Which vitamins are deficient in cats and can cause hair loss?
The cat's body urgently needs all vitamins and microelements to one degree or another. But the following substances are most required for your pet’s fur and skin:
- vitamins of group B, A, E, D;
- sulfur, iodine, zinc, calcium;
- fatty acids – Omega-3, Omega-6.
B vitamins help improve the function of the digestive organs, significantly strengthen muscle tissue, improve the general well-being of the cat, and prevent hair loss. B6, which helps the production of taurine, improves metabolic and energy processes in the pet's body. A lack of taurine leads to pathologies of the cardiovascular system, digestive tract, problems with the liver and kidneys. This significantly affects the condition of the cat's coat.
B7 (biotin) is part of many enzymes. It is better to use it with sulfur. It regenerates the skin, fights hair loss, strengthens the animal’s nervous system, and regulates protein and fat balance. The lack of biotin leads to inflammatory processes in the hair follicles, causing hair loss. B vitamins are found in foods such as pork, beef, poultry, fish, liver, carrots, potatoes, egg yolks, and fermented milk dishes.
We recommend reading: Potatoes: beneficial properties and contraindications
Vitamins of group A take care of the thickness and shine of the cat's coat and increase immunity. Contained in liver, offal, eggs, pumpkin, carrots, sweet peppers, spinach.
We recommend reading: Chili peppers: benefits and harms, properties, how to eat them
Vitamin E ensures full growth of the cat's fur and increases resistance to various infections. Contained in oils, salmon and some other types of fish, dairy products.
We recommend reading: Benefits of bell pepper, properties
Cats can lose hair for a number of other reasons:
- Seasonal shedding. Twice a year cats experience intense hair loss - in spring and autumn. In this way, animals change their “coat” to a new one, more suitable for the coming season.
- Diet. Incorrectly selected food, food from a common table, food devoid of minerals and vitamins will sooner or later lead your pet to vitamin deficiency. The cat's fur will be the first to react to this. Diet is the most common cause of hair loss.
- Often, various diseases affect the appearance of the coat. The causes may be helminthic infestations, fungal diseases, allergies and other pathologies that lead to hair loss.
In all these cases, you should purchase vitamin complexes for your pet to keep the coat in order and prevent its loss.
For kittens
Antivital CaniAgil
pros
- support joints during growth
- strengthen the musculoskeletal system
- made in Germany
- a lot of pills in a jar
- suitable for older cats
Minuses
- high price
From 1,647 ₽
They top the rating of vitamins for kittens. Part of the tablet is enough for 1 dose, a large jar (from 60 to 225 pieces). High percentage of absorption, contain OMEGA-3. It is not recommended to take it without a veterinarian's prescription; it is a medicinal product. Suitable for weak kittens, older animals and puppies.
Farmavit Neo Vitamin and mineral complex Growth energy for kittens
pros
- help with malnutrition
- improve the condition of the coat
- invigorate, strengthen the immune system
- attractive smell
- promotes proper bone formation
- recover from illness, stress
Minuses
- The instructions contain the wrong dosage for kittens
From 128 ₽
High-quality composition, have a faint aroma, attractive to cats. According to reviews, the instructions for kittens indicate the dosage - 1 tablet, this is incorrect, it can cause allergies. For the smallest, ¼ is enough (veterinarian recommendation). Suitable for animals after illness and stress, they help improve digestion and replenish the lack of nutrients.
Agrovet protection “Radostin” for cats up to 8 years old
pros
- rich composition
- promotes coat renewal
- the smell doesn't stick
- wounds heal faster
- improve metabolism
Minuses
- smell like fish
- large tablet
From 172 ₽
Most animals like the taste; the smell does not last long. The tablets are large but soft and can be mixed with food. The coat becomes thicker, falls out less, and shine appears. Suitable for kittens after illnesses and for prevention, they support the immune system and give strength.
What vitamins are best for cat fur?
Vitamin complexes are intended for cats that are naturally fed. The most common form of release is tablets and liquid solutions. There are also gels, powders, drops, capsules. You should choose them based on your pet’s preferences and in terms of convenience. For example, gel, powder, drops can be disguised in a portion of food. In this case, there will be no need to give them forcibly. Therefore, many owners prefer liquid vitamins for their cats if they have hair problems. In case of serious health difficulties, the veterinarian prescribes vitamins in the form of injections and injections.
Attention! The dosage of vitamin preparations is determined by a veterinarian or the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed. Excess of active substances can be dangerous to your pet's health.
The best vitamins for cat skin and coat
Vitamins “Phytomins” from a domestic manufacturer are suitable for restoring fur in British cats. They contain brewer's yeast, plant extracts, mineral supplements, collagen, taurine and sulfur. Noticeably improves hair growth, strengthens roots, and prevents hair loss. The drug is produced in the form of granules. Can be used for a long period.
Beaphar Kittys Mix is considered a good vitamin for cat fur. This is a complex of vitamins in the form of a treat with different flavors. The product contains all the necessary vitamins for a pet’s healthy coat, as well as a number of microelements. The drug restores the cat's coat, prevents hair loss, improves vision and functioning of the cardiovascular system, and strengthens the condition of the pet's claws and teeth. Among the disadvantages, the increased sugar content is noted.
FeliDerm vitamins from a German manufacturer are designed for the fur and skin of cats during shedding. They also solve more serious problems - allergies, metabolic disorders, hormonal disorders. The composition includes biotin, Omega-3, amino acids, zinc, brewer's yeast. The complex has natural ingredients: algae, flour, meat, liver, egg, whey. The drug relieves skin itching, prevents hair loss, has good taste, is used very economically, but buyers note its high cost.
The drug "Canina Canivita" is produced in the form of a tonic. Suitable for cats of all ages. The effect of using vitamins occurs in the shortest possible time, since the product immediately enters the bloodstream. Recommended for cats with thick, long hair. After a course of treatment, it becomes smooth, stops pilling, acquires shine, and excessive hair loss stops. The drug relieves inflammation of the skin and eliminates itching. In addition, vitamins well regulate the animal’s sexual cycle. The disadvantages include the bitter aftertaste of the drug.
Vitamins "Doctor Zoo" can be used in different forms of nutrition. They contain all the necessary vitamins, as well as phosphorus, potassium, manganese, zinc, and copper. Thanks to the content of taurine and biotin, the condition of the skin and coat is quickly restored, and metabolism is normalized.
“Laveta Super For Cats” is a vitamin complex for cats taking part in exhibitions, including the Scottish breed. Contains vitamins B, E, as well as taurine and biotin, which provide your pet with shiny, healthy coat and skin.
“TM Excel Brewers” - vitamins for those cats with intense hair shedding. Cats change it twice a year. To make the molting period more comfortable for the animal, it is imperative to give the pet vitamin complexes. This preparation contains fatty acids, all essential vitamins and microelements, and extracts of some plants. They prevent dandruff, hair loss, and eliminate hair fragility.
Vitamins "Radostin" from a domestic brand are suitable for sterilized cats against hair loss. Neutered animals also need special care and feeding. The drug contains multivitamins and prebiotics. Indications for use include nutritional problems, hair loss, and preventive measures.
It is worth noting the drug Malta paste. It contains malt extract, oils, fatty acids, and plant products. Designed to remove lost hair from the digestive tract. It has a pleasant taste, effectively combats hair loss, and minimizes seasonal shedding in animals. Available in tubes.
Important! In the process of taking vitamin preparations, it is necessary to carefully monitor their effect on the cat. The products can lead to allergies and other negative reactions in the pet’s body.
Products for hair care during shedding period
During molting, you should take additional care of the animal. Modern cat hair care products will help avoid the unpleasant consequences of shedding.
[/gal]
Espree hair care product during shedding period for dogs and cats
A gentle medicated solution for use during shedding for dogs and cats. Frees from loose wool and undercoat. With Oat and Aloe proteins. Strengthens and restores hair follicles. Reduces shedding. The sterile solution is safe for puppies and kittens. Dilute the solution in a ratio of 1:32 or more. Apply the diluted solution to the fur, trying to distribute it evenly over the entire coat. Intensively rub the diluted solution with massage movements throughout the entire coat down to the skin. Focus on problem areas such as your back and chest. Let the solution soak in for 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Use once every 4-6 weeks. Contains purified water, Aloe Vera (hydrator), panthenol (conditioner), jojoba oil (moisturizer), vitamins A, D, E, conditioner. Made from ingredients approved for human use - does not contain chemical compounds.
During the shedding period, it is necessary to brush your cat every day.
Furminator
The Furminator is a grooming tool that can reduce shedding in dogs and cats by 90%. The whole secret is in the unique design of a special blade with numerous slits, which easily removes the dead undercoat of your ward without damaging the guard hair. Almost all those who used the Furminator for the first time are shocked by how much excess hair they manage to comb out. When combing the undercoat, the Furminator distributes your pet's natural fat component, which makes its coat softer and healthier. This tool is suitable for both long-haired and short-haired breeds.
Share with your friends!
Rules for using cat vitamins for fur
In addition to the varied release form, the complexes have a certain concentration of active substances. Therefore, they should be used based on the instructions or the instructions of a veterinarian who will advise the dose and course of administration. For various diseases that require a therapeutic dose, vitamins should be used strictly as directed. They are usually used during inflammatory processes and infectious diseases.
Vitamins that are recommended for preventive use contain a minimal concentration of beneficial substances. It is determined by daily requirement. Their dosage has no therapeutic effect and is prescribed for the prevention of vitamin deficiencies.
Contraindications and side effects
When an excessive amount of active substances enters a cat’s body or there is an individual intolerance to the drug, this leads to an overdose and unpleasant consequences for the animal.
In case of an overdose, a pet may experience:
- hair loss;
- itching and rashes of the skin;
- deterioration or lack of appetite;
- some swelling;
- increased anxiety.
In more serious cases, reproductive function is impaired, and disruptions in the functioning of the heart, liver, and kidneys are observed. You should not overuse vitamins if your cat has cancer, inflammatory processes, or allergic reactions. In such cases, vitamins can harm the animal.
Vitamins should be used with caution in weakened animals with chronic diseases, pregnant and lactating cats. The course of treatment, the vitamin complex, and its composition are agreed upon with a veterinarian, who will select the correct drug based on the pet’s physiological well-being, age, and general health.
Veterinarian advice
The opinions of experts boil down to the fact that animal hair often falls out regardless of the time of year and molting period. For them, this is a reason to prescribe treatment. Reviews from veterinarians about vitamins for cat fur speak in favor of the drugs.
To prevent hair loss in cats, veterinary specialists recommend:
- Regularly brush your pet’s fur with special brushes;
- use shampoos with the right pH to bathe your cat;
- adhere to the correct feeding regimen for your pet;
- add vitamins and microelements to the diet;
- do not feed your pet from the common table;
- clean the cat's litter box in a timely manner;
- Vaccinate the animal in due time.
You should only bathe your cat if it is heavily soiled and cannot be removed on its own.
Bathing
Frequent bathing unless necessary is unacceptable. Each cat’s “bath regime” is special, depending on many factors. But with intense shedding, it is recommended to wash the cat. Bathing will speed up the loss of old fur and free the skin from dirt. It is important to use special shampoos that do not irritate or dry out the animal’s skin. When selecting products, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. So, for bathing kittens and adult cats, you can use “Gentle” shampoo, containing the natural component of aloe vera. It foams well, gently cleanses the coat and gives it shine.
