Dante Carrillo
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. As such, their diet should include high levels of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal carbohydrates. Adult cats should eat enough high-quality, nutritious food to meet their energy needs and maintain and repair body tissues. The amount of food an adult cat should eat depends on its size, energy output, and activity level. Obesity is a common problem in cats, so maintaining a healthy weight is important. Canned cat food is a good source of moisture and highly palatable for most cats, but it can be expensive. Commercially prepared cat foods are formulated to provide the correct balance of nutrients and calories. It is important to read the ingredients list and ensure the food is appropriate for the cat's life stage. Cats also require taurine, an amino acid found in meat-based proteins, for normal heart function, vision, and reproduction. While cats do not need milk, they should always have access to fresh, clean water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Should be minimal as cats have evolved to get most of their energy from protein and fat. |
| Fats | High-energy cats or those struggling to maintain weight may need more fat. |
| Protein | Should be high as cats require high levels of dietary protein with the appropriate balance of amino acids. |
| Vitamins | Necessary, especially calcium, vitamin A and niacin. |
| Minerals | Essential. |
| Fatty acids | Essential. |
| Amino acids | Essential. |
| Water | Canned food can increase water intake. |
| Calories | Should be balanced with energy and activity levels. |
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What You'll Learn
High protein, low-carbohydrate diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Their diet should include high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal carbohydrates. As such, a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is ideal for adult cats.
A high-protein diet is essential for cats because they use protein as their primary source of daily calories. This is in contrast to humans and dogs, who have evolved to use carbohydrates as their main energy source. Cats require a diet rich in animal protein, as it contains the correct types of protein with the appropriate balance of amino acids. This is especially important for adult cats, as they need to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.
Low-carbohydrate cat food typically contains a higher percentage of protein and fewer carbohydrates, mimicking a cat's natural diet. This type of diet can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and other health issues associated with high-carbohydrate consumption. It is also beneficial for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, as it often excludes common allergens such as grains and fillers. Additionally, a low-carb diet can promote weight management and support a healthy metabolism, making it suitable for cats prone to weight gain.
When choosing a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for your adult cat, look for commercially prepared cat foods that are labelled as complete and balanced. These diets have been specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adult cats. The ingredients list should include meat, meat by-products, or seafood among the first few items, ensuring a sufficient supply of essential amino acids and fatty acids.
It is important to note that the number of meals and the amount of food can vary depending on individual preferences and activity levels. For example, outdoor cats may require more calories compared to indoor cats. Additionally, as cats age, their nutritional requirements change, so it is crucial to adjust their diet accordingly. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal body weight for your adult cat and follow their recommendations for adjusting their diet to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
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Vitamins and minerals
Cats require a variety of vitamins and minerals in their diet to stay healthy. As obligate carnivores, they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Their diet should include high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates.
Cats require more than a dozen nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. While cats need certain amounts of each specific nutrient to be healthy, more is not always better, especially when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Therefore, supplements are usually unnecessary if your cat is already eating a balanced and complete diet. In fact, supplements can be harmful to cats and should never be given without a veterinarian's approval.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets standards for the nutrient profiles of pet foods that pets need at different life stages. Commercially prepared cat foods have been developed to give cats the correct balance of nutrients and calories. To be considered nutritionally complete and balanced, AAFCO mandates that cat food for adult maintenance contain a minimum of 26% crude protein on a dry matter basis. The minimum crude protein for growth and reproduction is 30%.
Cats require high levels of dietary protein with the appropriate balance of amino acids. This is because cats have evolved to use protein as their primary source of daily calories, unlike humans and dogs, which have evolved to use carbohydrates as the primary energy source. Essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins such as calcium, vitamin A, and niacin are also important nutrients that can only be found in animal tissue.
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Fatty acids and amino acids
Fatty acids are carboxylic acids made up of chains of atoms that bond with other molecules to form lipids. They are integral to the very structure of a cat's cells and contribute to many metabolic processes within the body, from reducing inflammation to regulating blood pressure.
There are two main types of fatty acids that cats need for survival: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for eye development and can help protect against age-related eye changes such as cataracts. They are also crucial for maintaining and healing the skin barrier. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, are often found in animal tissue and plant oils like sunflower and safflower oils. They are essential fatty acids that cats cannot produce on their own and must be obtained from their diet. Deficiency in omega-6 fatty acids can lead to skin and coat abnormalities, reproductive problems, and failure to thrive.
Most commercial cat food manufacturers fortify their recipes with fatty acids, so it is usually not a concern. However, if cats aren't getting enough fatty acids in their diet, they may exhibit symptoms of a fatty acid deficiency. In such cases, pet parents often choose to supplement their cat's diet with fatty acids due to their anti-inflammatory effects, which may decrease pain and promote joint health. Fish oil capsules are a popular choice as fatty acids are mainly derived from fish oil.
Amino acids are the building blocks from which proteins are made. As obligate carnivores, cats require high levels of dietary protein with the appropriate balance of amino acids. They have a higher dietary requirement for certain amino acids, such as arginine, taurine, cysteine, and tyrosine, and are less sensitive to amino acid imbalances. De novo synthesis of arginine and taurine is very limited in cats, so they rely on animal-sourced ingredients to supply these essential amino acids. Pet-food grade animal-sourced foodstuffs are excellent sources of proteinogenic amino acids and can help optimise their growth, development, and health.
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Water intake
Water is an essential part of a cat's diet. Cats that eat only dry food may be at risk of dehydration as they tend to consume less water overall. Canned food, on the other hand, has a moisture content of at least 75%, making it a good source of water in a cat's diet. It is also highly palatable for most cats. The high water content in canned food can help prevent health issues in indoor cats, such as urinary tract blockages and constipation, which are often caused by dehydration.
Cats that eat dry food may need encouragement to drink more water. You can try providing them with a cat water fountain, which many cats find enticing. Alternatively, adding some water to their food can help increase their water intake.
If your cat is prone to health issues or is older, it is important to monitor their water intake. A decrease in water consumption or an increase in water intake could be a symptom of a health problem, such as kidney disease, dental problems, or diabetes.
It is important to note that cats do not need milk, and by about 12 weeks of age, most kittens lose the ability to digest milk sugar (lactose). Therefore, while small amounts may be tolerated, too much milk can lead to intestinal upset and diarrhea because the cat cannot digest it properly.
In addition to their regular canned diet, owners can occasionally treat their cats with small pieces of unseasoned, cooked meats or cat grass, which can be a great source of fiber.
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Weight management
The number of meals and the amount of food can vary depending on your cat's individual preferences, activity levels, and life stage. For example, outdoor cats that are more active may require more calories than indoor cats. It is important to monitor your cat's food intake and adjust their diet as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Commercially prepared cat foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients and calories. When choosing a cat food, look for products that meet the nutritional standards set by organisations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These diets typically include a combination of meat, meat by-products, seafood, and other ingredients to ensure your cat gets the essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals they need.
Canned cat food is often recommended as it has a high moisture content, providing a good source of water for your cat. It also helps with calorie control and can prevent dehydration, especially in indoor cats. However, it is important to read the nutrition labels carefully, as some gourmet canned foods may be nutritionally incomplete. Dry food diets tend to be higher in fat, carbohydrates, and calories, which can contribute to weight gain.
If your cat has specific dietary needs or medical conditions, consult your veterinarian. They can help you determine the ideal body weight for your cat and recommend a suitable diet to achieve and maintain that weight. Remember, supplements should only be given with veterinary approval, as they can be harmful if not used appropriately.
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Frequently asked questions
Adult cats require a diet that is high in protein, with moderate amounts of fat, and minimal carbohydrates. They also require vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. Taurine, an amino acid found in meat-based proteins, is especially important for heart function, vision, and reproduction.
High-quality commercial cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult cats. Canned cat food is a good source of water and highly palatable for most cats, but it is generally more expensive. Dry food undergoes a harsher processing method and can lead to dehydration, especially if your cat does not drink enough water.
The amount of food will depend on your cat's size, energy output, and activity levels. It is important to monitor your cat's weight to ensure they are not becoming overweight or underweight. Obesity is the most common nutrition-related problem in cats and can lead to health issues such as arthritis and diabetes.
Senior cats, generally considered to be over 11 years old, may have different nutritional requirements. For example, they may have trouble processing certain ingredients like salt. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about the best food for your senior cat.
