Now At Scottsdale Cat Clinic - Nutraceuticals for Your Cat

Nutraceuticals are foods or food nutrients that are taken orally to provide a health benefit, either for the prevention or the treatment of disease.  Multi-vitamins are an example of nutraceuticals.  They are not as closely regulated as medications so extra caution needs to be taken to be sure you are buying them from a reputable manufacturer.  Because cats can react differently than we do to herbal and vitamin supplements, it is especially important to give them ingredients and dosages that are safe for cats.

Here at Scottsdale Cat Clinic, we have always carried a few nutraceutical formulas manufactured by RxVitamins for Pets.  This company only sells their products through veterinarian offices so we know that each batch has gone through proper quality control.  After learning more about their products and how they can help enhance your cat's health, we have expanded our selection.  


Most of the formulas are hypoallergenic.  This is even true of the formulas that are listed as having specific flavors such as salmon or beef.  All of the proteins that cause allergic reactions have been removed.  Although RxVitamins for Pets has never heard of an allergic reaction from their formulas, if your cat has an extreme allergy to food proteins, caution should be taken.

Below is a listing of the formulas we carry.

• Amino B-Plex Liquid: This formula provides B complex vitamins, aqueous liver fractions and essential amino acids in a highly palatable, easily administrated formula.  It is particularly beneficial for cats who have chronic illness and need enhanced support for vitality.
• Amino B+K Liquid: Similar to the B-Plex formula, this liquid also includes potassium to help cats who have been diagnosed with low potassium.
• NutriFlex Chewtabs: These chewable tablets are a great option to help increase mobility for your cat.  This formula contains chondoprotective agents to help maintain and repair articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments; antioxidants; and glucosamine and other nutrients that are found naturally in joints and connective tissue.
• Hepato Support Capsules: These capsules are designed to help support normal liver function and help the liver recover from disease.
• Liquid Immuno: This formula combines L-lysine with plant based nutrients to promote optimal immune system function.  It has been shown as highly therapeutic for patients with chronic and acute immune system challenges.  The highly palatable, liquid formula makes administration easier.
• Liquid NutriCalm: This salmon-flavored formula is designed for cats exhibiting nervousness or anxiety.  It contains L-tryptophan, an essential amino-acid that the brain converts to seratonin; L-Theanine; valerian root; and ashanganda also help to naturally soothe and relax.
• Nutrigest Powder: This formula contains phytochemicals and essential nutrients that help restore and maintain normal function in the gastrointestinal tract.  It also contains a prebiotic nutrient to help nourish and fortify friendly intestinal bacteria.
• Nutritional Support Powder: This nutrient dense liver/salmon powder is a great overall wellness supplement that helps to support a healthy digestive tract; strengthens the immune system; and improves the appearance of skin and haircoat.
• Onco Support Powder: This formula is designed to provide nutritional support for conditions of the immune system.  The unique combination of elements increases patient vitality as well as improves immune system resistance.  It is specifically formulated to support the increased metabolic needs of the patient with chronic disease and cancer.
• Rx Zyme Powder: This comprehensive and versatile formula was created to address overall digestive function, promote the breakdown and absorption of food and its nutrients and support the normal digest of protein, fats and carbohydrates.
• Rx Essentials for Cats Powder: This powder contains a full range of essential daily vitamins and organically chelated minerals along with spirulina, kelp, milk thistle and taurine for the additional nutritional support that cats need.
• Rx Renal Feline Capsules: The botanical extracts and nutraceuticals in this formula have shown efficacy in stabilizing renal laboratory parameters and improving quality of life.  Each ingredient has scientific evidence supporting its usefulness in effective addressing elevated renal values.
• Rx Biotic Powder: This powder contains a blend of four major probiotic bacterial strains with two prebiotics.  Clinic research demonstrates that beneficial bacterial in the bowel normalizes gastrointestinal function as well as contributes to improved overall immune response.
• Rx Clay Powder: This formula helps regulate bowl function and promotes normal stool by adsorbing bacterial toxins, inflammatory cytokines and metabolic toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.  It is free of heavy metal contamination, contains no available aluminum, and is sterilized.  It can help with chronic diarrhea or acute diarrhea flare-ups.

Please contact us if you would like more information about adding nutraceuticals to your cat's diet.  

Adopting A Cat? Consider one with "Special Needs"

The month of June is designated as Adopt-A-Cat month.  Most rescues run a variety of adoption drives and specials during this month to help the cats in their care find new forever homes.  However, there is one group of cats that always seem to be overlooked: cats designated as "special needs".

What does "special needs" mean?  The term can cover a wide variety of situations from chronic conditions to physical disabilities, but generally means that that specific cat will need a little extra care.  Adopting a special needs cat can be a very rewarding experience and can provide that cat a much needed home and family.

Many times special needs indicates that the cat will need to be on a special diet.  For example, the cat may have chronic cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder.  Or the cat may be prone to crystals or stones in the bladder.  Both of these conditions make the cat prone to urinary tract infections.  In the case of crystals or stones, if left untreated and unmonitored, it can lead to urinary obstructions.  Fortunately, both of these conditions are controlled through proper diet - usually a prescription veterinary diet - and regular preventative visits to the veterinarian.  The rescue may label these cats as special needs because they will require extra financial investment in the specific food and possibly more frequent veterinary visits than just the recommended twice a year preventative exams.

There are other health considerations and/or chronic conditions that may cause an adoptable cat to be classified as "special needs". These can include weight issues, allergies, and even some mild behavioral issues.  In the latter case, a cat that may appear fearful and highly stressed may calm down once out of a rescue setting and into a permanent home.

Of course, there are cats with physical disabilities that wind up in shelters and with rescues.  These types of disabilities include blindness and deafness.  A healthy cat has three very powerful senses that he uses to get about in the world: sight, hearing and smell.  So even if a cat is missing one, he still has two other to rely on.  This means that this cat will still have a very happy and rewarding life.

If you are considering adopting a cat during Adopt A Cat month - or at any time - take a second look at a cat designated as "special needs."  Find out why the rescue has categorized this way and think about if you are able to meet this cat's needs.  You might find the "purr-fect" match for you.