Cats are natural carnivores and need more protein than dogs. Cats are better able to convert proteins into energy, requiring high-quality animal protein to maintain their muscles, the nitrogen balance of their organs, and to absorb essential amino acids, among other things. Cats also require proteins to maintain their fur. Taurine and arginine, amino acids included in animal proteins, are vital for cats. Their food must also contain enough fat, minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and -6. In nature, cats prefer to eat small rodents, including their bones and organs. Cats have no need of carbohydrates, but a small amount of fibre, preferably of animal origin, can improve their gastric function; excess plant fibre intake will disturb their gut microbiome, however.
The ideal meal routine for cats is multiple small meals over the course of the day, just like they would eat out in the wild, hunting multiple times a day. Fasting is absolutely unsuitable for cats. In addition to good quality cat food, cats must have unlimited access to clean fresh water. Because they get most of their fluids from their food in nature, cats have a tendency to not drink enough water.
How much food a cat needs depends on many factors, including age, activity levels, and life situation. Any changes to a cat’s diet must be introduced slowly to allow its body to adapt. Kittens should be introduced to a diverse diet already in the sensitive period by 12 to 14 weeks of age because older cats often initially refuse new foods. In particular, cats react to the mouthfeel of a new food with a different consistency, and their sense of smell is sensitive to anomalies. Cats also have a great innate need to satisfy their natural hunting instinct. Indoor cats have few organic opportunities for this behaviour, so their environment should be enriched by the owner. Feeding should emulate the cat’s natural behaviour as closely as possible through play – this will support the pet’s natural hunting behaviour and contribute to its health and happiness.
