NUTRITION FOR CATS

Cat nutrition refers to providing a balanced intake of nutrients required for growth, energy and overall health. Since cats are obligate carnivores (they have to consume animal protein to maintain health), it is essential for them to obtain their necessary nutrients from the protein portion of their diet. Proper nutrition supports immune function, maintains healthy body weight, promotes skin and coat health and reduces the risk of disease.

Proper nutrition does not consist only of feeding enough food; however, it involves feeding the appropriate foods at the correct amount based on the life stage and general state of your cat’s physical health. Poor nutrition could cause your cat to become obese, develop digestive problems and may lead to additional chronic health issues.

Key Nutritional Requirements

Cats are like no other animals when it comes to their nutritional requirements. Cats require a diet of the highest quality with the following characteristics:

• High quality animal protein as the primary energy source
• Essential amino acids (e.g., taurine) required to maintain heart function and vision
• Adequate amounts of healthy fats for energy production and skin maintenance
• Vitamins and minerals necessary to support all physiological processes in the body
• Sufficient water intake; this can be particularly difficult for cats that consume dried foods.

Types of Cat Food

Cat owners have a variety of choices about what to feed their cats, based on their preferences and their cats’ health needs.

Commercial Diets

Most cat owners use commercial foods that are formulated by the manufacturer to meet specific nutritional requirements.

• Commercial dry foods (also called kibble) are easy to provide for your cat and help keep teeth clean; however, they contain relatively low amounts of moisture compared to other options available.
• Canned or pouched wet foods contain more moisture than dry foods and most cats find them easier to eat.

It is common practice to feed some combination of both dry and wet foods to allow your cat adequate hydration as well as good nutrition.

Homemade Diets

Some owners choose home prepared diets for their cats. However, those who prepare home diets must ensure that all necessary nutrients are provided in correct proportions. If the diet does not include sufficient quantities of taurine or certain vitamins, then serious problems could develop in the cat’s body due to malnutrition.

Raw Diets

Raw diets are also sometimes chosen by owners. Raw diets carry potential risks, including bacterial contamination (such as Salmonella or E. coli) and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. Therefore, when considering a raw diet for your pet, you should consult with a veterinarian to discuss how best to manage that choice.

Nutritional Needs by Life Stage

The needs for cats when it comes to nutrition will vary based on the cat’s age and condition.

For example, kittens have very high protein and caloric demands because of the rate at which they grow and develop. On the other hand, adult cats require a well balanced diet that provides them with enough calories and energy to maintain a healthy weight.

Additionally, senior cats often need to follow a lower calorie diet rich in easily digested nutrients to help meet the changing needs of their aging bodies. Finally, pregnant/nursing cats need more energy and nutrients so they can provide both themselves and their kittens with what they need.

Common Nutritional Problems

Poor or unbalanced nutrition has been associated with numerous feline health problems. Some examples include:

• Obesity due to overfeeding (or feeding too many high calorie foods)
• Malnutrition resulting from feeding your cat poor quality or incomplete foods
• Digestive disorders (such as vomiting/diarrhea)
• Urinary Tract Disorders (caused by an imbalance of minerals in the urine), etc.

Feeding Guidelines

In addition to providing your cat with the right type of food, proper feeding methods are also crucial. For instance:

Measuring how much you feed your cat can be helpful in helping to control his weight.

Fresh water must be provided at all times; this is vital in maintaining the overall health of your cat’s kidneys and urinary system.

A routine feeding schedule should be developed for your cat and treats should be given sparingly in order to minimize excess calorie consumption.

Prevention of Nutritional Issues

Good nutrition for your feline is achieved through regularity and knowledge.

High quality complete cat foods are the basis of good health. Routine visits to the veterinarian will assist you with identifying early warning signs of nutritional imbalances or weight changes in your pet. Feeding your cat based on their age, activity level and any health related conditions that may exist is a very important aspect for maintaining long term health.