Nutritional Requirements of Cats

Introduction

Cats need meat to obtain essential amino acids.
Cats cannot produce these amino acids themselves.
Important to feed high-quality, meat-first food.
Historical Note: In the 1980s, many cats died from dilated cardiomyopathy due to lack of taurine in corn- and wheat-based foods.
Modern cat foods now include added taurine.

Natural Habit: In the wild, cats get most of their water from their prey.
Important to add wet, raw, or lightly cooked meat to mimic this habit.
Cats with insufficient water intake can develop kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or bladder issues.
Stagnant Water: Cats avoid stagnant water, prefer moving water sources (e.g., faucets or cat water fountains).
Daily Requirement: Cats need about 8 ounces of water per day.
Experiment: Measure water consumption by emptying and refilling the water bowl to see if cats are drinking enough.

Carbohydrates provide short-term energy but are not highly needed by cats.
High levels of carbs can cause various health issues:
- Stress on the digestive system
- Exacerbation of yeast
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Increased inflammation
- Increased risk of obesity
- Increased risk of cancer
Ideal carbohydrate intake for cats: 2-5%
Typical kibble carbohydrate content: 20-50%
Solution: Add wet, raw, or lightly cooked meats to reduce carbohydrate intake.
Even partial inclusion of these foods can significantly improve the diet.

Kibble is for human convenience, not ideal for cats.
Important: Balance kibble with as much wet, raw, or lightly cooked meat as possible.
Despite affordability, improve diet quality within means.
Even the best kibble can result in health issues if it's the sole food.