The Dietary Habits of Cats: What They Can and Cannot Eat

1. Introduction

The separation of wild cats from domestic cats occurred about 6,000 years ago. Domesticated cats are cared for by humans and, as a food source in some regions, serve roles beyond catching pests. The environment that is optimal for enjoying a long life in the home is very different from the one in which cats live in the wild, so the diet of domestic cats is in many ways different compared to that of their wild counterparts. While the dietary habits of wild cats have been the subject of research, those of the domestic cat have not. Different varieties of cats differ greatly in body size, skeletal structure, coat color, and other physical traits. Cats are kept not only in the home as pets but also in various facilities in service to humans, such as stores, cafes, and hotels, or as a food source in some regions. Their dietary habits differ depending on factors such as physical constitution or the number and activity level of the types of cats found in human society; because of this adaptability, scientific knowledge of various human-discovered uses for it is much less than for the domestic cat's ancestors.

It is also known that there are various foods that can be eaten by cats that are kept as pets or in facilities. These foods are usually used as the primary source of nourishment for cats, but in some cases, toys are given as special treats. Despite the fact that cats are kept and fed by humans in a variety of environments, little information is available to promote efficient feeding, both in terms of quality and quantity, or to aid in maintaining the health of the cat. For example, it is necessary to be careful about the amount and frequency of feeding, as well as the preparation of food, to avoid problems such as feeding a meal of the wrong type and eating spoiled food that might be offered. Because cats are kept as pets and are relatively independent, it is not disputed that the necessary implanting, clinical manipulation, and use of agents are implemented with human compliance. Additionally, domesticated cats consume treats such as candy that humans have created as sweet or greasy. However, it is known that present-day domestic cats evolved from wild predecessors of desert origin, and that these animals, which are creatures that consume a variety of foods, none of which are as commonly used as limiting the types of food they eat, depend on animal matter as their primary energy source.

1.1. Purpose of the Study

This study aims to explain the dietary habits of cats and to give information about what they can or cannot consume. The physiology of cats differs significantly from that of other animals. They are considered to be energy-efficient animals, meaning they have a high body-to-digestive system size ratio. As carnivores, cats are less capable of producing amino acids; they feel less attraction to carbohydrates and are unable to convert beta-carotenes to vitamin A. They have a very short digestive tract, and the time food spends in their stomach is shorter than that of other species.

Cats have differences in protein metabolism. They have a higher need for protein, especially in their diet as taurine. Cats that are given less than 2 grams of taurine in their daily diet may develop heart, retinal, and reproductive system diseases. Cats are unable to convert carotene to vitamin A as birds and other animals do. Due to these reasons, it is important to identify the nutritional rules of cats and adjust the appropriate food for them. High-quality commercial cat food and homemade food diets that are prepared according to the required ingredients with necessary nutrients are essential factors for cats' health. The factors that threaten cats in terms of nutrition will be explained, and the nutrients that they should or should not consume will be discussed.

2. Basic Nutritional Needs of Cats

The Dietary Habits of Cats: What They Can and Cannot Eat

The lovely housecats upon which urban civilization has smiled for thousands of years owe their characteristic good health and freedom from nutritional diseases to a number of factors, developed as adaptations to meet physiological necessities faced by their wild ancestors. Outdoor living provided cats with a wholesome, high-quality, completely balanced daily diet of many small, easily digested meals that were derived from fresh-living, small rodents and birds. Hunting also supplied cats with vigorous exercise, which was necessary for the maintenance of both good muscle tone and overall health. Today, the pet cat is overdependent upon humans to supply a diet and suitable living conditions, for which the pet owner must accept full responsibility if good feline health and contentment are to be maintained. Let us therefore examine, in some detail, the complete basic nutritional needs of cats.

2.1. Protein

For cats, any healthy diet has to be based around an adequate provision of protein. They cannot survive without it. The reason for this is that cats are obligate carnivores; they have to eat meat to survive. In the wild, their diet would consist almost entirely of prey. For domestic cats, a meat-based diet is also the best means to keep them free of medical conditions. Just like humans with little variety in their diets, cats that do not eat a balanced diet are prone to certain deficiencies and malfunctions in their bodies. The obvious questions are how much protein should a cat eat and what is the highest but also safest protein diet they can have. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There is no magic percentage of protein they should consume. A cat's ideal protein consumption depends on a whole host of factors. These include their life stage, lifestyle, and any illnesses they may have. The accepted wisdom is that kittens and pregnant or lactating females need more protein than adult cats. This is easily understood. They are growing and putting on body weight. To do this, a cat's body, like the body of any mammal and indeed all animals, has to make more cells.

2.2. Fat

As with carbohydrates, cats can make use of fats for energy, but to a much greater extent. Fats contain about 2.25 times more energy than the other nutrients. In addition, fats provide essential fatty acids which cannot be synthesized in the cat's body and must be supplied by the diet. Fatty acids that the cat needs are arachidonic acid and linoleic acid. Arachidonic acid is only found in animal fats. Linoleic acid is derived from the metabolism of linolenic acid. Cats can convert linolenic acid to linoleic acid with less efficiency than can some other species. Requirements for linoleic acid can be met by feeding the cat a diet that is supplemented with linoleic acid. Animals on high-fat diets get more calories and better absorption of nutrients. This is especially important in high-performance or working animals or those that are under stress. In the cat, an adequate supply of fats is necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin and coat by supplying fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A. Vitamin A is found in the retina as visual pigments and is essential for vision. The fatty acid has to be present with vitamin A for the cat to derive benefits from the vitamin. Fruits naturally high in vitamin A do not contain any omega-3s or DHA, making supplements the best form of delivery.

2.3. Carbohydrates

While sugars are often called simple carbohydrates, they are actually a type of carbohydrate extracted from plants. Whether simple or complex, carbohydrates play many important roles in the diet and health of animals. These functions include the provision of a rapidly available form of energy and the production of a readily available carbon skeleton for the cellular energetic system. When cats can, they convert proteins to amino acids, glucose, or fat for their body's primary dietary energy source. Nonetheless, both domestic and wild felines have a number of different features that make it safe for them not to rely on ingested carbohydrates for any of their significant energy needs. For one, wild cats are very good at using protein to produce the glucose that they need in order for one of their primary energy metabolisms to operate. This means that cats typically need very small amounts or even none at all of the dietary energy exchanges that carbohydrate metabolism provides.

Traditional dry cat foods possess much higher levels of carbohydrates than are actually necessary in feline diets. Researching commercial high-fiber cat diets have found that one of the major negative consequences of overfeeding carbohydrates to cats is the predisposition to diabetes that is a necessary risk when fueling feline metabolism from carbohydrate energy sources, such as the unnatural practice of feeding them a diet that is exceptionally high in carbohydrate content. In fact, many dry cat foods found in pet stores can contain as much or even more carbohydrates on a dry weight basis than dry dog foods. Other studies have suggested that cats experience high levels of blood glucose after they consume a carbohydrate-rich diet. As in humans, a diet rich in processed grains has been associated with the development of diabetes only in cats, but not in any other type of carnivore, including dogs, tigers, and lions.

2.4. Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are a group of complex compounds that take part in vital activities and substances that play the role of coenzymes in the body. Not all vitamins can be synthesized by the animal and must be taken from the diet. If the animal does not consume them or consumes them in insufficient quantities, the development of deficiency diseases can occur. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. They need fat to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. When stored in the body, these vitamins are kept in the liver and adipose tissue. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the group of vitamins of the B complex. These vitamins require water and are absorbed by the small intestine. If not used, excesses of these vitamins are eliminated through urine.

Minerals are essential nutrients that do not provide energy. They originate in soil and are absorbed by plants, and they are finally consumed when we ourselves consume them. Minerals do not undergo any transformation in the body since they are incorporated into the structure of the organism. For this reason, surpluses of these are not needed like other nutrients. Minerals are classified into macroelements and microelements. The first group is that which the body needs in greater quantities and includes calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium. The second group includes those that are needed in smaller quantities, consisting of chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, tin, vanadium, and zinc.

3. Foods That Are Safe for Cats

Cats can eat fish and meat. If they need pre-cooked food, avoid giving them seasoned, salty, or raw food. If you give them canned food, avoid giving them that which incorporates fillers. Check the labeling, as usually the food that incorporates the most fillers is the one that shows the least real food on the package. If your cat does not eat canned cat food and eats wet food, you can make a mixture of meat and pre-cooked vegetables and mix all the ingredients until obtaining a homogeneous puree. If your cat is very delicate and picky and you want to give him a treat, without giving him cat food that does not agree with his stomach, you can make him some sugar-free gelatin and give it to him as a snack. Do not use sweeteners, but you can also add a few drops of some kind of meat stock to give the product flavor.

You can give small treats to your cat in the form of different kinds of cheese. It can be seasoned, grilled, or cooled, and above all, you should check his tolerance level to dairy. If the cat's tolerance level is well suited to their needs, giving cheese will not be a problem. Apples provide a lot of fiber and have many health benefits. They will help your cat keep their teeth clean. If you add apple slices to their food, remember that you should wash them properly before feeding them. Apples are also good for making cookies. Small quantities of various dried fruits will help your cat's digestion in the absence of fiber consumption. Canned fish such as tuna or salmon is very beneficial for the care of your cat, as they have a high concentration of Omega 3. However, be sure they do not contain carnation oil. The oil content should be in water to channel the cat's gastrointestinal system.

3.1. Meat and Fish

From time immemorial, the cat is the only animal given priority on a diet consisting mainly of meat. In addition to domesticated cats, animals such as lions and tigers are also carnivorous. They mainly hunt small animals and eat meat. Cats have a stomach with a capacity of up to 30 ml. This means that they behave like private gourmets and eat small amounts of food at regular intervals. A cat's body contains a lot of water, so it has very strict rules about its water intake. Therefore, dry food should be chosen primarily according to its water retention rate. Cats are animals that do not like changes. This means that their diet must be consistent and tailored to their needs. Their strict diet consists mainly of meat. Cats also need additional nutrients found in fish. If feeding fish often leads to chronic kidney disease, the fish consumed occasionally will not cause a problem. Fish such as salmon or sardines help improve the cat's coat, and the oil they contain helps in preventing obesity. Fish also contains a very useful form of vitamin D, which is an imperative part of feline nutrition. However, if feeding fish to your cat at home, it is very important that it is well cooked to avoid any chance of food poisoning.

3.2. Grains

Your cat doesn't need to eat grains because she is an obligate carnivore. However, grains are in many cat foods for a variety of reasons. Grains are a cheap form of carbohydrates in a processed feline diet, often considerably cheaper than named meats such as chicken, beef, fish, or egg. They are also necessary because they are used to create dry kibble, which is a convenience food for humans and not always the best option for our feline friends. Kibble requires something to bind it together as well as firing it into those cute little nuggets. The most common binding agents in kibble are certain types of glutens, a storage protein in the seeds of cereals, or starch (usually a grain source). Gluten contains about 25% protein and is left behind as a by-product when the carbohydrates are processed out of the grains, so the pet food manufacturers remove the carbs from some grains and use the gluten to get the bind that they need.

The "good" grains aren't cheap and are less likely to be used in inexpensive pet food. Good carbs for cats would mostly come in the form of the very same greens that you can grow specifically for them. Greens contain the few enzymes that a cat is capable of making to facilitate carbohydrate digestion when they consume carbohydrates. Raw cats are more capable of making these enzymes than cooked cats. Additionally, the greens are not taxed with the damaging effects of processed carbohydrates and have also not been stripped of their nutrients in the effort to remove the bulkier calories that fuel the greens. Aside from these grains, corn and rice are two other grains that you will frequently see being used in cat foods. Cats are more likely to have an allergy to corn than to rice, but you need to watch out so that your cat gets enough taurine, as rice contains an enzyme that may adversely affect taurine metabolism in cats.

3.3. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can be given to cats in moderation. Fruits to give cats include pumpkin, apple, and pear. They are good for digestion, and they are full of vitamins and fiber that satisfy the cat’s hunger. The fiber that is readily available in pumpkin can provide a solution to a cat’s chronic constipation. When introducing a new food, the cat’s digestive system should be closely monitored. Fruits are sweeter than vegetables. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that fruits are readily consumed and enjoyed more by cats than vegetables eaten raw. Fruits that are not to be consumed are those high in sugar and fiber. They can cause problems in the cat’s stomach. Some fruits that cannot be consumed are grapes, raisins, and currants. Cats should not eat apricots and peach seeds. Onions also disrupt the cat’s liver. Therefore, it is not good for cats. Chives are like onions in terms of their effect. Green leaves of tomatoes, mushrooms, and raw potatoes are to be avoided. Fruits and vegetables for human consumption should be prepared and cooked in such a way that cats can consume them.

4. Foods That Are Harmful to Cats

Many plant and mold products are harmful to cats. Eating plants and mold can inhibit vitamin B1, damage nerve cells, and cause severe nutritional disorders. Molds found in grains contain poisonous substances. Be careful of germination scura caused by harmful molds. This causes ataxia, especially in cats. Eating excessive anti-vitamin A substances found in cattle liver can cause nutritional abnormalities in large amounts. There are ways to feed multiple antibiotics or moldy grain; it would also be possible to mix snacks. Shrimp and crabs fed at the table contain thiaminase, which may inhibit vitamin B1. Although it can be resolved by heating for a long time, it poses a danger to cats if it is fed raw as a snack or nutrition. Liver contains retinol, which can cause vitamin A poisoning when fed in large amounts. Cats convert beta-carotene found in plants to vitamin A, so there is no report of vitamin A poisoning. However, if the liver is fed too much and left unattended, it causes toxicity. There are also many reports of excessive intake of vitamin D. At present, there are few warnings against excessive intakes of vitamin D, which can cause poisoning. Muscle tissue contains large amounts of uric acid compounds that are not only harmful to cats but also cannot be metabolized and must be carefully administered.

4.1. Dairy Products

It is found that the frequency of intolerance to lactose varies between 25% and 100% in normal cats. The physiological lactase deficiency begins after weaning when cats no longer guarantee a supply of lactase in the brush border of the small intestinal epithelium, and the elimination of lactase activity is completed by 8 weeks of age. As a consequence, if the intake of lactose exceeds the absorption capacity by the epithelial lactase in adults, this condition is present. Greater intestinal exposure to lactose induces an increase in free radicals, as is seen in feline lactose intolerance, related to inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, lactose also favors the growth of harmful microbial overgrowth, in which there is competition for nutrients and the release of enterotoxins results in malabsorption and osmotic diarrhea.

Lactase activity in some cats remains at high levels, and some individuals from this group can tolerate a variety of dairy products with high lactose content such as cow's milk, fresh dairy products that have not been exposed to high heat, certain cheeses, and lactose-free milk. Since there is no way to predict which cats are lactase persistent and which are not, it is important that supplementation with dairy products that have not been tested on animals for optimal tolerability is initially small, approximately 1g/kg, and the signs of feline lactase deficiency are observed later. Depending on the results observed, the recommended amount of supplementation can be increased.

4.2. Avocado

Avocado: The avocado fruit is very poisonous to cats. The persin contained in an avocado is present in all parts of the fruit, including the tree, leaves, flowers, and seeds. If the cat consumes any part of an avocado, it can provoke serious health issues, including stomach distress, breathing difficulty, fluid accumulation in the lungs, numerous other possible symptoms, and possible death. Small amounts of persin can lead to mild damage to the cat’s lungs, heart, and other tissues. Because fresh guacamole can contain persin from the avocado, it should be avoided. The concentration of persin is not decreased during the fruit’s ripening process. Consequently, the avocado is considered a very dangerous food for cats and should never be fed to cats because the effects can be deadly. The seeds are the most toxic parts of an avocado.

4.3. Garlic and Onions

Both onions and garlic contain sulfides in allium, which are toxic to cats if ingested. It can also lead to anemia, which is characterized by the discoloration and destruction of the red blood cells. Note that eating a single onion or garlic clove will not harm your cat. Several cats have problems digesting allium, and it is when they consume large amounts of garlic or heavily cooked allium dishes that signs of toxicity can arise. Dogs appear to be more susceptible to these toxins than cats are, but it is better to be cautious. Both onions and garlic contain organosulfoxides, which can also lead to hemolytic anemia. They are found in some dog foods. Garlic and onion powders are typically sold as flea and tick repellents. Raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated allium can lead to allium toxicosis in dogs or cats when enough is ingested. Gastrointestinal obstruction can also occur because dehydrated garlic swells up after it is hydrated with fluids in the stomach. Since the average cat is largely indifferent to taste, a better option may be using a flea treatment prescribed by your vet. Don’t use garlic or onion powders to protect your cat from fleas without first consulting their doctor.

4.4. Carrots and Watermelon

Carrots are good for cats because they are high in fiber and beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A. In addition, they are a great crunchy activity for teething kittens. The level of sweetness in carrots is low—certainly lower than in some canned foods—so it is possible that cats like the sweet aspect of some canned cat food. The risk involved with giving carrots often is that their high vitamin A content, while good at low levels, can become toxic with high dosages. And the fact that cats can synthesize vitamin A at low levels does not mean that they are able to synthesize it at any level. Kidney stones can develop with overeating high vitamin A–containing treats. Most cats are not interested in sweet things, though some like raspberries and apple pieces. Cats can eat watermelon, and some will. Give the fruit in moderation, given that it contains only minimal nutrients—mostly water—as well as some cranberry-type sugar and hardness that does not provide jaw exercise. Check for seeds, which are generally harmless because a cat's intestinal tract is generally hostile to seeds.

4.5. Potatoes and Raw Tomatoes

Potatoes are normally safe for cats to eat, provided they are not cooked with any onions, garlic, butter, or salt, as can be found in many mashed potatoes and French fry recipes. Cats also cannot eat raw potatoes, though small bits of peeled potato are sometimes used as a dog treat. Raw potatoes can contain solanine, a substance toxic to dogs and rarely to cats. Sweet potatoes are a better choice for pets, as they contain vitamin A. For the same health reasons sweet potatoes are good for humans, they are also good for pets. Be sure not to add any butter or salt, though.

Raw tomatoes, and all parts of the stems, leaves, and vines, are toxic to cats. Their green tomatoes are especially toxic, as they contain solanine, even though the ripe red tomatoes contain much less of it. Their seeds also contain a potential toxin called tomatine, but all parts except for the red ripened fruit are toxic in this way. Tomatine can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The ripe red tomatoes contain generally less of it and are considered by most to be okay to feed dogs, but not cats, in moderation as a treat, mixed in with their other food or given alone as a separate snack, outside their normal food. The green stems of the tomato plant normally contain more alkaloids than do the leaves, and the vines contain more than the fruit itself.

4.6. Sausage and Other Processed Meats

You have to be careful that the majority of sausages are acidic and can thus cause heartburn or gastroenteritis in your cat because they irritate the stomach and can even increase its production of gastric juices. Too much sodium also has negative long-term effects on kidney health. Raw sausages can cause Salmonella, and raw minced meat can lead to E. coli. Be aware that many types of sausage packs are sliced on the packaging line where they are filled, and often Salmonella is found in the factory at those sites without it having to be mentioned on the packaging. Make sure all sausages, especially liver sausage, don’t contain onion powder, since the powdering process leads to onion particles so fine that they have been known to kill cats.

Processed, canned, and cured meats such as ham and turkey contain way more salt and nitrates than are okay for a cat’s diet. Ham and bacon are particularly high in fat and therefore both lead to elevated cholesterol levels and obesity in cats. This oversalted meat should ideally never be fed as a daily treat to your cat. However, if you decide that you want to give it to your cat as a snack, only select no-salt varieties and feed them to your cat only once a week. Popular and great sausage options that you can feed your cat in moderation are turkey or chicken cinnamon sausages and salami. Always remember to pick ones that do not contain onion or lots of preservatives. Further, it’s nice not to restrict your cats just to food intended for cats and dogs. However, every so often I do give my cat little pieces of ham or sausage.

4.7. Oatmeal and Other Grains

Although cats are considered to be strict carnivores, they are selective about their food and can eat certain fruits, vegetables, cereals, and grains as snacks. Certain fruits, cereals, and grains can quickly find a place in the nutrition of cats with a healthy constitution. Cats like many human foods, such as cereals. However, because they are carnivores and usually insufficiently hydrolyze plant nutrients, it is unknown what kind of effect eating cereals and grains may have on their nutrition. Cats, which have a short and simple digestive system, can better utilize animal protein into amino acids. To meet their energy demands, the protein and fat they obtain from animal nutrients are absorbed better without getting wasted. In comparison to dogs, cats cannot synthesize taurine from essential components such as methionine and cysteine.

Grains become harmless if digested when moistened with a lot of water. However, they should only be consumed in small amounts. Cats like oatmeal, but it has very little influence on their nutrition. Grains that cats could consume include quinoa. They can be beneficial for a cat, except for cats with a gluten intolerance. Just like oatmeal, quinoa would not harm the health of a cat, and its protein and fiber content is extremely high. However, it can be a part of the diet if it has been prepared without any addition of oil, sugar, or salt and is served in small amounts.

4.8. Apples, Cucumbers, and Mangoes

Apples Apples are a great treat for cats. They contain many vitamins that are known to help keep cats healthy, including vitamin A and vitamin C. Most cats love the taste of apples and can happily eat small slices of the fruit or a little bit of apple sauce.

Cucumbers Cucumbers usually sit right behind watermelon on the list of a cat's favorite fruits. Most cats enjoy eating cucumbers because they have such a high water content. Provide the cucumber to the cat and let it eat the cucumber alone or put the cucumber inside the secondary bowl to the dry food. We do not recommend introducing the cucumber in the primary bowl of wet food since the cat may be discouraged by a different taste. At least they are not used to eating different things in the same presentation. Remember that cucumbers must be organic to avoid the waste of chemicals being ingested by the cat. We recommend offering only the natural part, called the pulp. Cucumber skin has a questionable origin. It is best to wash or peel the cucumber before feeding. The cucumber serves mainly as a refreshing treat for the animal during hot days.

Mangoes Mangoes are filled with fiber and vitamin A, which means they can be a healthy snack for your cat to eat. All you need to do is slice up the mango meat into small segments before giving the food to the cat. Do not feed your cat the skin or the seed of a mango—the skin may choke the cat, and the seed has toxic properties. Since mangoes are a fruit, you should only use mangoes as a snack instead of a part of your cat’s diet, and you should also be aware of any sugar content in the peeled slices of the mango.

4.9. Pork and Other Fatty Meats

Pork is not dangerous for pets to consume, but it must be thoroughly cooked due to the ever-present danger of trichinosis. It is also very fatty and should not be part of a cat's regular diet. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the symptoms of eating spoiled pork. This meat offers no nutritional value for a cat, and large portions can lead to digestive problems and even pancreatitis.

Pork liver can also be dangerous as it is the primary source of a pathogenic strain of the Helicobacter species and acts as a carrier for the disease in some domestic pigs. Although no strong evidence exists that this variant of Helicobacter presents any harm for humans, it has been linked to hepatitis and even cancerous liver lesions in cats. Although the parasite is killed when pork liver is properly cooked, people are accustomed to consuming this organ medium rare and shouldn’t feed it to their carnivorous pet.

4.10. Raw Meat and Eggs

Raw meat carries pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria. Although cats can normally withstand parasites found in raw meat, in cases where home pets are not dewormed on time or in the case of a pet that accidentally ate bad meat, harmful digestive problems are not uncommon. In addition to these, cats that often consume raw meat also carry the risk of being infected with Toxoplasma gondii, which they come into contact with during litter exchange. Raw meat doesn't just hold the pathogen. Metabolism balances should be considered here; especially at the sterilized age, the bacterial flora that can handle raw meat is largely removed from the body. Therefore, it is not appropriate to constantly feed cats raw meat, which is different from their natural medium that they can find in nature from a very young age. Raw eggs can cause biotin deficiency due to their structure. It should be known that biotin deficiency is not simple and weak to experience. Biotin helps the body absorb iron from food, thereby preventing biotin deficiency, treatment, as with other nutrient deficiencies. It would be helpful to consult a veterinarian here. A flawed egg contains Salmonella, so if we think of giving a cat anything raw, we should also carefully investigate what needs to be known about the source and hygiene issues. The rate of animals becoming infected with Salmonella is increasing both abroad and domestically. No matter how busy you are, you can read scientific research and data because you will be feeding the same cat.

5. Special Dietary Considerations for Cats

Pregnant and nursing cats require meals with more calories. Cats that are pregnant or nursing should be free-fed, as they have an increased caloric and nutritional need. They should consume larger and more frequent meals compared to non-nursing cats. Neutered cats have lower energy needs, so neutered males should eat about 10% less than non-neutered males. Neutered females should eat about 20% less than non-neutered females. Kittens should eat as much as they want at 3 to 4 weeks, while a growing kitten needs about twice as much energy from food as an adult cat. Cats with renal disease should eat foods with less protein and phosphorus. Fat, carbohydrate, soluble fiber, and antioxidants at levels that help support the natural antioxidants present in the body, reducing the risk of diseases brought on by aging. Restricted protein and phosphate can help to protect against progressive renal damage. These changes will help to slow the progression of renal disease, reduce signs of phosphate and polyuria, prolong survival time, and improve the quality of life.

5.1. Kittens and Pregnant Cats

Two life stages with special dietary requirements are kittens and pregnant cats. Pregnant cats require more energy and nutrients to sustain growth and development. Inadequate intakes of nutrients can cause deficiencies or even abnormalities or neonatal death. As soon as the cats are known to be pregnant, they should receive high-quality food tailored to their status to improve the nutrients for the kittens and the future health of the kittens. Kittens are born with little ability to protect themselves and with limited intestinal absorption capacity, but they need high-quality milk at an early age to help with growth and development. In many cases, kittens may also need to be fed with a bottle. At the same time, it is also important to pay attention to parasites, toxins, or other environmental hazards that kittens may consume so that they can get enough nutrition from their diet. Manufacturers often make specific foods for pregnant cats and young kittens that contain the ingredients they need. Another special life stage is the gestational cat. For likely the first time in nine weeks, cats also require a balanced diet, but today the number should be increased to at least four times that needed by an average cat. Also, towards the end, they should provide three meals a day. The lack of vitamins, minerals, or proteins is directly reflected in the formation of the kitten and the health of the pregnant cat. Pregnant cats need to feed their microorganisms well. Fish and egg-based foods are easy to use. The bowl should always be filled with fresh water, especially during these periods. It should be large and easy to access. Dangerous foods to avoid during these stages are caffeinated drinks and chocolate. Theobromine, the main fat of chocolate that is poisonous, cannot be metabolized by felines. Additionally, there are also herbal extracts that contain caffeine in their composition, so dizziness should be avoided as well.

5.2. Senior Cats

Senior cats will have different dietary needs and habits compared to younger cats. Providing easy-to-digest, high-protein cat food can help maintain body composition and muscle mass in a senior cat. Kidney disease is a common issue in cats as they age. Many older cats benefit from a low-protein or phosphorus diet when they exhibit renal failure. Vitamins and minerals, such as calcium or magnesium, are essential for bone health when treating dental disease in senior cats. Be sure to meet with your veterinarian to establish the best dietary plan for your senior cat, depending on its health and lifestyle. In addition to urinary issues, senior cats may experience various infections or chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Meeting the right diet can help prevent health problems from arising or treat the disease your senior cat already has when following veterinarian-recommended advice. Adult and senior cat food must be adapted to the specific needs of the life stage to maintain vitality, body condition, and prevent weight gain. Adult cat food may differ from senior cat food in terms of ingredients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat content. Carefully consult with your veterinarian to establish the best dietary plan for your senior cat to keep it healthy, active, and enjoy the golden years of its life. Higher protein maintenance or healthy aging aids in the preservation of lean muscle mass, avoids weight gain, and promotes weight loss. Carbohydrate levels are important for senior cats, as they do not require many carbohydrates in their diets. Fat matters to senior cats. High fat is a dietary option that provides seniors with the energy they need. Small, easy-to-digest food may be more appetizing to your cat at a glance, as senior cats can easily lose the desire to eat. Small, regular meals provide your cat with the amount of energy it needs to keep it active in old age.

5.3. Cats with Medical Conditions

There are some cats with chronic medical problems such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or hepatitis. In these cases, advice should be taken from a veterinary nutritionist to provide a suitable diet that fulfills the needs of the patient. However, often such diets are not necessary, and the cat can be fed with a commercial diet that meets the general requirements for age and health status. Commercial diets that can be used by different patients are those that are labeled as complete diets in accordance with current standards. It should be noted that these diets are used to aid in the treatment of chronic pathologies, while clinical alterations can be helped or managed by the use of drugs. If the cat is very weak, has food intolerances, or malnutrition, specific diets may be necessary, but these can only be obtained under prescription from the veterinary doctor. Only pharmaceutical companies can supply these therapeutic diets. Feeding special diets without a prescription from your veterinarian is equivalent to prescribing options without adequate control and places the animal’s health at risk. Many times, feeding a cat with chronic medical conditions with just commercial diets provides everything needed, and an improvement in the cat’s condition can take place.

6. Conclusion

Taking care of our beloved pets is fundamental especially when concerning what they eat. It is important to look after their diet - a balanced and appropriate diet - to allow them to have a long and healthy life. Cats are carnivores due to the anatomical shape of their teeth and the way their energy is derived, through receiving essential amino acids, water-soluble vitamins, minerals, and fatty volatile acids mainly through the ingestion of animal-source food. However, each cat has its own food preferences, which in some cases are caused by their genetics, education, and environmental stimuli that determine the liking and aversion for particular food, including the texture, flavor, and nutritional quality of food. The cat's owner plays a fundamental role: He or she is responsible for what the cat eats. Furthermore, the owner must also educate the cat and avoid feeding it with too many snacks and titbits. It is important to be sensitive concerning the signals their cat sends to understand specific behavior changes that are usually related to specific nutritional needs, and it is necessary to supervise the feeding of the cat from a young age following carefully the recommended daily serving size.

6.1. Summary of Key Points

For cats, the source of the food is important. They cannot detect bitter tastes. They therefore consume foods without discerning the flavor. As a result, there are many kinds of products that are harmful to cats. Furthermore, they cannot control the balance of nutrients in the food by themselves. They require proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from meat, as well as minerals from the bone and substances that serve the roles of vitamins. These are classified as seven essential nutrients. Cats are carnivorous animals that eat the raw flesh of animals. They have neither the teeth nor the digestive function adapted for breaking down vegetables and fiber, and these substances pass through the intestines. In conclusion, even if cats eat large volumes of food, if the nutrients are not adequately obtained, nutrients will not get to the body, and they can become weak or suffer from malnutrition.

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