Calm Coat, Safe Heart: What Vets Say About Fish Oil for Cats

Abstract Summary

Objective

Summarize safety, dosing principles, and common benefits and risks of fish oil in cats using veterinary guidance and peer-reviewed reviews.

Context

Omega-3 EFAs (EPA/DHA) modulate inflammatory pathways and are used adjunctively for dermatologic and other conditions in companion animals. Clinical literature in dogs is broader than in cats, but safety considerations are shared.

Methods Used

Approach

Report safety signals and dose concepts (mg EPA+DHA/kg), highlight when to avoid or pause supplementation (pre-op, bleeding risk), and note product-quality factors (oxidation, labeling transparency).

Data Collection

Veterinary guidance notes fish oils are generally very safe, with potential side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, fishy odor, delayed wound healing, and clotting changes in cats at higher intakes. Reviews detail potential platelet effects and drug interactions at pharmacologic doses; dosing should be anchored to EPA/DHA content, not capsule size.

Researchers' Summary of Findings

Impact on Health

For many cats, correctly dosed EPA/DHA is well-tolerated and can provide adjunctive anti-inflammatory benefits. High doses may increase bleeding tendency or delay healing, which is important around surgery or when using anticoagulants or NSAIDs.

Health Implications

Use products disclosing milligrams of EPA and DHA per serving. Start at the low end of vet-recommended ranges, monitor stool, energy, and skin, and coordinate with a veterinarian if your cat has coagulopathies, is peri-operative, or on interacting meds.

Sustainability

Prefer brands with third-party testing, oxidation controls, and transparent EPA/DHA labeling. Veterinary literature emphasizes specification of EPA/DHA milligrams to avoid inadvertent overdosing from concentrated oils.

DOI

10.2460/JAVMA.239.11.1441