Fish Oil for Cats
The cats who hung around the docks in ancient times eating the fish that were tossed overboard from the boats had the right idea. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve our health and our cats' health in many ways. It's one of the healthiest supplements you can give your feline friend and most cats happily accept it mixed into their food.
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Healthy Skin; Shiny Fur
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Fish oil moisturizes the skin, creates shiny fur and minimizes shedding.
Heart Health
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The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have been shown to support the heart and may help reduce instances of cardiac arrhythmia. Since it has mild blood-thinning properties, ask your veterinarian before giving it to a cat on medication that thins the blood.
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Help With Kidney Disease
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Studies also show the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can slow the progression of kidney disease in cats.
An Anti-inflammatory
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As an anti-inflammatory, fish oil can ease the discomfort of everything from arthritis to urinary tract infections.
Allergy Relief
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Fish oil was first used by veterinarians to provide relief for cats with skin allergies. Now a part of mainstream veterinary medicine, it can reduce the need for steroids and other allergy medications with potentially dangerous side effects.
Not Flax Seed Oil
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Flax seed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and is sometimes suggested as a less smelly alternative to fish oil. But cats cannot efficiently convert ALA to the anti-inflammatory omega-3's, so fish oil is the better choice.
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- Photo Credit Photowitch, Dreamstime.com
