What does a cat need to stay healthy? Sometimes, the answer is simple, even if the name itself is long. Astaxanthin, a potent, blood-red antioxidant found in micro algae, can help protect not just your cat’s kidneys, but also their overall health. Today, we’ll be learning more about the many health benefits packed into this chemical compound.
What Are the Benefits of Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid found in natural sources, and possesses powerful antioxidant properties. It is mainly found in marine algae and certain types of seafood. Astaxanthin can provide cats with a wide variety of health benefits, including but not limited to the following:
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Powerful Antioxidant
As noted above, astaxanthin has powerful antioxidant properties (approximately 6,000 times that of vitamin C and 550 times that of vitamin E) that can neutralize the free radicals inside a cat’s body, preventing damage to their cells and improving their general immunity. This, in turn, may help reverse aging and prevent diseases.
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Skin and Eye Care
Astaxanthin may be beneficial for your cat’s skin and eyes, too. Research suggests that it can serve as a sort of natural sunscreen that protects your skin and sight from ultraviolet rays. Additionally, due to its aforementioned anti-aging properties, it can potentially fend off eye-related disease.
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Kidney Protection
Astaxanthin can play a major role in protecting your cat’s kidneys. By preventing damage to your cat’s kidney cells through its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin helps preserve your cat’s kidney functions. This is especially meaningful for cats with kidney disease, as it can prevent their already-damage kidneys from taking further harm and improve their decreased kidney functions.
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Omega-3 Antioxidant
The antioxidant properties of astaxanthin are not just directly beneficial for cats, but also provide an indirect benefit by keeping Omega-3 from going bad. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a vital role in a cat’s skin care and brain functions, but are prone to turning rancid, depriving it of its health benefits. Omega-3 supplements that include astaxanthin are less likely to oxidize, which preserves the nutritional benefits meant for the cat taking them.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Of course, astaxanthin isn’t some wonder ingredient that can do everything without any repercussions. While astaxanthin is generally safe to feed, excess intake my lead to numerous side effects in your cats. These side effects include digestive problems such as indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Furthermore, the red pigmentation of astaxanthin may lead to changes in your cat’s skin or fur color. As such, you need to control your cat’s intake of astaxanthin to make sure they consume a suitable amount.
Final Words
Astaxanthin can undeniably provide your cats with a plethora of direct and indirect health benefits due to its intensely powerful antioxidant properties. These benefits encompass many aspects of your cat’s body - their skin, kidneys, eyes, and even their brains! However, even good things should be taken in moderation, so you shouldn’t try to force your cat to take more than they need. As always, a nutritionally balanced diet is one of the best things you can prepare to ensure your cat stays healthy and happy.
Please remember - your cat’s health starts with you! What you know and don’t know can have long-reaching effects on your cat’s health! It’s important to stay well-informed, and we at Greycoat Research will do our best to keep you aware of the things you need to know to keep your beloved cats healthy.