Before understanding the need for fish oil for cats, it is important to understand the importance of Omega-3 in cats. It is a classification of fatty acids. There are 11 types of omega-3 fatty acids with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) being the most common ones. (2)
Cats need these fatty acids to maintain optimal health. It helps with brain function, cognitive ability, memory and learning capacity in cats. It also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. These fatty acids are usually found in fishlike mackerel and trout which are fatty and live in cold waters. You can also find them in some shellfish like mussels or oysters. (2)
Unlike Vitamin C, cats cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own. Hence, they have to rely on external sources for it. Fish oil becomes an excellent source of it. It provides multiple benefits.
Benefits of Fish Oil for Cats
The main benefits of fish oil for cats include – (1)
Supports heart health
Aids in removing dry, flaky allergy-prone skin
Slows down the progression of kidney disease
Helps alleviate pain in arthritic joints
Improves cognitive function
Lowers blood triglycerides (extra calories that your body doesn’t need right away)
Helps reduce chronic inflammation
The fatty acids in fish oil balance out the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in the skin cells that contribute to skin irritation. They also help maintain the moisture level in the skin, hence reducing itchiness for the cat.
Fish oil helps improve the white blood cells (cells that fight foreign material, such as bacteria and viruses) functioning in the cat’s body. boost immunity in cats. This leads to better immunity in cats. It can also help slow brain degeneration. Tests have proved that middle-aged cats who are given fish oil tend to perform better on cognition tests.
While there are numerous benefits of fish oil for cats, the lack of fish oil (fatty acids) in cats may cause harm to the cat’s body as well. Some of the most common symptoms include – (1)
Dull and dry coat
Red, irritated patches on the skin
Increased scratching, rubbing or itching
Extended deficiency of fatty acids can even cause alopecia, painful rashes, greasy skin or Secondary pyoderma (a bacterial infection in the upper layers of the skin).
Can Cats Have Fish Oil?
Cats can and should have fish oil, but the real question is will your cat have fish oil without making a big fuss about it? Maybe or maybe not. Cats are usually fussy about eating medicines. Hence, there are multiple options available for you to feed fish oil to your cat. They include –
Liquid fish oil that can be added on top of dry kibble or treats
Fish oil capsules that come in a soft gel format
Fish oil pills that come in a tablet form
If your cat keeps running away, you can choose natural foods as well to incorporate fatty acids into your cat’s diet. Your options include – (1)
Salmon
Mackerel
Sardine
Herring
Cod
Trout
Ensure that you choose a high-quality and responsibly sourced option. Read the label to ensure the product is tested thoroughly for contaminants like heavy metals and oxidation. Avoid fish capsules or other products that come with additional vitamins A and D. Cats can easily absorb these vitamins and hence excess consumption of them can cause stomach problems for them.
Choose a product that can provide all the benefits to your cat in a small serving size so that you can easily incorporate it into their diet. The common serving size when it comes to a capsule is 1 capsule per day, 1-2 fortified treats per day or 1 teaspoon of liquid fish oil for cats.
Can I Give My Cat Human Fish Oil Capsules?
No. Never feed any type of supplements made for humans to cats or any other pet for that matter. The concentration of ingredients can vary significantly, and this can cause major problems for your cat.
One of the most common ingredients in fish oil supplements made for humans is a sweetener called xylitol. This can potentially be poisonous for cats. They might even have added flavorings and added vitamin D. Even these can harm your pet’s health. (3)
More About Spot Pet Insurance
While fish oil can be extremely beneficial for cats, there is a chance of your cat experiencing some side effects. Whenever you make any changes to your pet’s diet, especially when you add supplements to it, you need to look for the following signs – (3)
Weight gain
Vomiting and diarrhea
Delayed wound healing
Lethargy
Blood clotting issues, etc.
You must also observe caution with supplements if your cat has pre-existing diabetes or pancreatitis, a history of diarrhea or is pregnant or nursing. Always consult your vet before adding any supplement to your cat’s diet.
As a responsible and loving pet parent, you try everything to ensure your cat is healthy all the time. However, there are times when your cat ends up eating things they are not supposed to and gets sick, sometimes very sick. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of the treatment costs. With Spot Pet, you can save many more associated costs.
With a Spot accident and illness plan, you can take your cat for treatment at any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Spot plans don’t have networks, so whether you’re home or traveling within the U.S, veterinary services your cat receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of eligible services can be covered. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, ranging from broken bones and bite wounds to behavioral conditions, and cancer. While base plans do not offer coverage for preventive care services, Spot’s Wellness Riders can be added to any base plan for an additional fee and can help cover the eligible costs of wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more!
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