Cat Health and Cat Food Nutrition:

Cat Food Tips and Advice for a Healthy Diet

Cat Food Nutrition Requirements

Cat health and cat food nutrition are closely linked.

Cats who receive a nutritious balanced diet will have a nice shiny coat, clear eyes and lots of energy. Since cats are carnivores, they require proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water.

Of these, protein is the most important. It helps with growth and repair of body tissue, provides energy, and supplies amino acids. Cats cannot convert fats and carbohydrates into energy as we do, so most of their nutrition must come from well-balanced protein.

The most important amino acid to our kitty cat is taurine. Cats cannot produce taurine on their own, so must get it from animal proteins. Taurine is required to detoxify their livers. Without the proper amount of taurine in their diet, cats can develop eye and heart problems, immune system dysfunction and blood clotting disorders. While milk products are high in protein, they cannot provide complete protein without the addition of taurine.

This is why you should never give your cat dog food. Dog foods often contain lower amounts of taurine.

A cat doesn’t require lots of fat for proper cat health and food nutrition. A cat deficient in fat will develop dandruff and a dry dull coat. If your cat is deficient in fat, add a bit vegetable oil to their food. Don’t use more than one tablespoon per day. Never add hydrogenated coconut oil or tuna made for human consumption. Both can lead to fatty liver disease.

Cats require more protein than dogs, but less than kittens. At least a third of the diet should be from a quality protein source such as meat, poultry or fish. When choosing a cat food, check the ingredient list on the label to ensure a high quality protein, such as poultry, fish, egg yolk or cheese is listed as one of the first ingredients.

Always ensure your cat has fresh water. Dehydration can lead to health issues. If your cat doesn’t like to drink water, bring the dish to them and try to encourage them to drink. Sometimes wiggling the water will peak their interest, and they’ll have some. If your cat still doesn’t drink enough water, give them a meal of high quality canned cat food every day.

To avoid stomach upset, always introduce cats gradually to new types or brands of food. To introduce cats to new food, begin by mixing some of the old food with the new. Slowly increase the amount of new food, until the switchover is complete.

Always contact your vet before giving your cat vitamin or mineral supplements as it can lead to health issues.

If you can, try to stay away from foods containing chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. They have been linked to some cancers and kidney disease. Instead look for natural preservatives which are much better for your cats health.

What is better? Canned cat food or dry cat food?

Since dry cat food is hard, it does a great job of cleaning your cat’s teeth. It is also convenient and doesn’t spoil as quickly. If you leave food out while you’re away, you should feed your cat dry food. Canned cat food spoils quickly when opened but not refrigerated.

Canned cat food has lots of water, so it’s good for hydration if your cat doesn’t drink much water. Only purchase high quality canned cat food because inexpensive food tends to have more ash, which can lead to stones in the urinary tract. Low quality canned feline food is usually made with lower quality protein such as skin or gristle.

Cat Health and Cat Food Nutrition - Helpful Links

• Weaning A Kitten From Its Mother

• Post-Weaning Kitten Feeding

• Kitten Food Nutrition Guide

• Cat Health and Cat Food Nutrition Guide

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