Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone) is a compound found in every cell of your cat's body, where it plays a central role in mitochondrial energy production and acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant. The heart, liver, and kidneys — organs with the highest energy demands — contain the most CoQ10. Cats synthesize CoQ10 naturally, but production may decline with age, and some veterinary practitioners recommend supplementation for cats with heart disease or kidney disease to support cellular energy metabolism.
Your cat produces CoQ10 endogenously, and meat-based diets provide additional amounts (heart meat is an especially rich source). No established daily requirement exists for cats. If your veterinarian recommends CoQ10 for cardiac or renal support, typical supplemental doses range from 15–30mg per day for an average-sized cat.
0.05% of daily nutrient intake
Coenzyme Q10 makes up 0.05% of your cat's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
CoQ10 is not considered an essential nutrient since cats produce their own. Reduced CoQ10 levels have been observed in cats with heart disease and kidney disease, but whether this is a cause or a consequence of these conditions is not fully established.
CoQ10 supplementation is generally well tolerated in cats with no established toxicity from oral supplementation at typical doses.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 0 | 30 | mg | No established dietary requirement exists. Cats produce CoQ10 endogenously. Supplementation is sometimes recommended for cardiac or renal support. |
Source: general veterinary consensus
