Cat Nutrition: What Every Owner Should Know

Cats have very specific dietary needs that differ significantly from dogs and humans.

Obligate Carnivores

Cats must eat meat to survive. They cannot synthesize certain essential nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A from plant sources.

Essential Nutrients for Cats

• Taurine: Critical for heart and eye health; found only in animal tissue
• Arachidonic acid: Essential fatty acid from animal fat
• Vitamin A: Cats cannot convert beta-carotene; need preformed vitamin A
• Protein: Cats need higher protein than dogs

Wet vs. Dry Food

• Wet food: Higher moisture content (helps prevent urinary issues), often more palatable
• Dry food: Convenient, may help with dental health, but lower moisture
• Best approach: A combination of both, with fresh water always available

Foods to Avoid

• Onions and garlic (toxic)
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Raw fish (can destroy thiamine)
• Dog food (lacks taurine)

Feeding Schedule

Adult cats do well with 2 meals per day. Avoid free-feeding dry food as it can contribute to obesity.