Omega-3 for Cats - 4 Ways To Give Your Feline This Essential Nutrient

We all want what’s best for our cats. That’s why we continuously fill our homes with kitty toys, spend hours in the treat aisle finding the perfect flavor, and install cat trees and shelves around our house. But sometimes, we look over something important: essential nutrients and supplements. Omega-3 is vital for maintaining healthy heart function in cats. That’s where omega-3 for cats comes in. Let’s take a look at the many benefits this excellent fish oil can have on the immune health of your cat.

 

 

What Are Omega Fatty Acids for Cats?

Omega-3 is a type of fatty acid. There are 11 types of omega-3 fatty acids. The most common for felines are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which come from marine sources like fish and other seafood. Sustainable anchovies and coldwater fish are excellent sources of EPA and DHA.

 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids can promote your cat’s immune system and well-being, making them a popular supplement for your furry friend. Many Omega-3 products are available as supplements and typically labeled as "Omega-3 fatty acids," "fish oil," or "fish oils."

 

 

What Does Omega-3 Do for Cats?

Omega-3 fatty acids have the same benefits for cats as they do for humans. Some of the most significant advantages of fish oils are:

 

 

• Shiny coat: Omega-3 fatty acids can help your cat benefit from a fuller, more brilliant jacket. You may also notice a decrease in shedding thanks to Omega-3’s nourishing qualities. This means fewer hairballs.
• Healthy skin: Omega-3 is an excellent addition to any cat’s diet thanks to its soothing benefits. Of course, this fish oil can be even more beneficial for cats with skin allergies or dry, flaky skin.
• Joints: Omega-3 may help ease discomfort in your cat’s joints. Older cats with arthritis may benefit from Omega-3 in their diet. You’ll notice increased movement — including jumping and climbing stairs — when your cat has Omega-3 daily.
• Immune Support: Omega-3 may support your kitty’s resistance to some ailments. It could also help keep their vision and digestive functioning at their best.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Omega-3 can help manage inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation.
• Kidney Disease: Omega-3 can benefit cats with kidney disease by decreasing blood pressure and preventing protein loss in urine.

 

 

What Does Omega-6 Do for Cats?

Omega-6 is often found in cat food. It's an essential fatty acid, the most common forms being linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Both of these are required in your pet's diet to remain healthy. Cats need enough Omega-6 to keep their skin and coat healthy, avoid reproductive problems, and ensure they thrive.

 

 

What Does Omega-9 Do for Cats?

Omega-9 is not an essential fatty acid like 3 and 6. Still, it has some benefits for your feline. Some common omega-9 fatty acids include oleic acid (in olive oil and poultry fat), mead acid, erucic acid, and nervonic acid (in salmon, nuts, and seeds). Although there have not been as many studies published on Omega-9's benefits, research shows promising results.

 

 

One test on mice explored a connection between omega-9 and abnormal cancer cell growth.  While there's nothing wrong with providing a cat with certain omega-9 fatty acids, it's not entirely clear how nutritious and beneficial it is for this particular species, and more studies need to be performed.

 

 

How Much Omega 3 is Needed for Cats?

There is no clear consensus on how much Omega-3 cats should have daily. According to Dr. Catherine Lenox, a veterinary nutritionist, roughly 30 mg of EPA and DHA combined per 1kg (or 2.2 lbs) of body weight is appropriate for cats. Pet parents should also be aware that not every Omega-3 fatty acid benefits cats. Fatty acids from fish oil are likely to benefit your cat the most. Since every feline differs, contact a veterinarian before giving them extra omega fatty acids.

 

 

How Long Does It Take for Omega 3 to Work?

The benefits of Omega-3 are not immediate and can take up to 2-3 weeks to take effect. Start your cat with a 1/2 teaspoon daily dose of Omega fish oil for cats. You can feed fish oils to them directly. But the best and easiest method is to mix fish oil into their food. Ensure you maintain a daily routine to ensure your cat supplements the proper benefits.

 

 

Once you start to see positive effects in your cat, you can lower their Omega-3 amount to 1/4 teaspoon per day. However, this might be too low of an amount for your cat. To ensure your cat receives their optimal amount of Omega-3, you may have to change the amounts it consumes until you hit that sweet spot and determine the right amount for it. Patience and consistency are key when giving your feline friend Omega-3.

 

 

How to Give Cats Omega Fatty Acids

There are a few ways to properly provide your cat with omega acids. The first is serving your cat food that contains omega-rich ingredients, like mackerel, salmon, and trout. Boil, grill, poach, or roast the fish to ensure the nutrients remain — avoid frying it! And don’t add seasonings, powerful ones. If you want to serve your cat raw fish, ensure it’s freshly caught and hasn’t been in the fish department for weeks.

 

 

Oil treats are another omega-3 supplement available for cats, providing a palatable option for pet owners. Some cat foods also contain DHA and EPA, as well as fish oil or fish meal. Check the ingredients label for these items if you want to give your cat food that already contains omega fatty acids.

 

 

RELATED: Cat Food Ingredients Distinguishing Quality

 

 

Omega-3 Fish Oil for Cats to Promote Healthy Skin

Another way to provide your cat with omega fatty acids is through fish oil. Many pet stores will have fish oil bottles, allowing you to drop some liquid into their food. Feeding instructions will show you how much fish oil to give your cat daily based on their body weight. Fish oils are very simple to use, so sharing these beneficial oils with your cat is simple and easy. However, be aware that a fishy odor can be a side effect of fish oil supplements, particularly at high doses, affecting their breath or skin.

 

 

Hemp Seed Oil for Cats

Hemp seed oil comes from plants. It is considered one of the healthiest oils available due to its rich omega-6 and omega-3 profile, similar to fish oils. Unrefined hemp seed oil is often green, indicating its nutritional value. You'll need to refrigerate this variation. Refined hemp seed oil lacks the same nutritional value. It has a longer shelf life but is often used for body care.

 

 

Hemp seed oil has a lot of health benefits, even for cats. It's known to help them relax and may hasten recovery after an accident. Stiffness and swelling may decrease in cats given hemp seed oil. Their digestion could also see improvement.

 

 

Omega 3 Cat Treats

Treats are a great way to provide omega fatty acids to your feline. This is a tasty and fun way to give them a taste of these essential nutrients. Cat treats often come with Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids, letting you pick the fatty acid family that works best for your feline friend. Omega-3 cat treats can promote healthy skin by enhancing the skin and coat health of pets.

 

 

HolistaPet’s natural, vegan, grain-free CBD cat treats have a savory salmon flavor and contain CBD hemp oil. They’re the perfect way to provide your cat with soothing relief and nutrition. Are you wondering if pets or your dog can also benefit from omega fatty acids and fish oils? You’ll be happy to know they can! Both cats and dogs benefit from Omega 3! To find out how your canine companion can help, check out our article Omega-3 for Dogs!

 

 

CBD Oil for Cats

CBD hemp oil is another great product for your cat, especially if it seems to be stressed or experiencing discomfort. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring, non-inebriating cannabinoid found in hemp plants. It won't get your cat delirious, but it will give it a sense of calm and tranquility, along with its nutritional value.

 

 

Like all mammals, your cat's endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps them maintain homeostasis — or balance. The ECS helps to regulate inflammation, sleep, mood, stress, digestion, and much more. CBD influences the ECS to perform at its best! Only buy CBD oil from a reputable company like HolistaPet. We have various other products besides CBD oil that you can give your cat to improve their overall wellness.

 

 

RELATED: Endocannabinoid System in Dogs & Cats

 

 

Omega 3 for Cats - Fish Oil vs Hemp Oil

Both fish oil and hemp seed oil supplements are excellent sources of Omega-3 for cats. However, there are a few differences between these two oils. Fish oil is an animal-based product, while hemp seed oil is completely vegan and derived from the seeds of hemp plants. Most cats find both oils very tolerable. However, fish oil may produce unintended side effects, especially in high doses.

 

 

Some of the side effects from taking too much fish oil may include:

• A fishy stench to your cat's breath or skin and coat
• Oily coat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Itchiness
• Dry skin
• Flaky skin
• Delaying wound healing
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness

 

 

You should immediately discontinue fish oil from your cat's wellness and medication routine to resolve these side effects. Although hemp seed oil is beneficial for your cat, giving them too much of a good thing may end up producing several temporary and minor side effects. However, unlike the numerous effects associated with overconsumption of fish oil, hemp seed oil's effects are not as pronounced.

 

 

Some of the side effects of excessive hemp seed oil consumption in cats may include: 

• Dry mouth
• Fluctuation of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

 

 

Can I Give My Kitten Omega 3?

Yes, Omega-3 is suitable for your kitten. Omega-3 fish oil contains two types of beneficial compounds: EPA and DHA. Both EPA and DHA are crucial for your kitten's development and proper function throughout their life. By giving your kitten Omega-3 fish oil supplements and oils at an early age, you'll help start them on the road to optimum wellness.

 

 

Is Omega 3 Safe for Senior Cats?

Absolutely! Omega-3 is safe for cats of all ages, especially older cats. As we previously mentioned, It contains EPA and DHA, crucial fatty acids important for your cat's overall development. Older cats with chronic issues can greatly benefit from Omega-3.

 

 

Does Omega 3 Go Bad?

Like many nutritional and dietary supplements, Omega-3 may go wrong if it's not stored correctly or used beyond its intended shelf-life. Most Omega-3 fish oil products are suitable for roughly two years. To ensure maximum potency and prevent your Omega-3 fish oil or soft-gel capsules from going wrong, it's important to note the expiration date on the bottle and store it in a cool, dry place free from direct sun exposure.

 

 

This will help reduce oxidation, keep your Omega-3 products fresh, and prolong their effectiveness. Hemp seed oil, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids, has a similar expiration date as most Omega-3 products (2 years) and needs to be stored in similar conditions to avoid becoming rancid.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Omega 3 for Cats

Whether serving them salmon, upgrading their cat food and vitamins, or giving them delicious cat treats, there are many easy ways to provide your feline with the essential Omega 3s they need to be healthy and happy. It's a great and easy way to promote your cat's glossy coat and excellent vision and improve joint health. A great way to do this is to give your cat one of the many supplements that contain Omega 3s, such as fish oils. Remember to talk to your vet if you want to add omega fatty acids and fish oil to your cat's diet!

 

 

If you want to give your cat these beneficial fatty acids from a plant-based and vegan source, consider hemp seed oil instead. Regardless of which oil you decide to incorporate into your cat's wellness regimen, you'll help improve your cat's overall health and keep it happy at all times!