Pet supplements have come a long way – and both Cat Loyalists and their beloved cats should breathe a sigh of relief. What used to be a powder, liquid or tablet that was, quite frankly, disgusting for your pet and impossible for you to administer is a thing of the past. Supplements can now look better, taste better and work harder to help your cat live their best life.
If you’re new to pet supplements, think of them as the extra boost that’ll keep your pet happily purring, stalking, snoozing and bossing you around. They can fill in nutritional gaps and support everything from digestion and immune balance to skin, coat and joints. For more on how the gut supports top-to-tail wellbeing, read our essential mini manual to your pet’s gut health.
Which supplement does my cat need?
Before you start shopping, think about what’s really bothering your cat. Supplements can help with a wide range of issues, and improve your pet’s general well-being immensely. A few key things dedicated Cat Loyalists might look out for:
Aggressive or stressed out behavior?
Maybe your cat’s on a wild naughty streak – think grumpy, aggressive and spraying around the house. Or maybe you’ve noticed they’re not quite themselves: they might be grooming a lot or hiding. Supplements can help your cat handle stressful events like vet visits, new members of the household, travel or a big move. For best results, we recommend introducing your chosen calming supplement a few days before. For any and all of the above, we suggest: WellJoy™ Calming+, which has a vet-formulated blend of Melatonin, Ashwagandha and L-Tryptophan that promotes your cat’s ability to feel calm for the joy of a peaceful pet household.
Senior, unwell or recovering cat?
Your cat’s gut health is closely linked to their immunity – that’s because close to 70% of a pet's immune system is in the gut. Supporting the gut barrier and reducing inflammation by way of an immune supplement helps the body respond more effectively to everyday challenges like respiratory issues or infections, and also better recover after illness. For adventurous outdoor cats, an immune boost is pretty essential. We recommend: WellJoy™ Immune+, which has a vet-formulated blend of Vitamin E, Quercetin, Astaxanthin and Colostrum, ingredients that promote your cat’s immune health for the joy of year-round wellness.
Urinary tract diseases or problems using their litter box?
An imbalance in the microbiome in your cat’s gut can release stress hormones, affect urinary pH and cause bladder inflammation. If your cat has a history of urinary issues, crystals, feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), or any other feline lower urinary tract issues (FLUTD), then a focused supplement can help. We recommend: WellJoy™ Urinary+, which has a vet-formulated blend of D-Mannose, Cranberry Extract and DL-Methionine.
All of WellJoy’s supplements are powered by GutBoost™ – a biotic blend that supports their gut health first, so they can make the most of all the targeted ingredients chosen for their powerful benefits.
Ok, I know what my cat needs. How do I find the right supplement?
Before you start telling all your friends – and frankly, anyone else who’ll listen – about the secret behind your cat’s new lease of life, there are a few steps for navigating the supplements aisle:
If you’ve already got a supplements shopping list, take it to your vet to talk through and assess what’s best for your cat and their needs. If you’re not sure where to start, still check in with your vet. See what they recommend in terms of particular supplements or ingredients.
Find knowledgeable retailers. The best ones are pet and, importantly, pet-parent literate, and can confidently and clearly explain the differences between products on their shelves, both digital and real-life.
Decide between a treat and a supplement. Treats with active ingredients are generally more preventive, and can support your cat before issues crop up. If you already know they need a bit of extra help, opt for supplements – they tend to have higher concentrations of active ingredients.
Inspect the label. Reputable brands will clearly state their purpose, and highlight both active ingredients and guaranteed levels.
Look for the NASC Quality Seal. This is only awarded to products that have passed third-party evaluations for safety, quality and labeling accuracy. All WellJoy supplements carry the NASC Quality Seal of approval.
How should I start introducing supplements?
This can, to some degree, depend on what kind of cat you’ve got. We’ve made our supplements super-scrumptious (they’re pet-tested and approved by the choosiest of cats), but here’s a few more tips in case you’ve got a particularly challenging case:
- For the playful ones: try giving them their treat or chew supplement right after a game. Playing with your pet can prompt their natural hunt and catch instincts, stimulating their appetite.
- For the food-lovers: try crumbling their supplement straight into their dinner.
- For the fussy types: try mixing their supplement into whatever their favorite flavor canned food is, or tempt them with a lickable food stick.
Cat Loyalists can probably guess which of these categories their cat falls into, but whichever one it is, there’s a golden rule: one supplement at a time. If you’re adding a lot of extras into your pet’s routine, it’s hard to identify which is making a difference.
How do I know it’s working?
We’d love to say the answer is ‘immediately,’ but the truth is ‘it depends.’ Supporting your pet’s gut health can have profound effects, but these are changes that need time. Some supplements can start to take effect in a few days, while others can take up to 12 weeks to have the best impact. Your pet’s condition and particular issue also affects results – for example, changes in your cat’s skin and coat are likely to take months, rather than weeks. Hang in there, stay patient, and give those supplements regularly and consistently. You’re doing the right thing by prioritizing your cat’s wellbeing.
We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.