Vitamin C and Cats....

Do you know that healthy Cats create their own Vitamin C, unlike their slaves who have to buy Vit.C off-shelf from a pharmacy.

Copied from :- http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/info/nutrition.htm

Healthy cats can make some Vitamin C in their intestine. The operative words here are "healthy" and "some." Cats can manufacture enough C only if the diet is rich in all the other nutrients they need and only if daily stresses do not become too numerous, too extreme or too prolonged. Stresses such as extreme heat or cold, fighting, being wounded or hurt, being trapped or caged, loud noises, strong, unpleasant smells or forced change of territory use up Vitamin C at an alarming rate. Even a healthy, well-nourished cat couldn't produce enough to cover the kinds and amounts of stress faced by the feral on a daily basis. Depletion of Vitamin C leaves a cat easy prey to every germ or virus that happens along.

Vitamin C does not need refrigeration but you must keep the contents of the bottle dry. Use a clean, dry measuring spoon. C cannot be stored by the body so it must be given every meal. A cat can absorb no more than 250 milligrams at a time; in most brands that's 1/8th tsp. of powder. If everything is going well for a colony, I give only 125 milligrams or 250 for each two cats. If the weather turns harsh or some other stress presents itself, increase the dose to 250 milligrams per cat. During trap-neuter-release projects when stress will skyrocket, I give the full dose for two days before trapping. During confinement and treatment, I feed three or four small meals a day in order to get the C into them more frequently. If a cat objects to the sour flavor, as happens occasionally, cut the dose down by half or use just a few grains. Any amount is better than zero. I find I can get away with more if I add a "bribe food," something they love that has a strong flavor. PetGuard savory seafood works very well. You can also sprinkle brewer's yeast on top.

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I fed my two foster kittens with 100mg Vit.C (hehehe... hospital grade, small tablets) and have seen them improving from their "cold-like-symptons". Vicks helps too, just rub a little (yes, very "little" on their nose and gentle rubs some under their chin and neck to help ease breathing.

It is important to watch out for their appetite. If they appear lethargic and not eating, please send them to the vet immediately. They may need antibiotics.