Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid found primarily in meat and dairy from ruminant animals. Research in other species suggests CLA may help improve body composition by promoting lean muscle over fat, modulate immune responses, and have anti-inflammatory properties. The evidence in cats specifically is limited, but CLA is a natural component of meat-based diets and is consumed as part of normal cat nutrition.
Your cat obtains small amounts of CLA naturally from meat-based foods, particularly chicken and beef. No specific supplementation is recommended. The amounts naturally present in a balanced cat diet are considered safe and potentially mildly beneficial.
CLA is not considered an essential nutrient for cats and no specific deficiency syndrome has been identified.
Excessive CLA supplementation in some species has been linked to liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Given cats' susceptibility to hepatic lipidosis, high-dose CLA supplements should be avoided without veterinary guidance.
