Cats are not physically able to produce all the fatty acids they need. Just as a human would take a vitamin to help with a deficiency there are plenty of fatty acid supplements for cats. These feline supplements work the same way a supplement would work for a human, and that is by providing the nutrient our body needs that we are unable to get in proper doses. For a cat, fatty acids, typically of the omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids are what they need. This can greatly improve their internal health, coat lustre and thickness and help to strengthen their immune systems.
Fatty acids are typically added into some cat food by manufacturers. But if you make homemade cat food, then you may probably know that sunflower oil, beef fat, fish oil, cold water fish and other healthy oils can be mixed into wet cat food. Keep in mind that some types of cat food or fatty acid supplements for cats have an excess of omega 6. Too much omega 6s can actually cause inflammation whereas omega 3 will help to prevent it.
Make sure to read labels before supplementing fatty acids into your cats diet, as there needs to be a healthy balance.
Veterinarians are prescribing these fatty acid supplements for cats to clear up general skin problems, military dermatitis, heart problems, inflammatory issues, allergy issues, arthritis, yeast infections, auto immune problems. Again the proper amount must be given or side effects can range from bad breath and weight gain to pancreatitis which is when the pancreas is inflamed causing pain, diarrhea and vomiting in many cases.
The weight gain is cause by the calories that are in the fatty acids that people forget to count. So if you have an older cat with an arthritis issue consider the amounts carefully so you do not replace the arthritis issue with a weight issue or worsen the arthritis in your cat with it. This is a side effect that will be noticed a lot faster and can be corrected a lot quicker.
Just remember that a fatty acid supplement for cats is good for them in so many ways. Helping them to fight off infections, keep their coats so healthy, shiny and full that people have to take not of it and overall health is so important. You can take your cat to the vet and ask about the proper amounts for your cat and due to their age any issues they may or may not have and so on, your vet can help you to find the right one.
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