Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for cats that may help 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 often want somewhat exterior vitamin C increase, 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, try to be conscious of some essential issues.
Cats are obligate carnivores and so they thrive on animal protein. They don’t want fruits or greens of their food regimen. Though there are fruits and veg which are wealthy in vitamin C and are thought of non-toxic for cats, cats can solely safely eat a small quantity of them, so they won’t obtain any important well being advantages. Extra of fruit and veg might result in digestive points in cats and is actually not appropriate for these cats affected by diabetes because of the extra sugar.
It’s essential to talk to your vet in the event you assume your cat would profit from vitamin C supplementation, and they’ll be capable of advocate satisfactory 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 regimen by way of meals or dietary supplements, as wholesome cats produce their very own vitamin C. There are issues to contemplate earlier than trying to complement vitamin C to your cat, and your cat’s vet ought to all the time be consulted, particularly in the event you 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 is best to know:
Antioxidant
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which implies it may assist fight oxidation and harm to physique cells. Nevertheless, in giant sufficient portions, vitamin C can grow to be a pro-oxidant, or the alternative of an antioxidant. Which means that 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 damaging 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. Folks require vitamin C from their food regimen, and in circumstances the place meals containing vitamin C should not obtainable, supplementation is critical. For cats, such a supplementation is pointless resulting from their very own physique’s provide of vitamin C.
Calcium Oxalate
Extra vitamin C is metabolized by the physique and excreted through 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 will be uncomfortable to your cat, in addition to improve the chance of urinary blockages and infections. Urinary blockages will 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 lure of assuming that as a result of one thing is pure, it should be wholesome to your cat. There are many “pure” dietary supplements and compounds that aren’t applicable or secure for cats.
At all times use correct judgment and the steering of pros earlier than assuming that one thing shall be wholesome or secure to your cat.
Conclusion
Vitamin C supplementation is never wanted for healthy cats. If it does grow to be needed, your veterinarian will advise you on methods to safely present extra vitamin C to your cat.