What is the best way to feed your cat?  Over the past year and a half, the COVID-19 crisis has turned the world upside down. Many of us are spending more time at home, and our cats are taking notice. They may actually think we are there to respond to every hunger pang and will consistently beg you to feed them! It is very tempting to give in, but is it in the best interest of your kitty?Cats are obligate carnivores--that is, meat-eaters--and it is important to keep this in mind when selecting their food. It is also important to refrain from giving them a treat when they are pleading with you between meals. Read on for some key tips to feeding your precious felines and keeping them healthy for life. There are many opinions and articles to be found on the internet about cat nutrition, and it can become confusing. Basically, there are three key principles:
Remember that cats are meat-eaters, which means they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. A wild cat's diet consists of mice, rats, rabbits, and lizards and naturally incorporates these three things. These small mammals consist of about 70% water, are high in protein, and low in carbohydrates. Protein, the basic building block for cells and tissues, is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction. But, not all proteins are created equal. Proteins are made up of amino acids and are found in both animals and plants. Animal-based protein has a complete amino acid complement and is sufficient all by itself. Although plant-based proteins are valuable, they don't have the same, complete amino acid profile and must be carefully combined to assure that all of the essential amino acids are present. Think of it as putting a puzzle together; you have to get all of the pieces from various sources to make it complete.
Your cat absolutely needs water and should always have a fresh supply nearby. Cats are not naturally water drinkers, however, since in the wild, they depend on their prey to meet their water requirements. So what should you do? Many nutritionists believe you should only feed your cat canned food. They believe any canned food is better than dry food. Canned food has about 75% water content and a high level of animal protein, while dry food is over-processed, has only 10% water content, and is high in plant proteins and carbohydrates. When you shop for cat food there is a lot to choose from, and a good percentage of it is dry food. Pet food production is big business, and more money can be made with dry food because it is generally cheaper to produce. Dry food can be easier to handle and may be less expensive than canned food. Some veterinarians recommend feeding dry food in combination with canned food, but, there are some cats that will only eat kibble. While a diet consisting solely of canned food is optimal, there are times when dry food may be the only option. Remember, it is more important for your cat to eat. Because a cat's metabolic system is geared towards processing meat and animal protein, there are foods it can't tolerate. Cats should not be given milk or dairy products because they lack lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea. Treats should be just that: a treat. If you choose to give your cat treats, be sure they comprise less than 5% of her diet. Every cat is different and has its own preferences when it comes to eating. You should work with your cat's veterinarian to determine the ideal composition of food for your particular kitty. Activity level, basic body structure, and extreme heat or cold can all have an effect on your cat's appetite. If your cat eats everything in sight, you might have to strictly control her diet. Conversely, a picky eater may need to be fed several times a day. To learn more about cat nutrition check the websites below and bon appétit! Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition – Common Sense. Healthy Cats. (catinfo.org) Feeding Your Cat | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine |
Animal-based proteins are necessary for cats.
So how do you feed your cat to ensure a long, healthy life? Feline nutritionists have different opinions about this. There are also the cats themselves who can be very opinionated about what they will or will not eat! So rule number one is: be sure your cat eats. Don't let your cat starve because she won't eat the high-quality food you purchased. "If you're hungry you’ll eat it" doesn't necessarily apply to cats.