While cats have long been known to have a special affinity for fish, it may not just be the flavor that makes them seek out this particular food. When consumed in the right amounts, the oil found in fish has been found to be highly effective in a number of conditions related to the health of cats. Some of the most significant benefits associated with fish oil for cats includes the promotion of healthy skin and shiny fur, improved heart health, and decreased skin allergies. While flax seed oil is often used as an alternative for fish oil, it may be significantly less effective.
One of the most important ways that fish oil for cats can be effective is in the promotion of healthy skin and shiny fur. Supplementing the diet of a cat with fish oil has been found to be highly effective in moisturizing the skin. In addition, the amount of shedding experienced by cats whose diets are supplemented with fish oil is typically lower than in cats who do not received fish oil in their diets.
Fish oil for cats has also been found to be highly effective in aiding in improved heart health. As in humans, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil has been found to be highly effective in the promotion of a healthy cardiovascular system in cats. In addition, studies have shown that fish oil can significantly reduce serious cardiac arrhythmias that can lead to premature death. Fish oil works in part due to its blood-thinning properties. Because of this, fish oil is not encouraged for cats who are already on medications that thin the blood.
Research has found that fish oil for cats is also highly effective in the treatment of skin allergies. Often, cats who experience skin allergies are injected with steroids or other allergy medications. Using fish oil supplements may be a safer and more effective course of treatment for cats who suffer form this condition.
Often, veterinarians recommend that cats who suffer from the conditions listed above consume diets that are supplemented with flax seed oil. Flax seed oil is often preferred by owners due to the fact that it produces a significantly more pleasant flavor when consumed by the cats. While flax seed oil does contain the same fatty acids that are prevalent in fish oil, it may not be able to be digested in the same manner as traditional fish oil.