Us, hoomans, we love supporting ourselves with all kinds of supplements. Even though we know they won’t replace healthy, balanced meals and aren’t a cure-all for every ailment, we still serve them up with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More and more, we also look for similar supplements for our pets—additives that improve their coat, boost their immunity, and support overall health. Among the many available options is the one and only: salmon oil. This liquid elixir has become an absolute must-have for many fabCat Guardians in their kitty pantry. But do you know, fabCat, why it’s worth adding it to your cat’s bowl regularly? Today, we’re checking it out for you!

Healthy Fatty Acids: What Is Salmon Oil Good For?

Let’s start with the most important thing: salmon oil is a natural supplement rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are often lacking in both our diet and our cat’s diet. And the body doesn’t produce them on its own. Supplementing omega-3s in the form of salmon oil is definitely worth your attention, fabCat, as long as you do it smartly, of course. So, what benefits will your furball get from salmon oil?

• Shiny, Healthy Coat.

Supplementing omega-3 fatty acids has a fantastic effect on the skin and coat of pets, which is why we often hear that giving your cat salmon oil is a great way to improve the appearance of their fur, especially during shedding season. And there’s a lot of truth to that. If your cat is creating a fur tornado at home, has dull hair, gets mats, and you’re constantly drowning in fluff, try this simple addition—one serving of oil with breakfast every day, and with regular use, you’ll notice the results pretty quickly.

• Support for the Cardiovascular System.

It’s important to take care of the heart, even for young cats. Besides a healthy diet and regular check-ups, it’s good to ensure proper levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your cat’s diet—they naturally help lower bad cholesterol, so supplementing with salmon oil is definitely a good plan. Plus, you’re strengthening the whole cardiovascular system of your fabCat. If your cat has no health or dietary restrictions, we say: salmon oil, why not?

• Boosting Immunity.

Keeping your cat’s body in the best possible shape positively affects their resistance to infections and inflammation. Serving salmon oil for breakfast will help improve your cat’s overall immunity and protect them from seasonal dips in mood and health.

• Healthy Joints.

For cats that climb curtains, do fitness on their scratching posts, and practice kitty yoga during naps, joint health is not to be overlooked. Since omega-3 fatty acids help keep joints in good condition, it’s worth supplementing them in the diet of not just older cats but also physically active ones. After all, an active cat is a happy cat. But you already know that, fabCat, don’t you? 🙂

Which Salmon Oil to Choose? 

Here’s where things get tricky, fabCat. As with all supplements, the choices on the market are vast, and not all oils are created equal. So, which one should you grab when you type “salmon oil for cats” into Google and 20 different options pop up? First, check them against these key criteria:

Quality: It’s all about your kitty’s health and well-being, so make sure you’re buying the oil from a trusted, reputable producer and distributor. Look for pure salmon oil, not a supplement packed with unnecessary additives. While you’re at it, check the levels of omega-3, DHA, and EPA—the higher, the better the quality of the product you’ve got your paws on.

Color: High-quality salmon oil should be a light orange color. Darker oils are often produced from farmed salmon, which unfortunately are raised in poor conditions (negatively affecting the quality of the oil and meat). Wild salmon is much healthier than its farmed alternative.

Type of Bottle: Surprisingly, this matters a lot. To preserve the oil’s best properties, store it in a dark place at room temperature. Choose salmon oil that comes in a bottle that doesn’t let light in—we recommend ones with a pump because the less air that gets inside, the longer the oil stays fresh.

Before buying, check out products recommended by other fabCat Guardians, breeders, cat nutritionists, and experts—doing your research before purchasing is always a good idea. And a tip from experience: start with a smaller bottle. Cats love fish, and most of them don’t have a problem with salmon oil, but you can never be sure that your kitty will enjoy this addition to their food. 🙂

PS When you open the salmon oil, be sure to check the product’s expiration date after opening and follow it—oil that’s been open for too long will simply go bad.

When to Supplement Your Cat with Salmon Oil? 

There’s no big secret to it—the best time to supplement omega-3 is during periods of heavy shedding and natural dips in your cat’s immunity, so spring and autumn. You’ll find exact dosage recommendations on the oil bottle based on your cat’s weight—try not to exceed them. You can drip the oil into your cat’s breakfast or serve it separately as a treat: that’s up to you and your cat’s preferences. And that’s about it! Before giving your cat any supplements, it’s always a good idea to discuss it with a cat nutritionist or vet, do a blood test, and check for any potential contraindications to using salmon oil. After all, a cautious fabCat checks everything twice.

Does salmon oil feature in your cats’ diet? How does it work for them? Join the conversation in the comments—let’s chat! 🙂