Nutritional needs for cats

Look inside your cat's mouth. Notice her teeth? Shaped for cutting, tearing and slicing, these belong to a carnivore. Unlike dogs, who can get all their nutrients from plant-based proteins, domestic felines need meat to meet their dietary requirements. By feeding your cat the right kind and amount of food, you can keep her happy and healthy.

What makes up good cat nutrition?

An average adult cat's diet should consist of at least 28-percent protein, which helps regulate metabolism and build and repair tissue. Felines need fats, too, which transport vitamins throughout the body and help maintain a healthy coat. Fats should make up at least 9 percent of the diet.

Carbohydrates, which provide energy, should comprise no more than 40 percent of a feline's daily allowance. A premium-quality food will contain the right percentages, along with necessary vitamins and minerals. Should you give your cat wet or dry food? It's often a matter of convenience and taste-your cat's, that is. Eating dry food will exercise a cat's gums and thus help maintain dental health. But as dry formulas contain about 10 percent water, versus 75 percent in the average wet food, you'll must make sure your pet is drinking enough. Adequate water intake is important for pets with urinary tract disease, especially if they have been on a dry-only diet. Moist foods may be easier on older pets who have lost their teeth. If your pet eats only wet food, Experts recommend that you give him a crunchy treat, and vice versa.

Special food requirements ensure cat health

No matter what variety you go with, make sure you take into account any special feeding requirements. Young cats need the nutrients found in kitten food, and lactating mothers can use extra calories. Just because your elderly cat's metabolism is slowing down does not mean you should cut back on her food intake. Some older pets can lose weight if they have digestive problems. Your veterinarian may prescribe a special diet if your cat has kidney, urinary or heart problems. And never feed dog food to your cat. It won't meet her protein requirements, nor will it contain adequate levels of taurine, an essential amino acid. Inadequate levels of taurine in the diet have been linked to feline heart disease and blindness.

Because of their excellent senses of smell and taste, cats may refuse food if it is too hot or too cold, has an odor they find unpleasant, or has been left out too long. Always make sure your cat's food is room-temperature, and throw away any wet food that hasn't been consumed within 15 minutes.