It’s a universal fact that a healthy diet is an effective gateway for your cat to get all the essential vitamins and minerals. The vital nutrients are crucial for maintaining cat health and keeping illnesses and diseases at bay. There are varied types of nutrients necessary for good health but certain vitamins for cats play a pivotal role in overall growth and health. Along with these vitamins, cat minerals are also crucial for the proper functioning of various cells, tissues and organs.
Find here the important vitamins and minerals required for your feline’s healthy life style and proper growth.
Vitamin A
This nutrient is essential for a good vision and strong immune system. Found in carrots, squash and sweet potato, Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that gets stored in fatty tissue or liver. However, being stored in fatty tissues and liver, it becomes toxic when taken in heavy amounts. As felines are unable to extract vitamin A from beta-carotene, it becomes important to provide this supplement under veterinarian’s supervision.
Vitamin D
A vital nutrient that regulates the balance of calcium and phosphorus in a cat’s body, Vitamin D is necessary for felines. Easily got from the sun, it’s well-known as sunshine vitamin. This component is crucial for the development and functioning of skeletal system along with nerve control as vitamin D retains calcium.
Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin
Essential in the production of energy from fat and helpful in biochemical reactions, Riboflavin is an important vitamin for felines. Found in oily fish, pork and almonds, this water-soluble vitamin contributes for a healthy skin and coat of your cat. Supplement of vitamin B2 nutrient is essential, as its deficiency leads to skin concerns.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a significant nutrient for healthy immune system. Highly acquired from fish, meat and bananas, vitamin B6 has to be replenished in your cat’s body daily. Since, only a small amount is stored in cat’s muscle tissue and it’s a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B6 is also helpful in maintaining red blood cell function. A daily supplement of this vitamin supports proper immune system.
Iron
An essential mineral for healthy red blood cells, Iron is required in huge amount for your cat’s body. Liver, bran and tofu are rich in iron content that helps in proper functioning of red blood particles. Low level of iron leads to serious health conditions. A good iron supplement keeps cat healthy and her blood well oxygenated throughout the body.
Calcium
A crucial mineral for strong bones and cartilage, Calcium is vital for cat’s joint health. Gained through cat food such as low fat milk and cheese, fish and tofu, Calcium also maintains healthy nervous system while playing a vital in blood coagulation. Calcium deficiency leads to skeletal abnormalities. Giving calcium supplement helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth in cats.
Magnesium
Important in maintaining electrical balance across cell membranes, Magnesium forms an essential mineral supplement for your cat’s good health. Found in fish, whole grains and low fat dairy products, Magnesium helps in the production and elimination of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Potassium
Potassium plays a significant role in sustaining normal fluid levels within cells. This mineral forms an essential part of blood minerals known as electrolytes, which help to carry electrical charges in the body. Your cat requires potassium in proper amount as it involves in the conduction of electrical charges in the brain, muscles and heart.
These are the major vitamins and minerals required for a healthy cat. If you find your cat is lacking any of these components, better start giving supplements. Additionally, you can even provide feeds that are rich in these vitamins and minerals.
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