Cats need a higher concentration of vitamins and essential nutrients than any other animal. In nature, cats eat a diet consisting of rodents, birds and insects–high in protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Since my cat can’t have the diet nature intended, I feel it is my responsibility to make sure his nutritional needs are met. I’ve learned the hard way about the dangers and inferiority of commercial cat food. These days I only feed my cat the highest quality cat food I can afford to buy or I prepare his meals myself using carefully-selected all-natural ingredients. After all, my little guy has given me 14 years of joy and unconditional love. The least I can do is provide the nutrition he needs to live a good life! This article covers the basics of a cat’s nutritional needs.
Protein is Number One
Pound for pound, cats need twice the protein as humans and dogs. Furthermore, the cornerstone of good cat nutrition all boils down to one thing–meat. About 17 to 21 percent of adult human calories should come from protein. We can get it from meat, but also through beans, legumes and dairy sources. Cats need double that amount of protein for good nutrition and it must come from meat or fish. Why? Because cats are obligate carnivores, so they must eat animal protein to obtain all of the amino acids they require. The vital amino acid that cats can’t get from any source other than animal protein is taurine.
Taurine is critical for normal heart, eye and reproductive function. Unlike most mammals, cats can’t make taurine from other amino acids. A diet rich in meat also provides vitamin A, an essential nutrient which cats are unable to convert from beta-carotene, according to Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN, Professor of Medicine & Nutrition in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee.
Feline Fat Facts
Fats are a good energy source for cats. In the wild, cats consume about one-third of their calories as fat. Fats not only taste good, but they also supply essential fatty acids and aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D and E. However, it is estimated that at least one-quarter of domestic cats in the U.S. are overweight, which increases their risk of obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes.
Cats Need Dietary Oils
Cats also requires oil in the diet, especially a cat who is malnourished. A good oil blend for cats is a mixture of equal parts of olive, cod liver and wheat germ oils. The recommended amount is one-quarter teaspoon per day, along with 50 I.U. vitamin E oil three times per week.
Carbohydrates and Calories
A healthy 10-pound cat requires a daily intake of just 220 to 350 calories. Cats fed only commercial dry cat food may get up to 40 percent of their calories from carbohydrates. Yet, according to veterinarian Marla McGeorge, cats do not need such high percentages of carbohydrates. In fact, there is no minimum recommended requirement of carbohydrates for cats and too many carbohydrates is believed to be a leading factor in domestic cats becoming overweight.
Water and Cat Nutrition
Cats, people and dogs are all made up of about 60 to 70 percent water. But unlike dogs and humans, cats evolved in the desert with a low thirst drive, which when combined with a diet rich in dry foods (which contain only 5 to 10 percent water) increases the risk of dehydration and urinary tract problems. Wet food in the diet may help, but cats should also have multiple sources of fresh, clean water available at all times.
Cat Fitness
If you can’t easily feel his ribs or see his waist, it is likely that your cat is overweight. Fortunately, cats love exercise! It is your job to provide enriching play for both of you. And since cats are naturally inclined to experience short bursts of intense activity, spending 5 or 10 minutes several times a day with the laser pointer, feathered toy or string can make a big difference. Also, keep in mind that even a kitty who is in great shape needs regular exercise and bonding time.
Sources
WebMD.com
Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats; Richard H. Pitcairn and Susan Hubble Pitcairn; 2005.
The Natural Cat: A Holistic Guide for Finicky Owners; Anitra Frazier and Norma Eckroate; 1983.