Vitamin C for Cats: Vet-Verified Details & Information
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for cats that may assist a variety of physique features, together with supporting bone and joint well being and immune perform. Whereas cats are able to producing vitamin C inside their very own our bodies, some cats do sometimes want a bit of exterior vitamin C enhance, and that is one thing your vet will advocate in the event that they really feel it’s required.
Whereas veterinary dietary supplements of vitamin C exist, vitamin C is a naturally occurring compound in lots of meals, a few of which can be appropriate for cats to have as a deal with. Earlier than you begin providing your cat meals with additional vitamin C, you ought to be conscious of some crucial concerns.
Cats are obligate carnivores they usually thrive on animal protein. They don’t want fruits or greens of their food plan. Though there are fruits and veg which can be wealthy in vitamin C and are thought-about non-toxic for cats, cats can solely safely eat a small quantity of them, so they won’t obtain any vital well being advantages. Extra of fruit and veg could result in digestive points in cats and is definitely not appropriate for these cats affected by diabetes as a result of extra sugar.
It’s vital to talk to your vet for those who suppose your cat would profit from vitamin C supplementation, and they’re going to have the ability to advocate enough and secure dietary supplements and dosages.
The ABCDs of Giving Cats Vitamin C
You’ll hardly ever want so as to add vitamin C to your cat’s food plan via meals or dietary supplements, as wholesome cats produce their very own vitamin C. There are issues to think about earlier than trying to complement vitamin C in your cat, and your cat’s vet ought to at all times be consulted, particularly for those who intend to begin your cat on a vitamin C complement.
The ABCDs of vitamin C supplementation in cats stands for antioxidant, physique requirement, calcium oxalate, and don’t assume. Right here’s what it’s best to know:
Antioxidant
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which suggests it may assist fight oxidation and harm to physique cells. Nonetheless, in giant sufficient portions, vitamin C can develop into a pro-oxidant, or the alternative of an antioxidant. Which means over-supplementation of vitamin C can result in cell harm.
As with all issues, the dose of vitamin C makes the poison, which signifies that an applicable quantity of vitamin C is secure and helpful, however overdosing on vitamin C can have unfavourable results in your cat’s well being.
Physique Requirement
Cats very hardly ever require exterior supplementation of vitamin C as a result of they can synthesize vitamin C inside their very own our bodies. Individuals require vitamin C from their food plan, and in circumstances the place meals containing vitamin C aren’t obtainable, supplementation is important. For cats, one of these supplementation is pointless as a consequence of their very own physique’s provide of vitamin C.
Calcium Oxalate
Extra vitamin C is metabolized by the physique and excreted by way of the urinary system. It’s excreted within the type of oxalate, and extreme quantities of oxalate within the urinary system can create a buildup, resulting in calcium oxalate stones. These stones can type within the bladder, kidneys, or wherever alongside the urinary tract.
Calcium oxalate stones might be uncomfortable in your cat, in addition to enhance the danger of urinary blockages and infections. Urinary blockages might be extraordinarily harmful for male cats, who’ve a better threat of urinary obstruction than feminine cats.
Don’t Assume
Don’t assume that your cat wants vitamin C supplementation, and don’t fall into the entice of assuming that as a result of one thing is pure, it have to be wholesome in your cat. There are many “pure” dietary supplements and compounds that aren’t applicable or secure for cats.
All the time use correct judgment and the steerage of execs earlier than assuming that one thing shall be wholesome or secure in your cat.
Conclusion
Vitamin C supplementation is never wanted for wholesome cats. If it does develop into vital, your veterinarian will advise you on easy methods to safely present extra vitamin C in your cat.
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