Meow Mix Mastery: Delve into the world of nutrition for cats

Keep your purr machine nourished and nurture her with love, care, and the right nutrition 

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When we think of cats as pets, we often perceive them as our playful cute companions. They never fail to amuse us with their playful tricks and funny antics. But if you are an experienced pet parent, you know that felines can be fussy eaters and may give their caregivers a hard time!

The problem is not a problem, if we could understand the peculiar eating habits of our feline friend and understand the science behind their digestion and absorption of nutrients, we can ensure that they are healthy and happy!

Cat Cuisine Couture 

  • Cats prefer small meals throughout the day.
  • They are solitary eaters and prefer eating alone.
  • You should try and bring variety to your feline friend’s diet.
  • If your pet develops extremely finicky behaviour, consider changes in her eating environment.
  • You can feed her at two or three different locations to bring variety and a change.

Whiskers and wellness go hand-in-hand 

Cats belong to the Felidae family and are obligate carnivores. Their nutrition can be divided into four broad categories –

Carbohydrates to keep them charged 

The maximum dietary requirement of carbohydrates in cats is not more than 30%. Common sources of carbohydrates that you can give to your beloved pet are – rice, oats, wheat, dried potato, peas, etc.

Make sure you give these in limited amounts only. Feeding too much carbohydrates may lead to “feline urologic syndrome” – a condition where crystals/struvite of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate may block the urethra.

Lactose – yay or nay? 

Whether to give milk to your pet or not, is also a topic of debate. Lactose digestibility is dependent on the enzyme beta-galactosidase which is high in kitten. But as kittens grow in age, their lactose digestibility starts receding. That’s why you shouldn’t give your pet a high amount of milk, as it may cause digestive issues like – bloating, gas, diarrhoea, etc.

Fuel up with fibre

6% fibre is ideal for a moderate-level diet and 12% is ideal for a high-level fibre diet as per standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Fibre is helpful in many ways – for cats with chronic diarrhoea, for diabetic and geriatric cats also fibre is beneficial, and for obese cats, a high-fibre diet may help in weight loss and weight management. Some of the best sources of fibre are – beans, tomato, pomace, beet pulp, etc.

Keeping away from fats – not a good idea 

Cats are not capable of synthesizing arachidonic acid from linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. This means that the requirement for animal fats is fulfilled through diet in cats, making them obligate carnivores.

Protein Power 

Protein is the most important content of a feline diet. Due to their body physiology, cats have short small intestines. This means that they can easily adapt to a high-protein diet. The best sources of protein for your pet are – poultry, beef, fish, etc. You can also consult your vet and give eggs as part of her daily diet for the daily dose of protein.

Taurine Tales

Taurine is an essential amino acid and is required by cats as well. Most animals can produce taurine in their body naturally. However, due to your feline friends’ inability to synthesize taurine in their bodies, you must give foods high in taurine to your pet. You can also talk to your vet about taurine supplements for your pet.

Low levels of taurine may cause – feline central retinal degeneration, cardiomyopathy, and fetal abortion.

Cats are also not able to synthesize arginine and niacin in their body. So, you should give them foods like fish, eggs, and meat to get their daily dose of arginine and niacin.

‘Paw’sitively Nutritious – Things not to give to your feline friend 

You should not give the following food items to your pet as it may prove to be toxic –

  • Citrus fruits
  • Onion and garlic (damage their red blood cells)
  • Chocolates and caffeinated drinks (these contain ‘methylxanthines’ which cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, etc.)
  • Grapes and raisins (may cause renal issues)
  • Raw meat and fish (high risk of Salmonella and E. coli infection)

Delicious Delights 

Yogurt (even though dairy product contains lactose, yogurt contains lactic acid which is safe for cats and can be given during summer but should be unsweetened and plain).

Boiled fish can be cooled and then put in an ice tray and given as an icy fish popsicle to beat the heat and a healthy treat.

Beet pulp puree, tomato pomace, pumpkin puree, and fish or meat puree can be frozen and given as healthy treats.

Keeping your pet’s wellbeing and nutrition taken care of should be your prime responsibility as a pet parent. And it is never too late to start eating healthy! So start this journey of health and nutrition with your beloved pet.

(Snigdha Bhattacharjee – 3rd year BVSC.AH, Founder – Nirvana Animal Welfare)

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