Like humans and many other animals, cats need the right set of nutrients. Food provides the building blocks for growth and development. When something essential is lacking or something unnecessary is abundant, then it becomes a problem.
But what do cats eat? Is there anything specific they need for their nutrition?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are designed to have a diet that comprises animal meat. These sources are the most efficient way cats can get the nutrients they need, which are mainly protein, taurine, and a few others.
Cats also can’t effectively process the nutrients found in plants, which means animal protein is the best food source for them.
What Nutrients Do Cats Need?
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. It’s also the primary source of energy for cats.
Animal-based proteins are the most suitable sources for cats as they provide the most efficient building blocks for your cat’s growth. Cats need 11 essential amino acids for their diet. This includes:
Arginine
Histidine
Taurine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Fat
Fats are a crucial energy source for cats. Cats eat fats since they play an important role in helping your cat absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. Healthy fatty acids help break down essential vitamins that your cat needs for its growth and development.
Additionally, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can improve skin and coat health. This leads to a shinier coat, better wound healing, and an improved response to inflammation. Fish oil is a good source of healthy fats for cats.
Vitamins
Here are some of the vitamins your cat needs in their food:
Vitamin | Benefits |
|---|---|
A | Vitamin A is an essential 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. |
B | B vitamins provide a multitude of benefits, including:
|
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. |
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. |
K | Vitamin K is an essential component needed for blood clotting. It’s also useful for maintaining the cat’s bone health. |
Minerals
When it comes to minerals, here are some we recommend your cat needs to have:
Mineral | Benefits |
|---|---|
Calcium | Calcium is an excellent nutrient for keeping your cat’s teeth, muscles, and bones in good condition. By having good amounts of calcium, your cat’s nerve and muscle function will be greatly improved. |
Phosphorus | Phosphorus works closely with calcium to support a cat’s bone and teeth health. It’s also useful for energy production, muscle function, and nerve activity. |
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 | Potassium is a crucial mineral for muscle function and coordination. It also helps in keeping a cat’s nerves functioning properly and its fluid balance at a good level. |
What Do Cats Eat?
A wide variety of cat foods is available on the market. Choosing the right one will be an important part of creating a balanced diet plan for your cat. Here are the different types of food cats eat:
Meat
The best component of a cat’s diet is animal meat. Cats can eat meat choices such as chicken, beef, lamb, and fish, which are good sources of protein for your cat. Meat is what you can feed to a cat, especially when prepared and cooked properly.
Cats can also eat raw meat, provided that this is prepared correctly. A raw diet for cats consists of raw meat, organs, and bones. While some may argue that raw meat is beneficial for cats, the numerous health risks involved can be concerning.
Raw meat can house bacteria, which can cause problems. It can also potentially lead to nutritional imbalances, choking hazards from the bones, and cross-contamination during preparation.
If you really prefer serving up a raw meat diet for your cat, be sure to ask help from our pet nutritionists.
Commercial Cat Food
Cat food produced commercially offers a convenient way to give cats the nutrients they need.
Dry Food
Dry commercial cat food is popular for cat owners because of its convenience. It has a long shelf life and can easily be stored for long periods of time. From these, cats can get all the nutrients they need, which saves a lot of time and effort.
However, cats who always eat dry food should be given fresh water at all times.
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 because of its soft texture. It may also 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. If you need help with your cat’s nutrition, we recommend consulting with our pet nutritionists first.
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.
What Can Kitties Eat?
Kittens require extra nutrition to support their growing needs, energy, and development. Since cats are obligate carnivores, kittens will need animal-based food. High-quality commercial food is often the first choice pet owners feed to young cats. This can be dry or wet.
Kittens can also benefit from smaller portions of plain chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb. Fish can be given, but only occasionally.
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.
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 stomach ache.
Vet Tips: 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 best friend:
Control Portions and Pace
Giving too much food at a time can contribute to obesity and other health issues in the long run. Be sure to follow the guidelines from the package or our vets’ recommendations. The portions will depend on your cat’s age, size, and breed.
Adjust the Frequency of Meals
Kittens typically need to eat more frequently than adult cats. Kittens should eat three to four small meals a day, while adult cats should eat two meals a day. Senior cats might benefit from more frequent, smaller meals due to changes in metabolism.
Have a Consistent Feeding Routine
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.
Create a Comfortable Experience
Keep your cat comfortable by providing a quiet space for its meals. Make sure the area is free from loud noises that could be stressful during mealtime. Keep the area clean and free from potential contaminants.
Warm Up the Food
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.
Store the Food Properly
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.
When serving up homemade meals or raw meats, make sure the ingredients are stored properly according to the standards for each.
Provide Fresh Water
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 fresh water supply all around helps them stay hydrated.
“The food you give your cat is the foundation for its health and happiness.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
Knowing what cats can eat helps us understand more about our cats’ nutrition. What we feed our cats determines their growth and development. If we provide the food that builds and nourishes them, our cats will thank us.
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