Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient for cats that may help a variety of physique features, together with supporting bone and joint well being and immune operate. 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 further vitamin C, try to be conscious of some crucial concerns.
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 might be wealthy in vitamin C and are thought of non-toxic for cats, cats can solely safely devour a small quantity of them, so they won’t obtain any vital well being advantages. Extra of fruit and veg might result in digestive points in cats and is definitely not appropriate for these cats affected by diabetes because of the extra sugar.
It’s essential to talk to your vet when you assume your cat would profit from vitamin C supplementation, and they’ll be capable to advocate sufficient and protected dietary supplements and dosages.
The ABCDs of Giving Cats Vitamin C
You’ll not often want so as to add vitamin C to your cat’s food regimen via 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 on your cat, and your cat’s vet ought to at all times be consulted, particularly when 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 suggests it may well assist fight oxidation and harm to physique cells. Nonetheless, in giant sufficient portions, vitamin C can change into 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 acceptable quantity of vitamin C is protected and helpful, however overdosing on vitamin C can have destructive results in your cat’s well being.
Physique Requirement
Cats very not often require exterior supplementation of vitamin C as a result of they’re able to synthesize vitamin C inside their very own our bodies. Individuals require vitamin C from their food regimen, and in instances the place meals containing vitamin C should not obtainable, supplementation is important. For cats, this kind of 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 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 might be uncomfortable on your cat, in addition to enhance the chance of urinary blockages and infections. Urinary blockages might be extraordinarily harmful for male cats, who’ve the next danger 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 have to be wholesome on your cat. There are many “pure” dietary supplements and compounds that aren’t acceptable or protected for cats.
All the time use correct judgment and the steerage of execs earlier than assuming that one thing can be wholesome or protected on your cat.
Conclusion
Vitamin C supplementation isn’t wanted for wholesome cats. If it does change into crucial, your veterinarian will advise you on the way to safely present extra vitamin C on your cat.
Featured Picture Credit score: Duet PandG, Shutterstock
