Ideally, all the minerals and vitamins that are useful and necessary for maintaining health should be contained in the food that we treat our four-legged pet. They are contained, but often not in the quantities required by the cat’s body. With a lack of much-needed elements, immunity decreases, fur begins to grow, teeth and bones deteriorate - vitamins for cats This is not a whim, but a necessity.
But even here it is better to stick to the golden mean, since neither vitamin deficiency nor hypervitaminosis is good for the cat. Having decided to treat their cat with vitamin complexes, some owners are at a loss - it turns out that there are a lot of different useful supplements. It's time to figure out what will help your cat stay healthy, and in what cases you need to give your animal vitamins.
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What vitamins do cats need?
It’s worth answering a possible question right away: human vitamins cannot be given to cats. Despite the fact that the same substances are useful for us, the concentration of the elements will be fundamentally different.
Each vitamin has a different function for a cat's health, from benefits for bones to weight gain.
Vitamin K is responsible for good blood clotting, vitamin A supervises vision and helps cells in the renewal process, group B is responsible for the condition of the skin, coat and maintaining the proper level of energy. If there is an acute shortage of these vitamins, the cat will become lethargic and lethargic. Also, these elements are involved in normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and are useful for appetite. A whole series of vitamins has its own important functions for cats.
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All this sounds nice, but the next question may sound like this: “If all the vitamins are so useful, wouldn’t it be easier to give them in bulk?” No, it’s not simpler - thanks to the level of development of medicine and veterinary medicine, we know that not all substances can act equally well on the body, since they become useless next to each other.
How to understand what vitamins an animal lacks
To find out what vitamins your cat needs, you can just take a closer look at it. Unscheduled molting indicates a lack of nutrients in the diet or the presence of helminthic infestation. Having eliminated the latter, all that remains is to provide the pet with vitamin supplements in its diet.
The poor condition of the cat's claws and fur is due to a lack of riboflavin (B2), biotin (H), nicotinic acid (PP), and pantothenic acid (B5).
A lack of any vitamin will definitely affect the behavior, condition and appearance of the cat.
Rules for using cat vitamins for fur
In addition to the varied release form, the complexes have a certain concentration of active substances. Therefore, they should be used based on the instructions or the instructions of a veterinarian who will advise the dose and course of administration. For various diseases that require a therapeutic dose, vitamins should be used strictly as directed. They are usually used during inflammatory processes and infectious diseases.
Vitamins that are recommended for preventive use contain a minimal concentration of beneficial substances. It is determined by daily requirement. Their dosage has no therapeutic effect and is prescribed for the prevention of vitamin deficiencies.
The best vitamins for cats and kittens
Veterinarians have long studied all kinds of vitamin complexes and offer cat lovers several well-established companies to choose from.
You can buy general strengthening vitamins in tablets for your cat, liquid vitamins that will help restore shine to the coat, complexes for nursing cats - so that you don’t need to purchase it, it’s better to opt for products that have proven quality.
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Beaphar
The Dutch company is famous for its vitamin supplements for animals due to its excellent quality control of products represented by various products for cats: multivitamins in both dry and liquid form, food supplements with biotin, taurine, various kinds of healthy pastes and edible pads, injections.
Canina
Unique German products help pets' health in various cases. The world's felinological communities and veterinarians have long recognized the unconditional quality of the product and its obvious benefits for cats. Here you can find tableted multivitamin complexes, and food supplements in the form of globules and gels for hair growth, joint health, and restoration of strength.
Polidex
The British pharmaceutical company offers the Polidex brand. Today, fortified preparations are also produced in the Russian Federation.
All Polydex supplements, in addition to other useful substances, contain taurine, which is much needed by the body - an amino acid that is responsible for the normal development of muscle tissue of the heart, retina and reproductive organs.
Anivital
"Anivital" is a German brand whose products are focused on strengthening the immunity of cats, improving the appearance and health of the fur. Studies have shown that the composition of vitamin complexes helps slow down the development of allergic reactions in cats to various foods and plants.
Gimpet
A brand from Germany called Gimpet belongs to the Gimborn concern. All products are intended for cats. The range includes fish, mineral and yeast supplements with algae and biotin. All substances are suitable for maintaining the health of cats of any breed and any age. There are drugs even in the form of heart-shaped tablets, the taste of which cats really like.
8 in 1
The old company from America has enjoyed the trust of customers for almost a hundred years. The products are developed based on scientific research with the participation of practicing veterinarians and consumer surveys. All vitamins for cats have stood the test of time and are considered an excellent preventive measure for many diseases.
Sanal
Sanal's main focus on beneficial supplements is B vitamins and various minerals and acids. Numerous components help maintain energy in kittens and cats, make their coats shine, and also participate in strengthening bones and teeth. There are no age restrictions for Sanal products: both children and adult cats need vitamins.
What are vitamin complexes for cats?
Vitamins are usually prescribed to cats that eat natural food, since ready-made food is more fortified with vitamins. The release form can be very diverse:
- tablets or capsules are the most common type of such drugs; cats eat them with pleasure due to their pleasant taste;
- gels and powders - their advantage is that they are easy to mix with food;
- drops - they are simply introduced into the mouth;
- injections - usually used in veterinary clinics.
Each pet owner chooses the form of vitamin supplements that his pet accepts best.
Photo gallery: suggested forms of vitamin and mineral supplements for cats
Tablet preparations have tastes that are attractive to animals Multivitamin paste is added to food or given separately as a treat
In what cases does a pet need additional vitamin support:
- during molting;
- during the period of gestation and birth of kittens;
- when conditions of detention change or in stressful situations;
- at the onset of puberty;
- for infectious diseases and during the rehabilitation period;
- Kittens and elderly animals need additional vitamin complexes.
The best vitamins for cats against hair loss
Fur worries furry owners the most. Lost hairs are driving you crazy; it seems that your cat will soon become completely bald. To be proud of the condition of your soul warmer’s coat, you should feed it with vitamins for cats.
The best complexes include B vitamins, various minerals, fatty acids, vitamins H, E. If you rely on reviews from cat lovers, you can make a list of the most effective vitamin supplements. The purpose of such care is to improve the characteristics of the coat, prevent the loss of excess hair and reduce the shedding period.
- 8 in 1 Excel Brewer's Yeast
: tablets for cats based on brewer's yeast and fatty oils. The composition is rich in useful substances, micro- and macroelements, which help well if the cat sheds a lot. For noticeable improvement, a course of 15-30 days is usually sufficient;
- Gimpet Beauty-Kiss
: kissing granules contain taurine, brewer's yeast, zinc and a good vitamin composition. The drug significantly affects the quality of the coat: it stops shedding too much, its pigmentation and shine improve, and the skin looks healthy. The additive can be purchased at a price of about 170-180 rubles per package;
- Doctor Zoo “Skin and Coat Health” with biotin and taurine: a domestic vitamin complex in the form of tasty tablets can be given against hair loss , but they are not suitable for neutered cats;
- One of the well-proven vitamins for wool is FeliDerm (from AniVital). The course of the drug is designed for 4-6 weeks. The result of the action of the nutritional supplement is expressed not only in the good quality of the coat: irritation and itching from the skin are relieved, the consequences of allergic reactions disappear;
- Farmavit Active for cats “Beauty and Health of Coat” promotes not only the active growth of shiny and healthy fur, but also eliminates brittleness and dryness of hair, restoring its bright color. A low price for a product with a balanced content of nutrients and fruit enzymes makes the product accessible to everyone.
The best vitamins for improving the fur coat and skin condition, according to reviews from veterinarians, are based on the content of calcium, sulfur, biotin, zinc and vitamins B, H, A. If the cat is already of advanced age, it is better to opt for products containing brewer’s yeast.
Veterinarian advice
The opinions of experts boil down to the fact that animal hair often falls out regardless of the time of year and molting period. For them, this is a reason to prescribe treatment. Reviews from veterinarians about vitamins for cat fur speak in favor of the drugs.
To prevent hair loss in cats, veterinary specialists recommend:
- Regularly brush your pet’s fur with special brushes;
- use shampoos with the right pH to bathe your cat;
- adhere to the correct feeding regimen for your pet;
- add vitamins and microelements to the diet;
- do not feed your pet from the common table;
- clean the cat's litter box in a timely manner;
- Vaccinate the animal in due time.
You should only bathe your cat if it is heavily soiled and cannot be removed on its own.
Vitamins for wool removal
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For trouble-free hair removal, there are good vitamins for cats:
- Beaphar Malt Paste;
- Hairball Soft Chews for Cats;
- Gimpet Malt-Soft Paste Extra.
How to balance your diet?
You won't invent anything new. If your cat eats commercial food, consider switching to a product from a different manufacturer or a higher grade. When keeping a natural diet, the cat must be fed correctly.
The diet is based on meat and offal. Please note that the cat should consume up to 80% protein food per day , that is, meat, dairy or fermented milk products. If the cat has no problems with weight gain, it is better to exclude porridge from the diet. Fish should be considered as a delicacy, that is, little by little, rarely, and only noble varieties. In addition to proteins and fats, the cat needs hard fibers, and these are vegetables and herbs. Naturally, vegetables need to be chopped and mixed with meat or dairy products. Cats most often eat greens and grass themselves.
Note! If you are on a natural diet, be sure to take vitamin courses at least 2 times a year.
Vitamins for immunity
General strengthening complexes are great for boosting immunity, but additional components of specially developed vitamin products will help increase the cat’s body’s resistance to many diseases.
Good preparations are made on the basis of antioxidants, essential amino acids, adaptogens and a variety of micro- and macroelements.
Before offering such remedies to your cat on the advice of a veterinarian, it is important to make sure that the animal does not have parasites:
- Gimpet Topinis;
- VetoMune VetExpert;
- Anivital Feli Immun;
- Canina Petvital Energy-Gel or Petvital Bio-Activator.
Furminator for hair care
To help your cat renew its coat faster and get rid of tangles, it is best to use a special device. The Furminator is perfect for long-haired cats. Initially, the word was the name of the trademark of one American company, which developed the device. Now this is the name given to all manual “combers” that combine the functions of a slicker, comb and trimmer.
A cat's fur is not like human hair. Several hairs grow from one follicle at once: central; 2–3 additional, undercoat and down. In order for the animal to look beautiful and neat, the old fur must be removed. Otherwise, your cat will shed all year round.
Regular combs are not able to process the undercoat; special combs damage the top layer of skin. The Furminator for long-haired cats does not have all these disadvantages. Outwardly, it is similar to a razor, but instead of a traditional blade, it has a special metal comb with sharpened teeth. With its help it is very easy to process the undercoat and remove dead hairs. Living hairs remain intact.
For bones and teeth
A good drug that will help strengthen the cat’s skeletal system must contain calcium and other minerals. In the absence of the necessary set of elements, the pet suffers from tartar, loose teeth, and rickets.
The drugs that help bones and teeth are on the list have not only passed veterinary tests, but also received many good reviews from cat owners:
- BEAPHAR Irish Cal Blend;
- Vitomax For teeth and bones of cats with calcium and phosphorus;
- Polidex Gelabon Plus.
Types of vitamin complexes
Vitamin preparations have been developed that have a specific preventive or therapeutic purpose. They may have different compositions and concentrations of active ingredients, and also differ in auxiliary additives. When purchasing them, it is necessary to take into account that it is advisable to use products with therapeutic purposes on the recommendation of a doctor. If you purchase vitamins for prevention, be sure to carefully follow the instructions and take into account the weight of the animal so as not to provoke hypervitaminosis.
The following vitamin complexes are available on the market:
- General strengthening complexes: they contain basic vitamins (A, D, groups B, E), microelements (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iodine, manganese, possibly selenium) and biological additives (taurine, biotin, levocarnitine).
- To boost immunity, general strengthening complexes can also be used in this capacity, but it is desirable that they also include antioxidants, amino acids, and nucleotides necessary to boost immunity.
- To improve the condition of coat and skin. This complex is used during shedding, after dermatitis or fungal diseases, and long-haired cat breeds also need it. It includes B vitamins, biotin, taurine and Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- To strengthen bones and teeth: it has a high content of calcium and phosphorus - a necessary building material for bone tissue. Pregnant females and kittens, as well as animals older than seven years, need increased consumption of these substances.
- For the prevention of joint diseases. In addition to essential vitamins and minerals, such preparations contain collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It is recommended to be used not only for the treatment of joint diseases, but also as a prophylactic agent, especially for cats of massive breeds, during the period of rapid growth of bone tissue, for fractures and for elderly animals.
- For cats during pregnancy and lactation. During this period, females especially need vitamin E, folic acid and calcium.
- For kittens. During the period of growth, the foundation of a pet’s health is formed and its body needs an increased content of vitamins and minerals, especially since for a baby the time of growing up is associated with many stressful situations: weaning from mother’s milk, changing owners, vaccinations. When developing these vitamin complexes, different age periods are taken into account.
- For older cats. Cats at this age need the entire complex of vitamins: A, B, D, E and ascorbic acid, the production of which is not fully provided by the body. It also requires the presence of taurine, glucosamine and chondroitin, which affect the functioning of joints, heart and other internal organs.
Vitamins for older cats
In old cats, metabolic processes slow down, the immune system no longer works as actively as at a young age, the coat is often faded and brittle, and the energy supply is very limited. Manufacturers did not ignore the problem and respected the venerable age of cats by releasing products for pets aged 8 years and older.
And the list of the best included three domestic drugs and one foreign:
- Polidex Gelabon Plus;
- Astrapharm;
- Radostin (from Agrovetzaschita);
- Farmavit Neo (8+).
How to treat hair loss?
If hair loss is associated with allergies, the following measures will help:
- identify the allergen, exclude salty and fatty foods from the diet;
- adhere to a special balanced diet recommended by your doctor;
- if you were given dry cat food, it is better to use a medicinal product for wool, recommended for animals prone to dermatitis;
- add special vitamins for wool to food;
- Give antiallergic drugs prescribed by your doctor.
If the dermatitis is of a flea nature, then first you need to get rid of the “neighbors”. Special preparations will help: shampoos, drops, collars or spray.
Self-treating shingles can be problematic. It is important to contact a competent specialist as quickly as possible. You will also have to:
- clean all carpets, bedspreads and furniture in the house with a disinfectant;
- wash and iron all clothes;
- disinfect the premises;
- Throw away, or better yet, burn all bedding, rugs and the animal’s house.
For joints and ligaments
Cats are living beings just like people, and they suffer from musculoskeletal diseases in the same way. For healthy joints and ligaments, chondroitin complexes with glucosamine are needed: such substances will help restore damaged intra-articular cartilage and joint capsules. By taking such medications, the cat will recover faster from injury, and in older cats the demineralization of bone tissue will slow down:
- Polidex Gelabon plus Glucosamine;
- Canina Petvital Arthro-tabletten
- Canvit Chondro.
Famous brands for the production of vitamins
The modern market offers a large selection of both foreign and domestic products.
Table: a brief overview of the most popular Dutch products)
| Name. | What substances does it contain? | Purpose. | What animals is it intended for? | Dosage. | Price. |
| General strengthening complex Top 10 (shrimp flavor). | Contains the daily requirement of vitamins (A, D3, E, B), and also includes:
| Strengthens the immune system, normalizes vision, reduces the likelihood of skin irritation and disease, makes the coat shiny and well-groomed. | Can be given to kittens and adult cats, including during pregnancy. |
| Pack of 180 tablets - from 730 rub. |
| Malt Paste. | It contains:
| Removing hair from the cat’s body, improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. | During shedding, for long-haired breeds it is recommended constantly. | Once a day, three centimeters of paste is squeezed out of the tube and mixed with food; during the molting period, the norm can be increased by one and a half times. | Depending on the tube size:
|
| Duo Aktive Pasta (two pastes in one tube). | The yellow paste contains vitamins, minerals, Omega-6, taurine. Brown includes the BIO-MOS additive for the formation of healthy intestinal microflora. | Removing toxins, improving intestinal microflora. | It is recommended to use after a course of treatment with antibiotics and deworming. | Three centimeters of paste daily (in severe cases, the norm doubles) | About 570r. |
| Drucal (powder). | He contains:
| Designed to strengthen the musculoskeletal system. | Recommended for weakened animals, as well as those prone to joint diseases. | One scoop (three grams) daily. With severely weakened muscles, you can double it. Mixes with liquid food, kefir. | Packaging 280 grams - from 680 rub. |
| Renaletten. | Minerals (including calcium, phosphorus and levocarnitine), dairy and meat products, eggs. | Normalizes kidney function. | Recommended for elderly animals or those with kidney disease. | From three to six tablets daily, with exacerbation of diseases up to four tablets per kilogram of weight. | From 355 rub. |
| Laveta Super. | Vitamins B, E, H, minerals, taurine, lactic acid. | Improves coat quality, promotes shedding, prevents itching and dandruff. | Used for skin diseases, during molting and for prevention. | Number of drops depending on the weight of the animal:
The course is one month; if the animal is in poor condition, the norm can be tripled in the first week. | Packaging for 50 ml from 620 rub. |
| Kitty's junior. | Milk, meat, sugar, minerals, biotin and B vitamins. | Normalizes metabolism in kittens, improves coat condition, strengthens claws. | Designed for complementary feeding of babies from six weeks of age. | Two to five tablets daily. | Pack of 75 tablets - from 380 rub. |
| Kitty's + Taurine-Biotin. | Contains:
| Helps maintain the health of your pet. | Vitaminized treat. | No more than four tablets per kilogram of weight daily. | Pack of 75 tablets - from 280 rub. |
Photo gallery: Beaphar vitamin products
Packaging Beaphar Top 10
Beaphar Drucal packaging
Beaphar Renaletten packaging
Pack of Beaphar Kitty's + Taurin-Biotin
When consuming Beofar vitamin complexes, clean water should always be freely available to your pet.
In addition to the listed vitamin products, the Beaphar company also produces other feed additives for pets.
Table: brief overview of Russian multivitamin products (St. Petersburg)
| Name. | Compound. | Purpose. | How to use. |
| “HEALTH AND BEAUTY” with L-carnitine and taurine. | It includes:
| Increases immunity, improves the functioning of all internal organs, stabilizes cholesterol levels | Five tablets a day; for lactating and pregnant cats, the dose can be increased by one and a half times. |
| "HEALTHY KITTEN" with calcium. | This drug includes:
| Aimed at ensuring the healthy development of a growing animal and improves immunity. | Six to twenty tablets per day. |
| “HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT” with biotin and taurine. | Contains:
| Improves the condition of the skin and coat. | Five to six tablets a day. |
| With different flavors (smoked meat, liver, beef, ham, salmon) and biotin. | Ingredients:
| Provides daily consumption of biologically active substances necessary for a healthy body. | Five to six tablets a day. |
The cost of all types of vitamins (pack of ninety tablets) ranges from 74 rubles. up to 82r.
Packages of Doctor ZOO vitamins of all types are designed identically, differing only in color and the image of a cat
Table: vitamin complexes of the German company Bevital Petfood
| Type of complex. | Compound. | For whom is it recommended? | Dosage. | Price. |
| Anivital CaniAgil is a vitamin supplement for normalizing the functioning of tissues, joints and cartilage in dogs and cats. |
|
| Half a tablet per five kilograms of weight. | Packaging cost:
|
| Anivital FeliDerm - improves the condition of the skin and coat of cats. |
| Used to improve the condition of the skin and coat when the following health problems occur:
| Three to four tablets per day per five kilograms of cat weight. | Packing:
|
| Anivital FeliImmun - to support and stimulate the immune system of cats. |
| Recommended for the following categories of pets:
| Three to four tablets per day per five kilograms of cat weight for one and a half months. Can be given to kittens from five weeks. | Packing:
|
| Anivital Felifiber - for animals that have undergone sterilization. |
| Recommended for pets with the following health problems:
| If you are overweight, take up to twelve tablets daily, but not more than ten percent of the total food. For digestive problems, the dosage is half as much. | Packing:
|
All Anivital vitamins have similar packaging and differ only in name
Table: a short list of vitamin supplements from the German company Canina
| Name and purpose of the vitamin supplement. | Dosage. | |
| Taurine powder for cats. | For young animals, cats during pregnancy or lactation, one teaspoon per day. For adult cats, as a preventive measure, half a teaspoon. | 100g - 845 rub. |
| Canivita emulsion enriched with vitamins. Recommended for heavy physical activity and pregnancy. | About half a teaspoon. | |
| Cat mineral tablets with a high content of calcium and phosphorus. Ensures normal formation of skeletal tissue and teeth. | Five to eight tablets daily depending on the weight of the animal. |
|
| Cat-Vitamin tablet complex containing essential vitamins and minerals. Improves metabolism, enhances immunity. | Three to five tablets per day. |
|
| Barfer's Best for Cats feed supplement, which contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy life for a cat. Designed for animals on natural feeding. | One teaspoon per day. | 180gr. — 1100 rub. |
| Petvital Bio-aktivator drops to normalize metabolism; the drug contains a large amount of iron and zinc. | Add twenty drops to food for a month. Then a break for two weeks. | 20ml - 1350 rub. |
| Vitamin gel Petvital Energy Gel for quick recovery after surgery or serious illness, and is also recommended during preparation for exhibitions. | Half a teaspoon per day, in difficult situations the norm is tripled. | 100ml. — 890 rub. — |
| Medizinal-Dorschlebertran cod liver oil, Contains vitamins A and D3. | For adult cats - half a teaspoon per day. |
|
| Marine-Ölmischung Premium Marine Animal Oil Blend contains not only vitamins A and D3, but also the antioxidant vitamin E. | Half a teaspoon daily. |
|
| Cat Felltop-Gel, containing biotin and zinc, is designed to improve the condition of the coat and skin. | One to two teaspoons daily for two months. | 90ml - 1200 rub. |
| Seealgen tablets increase pigmentation of the skin and coat, and also have antitoxic and antibacterial properties. | Up to three tablets per day. | Packaging 230 tablets - 840 rub. |
| Petvital Derm Liquid drops are designed to eliminate the lack of fatty acids in the animal’s body. | One drop per kilogram of weight. |
|
| Petvital Catlax-Gel is designed to remove hair from the pet’s gastrointestinal tract and normalize digestion. | Every other day, add one teaspoon to the food. | 100g - 875 rub. |
| Herz-Vital drops for animals with heart problems contain levocarnitine and hawthorn. | For six months, up to three milliliters per day. |
|
| Mother's milk replacer Katzenmilch in the form of dry powder, diluted with warm boiled water. Used for complementary feeding or complete replacement of milk for both newborn kittens and older ones. | The instructions for use provide feeding recommendations depending on the age of the kitten. |
|
| Petvital Arthro-tabletten tablet complex for improving the functioning of joints and ligaments, stimulating bone growth. | One tablet per five kilograms of weight, daily, divided into two feedings. The course of treatment lasts one month and is repeated after six months. |
|
All company products have the Canina logo
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Vitamins for pregnant and lactating cats
During pregnancy and lactation, the cat is vulnerable to diseases and other negative factors. In addition, vitamins for a nursing cat are necessary not only for herself, but also for growing kittens. The younger generation will develop as expected if mother's milk contains all the important substances for their growth.
It is useful for the expectant mother to give vitamins with calcium:
- Nutrimin Cat;
- Canivita;
- Radostin (for pregnant and lactating cats).
Hair loss
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Menopause
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20796 05 August
IMPORTANT!
The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Hair loss: causes of occurrence, what diseases it occurs with, diagnosis and treatment methods.
Definition
Normally, a person loses approximately 100 hairs every day; an increase in this number may indicate pathological processes in the body. The patient notices that a large amount of hair remains on the comb, on bed linen, towels, in the bathroom drain and on household items.
About 0.1% of the entire population of the planet has experienced increased hair loss at least once.
Hair density varies from person to person and in different areas of the body. It depends on age, gender, race, etc. The total number of hairs on the head of blondes is 140 thousand, for brown-haired people - 109 thousand, for brunettes - 102 thousand, for redheads - 88 thousand.
All hair does not grow at the same time, but goes through 3 main growth phases: anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is the phase of active hair growth - its duration ranges from 2 to 5 years. During the day, hair lengthens by an average of 0.1–0.4 mm, and women's hair grows faster than men's. During the catagen phase, growth slows down and lasts from 4 to 6 weeks. During the telogen phase, hair growth stops, its life cycle ends and it falls out. This period lasts 2–3 months and during this time conditions are created for the start of a new anagen phase.
Types of hair loss
Androgenetic, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss, affecting up to 80% of men and 50% of women.
Diffuse alopecia is more common in women.
Psychosomatic or nervous alopecia.
Alopecia areata, which is currently considered an autoimmune process.
Cicatricial or infectious alopecia.
Age-related alopecia.
Seasonal alopecia.
Possible causes of hair loss
Pathology of hair growth (partial loss, total baldness, hirsutism, hypertrichosis) occurs due to disturbances in the hair cycle. The most common cases of hair loss are the premature end of the anagen phase and the early start of the catagen phase.
During puberty, when hormonal changes occur in the body, there is increased sebum production and excessive hair loss. Upon completion of puberty, most people experience normal processes.
The capillaries of the papilla in males who are genetically predisposed to baldness have increased sensitivity to male sex hormones. With an increase in androgen content during puberty, persistent spasm of the blood vessels in the scalp papillae occurs and, as a result, hair loss. On the contrary, on other parts of the body, including the face, such men experience abundant hair growth, which is also explained by the action of androgens.
Despite the increased secretion of estrogen during pregnancy, many women complain of excess hair loss, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. This is due to the fact that at this time almost all the nutrients entering the woman’s body are spent on fetal growth. Postpartum hair loss is caused by an increase in the amount of hair in the telogen phase.
Typically, a woman's hair growth cycles resume 4-6 months after giving birth.
Increased hair loss can be caused by stress. In patients with disturbances in periods of sleep and wakefulness, memory loss, and obsessive states, various changes in the biopotentials of the brain are observed, which can lead to disruption of the trophism of the hair follicle.
Exogenous factors (insolation, dry air, use of a hot hair dryer, aggressive shampoos, dyes) have a negative impact on the condition of the hair. This occurs due to disruption of the “tile-like” arrangement of hair scales, leading to splitting of the hair shaft and increased fragility.
Taking certain medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, thyreostatics, antidepressants, cytostatics, beta-blockers, alpha interferon drugs, anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian, anthelmintic, antiherpetic, antiviral, antibacterial drugs, neuroleptics, oral contraceptives, etc.) can also lead to increased hair loss.
80% of cancer patients taking cytotoxic drugs experience hair loss within 10 days of starting treatment.
Infectious, autoimmune, systemic diseases, endocrine pathologies also affect excessive hair loss.
As a person ages, hair growth on the scalp may be stable, but the anagen phase tends to decrease. Hair becomes thinner and brittle. Hair loss is more common in women over 50 years of age and is diffuse in nature.
Diseases leading to excessive hair loss
- Diseases of the thyroid gland, hypothalamic-pituitary system, ovaries, adrenal glands, etc.
- Autoimmune diseases (nodular goiter, idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
- Dermatological diseases (seborrhea, psoriasis, eczema, etc.).
- Diseases of internal organs and systems (gastritis, colitis, kidney and liver diseases).
- Vitamin deficiencies.
- Chronic infections (tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis).
- Cytomegalovirus infection.
- Syphilis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Immunodeficiency states.
Which doctors should you contact if you have excessive hair loss?
If you have excessive hair loss, you should consult a dermatologist or trichologist. In the future, a consultation with a phthisiatrician or rheumatologist may be recommended.
Diagnosis and examinations for excessive hair loss
To find out the cause of hair loss, the doctor may prescribe a set of laboratory and instrumental examination methods:
- clinical blood test with determination of hemoglobin concentration, number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, hematocrit and erythrocyte indices (MCV, RDW, MCH, MCHC), leukoformula and ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes);
Vitamins for kittens
The body of a growing kitten constantly needs a large number of building elements. Complex vitamins will fully provide the baby with important resources for growth, during the change of teeth, molting, during the transition to natural nutrition after breast milk, and during stress associated with moving to a new place of residence.
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Before treating your young cat with vitamins, you need to find out how to give them correctly from a veterinarian:
- Beafar KITTY'S Protein and Junior;
- Doctor ZOO for kittens;
- Hartz Everyday Chewable Vitamins with Taurine;
- Gimpet Babytabs.
The baby is constantly growing and developing, so it is important to maintain a balance of all the necessary elements: vitamin-containing preparations must contain calcium and magnesium, which are often lacking in a young mustache up to a year old.
Should I give vitamins to my kitten?
In the first 2-3 months, the kitten receives all its valuable nutrition from its mother. If she eats high-quality premium food, then veterinarians believe that there is no need for additional beneficial supplements - diligence here will backfire and the babies will develop hypervitaminosis .
Fluffies whose mother did not receive enough vitamins have a hard time: they may begin to lag behind in development, and the lack of important elements will immediately affect their energy and appearance, even of a month-old cat.
At what age can you give vitamins to a kitten?
A weak baby can be given vitamins in the form of drops from the first days of life - strictly on the recommendation of a specialist. For healthy “bundles of happiness,” vitamin complementary foods are introduced starting from the moment of weaning and the transition to a new diet at approximately 1-1.5 months. If at 2 months kittens are fed the milk of a cat that is fed fully, then you can hold off on adding useful supplements.
At 3 months, the baby has already switched to a separate diet and needs supplements according to the dose of the drug, calculated in accordance with the instructions on the package.
For the vision of small kittens, it is important to receive vitamin complexes with taurine. B vitamins are very useful - this is a gift for a kitten's fluffy fur, and B12 is needed for the formation of a stable nervous system.
Regular shedding
Vitamins for dogs for hair loss
A cat's coat consists of two layers: a longer ground hair and a short undercoat located next to the skin.
In winter, the undercoat of cats living in the wild thickens, adapting to weather conditions; in the spring, however, cats lose the hair that allowed them to survive frosts.
The situation is somewhat different in the case of cats that spend their entire lives indoors. Fully domesticated animals lose hair, as a rule, all year round, less intensely, more evenly over time. This is due to artificial lighting and heating, that is, those factors that animals do not experience in the yard.
Vitamins for spayed and neutered cats
Uroliths often form in the urine of sterilized cats and neutered cats, which over time can provoke the appearance of urolithiasis. To optimize the functioning of the urinary tract, good vitamins for spayed cats and neutered cats contain glucose, lecithin, L-carnitine, vitamins B3 and B12.
Vitamin complexes do not allow the animal’s weight to increase, so veterinarians advise adding them to cats’ food. Based on expert reviews, a list of the best vitamins with mandatory markings for sterilized (neutered) cats has been compiled:
- VEDA Phytomines;
- Radostin
- Farmavit NEO;
- Cemax.
For kittens
Antivital CaniAgil
pros
- support joints during growth
- strengthen the musculoskeletal system
- made in Germany
- a lot of pills in a jar
- suitable for older cats
Minuses
- high price
From 1,647 ₽
They top the rating of vitamins for kittens. Part of the tablet is enough for 1 dose, a large jar (from 60 to 225 pieces). High percentage of absorption, contain OMEGA-3. It is not recommended to take it without a veterinarian's prescription; it is a medicinal product. Suitable for weak kittens, older animals and puppies.
Farmavit Neo Vitamin and mineral complex Growth energy for kittens
pros
- help with malnutrition
- improve the condition of the coat
- invigorate, strengthen the immune system
- attractive smell
- promotes proper bone formation
- recover from illness, stress
Minuses
- The instructions contain the wrong dosage for kittens
From 128 ₽
High-quality composition, have a faint aroma, attractive to cats. According to reviews, the instructions for kittens indicate the dosage - 1 tablet, this is incorrect, it can cause allergies. For the smallest, ¼ is enough (veterinarian recommendation). Suitable for animals after illness and stress, they help improve digestion and replenish the lack of nutrients.
Agrovet protection “Radostin” for cats up to 8 years old
pros
- rich composition
- promotes coat renewal
- the smell doesn't stick
- wounds heal faster
- improve metabolism
Minuses
- smell like fish
- large tablet
From 172 ₽
Most animals like the taste; the smell does not last long. The tablets are large but soft and can be mixed with food. The coat becomes thicker, falls out less, and shine appears. Suitable for kittens after illnesses and for prevention, they support the immune system and give strength.
Phytomines for cats Veda
The consonant name appeared as a hint at the composition of the drugs: the line contains medicinal herbs with optimal concentration for each task. Phytomins Veda are completely natural, but a lasting effect occurs only as a result of taking a long course. The line of drugs includes products that solve urological problems, improve the condition of the coat, for sterilized and neutered cats, and a product that helps with allergies.
Multivitamins for cats
These drugs contain 2-5 vitamins and/or minerals in one tablet or capsule. They are selected taking into account compatibility and digestibility. Among the 5 applicants, two participants, described below, deserve special attention.
Polidex Multivitum
The complex is relevant both when feeding with artificial feed and with natural food. The tablet form is convenient to take - they can be crushed and added to food or given by hand. Thanks to adequate smell and taste, the animal reacts normally.
To improve health, adult cats are given 1 tablet. per 1 kg of body weight one to three times a day. It is best to conduct courses in spring and autumn, during a period of decreased immunity. A short break between them is allowed - 1-2 months. As a result of long-term use, no side effects occur.
Polidex Multivitum is useful as a general tonic for aging and older cats. The tablets strengthen the immune system and prevent hypovitaminosis. For this purpose, vitamins A, E, C, B1, B6, B12, D were introduced into the composition in high concentrations.
Advantages:
- There are 200 tablets in a package;
- Contains minerals - iron, manganese, calcium, iodine;
- They go well with both ready-made and homemade food;
- Low likelihood of side effects;
- They do not have artificial colors or flavors.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
As they say in the reviews, if you have whims while eating, adding vitamins helps restore a healthy appetite.
Omega Neo with taurine and L-carnitine
A budget option aimed at kittens and cats. The benefits of the tablets are to increase visual acuity, strengthen teeth and bones, and form strong muscle mass. It also supports the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Omega Neo is considered as a permanent supplement to natural or artificial nutrition. It can be given to pets throughout the year, 3-6 pieces. adults and 1-4 pcs. - kittens. The likelihood of an overdose is reduced to zero. The drug is combined with all complexes and feeds. Vitamins for cats also help against hair loss.
Omega Neo consists of brewer's yeast and milk powder. In order for cats to take the tablets with appetite, a flavoring additive has been introduced into the composition. Omega-3 fatty acids are used to take care of the heart. The formula also contains taurine, which normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, strengthens blood vessels and breaks down fats.
Advantages:
- Reduce the likelihood of obesity;
- Help in developing healthy habits;
- Cheapness;
- No adverse reactions;
- Wide spectrum of action.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Reviews demonstrate that the drug is suitable for both purebred and ordinary cats.
Useful tips and tricks
Before choosing vitamins for a cat in a beautiful jar, they analyze the pet’s nutrition, age and physical indicators. If your pet has some kind of disease, or the animal lives with a diseased liver, then before starting a course of supplements, consult a veterinarian; he will probably recommend a highly specialized vitamin product.
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Focusing on the preferences of your own animal, you can choose the taste of the product and its structure in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid vitamins, injections, suspensions, mixtures.
Nutrition
Every cat's diet should be well balanced. This refers to a diet that provides all the essential nutrients. The diet must be selected individually. When choosing food, pay attention to the breed, age and physical activity of your pet. A diet for pregnant or lactating women should be high-calorie and nutritious.
Cats are carnivores by nature, so their diet should consist mainly of meat with small vegetable and fruit supplements. The cat should not consume grains, which are often used as fillers in cheap pet foods. Their digestive system is sensitive - improper feeding will cause illness or even death.
Ingredients of a proper diet:
- Protein (meat, fish, carnitine and collagen).
- Fats (saturated and unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6).
- Macro- and microelements (calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, sodium, selenium, manganese, copper).
- Vitamins (A, H, E, F, C, K and groups B and D).
- Carbohydrates (starch, cellulose, fructoligosaccharides and others).
- Antioxidants, glucosamine, beta-carotene.
- Water.
Currently, there is a large selection of ready-made cat food. Feeding your pet “from the table” is highly discouraged.
Mom with child
You should purchase from companies that guarantee the use of only natural, complete supplements, the ingredients of which are subject to strict quality control.
There are many types of food, in particular by age:
- kitten food,
- food for adults,
- food for older cats.
