Whether you’re a responsible cat owner or a curious cat lover, you may often find yourself pondering the question, "What do cats eat?" Understanding cat nutrition is essential for ensuring your furry friend's health and well-being. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are designed to have a diet that consists of meat. They need a nutritional diet that should consist mainly of animal-based proteins. This is why cats should primarily be fed with meat and other foods with high amounts of protein.

Essential Nutrients for Cats

Cats eat meat to get specific nutrients to boost their growth and development. They need a regular diet that mainly consists of protein and a little bit of everything else. 

Protein

Protein is the main component of a cat’s diet. When cats eat meat, it gives them essential amino acids that are important for protection, development, and maintaining good skin and fur. Animal-based proteins are the most suitable sources for cats as they provide the most efficient building blocks for your cat’s growth.

Fat

Fats are a crucial energy source for cats. Cats eat fats since they play an important role in helping your cat absorb nutrients and maintain their healthy skin and coat. Fatty acids help break down essential vitamins that your cat needs for its growth and development.

Vitamins

Here are some of the vitamins your cat needs in their food:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an important provider of good vision and skin health. The vitamin supports healthy eyesight, especially during the night. It also helps your cat improve its immune system function which improves its skin and coat health. 

Vitamin B

This group of vitamins gives your cat a multitude of benefits. These include improvements in:

• Metabolism

• Nerve function

• Skin health

• Red blood cell production

• Energy production

• Nervous system health

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps boost your cat's bone health and formation. It’s a good vitamin that helps absorb crucial amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also helps keep your cat's nerve and muscle function up and running.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another good nutrient that helps keep your cat’s overall health in good shape. It provides healthy skin and coats, improved muscular function, and good cardiovascular health. 

Minerals

When it comes to minerals, here are some we recommend your cat needs to have:

Calcium

Calcium is a great nutrient for keeping your cat’s teeth, muscles, and bones in good condition. By having good amounts of functions, your cat’s nerve and muscle function will be greatly improved.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus works closely with calcium to provide good health to your cats. In addition to this, it also serves as a great way to get energy for your cats. 

Magnesium

While an excessive amount can be unhealthy, a balanced amount of magnesium can improve your cat's bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.

Potassium

When it comes to maintaining good muscle function and coordination, potassium is a great mineral for the job. It also helps in keeping your cat’s nervous system functioning properly and its fluid balance at a good level.

What Do Cats Eat

Lots of different cat foods are available on the market. This is why choosing the right one will be an important part of creating a balanced diet plan for your cat. Cats eat meat and other protein-based products to help sustain their growth. Our vets can help you get started. In the meantime, here are the different types of cat food:

Meat

The best component of a cat’s diet is animal meat. Meat choices such as pork, chicken, beef, and fish are good sources of protein for your cat. The protein that cats get from eating meat can greatly help your cat get the nutritional value it needs to grow and develop.

Commercial Cat Food

Cat food produced commercially offers a convenient way to give cats specially formulated food. Cats eat commercial cat food to gain balanced diets and nutrition that is readily available.

Dry Food

This type of commercial cat food is popular among cat owners. It has a longer shelf life and can be stored for long periods of time. However, when cats eat dry food, this can be a concern for cats that do not drink enough water. Cats that eat dry food should always have a fresh water supply nearby.

Wet Food

Wet food has been a popular option for easy and ready-to-serve food for cats. Due to its high moisture content, the wet food cats eat can help them stay hydrated. It often contains higher levels of animal-based proteins and fewer carbohydrates compared to dry food. Wet food can also feel more appealing to cats and may help prevent urinary tract issues due to its moisture content.

Homemade Cat Food

Preparing homemade cat food allows for complete control over the ingredients and their quality. The most important thing to remember is to give your cat enough protein in its meal. It’s important to work with our vets so we can create a good nutritional meal plan to ensure your cat eats a healthy meal. 

Raw Meat

Another option for cats to eat is raw meat. This option should only be given in strict moderation. Raw food diets typically include raw meat, organs, and bones. While proponents argue that raw diets offer numerous health benefits, there are risks involved, such as bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances. It's essential to consult with a veterinarian before switching to a raw food diet.

Treats and Supplements

Treats can be a good addition to your cat's diet, but they should be given in moderation. Look for treats that are high in protein and low in fillers and artificial additives. Supplements can also be necessary for cats with specific health conditions or dietary deficiencies. Make sure to check with our vets to make sure your cat gets the right supplements for its meal.

What Foods Should Cats Not Eat

Certain foods are toxic or harmful to cats and should be strictly avoided:

• Onions and Garlic — These can cause anemia by damaging red blood cells. Even small amounts can be toxic to your cats. 

• Chocolate — Chocolate is highly toxic to cats because it contains caffeine and theobromine. These substances can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures in your cats.

• Grapes and Raisins — Grapes and raisins can cause kidney problems for your cats. The small seeds can also pose a choking hazard.

• Dairy Products — Cats are lactose intolerant, which means they can’t process the lactose present in milk. Lactose can cause digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache.

How to Serve Your Cat's Food

Serving your cat's food is as important as choosing the right food. Here are some tips to ensure mealtime is enjoyable and healthy for your feline friend:

Portion Control

Giving too much food at a time can lead to obesity and other health issues. Be sure to follow the guidelines for cat food packaging. It’s important to regulate the amount of food that cats eat. Measure the food using a standard measuring cup to ensure consistency. If you’re unsure of how much to give your cat, feel free to ask our vets.

Frequency of Meals

Kittens typically need to eat more frequently than adult cats. Kittens should eat three to four small meals a day. We recommend adult cats eat two meals a day. Senior cats might benefit from more frequent, smaller meals due to changes in metabolism. 

Meal Timing

Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Try to feed your cat at the same time each day. This can help regulate their digestion and prevent overeating or begging behavior. When they get used to a routine, cats can eat the food without any problems.

Feeding Environment

Provide a quiet and comfortable feeding area for your cat to eat. Avoid areas with loud noises that could cause stress during mealtime. Make sure that the feeding area is clean and free from any potential contaminants.

Food Temperature

Some cats eat their food at room temperature, as it can enhance the aroma and make the food more appealing. If you're serving canned food, you can warm it slightly by placing it in warm water for a few minutes. It all depends on your cat’s preferences, but a warm meal is generally appreciated.

Freshness and Storage

Store dry cat food in a cool, dry place and use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Canned food should be covered and refrigerated once opened, and unused portions should be discarded after a few days. Always check the expiration dates on cat food packaging to ensure your cat eats good food.

Water Intake

As cats have a low thirst drive, it's essential to encourage them to drink more water. Provide multiple water bowls around the house, and consider using a cat water fountain to make drinking more appealing. Providing cats with a freshwater supply helps them stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Understanding what cats eat is a big part of our role as our cats’ caretakers. Cats eat a specific diet that only we can bring to the table. Whether it’s a meal specially formulated by experts or a homemade specialty right at home, taking note of the important nutrients is what gives cats that healthy and happy glow. Visit our clinic so we can help you create the best meal plans for your cat.