Antioxidants are best thought of as the body’s quiet housekeeping—molecules that help manage oxidative stress created by normal metabolism, stress, and aging. In cats, vitamin-based antioxidants typically refer to vitamins that can participate in antioxidant defense, especially vitamin E, along with other vitamins that support the broader redox environment. The nuance is that cats are not small dogs; their nutrient tolerances and risks differ, and “general pet” supplements can miss that.
Owners often search for vitamin-based antioxidants for cats because they want a gentle way to support longevity, coat quality, and everyday vitality. The most responsible framing is supportive, not curative: antioxidants may help maintain normal cellular function under oxidative load, but they are not a treatment for disease. If your cat has a diagnosis, supplementation should be discussed with your veterinarian before it becomes routine.