What vitamins does a pregnant cat need?
Vitamins are not a source of energy or structural components of tissues; they are part of enzymes without which most metabolic processes in the body of animals are impossible. Lack of vitamins leads to serious disorders and diseases.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for the following vitamins increases significantly:
Vitamin D (calciferol) – Vitamin D is partially supplied to the cat’s body through food and partially produced by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet spectrum rays from the sun. The vitamin promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the digestive tract in the small intestine.
With a lack of vitamin, the animal does not receive enough calcium and phosphorus - the basis of the building material of bone tissue. As a result, rickets develops in young animals, and osteoporosis or osteomalacia in adult animals
A critical decrease in the level of calcium in the blood of a pregnant female, associated with the onset of lactation, causes convulsions and paresis.
Natural fish oil contains large amounts of the vitamin.
Vitamin A (retinol) - or “growth vitamin”, is involved in many metabolic processes and protein synthesis. With a lack of this vitamin, growth is impaired, immunity decreases, vision deteriorates, and skin lesions develop.
The liver of mammals and sea fish, and fish oil are rich in vitamin A.
Vegetable vitamin A (carotene) contained in carrots is not absorbed by the cat’s body.
B vitamins (B1-B12) – provide all types of metabolic processes, ensure the formation and proper functioning of nervous tissue, influence the growth and development of the fetus, participate in the formation of immune cells, hematopoiesis. Responsible for the condition of the skin and coat.
Animals obtain most B vitamins from animal products, some from cereals and grain sprouts. Brewer's yeast contains almost the entire complex of vitamins of this group.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) - affects the reproductive functions of the cat, promotes restoration and subinvolution (reverse development) of the uterus after childbirth, is necessary for the synthesis of immunoglobulins and the absorption of fats.
There is a lot of vitamin E in wheat germ and natural sunflower oil.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - a lack of vitamin reduces the body's defenses, manifested by bleeding gums, peeling of the skin, poor regeneration of the skin epithelium and epithelial cells of the mucous membranes.
The deficiency can be replenished with dairy products and the addition of ascorbic acid preparations to the feed.
Vitamin K (vicasol) – is directly involved in the process of blood clotting.
Contained in fish meal and greens.
Before deciding to introduce any vitamin supplements into your pregnant cat’s diet, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian.
When choosing vitamins, you need to take into account the type of feeding of the animal, the presence of diseases, age, breed characteristics, and the general condition of the animal. This task is best handled by a veterinarian with the appropriate knowledge and experience.
Vitamin C
What is it needed for. Increases the body's resistance to infections and viruses, helps cleanse the blood of toxic substances, and helps absorb beneficial microelements - calcium, iron.
What is the threat of a shortage? With a severe deficiency, the immune system, the condition of the cat’s teeth and fur deteriorate, and inflammation of the oral cavity appears.
Where it is kept. Vitamin C can be produced in the body of cats, so it should be specially given only to old and weakened animals. A lot of vitamin C is found in green vegetables and plants.
Do I need vitamin supplements when feeding dry food?
If you feed your cat exclusively dry food, then during pregnancy it is necessary to switch to food intended for pregnant cats. Many manufacturers have such food in their product lines.
Please also keep in mind that the food must be of high quality and a proven, trusted brand.
Manufacturers guarantee the presence of a complex of vitamins and minerals in the food necessary during pregnancy when feeding food labeled “for a pregnant cat.”
If the brand you are using to feed your pet does not make a special food for cats during pregnancy, use dry food that is intended for kittens from the same manufacturer.
Useful trace elements for cats
Microelements are elements whose content is very small in the body, but they are important in biochemical processes and are necessary for all living beings. A cat in a special situation must have all the necessary nutrients. Such as minerals of different groups and all kinds of trace elements. Nutrition must be correct and balanced.
Of course, a pregnant cat needs vitamins. A complete and comprehensive diet allows a pregnant kitty to easily bear healthy kittens, and also has a great impact on their immunity in the future.
Healthy foods and vitamin supplements for natural feeding of pregnant cats
Increase the number of daily meals from 2 to 3-4, otherwise the cat will not be able to meet the increased nutritional needs.
During pregnancy and subsequent feeding, the cat’s diet should be as varied as possible:
- A pregnant cat's diet should include a variety of by-products, mammal or fish liver, an egg, and sometimes give the cat fatty varieties of sea fish - mackerel, fatty herring, sprat, trout, salmon.
- Many cats begin to drink milk during this period, even if they previously refused it. Increase the content of calcium-rich dairy products in your diet - cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir, natural yogurt.
- Be sure to provide access to sprouted greens.
Try not to overfed your cat, use less fatty foods, excess weight can create problems during childbirth.
Among vitamin and mineral supplements, the following natural supplements are effective and time-tested:
- Fish fat. It will enrich the diet with the most necessary vitamins A and D during this period. It will ensure complete absorption of calcium and phosphorus from feed.
- Bone flour. The body will receive the required amount of Ca and P. When using bone meal, an overdose is excluded - the body will absorb only the amount of these substances necessary for it. Bone meal contains calcium and phosphorus in the correct ratio, which is important.
- Brewer's yeast. They will serve as an additional source of valuable proteins and an almost complete complex of B vitamins that are valuable for the health of the mother and offspring.
When administering supplements, follow the recommended doses based on the animal's weight.
In addition to the above, there are many modern vitamin and mineral complexes on the market for pregnant animals.
All of the above fully applies to cats of any breed, but when choosing certain drugs, take into account some breed characteristics.
TOP 7 popular vitamin complexes
Today, veterinary stores and pharmacies offer a large selection of vitamin complexes and supplements for pregnant cats.
- "Doctor Zoo" Taking vitamins from this manufacturer prevents the development of microelement deficiency in the body of a pregnant cat, and also promotes the proper development of future kittens. The big advantage of this vitamin complex is that it is produced in Russia, as a result of which it is quite affordable. The cost of a standard pack does not exceed 100 rubles.
- "Seva". Seva Sante Animal is the official representative of the French brand in the Russian Federation. It is believed that the products of this brand are of high quality and meet European standards. The line is represented by many different vitamin complexes. Because of this, it would be best if your veterinarian can tell you which product is best for a pregnant cat. The big advantage of the vitamin supplement is its price - it is a little more than one hundred rubles.
- "Logs." The counters of zoological stores offer several series of these products. The most suitable vitamin complex for pregnant and lactating cats is Excel 8 in 1. The composition of this product is rich in all the vitamins and microelements necessary for the pregnant body, and also contains amino acids, brewer's yeast and protein. In this regard, it is suitable not only for pregnant women, but also for nursing cats. "Logs" supports the immune system and helps the animal recover as quickly as possible after giving birth. As a rule, the price of a package of these vitamins is about 300 rubles.
- The feed additive Unitabs MAMA+Kitty takes excellent care of expectant and nursing mothers and their offspring. It contains a complete complex of nutrients: folic acid, magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine, vitamin A and B vitamins, taurine and natural antioxidants. The rich composition of this vitamin supplement will help the pregnant mother’s body cope with viruses and infections and protect her kittens from developmental pathologies. The average price of this product is not too high - 250-300 rubles.
- Vitamin and mineral supplement “Joy” helps normalize metabolism and facilitates the period of gestation of kittens. In addition, this product contains probiotics, which help eliminate digestive problems for the expectant mother. The undoubted advantage of this vitamin complex is its low cost, because a package of 90 tablets costs approximately 200 rubles.
- "Farmavit NEO" This vitamin and mineral complex normalizes metabolism, stimulates the immune system, prevents hypovitaminosis in pregnant and lactating cats, and also ensures the full intrauterine development of kittens. The price of a pack is about 600 rubles.
- "Canina" The products of this brand are the most popular for pet owners. Vitamin supplements from this German manufacturer cannot be called cheap - the average cost of one package is approximately 600 rubles. However, this product justifies its cost, since it reliably protects kittens in the womb from all kinds of pathologies, and also supports the body of a pregnant female.
For pregnant Scottish and British cats
British and Scottish cats with dense, double-textured coats and massive bones need high-quality B vitamins.
According to reviews from the owners, Kitzim vitamins, produced in the UK, have proven themselves to be excellent. These vitamins do not contain dyes or synthesized artificial chemicals.
In addition to the B complex of vitamins and valuable amino acids, Kitzym vitamins contain a number of important minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, magnesium.
Biotin
What is it needed for. Biotin is involved in metabolism and is needed for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Improves the condition of the cat's skin and coat - gives a natural shine, brightness to the color, and less hair loss.
What is the threat of a shortage? Animals whose diet lacks biotin are susceptible to dermatitis. The coat becomes dull, the cat sheds heavily, regardless of the season.
Where it is kept. Biotin is found in many foods, but most of all it is in liver, egg yolks, legumes, nuts, and grains.
For pregnant Sphynx cats
Sphynx cats have very sensitive digestion. Introducing fish oil into the diet of a pregnant cat, for example, can cause a long-term laxative effect.
Sphynxes are a prolific breed; a cat can bear up to 12 kittens. This requires significant energy expenditure, including the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals. You need to choose high-quality vitamins for sphinxes and consult a specialist before choosing.
For sphinxes who do not have fur, choose vitamins that do not contain biotin.
For joints and ligaments
Cats are living beings just like people, and they suffer from musculoskeletal diseases in the same way. For healthy joints and ligaments, chondroitin complexes with glucosamine are needed: such substances will help restore damaged intra-articular cartilage and joint capsules. By taking such medications, the cat will recover faster from injury, and in older cats the demineralization of bone tissue will slow down:
- Polidex Gelabon plus Glucosamine;
- Canina Petvital Arthro-tabletten
- Canvit Chondro.
