vitamin A, niacin, arginine, taurine, and protein. All of these substances are not produced internally in cats, and they must reach these nutritional requirements through their diet. Cats cannot convert Vitamin A by themselves which is why they need to consume other animals who already have this vitamin converted. For the same reasons, cats consume meat to fulfill their intake of the rest of the listed vitamins and amino acids above.
Excessive consumption of the vitamins A, D, E and K can be harmful to cats. Moreover, avoid feeding your cat a diet rich in fish as fish contains high amounts of calcium, and magnesium; two vitamins cats actually need less of.
Now that you are aware of your pets needs you can help him or her fulfill them. It is always best to meet all nutritional requirements from diet alone. Do not feed your cat grain based cat food, or foods filled with preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. Most of these substances are unnatural and can cause unhealthy effects over long term use. Try feeding organic cat food containing quality grade meat. If you think your pet may need supplements talk to your veterinarian to see which vitamins your cat may need more and which supplements works best for your cat.