Because of the way their metabolism works, cats are more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies than most pets. As a result, a lot of vets recommend supplementing cats’ diets with additional nutrition.

Here’s a look at why minerals matter so much for cats, as well as what you can do to ensure your favorite feline has all the nutrients she needs.

Cats Are Especially Prone to Mineral Deficiencies

Because cats are carnivores—in the wild, the only plants they get are from the stomachs of animals they eat—they have less nutritional flexibility than dogs, rodents, birds, and other household pets. Their metabolisms can’t adapt as well to dietary gaps. For example, unlike omnivores, cats can’t decrease the metabolic enzymes they produce, even when their diet doesn’t require those enzymes to break down nutrients. [ * ]

As a result, cats are constantly “spending” minerals on metabolic processes, even if they aren’t replenishing those minerals from their diet.

That increased mineral spending is fine as long as your cat is getting all the nutrients it needs—but if its diet is nutritionally incomplete, even small deficiencies can snowball quickly and cause major health issues.

That’s why so many vets recommend nutritional supplements for cats.

Older Cats Need Special Attention

Most pet cats could benefit from more minerals, but mineral supplements are particularly important for older cats.

• Senior cats have a harder time digesting their food, which means they need significantly more nutrients as they age. [ * ] Cats that aren’t meeting their nutrient requirements will lose muscle mass, and you may be able to feel the bones of their spines and hips as you pet them.
• Much like humans, cats also experience a decline in bone mineral density as they age. [ * ] Their bodies become less efficient at using minerals to maintain tissue, which can lead to bone and tooth pain.
• Arthritis and chronic joint pain are also common as cats get older, especially if they’re housecats that haven’t spent much time outside[ * ]. Feline arthritis can decrease your cat’s mobility and lead to other issues, like chronic pain or weight gain, if your cat begins moving less.

Elderly cats require extra love and care. One of the best ways to support your senior cat is to give it a full-spectrum mineral supplement, to ensure it’s getting the nutrition it needs to remain comfortable and healthy.

A Simple Way to Fulfill Your Cat’s Mineral Needs

Because pet supplements are largely unregulated, companies often repackage products that are unfit for human consumption as pet supplements. It’s a way for them to avoid losing money—even though the products are typically low in quality and are unlikely to benefit your pet.

We think your pet should get the same care you do, especially when it comes deficiencies in cats. That’s why we created BEAM Complete Feline Minerals. They’re the exact same minerals we sell for people, but with a concentration and mineral profile that’s ideal for cats.

Our Feline Minerals contain the full spectrum of essential minerals your cat needs to thrive. They come as a colorless, flavorless liquid, which means you’ll have no problem getting your cat to take them. Just add a few drops to your cat’s food with each meal.

Minerals aren’t just for people—your pets benefit from them too. Consider adding our Complete Feline Minerals to your cat’s diet. It’s one of the best things you can do to support your cat’s long-term wellbeing.