DO CATS LIKE FISH OIL? 10 AMAZING BENEFITS
Do cats like fish oil? Of course, fish oil is a great supplement to support a healthy cat skin and coat, amongst other things. But, whether cats like its taste or not, it is a whole different kettle of fish (indeed!).
Most cats like the taste of fish and will like fish oil too. In addition, it promotes healthy skin and coat, which is essential for feline comfort and health; it boosts the immune system, which can keep your pet from many common ailments experienced by cats.
With the slew of benefits it’s offering, many pet owners have started to wonder if adding the fish oil supplement to their pets’ diet could be just as beneficial as it is to their own.
Let’s break it down.
DO CATS LIKE FISH OIL?
Cats tend to like fish oil, and you, as a cat owner, can also mix it with your cat’s favorite food. But, of course, if a cat is picky, you can always try to change the fish oil brand and see if your cat appreciates it more.
Fish oil is one of the most popular dietary supplements these days. It’s an easy source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which is said to be beneficial for gut health, inflammation reduction, eyesight, brain development, etc.
IS FISH OIL GOOD FOR CATS?
Yes, it is. Adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your feline friend’s diet will have the same benefits for their brain and cognitive function development and inflammation reduction.
On top of it, adding fish oil supplements to a cat’s diet has produced noticeable results in boosting battling certain skin conditions and maintaining a healthy coat. It is also good in boosting their immune system, reducing the chances of certain common ailments cats can be vulnerable to.
Here are the main benefits of using fish oil supplements:
- It supports a healthy cardiovascular system
- It helps with dry and flaky skin
- It helps with kidney diseases
- It helps with arthritic joints
- It supports a healthy brain
- It lowers the risk of urine stones
- It helps with constipation
- It reduces inflammations
- It slows tumor growth
- It helps with high colesterol
DO CATS LIKE THE TASTE OF FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS?
Now, this is a much trickier question. The answer is – it depends on the cat! Yes, cats do love fish, and many popular specialized foods are fish-flavored for a reason… but in the end, all cats have their individual character.
All we can say for sure is that they don’t experience general distaste towards its smell or flavor.
However, the pill form might make the cat uneasy and fussy about swallowing the supplement. If your cat is a curious type, they may just grab it out of your hand – if they aren’t repulsed, you might not need any special rituals to make them take it in the future.
But if they put up a fuss, you may have better chances with treating the supplement as you would any other drug and slip it to them covertly.
WHEN SHOULD I GIVE MY CAT THE FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS?
The question isn’t so much when, but how much. For example, you can give your cat a specific dose of Omega 3 fatty acids as a preventative measure, the same way most humans take to balance out the Omega 6 fatty acids.
This, however, may not be necessary at all – a more balanced diet could curb the need for supplementation.
However, if you notice certain signs that may indicate Omega 3 deficiency, like dry skin and/or dull fur, it’s best to ask a veterinarian for guidance. Typically, the dose is around 30-50 mg per kg of weight.
HOW TO SERVE FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS TO YOUR CAT
Simply mix it with your cat’s food, as you would with any other drug.
Don’t change up the food unless the vet recommends it. You can ask them for guidance about adjusting your cat’s nutrition to balance their dietary needs better in the future and what would work with Omega-3 supplementation.
CAN I GIVE MY CAT THE SAME FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS I TAKE?
Yes. Well, technically. It’s not the best option, and there’s no need since there are fish oil supplements for cats specifically on the market nowadays.
The thing is, fish oil supplements for humans contain may contain additives (like other types of fat) that a cat may have trouble digesting. So while it won’t harm them long-term, it may cause some digestive issues.
Better just give your cat a supplement created to cater to their needs specifically.
IS SALMON OIL GOOD FOR CATS?
Like fish oil, Salmon oil contains a high amount of fatty acids, Omega-3, and other helpful elements. Specifically, salmon oil has all types of Omega-3 fatty acids (long-chain and short-chain). Thus it is a very complete supplement.
It is a supplement that supports healthy skin and coat, improves digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties. You could give your cat salmon oil from time to time and alternate with regular fish oil.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF FISH OIL?
Fish oil is relatively safe. But like any other thing, when taken in too high dosages, it can create a few problems. Here are some of the side effects you can expect:
- Nosebleeding
- Heartburn
- Loose stools
- Stomach upset
- Fishy breath
Some brands may have added chemicals to their supplements; always read the labels before purchasing a fish oil to ensure it is made with natural elements.
WHAT FISH OIL IS GOOD FOR CATS?
Here are some ideas of good fish oil supplements for cats:
What are the things to look for when buying fish oil for your cat?
Overall the things to look for in a good supplement are the quality of the ingredients, the presence or the absence of chemicals, and harmful additives. In addition, fish oil can have two groups of fatty acids (DHA and EPA), try to get the one that contains both elements.
Here are some good things to take into account:
- Quality of the ingredients
- Additives
- Source of the fatty acids
- Mercury and chemicals levels
- Purified formula
It is important to read the label and figure out if the fish oil does really contain omega fatty acids, and that it contains the least impurities possible. You should also check to figure out if the supplement is a purified formula, you always want the best.
The supplement should contain pure Omega-3 and not a cheap, low-quality substance. In addition, also the vitamins and the additives should be of the highest quality and not inexpensive additions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I give my cat fish oil?
It is good to give fish oil to your cat to support his immune system and the health of his coat. Cats can benefit from supplements in the same way humans do.
Do cats need fish oil?
Cats do not need fish oil to survive, but they can benefit from fish oil in so many ways. It can help them maintain a healthy coat, good digestion, healthy kidneys, etc.
Is fish oil toxic to cats?
Fish oil is not toxic for cats, but if cats assume too much fish oil can run into some sides effects such as diarrhea, vomit, and bad breath.
Is fish oil good for hairballs in cats?
Fish oil can help cats reduce hairballs because it can facilitate digestion and healthy skin and coat. So it works to prevent hairballs from one side and eliminate it once hair has been ingested.