Are pet supplements regulated like human supplements?

Less so. Pet supplements fall under different FDA jurisdiction and don't require the same labeling standards as human supplements. This makes brand reputation and third-party testing (USP, NASC seals) more important than for human supplements.

Can I give my pet human supplements?

Not without vet guidance. Doses are usually different (pet doses are lower), and some human supplements contain ingredients toxic to pets (xylitol in some chewables, garlic, certain herbs). Pet-specific formulations are safer.

How often should my pet see a vet?

Annually for healthy adult pets, twice yearly for seniors (7+ years) and pets with known health conditions. Regular bloodwork catches kidney, liver, and thyroid issues years before symptoms appear.

How to Choose Wellness Products for Your Cats

The pet wellness category includes everything from daily multivitamins to flea/tick treatments to anxiety calming products. Some of it is evidence-backed and meaningful. Some of it is marketing dressed up as health.

This guide separates the products worth your money from the ones that aren't.

Already know what you need? Jump to our ranked picks of the best health for cats or browse the full health catalog.

Which supplements have evidence

The supplements with the strongest evidence behind them for catss: - Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA) — supports coat, skin, joint, and cognitive health. Look for fish oil or algae oil with at least 250mg combined EPA+DHA per dose. - Glucosamine + chondroitin — joint support, particularly for senior or large-breed pets. Clinical dose: 20mg glucosamine per pound of body weight daily. - Probiotics — gut health and digestion. Look for products specifying CFU count (1-5 billion CFU is standard) and multiple strains.

What to skip: - "Multivitamins" if your pet eats a complete-and-balanced commercial diet (they're already getting these nutrients) - Generic "immune support" supplements without specific active ingredients listed

Flea and tick prevention

Effective flea/tick prevention falls into three main categories: - Oral (chewables) — fastest acting, highest efficacy, prescription-only options work best - Topical (spot-on) — applied monthly to the skin, easier for owners who can't pill - Collars — long-duration (8+ months), good for low-effort prevention

For catss in regions with year-round flea pressure or tick-borne disease (Lyme, ehrlichiosis), oral prescription products typically work best. For low-pressure regions, topicals or collars are reasonable.

Don't mix products without vet guidance — some combinations cause toxicity.

Dental care is the most overlooked health investment

By age 3, most pets show some periodontal disease. Untreated, it leads to tooth loss, jaw infections, and systemic effects on heart and kidneys.

Daily brushing with pet-specific toothpaste (never human) is gold standard but unrealistic for many households. Reasonable alternatives: - Dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC seal) - Water additives that reduce plaque - Annual professional dental cleanings under anesthesia

Don't skip annual oral exams. Catching periodontal disease early saves teeth and money.

Calming products: what works, what doesn't

For situational anxiety (fireworks, vet visits, travel): - Pheromone diffusers and sprays (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats) — moderate evidence, low-risk - Calming chews with L-theanine and L-tryptophan — mild but real effect - Compression vests (ThunderShirt and similar) — work for some pets, especially with noise anxiety

For severe or chronic anxiety: - Talk to your vet about prescription options (trazodone, gabapentin, fluoxetine) — these have actual clinical evidence - CBD products are minimally regulated and quality varies enormously; if you try them, choose products with third-party COAs (Certificates of Analysis)

Our ranked picks

See our editor-ranked top health for cats in the dedicated rankings page.