Your questions about vitamins and minerals for cats answered by vet experts
We often take extra vitamins and minerals to keep ourselves healthy. As a cat owner, you may be wondering, should I give my cat vitamins every day?
If you are feeding your cat a nutritionally complete and balanced cat food, extra vitamins or mineral supplements are usually not necessary. Look for cat food that says ‘complete’ on the packaging. It can come in the form of wet food or dry biscuits or kibble. This cat food should contain all the nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy. Cat treats are a ‘complimentary’ food and do not contain the correct balance of nutrients for your cat. They should not be fed to your cat instead of a ‘complete’ cat food.
Some cats may benefit from having vitamin or mineral supplements to help with certain health conditions. You should always speak to your vet about your cat’s health before giving them any diet supplements. Giving your cat supplements they don’t need could do more harm than good. Your vet will be able to recommend any vitamin or mineral supplements your cat needs and how often these should be taken.
What vitamins and minerals do cats need in their food?
Cats mainly get all the vitamins and minerals they need from their food. A nutritionally complete cat food should contain the correct balance of:
- protein. As carnivores, cats need protein in the form of meat to keep them healthy
- dietary fats. Healthy animal fats help cats to absorb essential vitamins
- taurine. An amino acid for eye, reproduction and heart health
- omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- omega-3 fatty acids for brain development
- vitamin A for night vision, immune system and healthy skin
- vitamin B for normal metabolism and healthy red blood cells
- vitamin D to build strong bones and teeth
- vitamin E for healthy skin, coat and immune system
- calcium for bone health and muscle function
- zinc for skin and wound healing, immune system and growth
- iron for blood health and oxygen transport
Can cats take vitamin C?
Cats naturally produce vitamin C in their liver. They usually produce enough for what they need and do not need vitamin C in their food or from supplements. But if your cat is unwell, your vet may recommend vitamin C supplements to help boost your cat’s immune system and health.
When your cat might need vitamin supplements
There are certain health conditions and life stages that can benefit from cat vitamin supplements.
Vitamins for pregnant cats:
- omega-3 fatty acids to strengthen the immune system of the mother and kittens, support heart health and help the kittens’ eyes and brains develop
- folic acid for development of the kittens and to maintain the mother’s healthy red bloods to support the kittens’ growth
Vitamins for senior cats:
- glucosamine for joint support
- antioxidants to help improve memory and brain function
- omega-3 fatty acids to help with arthritis and brain health
- probiotics for digestive support. Find out more about probiotics
Vitamins for fur and skin conditions:
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help maintain skin cell health and reduce skin inflammation. Ask your vet about the correct dosage. Too much can cause weight gain or a stomach upset
- biotin and vitamins A and E to support skin and coat health
Vitamins for immune system:
- L-Carnitine to help the immune system function more efficiently during times of stress or illness
- taurine which maintains a healthy heart and eyes as well as the immune system
- vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage
- vitamin C to boost the immune system
- lysine which can help to reduce the effects of cat flu
- zinc to maintain the defences of the immune system and help with wound healing
Can vitamin supplements help cats gain weight or improve their appetite?
In certain situations, vitamins supplements can help with a cat’s appetite or weight. For example, your vet might recommend vitamin B12. This improves digestive health and promotes a healthy metabolism to convert food into energy. If your cat is underweight or has a reduced appetite, speak to your vet to find the cause and discuss suitable treatment. Find out more about underweight cats.
How do I know if my cat has a vitamin or mineral deficiency?
Cat vitamin or mineral deficiency symptoms include:
- anorexia
- weight loss
- lack of energy
- skin lesions
- muscle weakness
- deterioration in eyesight
- increased susceptibility to infection
- fur loss and dry skin
- loss of bone density
- peeing more frequently
If you notice any of these signs, or any other changes to your cat’s health or behaviour, speak to your vet for advice.
Vitamin D deficiency in cats
Cats need vitamin D to:
- maintain healthy bones and teeth
- support muscle function
- maintain nerve health
- help the immune system fight off infection and reduce inflammation
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in cats
- Bone disorders. Insufficient vitamin D can cause rickets in kittens. This is characterised by soft, weak bones and skeletal deformities. In adult cats, it can lead to osteomalacia, which is the softening of bones
- Muscle weakness. Cats with low vitamin D levels may experience muscle weakness and poor muscle function. This includes issues with the heart muscle
- Immune system problems. A weakened immune system can result from vitamin D deficiency. This makes cats more susceptible to infections and illnesses
- Heart issues. Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to complications. For example, congestive heart failure and other heart-related problems
- General weakness and lethargy. Cats may show signs of general weakness, lethargy and a lack of energy due to poor muscle and bone health
Your vet will be able to tell you if your cat has a vitamin D deficiency and if vitamin supplements are necessary.
Do indoor cats need vitamin D supplements?
Vitamin D is good for cats as it helps them to have strong bones and teeth. Cats don’t absorb vitamin D from sunlight like humans do. This means that indoor cats don’t need extra vitamin D to compensate for their lack of exposure to sunlight. Instead, cats get vitamin D from their food.
Indoor cats usually don’t need any vitamin supplements unless they have a specific health condition. Speak to your vet if you are worried about your indoor cat. Find out more about caring for indoor cats.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in cats
Cats need vitamin B12 for:
- a healthy metabolism to convert food into energy
- nervous system
- digestive health
- red blood cell formation
- immune system
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in cats
- Lethargy. Cats with low levels of vitamin B12 may become unusually tired and lack energy
- Loss of appetite and weight loss. A deficiency can cause a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss and poor health
- Digestive issues. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are common in cats with vitamin B12 deficiency. These digestive problems can further impair nutrient absorption
- Neurological problems. Deficiency can lead to neurological issues such as disorientation, weakness and even seizures in severe cases
- Poor coat condition. Cats may develop a dull coat and skin problems due to the lack of essential nutrients
- Increased susceptibility to infections. A weakened immune system can make cats more prone to infections and illnesses
Your vet will be able to tell you if your cat has a vitamin B12 deficiency and if vitamin supplements are necessary.
What vitamins and minerals do I need to add to homemade cat food?
If you choose to make your own homemade cat food for your cat, there are certain ingredients you will need to include to provide the right vitamins and minerals.
- Taurine from animal meat
- Fatty acids from salmon or mackerel fish oil
- Vitamin A from liver and fish oils
- Vitamin B from meat or eggs
- Vitamin D from fish oils and egg yolks
- Vitamin E from meat and fish
- Calcium from bone meal, meat and fish
- Zinc from meat and fish
- Iron from meat and organ meat
As it can be very difficult to get the balance of vitamins and minerals right, we wouldn’t recommend making your own cat food. It’s much easier to buy a ‘complete’ cat food with the right balance of nutrients already included.
Can you give your cat too many vitamins?
Yes. Large doses of vitamins like A or D can be toxic for cats. Always speak to your vet before giving your cat any vitamin supplements. They will be able to tell you the correct dosage for your cat’s age and weight.
Too much vitamin A can cause:
- abnormal bone growth, particularly in the spine and joints which can cause stiffness, pain and limited mobility
- liver damage
- dry and rough skin which can lead to poor coat condition
- neurological symptoms such as lethargy, irritability and even seizures
- vomiting
- constipation
- weight loss
Too much vitamin D can cause:
- hardening of tissues and organs, including the kidneys, heart and blood vessels
- organ failure
- death
Can I use human vitamins for cats?
No. Anything you give to your cat must be specially for cats. Giving human vitamins to your cat could be harmful as cats need a different dosage to humans. Never give your cat vitamins meant for dogs for the same reason.
How to give cats vitamins
If your cat needs vitamin or mineral supplements for a specific health condition, they can be given in the form of:
- cat food with extra vitamins or minerals already added
- tablets
- oils
- powders
Speak to your vet about which would be suitable for your cat. They will be able to tell you how to give your cat vitamins, including the correct dosage and frequency.
