Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Cats evolved as hunters that consume prey that contains high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates, and their diet still requires these general proportions today. Cats also require more than a dozen other... See full list on vet.cornell.edu Commercial cat foods are formulated as dry, semimoist, and canned. These products differ in water content, protein level, caloric density, palatability, and digestibility. See full list on vet.cornell.edu Commercially prepared cat foods have been developed to give your cat the correct balance of nutrients and calories. Basic minimum nutritional requirements for cats have been established by the Feline Nutrition Expert (FNE) Subcommittee of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and manufacturers use these standards in producing ... See full list on vet.cornell.edu Making your own cat food is a difficult and time-consuming process, as the recipe may not contain the right quantities and proportions of nutrients for your cat. It is generally recommended that cat owners purchase nutritionally balanced commercial foods, unless a veterinarian recommends a home-formulated recipe for medical purposes. In that event,... See full list on vet.cornell.edu While giving your cat an occasional treat is not generally harmful, they are usually not a nutritionally complete and balanced source of nutrition and should only be fed occasionally. A good rule of thumb is not to let treats exceed 10 to 15 percent of a cats daily caloric intake. In addition, some foods should be avoided completely. Although raw ... See full list on vet.cornell.edu Cats can be choosy about where they eat. Keep in mind that heavy-traffic areas, noise, the presence of other animals, dirty food containers, or nearby litter boxes can deter a cat from eating. Try to be sensitive to your cats eating behavior, and make necessary adjustments. Maintaining a healthy weight is another important consideration. Cats vary... See full list on vet.cornell.edu Milk is not a necessary or nutritionally complete part of a cat's diet and can cause displacement of appetite from more essential, meat-based nutrients. There are safer alternatives for providing your cat with a milk-like treat, including lactose-free products specifically designed for cats. Your cats unique nutritional requirements will depend on its size and its stage in life, among other factors. A better under- standing of how cats use the various nutrients in food and how much of them they need can help you choose a healthy diet for your pet. Cat Nutrition 101: What Are the Essential Cat Nutrients? Nutrients are components of the diet that perform specific jobs in the body. Cats can get the nutrients they need from a variety of ingredients. For example, calcium (a nutrient) can come from ingredients like bone, bone meal, dairy products, organ tissues, meat, legume plants, and a mineral supplement. Feeding your cat the appropriate amount of a well balanced diet is vital to the maintenance of overall health and well-being, just as eating a well balanced diet is for us. In order to understand how and what to feed cats, it is necessary to understand how the nutritional requirements of the cat have developed through the process of biological evolution. Cats don't need milk, but they do need specific nutrients. Learn about feline dietary essentials, from protein-rich foods to healthy treats, and ensure your cat stays happy and healthy.
