What should my cat be eating?

Cats are wonderful pets with their own characteristics and personalities. They have specific nutritional needs and should not be thought of as small dogs when it comes to their diet and well-being.

Below we will cover some of the unique nutritional requirements for your pet cat.

Firstly, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must mostly consist of meat. They need certain nutrients that only come from animal protein, such as:

• Taurine: Cats cannot synthesize this essential amino acid. Deficiency can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease and blindness.
• Arachidonic Acid: A fatty acid vital for maintaining healthy skin and coat.
• Vitamin A: Cats need a direct source of Vitamin A, which normally comes from liver or other organ meat.

Cats have a very low tolerance for carbohydrates. A wild feline diet contains very limited amounts of carbohydrates; therefore, a high-carb diet can lead to diabetes and obesity. Try to avoid low protein, high carbohydrate diets for your cat.

Cats don’t need to drink a lot of water. In the wild, most of their hydration comes from the food they eat. A diet based around wet food helps keep your cat nicely hydrated. However, it is vital they always have access to clean, fresh water as dehydration can lead to kidney problems and urinary tract infections, especially if they only eat dry food.

Small and frequent meals are preferred by cats as this is more in line with their natural eating patterns. If you have a fussy cat, you can try this approach to encourage them to eat rather than always having food available.

Foods that are toxic to cats:

• Onions and garlic
• Chocolate
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Grapes and raisins

Vital nutrition for your cat:

• Essential fatty acids: Require Omega 3 and 6, which are vital for numerous bodily functions, including reducing inflammation and improving skin, coat, and brain function.
• Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune function, and skin and coat health.
• Vitamin D: Necessary for muscle and bone health, needs to come from the diet.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps immune function.
• B Vitamins: Important for energy metabolism, skin, muscle, and nerve function.

Most high-quality, complete cat foods will provide your cat with the vitamins they require to stay in top condition.

DotDotPet Multifit cat supplements are a great addition to your cat’s daily routine as they contain NutraPlasm, which comes from animal sources and is packed with essential proteins and vitamins. They also contain Omega 3 and Omega 6, as well as a range of antioxidants. Multifits are scientifically proven to help support your cat’s immune system and keepi them in optimal health. Why not give your cat a daily treat that offers a multitude of benefits?