Cats Are NOT Little Dogs (But Most Supplements Treat Them That Way)

Hello fellow cat lover,

Did you know that nearly all cat supplements on the market are actually just smaller doses of dog (and human) formulas?

As a vet working in feline medicine for over 20 years, this reality frustrated me enough to create my own solution. That's why I'm excited to welcome you to my "Cats Are Not Little Dogs" educational series.

Feline physiology is so different…

Cats aren't just smaller versions of dogs – they're fundamentally different on a metabolic level:

• Cats are obligate carnivores - They must get nutrients from animal tissue

• Dogs are omnivores - They can process nutrients from both plants and animals

This distinction is critical when it comes to supplements. A cat's body processes nutrients differently, requiring specific forms and ratios that most pet supplements simply don't provide. Any supplement that is used for both cats and dogs may be inappropriate for cats, and it’s important to know more about what is cat-appropriate.

Beware cat supplements that are also marketed for dogs

Cat supplements designed for dogs (or a "one-size-fits-all-pets" formula), may be:

1. Wasting money on ingredients that cats can't actually utilise

2. Missing critical ingredients that cats specifically need and benefit from

3. Providing the wrong dosages for cats’ unique physiology and health concerns

4. At worst, providing inappropriate ingredients that have health risks

Over the next few blog posts, I'll discuss exactly what makes cats different and how these differences impact their nutritional and health needs - from joint health to digestion to and management of anxiety.

• Protein & and Fatty Acid Requirements - Why cats need meat-derived nutrients and Omega 3s

• Vitamin processing differences – Vitamin A, D, E & B12 factors

• Gut Health Distinctions – Microbiome differences and digestive health for cats

• What to look for when choosing cat-specific, science-backed supplements

• What to avoid when selecting supplements for cats

I'm passionate about feline health, and I'm delighted to share my experiences in cat practice and the latest scientific research in cat medicine with dedicated cat parents like you.

Stay tuned, and love your cat,

Kind regards,

Dr. Bec