Fatty Acids for Cats

We've all heard of fatty acids and how important they are to our pet's (and our own!) health. But what are they really? And what do they do?

In short, fatty acids are carboxylic acids made up of chains of atoms that bond with other molecules to form lipids. These acids contribute to many metabolic processes within the feline body, from reducing inflammation to regulating blood pressure. They are integral down to the very structure of their cells. And they aren't just important for a cat's adult and senior years, they are essential from conception, since they're crucial for proper brain development.

There are numerous types of fatty acids that cats need for optimal health, and some essential fatty acids even help make other fatty acids that cats need!

Read on to learn all the ways these mysterious acids ensure your cat's health, as well as, recommended dosages, and considerations for supplementing with them. 

Fatty acids have a wide array of effects on the feline body, down to the cellular level.

Support brain health

DHA, in particular, is crucial for a kitten's brain development, but it can also prevent or slow age-related cognitive decline.

Essential for eye development

Omega 3's are also necessary for eye development and can help protect against eye changes due to age, like cataracts.

Help with inflammation

Fatty acids are essential for producing lipid-based molecule mediators, which help reduce inflammation.

Blood pressure regulation and heart health

Did you know fatty acids can even help cats with high blood pressure? Yep, they are building blocks for the hormones that constrict and dilate the blood vessels (vasoconstrictors and vasodilators.) In turn, fatty acids can help regulate the heart rate and may even decrease the risk of blood clots and strokes.

Involved with cell structure and function

Fatty acids are crucial for maintaining and healing the skin barrier, that goes for felines and us too!

Some help make other fatty acids

One reason ALA is so important is that it helps cats synthesize DHA and EPA.

There are 2 main types of fatty acids cats need for survival: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Both types are equally important, but what differentiates the two is their chemical structure.

These two types can be broken down into individual fatty acids — the most well-known of these is DHA or docosahexaenoic acid. 

DHA is essential for brain function and is highly involved in eye health in young animals. Though not as well-known, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and ALA are just as crucial as DHA.

Unlike DHA and EPA, the feline body is incapable of producing its own LA and AA, so they are considered essential fatty acids since cats can only get them from their diets.

Here's a list of the essential fatty acids cats need:

• docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• arachidonic acid (AA)
• linoleic acid (LA)

Fatty acids are found in many foods that cats love, like fish. Here are a few healthy food sources of fatty acids for cats:

• Canola oil
• Flaxseed
• Salmon
• Brussel sprouts
• Oysters
• Shrimp
• Soybean oil
• Sardines

Fatty acids play many roles in the feline body; without them, a cat's health may decline. One study of cats denied essential fatty acids showed significant organ damage and skin problems within just 2 and a half years of eating the diet.

Most commercial cat food manufacturers fortify their recipes with fatty acids, so this usually isn't an issue. Still, if cats aren't getting enough fatty acids in their diet, they may begin exhibiting symptoms of a fatty acid deficiency.

Symptoms of a fatty acid deficiency in cats include:

• Dull coat
• Dry skin
• Stunted growth in kittens
• Depressed immune system
• Kerotin deposits on the skin and nose
• Liver damage
• Fatty kidneys
• Dystrophic mineralization of the adrenal glands
• Testes deterioration
• Trouble gaining weight
• Reproductive problems

There are many different types of fatty acid supplements and chews on the market for felines. However, a lot of pet parents prefer to give their fur babies fish oil capsules (which work just as well since fatty acids are mainly derived from fish oil anyway).

One reason pet parents add fatty acid supplements to their cats' diets is to increase coat health and appearance. Other reasons pet parents choose to supplement their pets with fatty acids is due to their anti-inflammatory effects, which may decrease pain and promote joint health.

Kittens and older cats tend to benefit most from the effects of fatty acids — this is because growing kittens need extra DHA for brain development. Likewise, senior cats need additional fatty acids to help them maintain joint health and mobility in their golden years.

Cats with a nutritionally balanced diet probably won't show much progress from fatty acid supplements unless they have a preexisting condition.

Considerations when supplementing with fatty acids

Here are a few things to consider when supplementing with fatty acids:

• Proper storage is essential - Check the supplement packaging carefully for storage instructions and store them accordingly. Fatty acids have a tendency to go rancid and spoil if not kept at the appropriate temperature.

• Toss them when they reach their expiration date - Likewise, fatty acids may go bad if kept after their expiration date, so make sure you check the packaging regularly and toss them when they're past their best-by date.

• They're not recommended for cats with certain conditions - Vets do not recommend fatty acid supplements for felines with fat intolerance or clotting disorders since supplements can exacerbate these conditions.

• Overdose is possible - It is possible to go overboard with fatty acid supplements and cause cats to overdose, though this isn't the only way cats can develop fatty acid poisoning. Contact with certain herbicides can cause fatty acid poisoning, too.

Recommended doses for fatty acids

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO), for every 1,000 calories of food cats receive, the food should have:

• 1.4 grams of linoleic acid (LA)
• 0.05 grams of arachidonic acid (AA)
• 0.05 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• 0.03 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

As far as supplements are concerned, experts suggest cats and small dogs receive 18 milligrams of EPA and 12 milligrams of DHA per pound of body weight. This means a 10-pound cat should receive 180 milligrams of EPA and 120 mg of DHA.

Possible side effects of fatty acid supplements in cats

Most cats do well on the fatty acid supplements as long as they are given at the recommended dosage, but occasionally, cats can experience side effects like:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Oily coat
• Smelly breath

If your cat experiences these symptoms, you should talk to your vet about lowering their dosage.

Overdosing on fatty acids is possible and comes with its own set of symptoms. Thankfully, it isn't a life-threatening condition. Acute fatty acid poisoning typically has mild side effects, like fishy breath and gastrointestinal upset. However, prolonged fatty acid overdose in cats can lead to weight gain, obesity, slowed blood clotting, and a suppressed immune system.

Here's a complete list of symptoms of fatty acid overdose in cats:

• Lipid peroxidation
• Weight gain
• Loose stools
• Slowed blood clotting
• Fishy breath
• Stomach upset
• Problems with blood glucose regulation
• Slow wound healing
• Suppressed immune system
• Vitamin E deficiency

• Fatty acids are carboxylic acids and the building blocks for different lipids.
• Fatty acids are essential through all stages of a cat's life and promote heart health, wound healing, and brain development, and are even integral to the structure of your cat's cells!
• While fatty acids are undoubtedly vital, too much of them can be harmful. So, use caution when supplementing with fatty acids, and make sure you're staying within your pet's daily recommended amount.
• Stomach upset and oily skin can sometimes happen with supplementation, but if your cat starts gaining weight, is having trouble healing from wounds, or seems to be getting sick more frequently, you may want to talk to your vet since these are signs of a fatty acid overdose.