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kitten who recieves fish oil supplement
kitten who recieves fish oil supplement

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The Health Benefits of Fish Oil in Kitten Food

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Is anything cuter than an adorable kitten with a gorgeous, healthy coat? We don’t think so. That’s why we include fish oil in IAMS™ dry kitten food to help promote healthy skin and a healthy coat for your furry bundle of joy.

Let’s dive deeper into fish oil and meal, what it does, how it can help your kitten and why it’s an important component in all IAMS™ dry kitten foods.

illustration of a cat lunging afer a fish

Let’s dive deeper into fish oil and meal, what it does, how it can help your kitten and why it’s an important component in all IAMS™ dry kitten foods.

 

What Is Fish Oil?

You guessed it: Fish oil is fat or oil extracted from fish. Fish meal, which is used in IAMS™ dry kitten foods, is a good source of natural fish oil — which is a high-quality source of omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Now, time for a science lesson! Fatty acids, a smaller component of fat, are critical for many kitten body functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fatty acid with important nutritional value for kittens. Fish oil from deep, cold-water fish contains omega-3 fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

fish oil chemical compound structure

When a kitten eats food with fatty acids, the fatty acids are incorporated into their tissues, including the skin. (Turns out you really are what you eat!) Omega-3 fatty acids produce substances that promote healthy skin conditions, especially when balanced with omega-6 fatty acids (found in common kitten food ingredients such as chicken fat and corn oil). 

 

How Is Fish Oil Good for Cats and Kittens?

So what does all this mean for your kitten? Feeding a complete and balanced diet with a balanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is proven to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat in cats1. Studies reveal that when fed fish oil, cats show:

  • A more uniform coat
  • Increased shine
  • A softer coat

paw licking good

DHA from fish oil has also been shown to promote healthy brain and vision development in kittens — important for all the hours of play and nighttime zoomies your kitten will experience in their lifetime.

 

All IAMS™ dry kitten foods, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Mother And Kitten, are formulated with fish oil and an optimal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Proper nutrition as a kitten can help support your kitten’s soft and shiny coat now — and for all the years to come.

 

1 Data on file, The IAMS™ Company, 2000.

 

 

  • The Many Perks of Being a Cat Person
    The Many Perks of Being a Cat Person
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    The Many Perks of Being a Cat Person

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    What is it about owning a cat that just makes life better? After all, cat ownership isn’t all snuggles and purrs — it can be a big responsibility. They eat every day. (Who would’ve guessed?) They need routine health care, just like their owner. Some cats are serious fur factories, and some will hack up hairballs the size of a kitten. Despite all of the duties and challenges, owning a cat improves our lives. Let’s dive into how cats help humans.

    The Many Perks of Being a Cat Person

    The Myth of the Sour Puss

    You’ve probably heard that cats are aloof, but that’s not always the case. They can be affectionate, playful and highly attached to their owners, much like a dog. It’s just that cats are at a disadvantage versus dogs because they don’t have the facial physiology that lets their canine counterparts “smile” all the time. 

     

    So, don’t be fooled — cats are not only happy; they’re also immensely talented at bringing joy to their humans. In the market for crazy antics one minute, soft cuddles the next? Cats are a low-risk, high-yield investment in complex personalities.

    The Myth of the Sour Puss

    The Good Feeling of Doing Good

    With any cat adoption, you are literally saving that animal’s life. Plus, you’re supporting the organization you adopt from, which in turn allows them to help more animals in need, so you’re basically a hero. And all these good feelings happen before you even bring your new kitty home!

    The Good Feeling of Doing Good

    Scratching that Itch for Cat Companionship

    Who couldn’t use another friend? Especially one that’s a furry, adorable biscuit factory. Research shows that having a cat can reduce stress and increase confidence, and it’s hard to beat quality time with a cat for anxiety relief. Journalist Jane Pauley once said, “You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense.”

    Scratching that Itch for Cat Companionship

    The Pitter-patter of Tiny Feet and Tinier Paws

    Adopting a cat can be a great move for children, too. There’s no better way to nurture values such as responsibility and empathy than with a frolicky, purr-motored pal. A survey of parents found that children who had bonded with a feline friend enjoyed a higher quality of life. (They wanted to survey the cats too, but there was a sunny spot on the carpet that needed to be napped in, so …)

     

    Cats are amazing. They entertain us by defying gravity and contorting themselves into spine-twisting postures. An inquisitive meow or a nudge with their head can totally banish a bad mood. They are the perfect companion to all. If you’re thinking about adding a cute, fluffy, serotonin-boosting kitty cat, this is your sign: Do it!