Not all fats are bad!
Fats are a vital part of a cat’s diet. In fact, certain fats are even considered essential because a cat’s body does not produce them on its own – these fats must be supplied by their diet.

The main essential fatty acids that your cat’s diet needs to include are arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), also known as Omega-3 Fatty acids.

FOCUS ON FISH OIL

Studies show that omega-3s are helpful in treating many disorders in cats, including heart and kidney disease, inflammatory skin conditions, arthritis, and cognitive function.

Omega-3 fats are very vulnerable to damage from heat. So even if these fats were once present in your cat’s commercial food (as per the ingredients label), they quite likely lost their effectiveness during the kibbling or canning process.

The best way to ensure your pet is getting enough fatty acids is through a balanced diet and supplementation with a quality marine-sourced oil such as fish oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in high amounts in cold water fish such as salmon and tuna.

OMEGA-3S AND CANCER

Omega-3 fatty acids (primarily EPA and DHA) have been shown to slow the growth of cancer and inhibit tumor development and metastasis.

Omega-3 fatty acids activate a cell membrane receptor called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), which is also capable of shutting down the growth activity in many cells of the body, thereby decreasing the chances of cancer development. Fish oils reduce the growth of cancer cells at high dosage and also suppress the activation of NFKB, a pro-inflammatory gene switch (transcription factor) that is crucial to cancer cell initiation, promotion, and survival.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTATION

It’s hard to overdose on fish oil. However some risks and side effects that can happen. The most serious, but rare complication, is pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Often, starting supplementation at a low dose and gradually working up to the therapeutic dose can help alleviate this problem.

Fish oil is an excellent supplement for maintaining feline health and treating sick cats. A high-quality product at the proper dose will help protect your cat from the damage of inflammation, and reduce his risk of developing cancer.