Vitamins and supplements found in pharmacies and health stores are all the rage these days - from speciality supplements the are designed to support specific body functions to regular multivitamins. We all know at least one person that takes some of these products so does this mean you should take them too or moreover does your cat need some? Just like with people, supplementation is individual. So if there is no need for some cat to take cat nutritional supplements for others it may be a necessity.

Sometimes no matter how balanced you eat, you still may have a lack of certain vitamin or mineral in your body. The same can happen do your feline friend as well. Using cat nutritional supplements can improve the already healthy cat's diet and help in prolonging its life. Along with a balanced diet, they can provide important nutrients to assist any ailments of your cat's body whether it's kidney function, poor joint mobility, low energy or blood circulation. If your cat is recomended to take some cat health products you as his owner you have an obligation to learn more about these products and their impact on your little ball of fur.

The protein is important because it supplies essential amino acids. These acids are needed for the production of hormones, enzymes, antibodies, tissues and as well for proper pH balance. Protein gives the cat energy while is also essential for development and growth. Complete proteins can be found in some foods like meat, eggs, fish and poultry while incomplete proteins are available in grains, legumes and vegetables. The first type of proteins does contain essential amino acids while the second ones don't. So yes, cats do need protein in their dietary. In case they don't take all the needed proteins you can always rely on a cat protein supplement.

Fats are a source of energy and they also provide the cat with essential fatty acids. Also, they aid in nutrient utilization and transportation while having a role in metabolic regulation as well. Saturated fats are found in animal sources while polyunsaturated come mostly from plants. In some cases you may find fats referred to as "vitamin F". Some of the most important fatty acids for your feline health are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Minerals are vital for the cat's health as they are part of almost any physiological reaction. They help the production of the enzyme, improve pH balance, oxygen transportation, nutrient utilization and are stored in muscle and bone tissue. Elemental minerals are generally taken from the water or earth while chelated minerals are those that are bound with other organic substances what makes them easily absorbent. In the group of minerals come chromium. chloride, calcium, copper, cobalt, iodine, fluorine, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and a few more.

These cat health care products are important for metabolism regulation and normal function and growth. All of them are classified into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. In the group of water-soluble vitamins come C and B complex, while the fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, vitamin E and K. Generally, water-soluble vitamins pass through more quickly while fat-soluble can be absorbed more easily and stored into the body.

In some cases, cat supplements help the correction of some health ailments in the cats. It means, if the cat suffers from any health ailments or deficiencies, these products may be found as a perfect solution. For example, as cats ages, they require more support for their joints, kidneys and immune system. To deal with this situation, older cats can take a supplement that is designed specifically for supporting joint flexibility and normal kidney function. Also, nutritional deficiencies are common for cats that are pregnant and nursing, especially if this happened before the age of 10-12 months. It is the same with people. As pregnant women get morning sickness and random food cravings, cats also experience this behaviour during their pregnancy. Using the right supplements will help his mineral deficiency and nutritional imbalance.

Although there are a lot of good supplements that you may need to consider for your cat, of course, with a consultation with your vet, there are also many that are unsafe. Garlic and onion are not recommended for cats as they destroy red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Too much calcium can be toxic for the cat as well as too much of vitamin D. Too much of vitamin C can cause overly acidic urine which can lead to crystal formation and life-threating blockage. In case your furry friend needs to use some of these supplements make sure you keep to the save and recomended dosage.

Whether is a multivitamin or single vitamin, cats can benefit from these food supplements. Also, it is important to know that most of the cat foods contain all the necessary minerals and vitamins that a cat needs. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the most "guilty" for the cat's glossy coat and they also aid to the cat's immune system, eyes, joints, brain and liver. Probiotics are digestive health protectors controlling the overgrowth of bad bacteria. No matter what your cat should or should not take, make sure you don't give anything by yourself without talking to your vet.