Brenda Khan
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to get all the nutrients they require to stay healthy. Domestic cats have evolved from their desert-origin ancestors and therefore have unique nutritional requirements. A cat's diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates, with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. While commercial cat food is convenient, it may contain grains, potatoes, and soy, which are cheap fillers but are not suitable for cats. Canned food is a good source of moisture and highly palatable, but dry food may be preferred for dental health. A raw, homemade diet of lightly cooked meat is ideal, but it requires more preparation and knowledge of a cat's nutritional needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet Type | Commercial or homemade |
| Food Type | Wet, dry, or a combination of both |
| Food Contents | Meat, especially animal tissue |
| Food Contents | High protein, low carbs |
| Food Contents | No grains, potatoes, gravy, sauces, soy, fruits, or vegetables |
| Calories | Depends on the cat's age, weight, and activity level |
| Water | Access to clean, fresh water at all times |
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What You'll Learn
- Cats are obligate carnivores and require meat in their diet
- Commercial cat food comes in dry, semi-moist, and canned varieties
- Cats need different nutrients at different life stages
- A raw diet is the closest to a cat's foundational diet
- Cats should be fed the right amount to prevent obesity-related issues
Cats are obligate carnivores and require meat in their diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to get all the nutrients they require to stay healthy. They have evolved to be dependent on specific forms of nutrients found only in animal tissue. These include certain essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins (especially calcium, vitamin A, and niacin).
Cats require high levels of dietary protein with the appropriate balance of amino acids. The high levels of the correct types of protein that cats need can only be found in animal tissue. Diets based solely on plant protein are not digested as efficiently and could be harmful or even fatal if fed as the only source of protein. This is because they contain inappropriate levels of certain critical amino acids, especially taurine.
Cats do not need fruit or vegetables as part of their diet, but some can be given in very small quantities as an occasional treat. It is important to remember that cats have unique dietary needs, and nutritional requirements and dietary preferences change over the course of a cat's lifetime. For example, kittens need lots of small meals to keep their energy levels stable throughout the day, while adult cats may prefer constant access to their food so they can graze on small amounts whenever they feel hungry. Senior cats may have health conditions that require a special therapeutic or prescription diet.
When it comes to commercial cat food, it is important to look for food labelled 'complete' to ensure it contains all the nutrients your cat needs. 'Complementary' cat food does not contain all the necessary nutrients and should only be given occasionally as a treat. Commercial cat food comes in a variety of textures and flavours, and it is available as dry, semi-moist, or canned. Canned food has a moisture content of at least 75%, making it a good dietary source of water, while dry food contains between 6 and 10% water.
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Commercial cat food comes in dry, semi-moist, and canned varieties
Semi-moist cat food has a higher moisture content than dry food, but the exact amount varies between products. It is also likely to be coated in flavour enhancers.
Canned food has a moisture content of at least 75%, making it a good source of hydration for cats. It is highly palatable and comes in a wide variety of flavours, which can be helpful if your cat is a fussy eater. It is generally the most expensive type of cat food, but it has a long shelf life. Once opened, canned food must be refrigerated.
When choosing between these options, it is important to consider your cat's individual needs and preferences. Some cats may prefer dry food, while others may prefer wet food. It is also important to feed your cat the right amount of food to prevent obesity-related problems. Regularly weighing your cat can help you spot if they are gaining weight and adjust their diet accordingly.
In addition to commercial cat food, some cat owners choose to feed their cats a homemade diet. This can be beneficial because it allows owners to tailor the diet to their cat's specific needs. Homemade diets typically consist of high levels of protein, such as meat, with very few carbohydrates. However, it is important to ensure that homemade meals are nutritionally complete, providing all the vitamins and minerals that cats need.
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Cats need different nutrients at different life stages
Cats have different nutritional requirements at different life stages. Kittens, adults, pregnant cats, and senior cats all have varying dietary needs.
Kittens
Young kittens require lots of small meals throughout the day to keep their energy levels stable. Their food should be soft and easy to digest, and they will also be supplemented by their mother's milk. As they get older, the number of meals can be gradually reduced, and some will be happy with two meals a day by the time they are six months old. However, most cats prefer to graze on small amounts of food whenever they feel hungry. During this stage, kittens require more energy than adult cats to support their growth and development.
Adults
For adult cats, energy intake is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and preventing obesity. It is recommended to weigh cats regularly to spot any weight gain and adjust their diet as needed. Adult cats require high-quality protein to meet their needs for nitrogen and amino acids.
Pregnant cats
Pregnant cats have unique nutritional requirements to support the growth and development of their kittens. They need a diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and contains minimal carbohydrates.
Senior cats
While the nutritional requirements for senior cats are similar to those of adult cats, there are some specific considerations. For example, a slight reduction in phosphorus levels can support healthy kidney function. Additionally, muscle wasting is common in aging cats, so high-quality protein is critical to maintaining muscle mass. Senior cats are also at risk of becoming overweight, which can lead to health issues such as osteoarthritis and diabetes.
It is important to choose cat food that is formulated for the appropriate life stage and to read the ingredients list carefully. Commercially prepared cat foods are designed to provide the correct balance of nutrients and calories, but it is essential to select a reputable brand that meets the requirements set by regulatory bodies such as AAFCO.
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A raw diet is the closest to a cat's foundational diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to eat meat to get all the nutrients they require to stay healthy. Cats require high dietary protein levels because they use protein, rather than carbohydrates, as their primary energy source. Cats also need the right balance of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to thrive.
A raw diet for cats usually includes raw muscle meat, organ meat, and ground bones. The most common meats included in raw cat foods are chicken, fish, and eggs, but other meats may also be included. Raw cat food can be homemade or commercially available. Commercially available raw cat food is usually sold as raw frozen or raw freeze-dried. Other options include premixes of vegetables, vitamins, and minerals that you add raw meat to, or ready-made raw pet diets that can be purchased from local butchers.
There are several benefits to feeding cats a raw diet. Firstly, it is argued that raw diets are the closest to a cat's foundational diet, as wild cats live on raw meat from their prey. Proponents of raw diets also believe that raw chicken, fish, and eggs have more protein and higher nutrient content, and that cooking reduces these nutrients. However, this is not true, as cooking can improve the nutritional value of certain foods. For example, cooking breaks down thiaminase, an enzyme found in many types of raw seafood that can lead to thiamine deficiency in cats.
There are also several risks associated with raw diets for cats. Firstly, raw diets may not provide all the nutrients that cats need. To prevent nutrient deficiencies, cat owners must work closely with their veterinarian to ensure their cat is getting all the necessary nutrients through food and supplements. Secondly, raw diets pose a risk of intestinal blockages from bones that are not completely ground up. Thirdly, raw foods are more likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause health problems for cats, cat owners, and other pets in the household.
Overall, while a raw diet may be the closest to a cat's foundational diet, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before deciding to feed your cat a raw diet.
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Cats should be fed the right amount to prevent obesity-related issues
Cats are 'obligate carnivores', which means they need to eat meat to get all the nutrients they require to stay healthy. They require high levels of dietary protein with the appropriate balance of amino acids. Cats also need certain amounts of other nutrients, such as essential fatty acids, vitamins (especially calcium, vitamin A and niacin), and minerals.
The frequency of meals can vary, with some cats preferring to graze on small meals throughout the day, while others prefer larger set meals. As long as your cat is getting the right amount of food, it is generally fine to let them eat according to their preference. However, if your cat is losing weight, it is important to have them examined by a veterinarian.
Commercially prepared cat foods are formulated to provide the correct balance of nutrients and calories, but it is important to choose a high-quality brand. Wet food can be a good option as it provides additional water intake for cats who don't drink enough, and it is highly palatable for most cats. However, it is important to read the nutrition labels carefully to ensure the food is nutritionally complete. Dry food can be water-depleting and may not provide sufficient protein, especially if it is of low biological value.
Homemade meals can be a healthier alternative to processed food, and a raw diet most closely resembles what cats would eat in the wild. A raw homemade diet should consist of close to 50% protein, such as meat, poultry, or rabbit. However, it is important to introduce any new diet gradually to avoid stomach upsets.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to eat meat to get all the nutrients they require to stay healthy. Their diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Commercial cat food is available in dry, semi-moist, and canned varieties, with the latter being a good source of water for cats that don't drink enough.
Kittens need lots of small meals throughout the day to keep their energy levels stable. When you first bring your kitten home, continue feeding them the same food they are used to, and if you want to change their diet, introduce new food gradually.
It's important to feed your cat food that is appropriate for their life stage (kitten, adult, or senior) and any health conditions they may have. Look for food labelled 'complete', which means it has all the nutrients your cat needs. If your cat is a picky eater, you may need to provide them with a variety of foods to prevent them from becoming fixated on a single type of food.
While cats don't need fruit or vegetables in their diet, small amounts of certain fruits and vegetables can be given as an occasional treat. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and remove any seeds to avoid choking.
Supplements can be harmful to cats and should only be given with a veterinarian's approval. A balanced and complete diet should provide your cat with all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
