Cats have very specific dietary and general health requirements. Your cat’s health needs may depend on certain factors such as age, sex, and any health problems. The things included on this page are NOT CLINICALLY PRESCRIBED TO YOUR CAT SPECIFICALLY. I have done my best to include the best, most reliable information regarding these concerns, but I AM NOT A CERTIFIED VETERINARIAN. ASK YOUR CAT’S VET FOR PERSONALIZED HEALTH CARE ADVICE. (I have taken the time to cite my sources at the bottom of this page. I have gathered my information from reliable sources and have compared my sources individually to make sure they are as scientifically accurate as possible.)
Dietary needs
What should I feed my cat?
It can depend on your cat’s age, weight, sex, etc. One of the necessary nutrients is taurine. Taurine maintains a cat’s eyesight and keeps their heart healthy. The protein content in act’s food is also very important. For an adult cat, the minimum daily protein requirement is at least 5.2 grams of protein for kilogram of body weight. This is equal to about 11.5 grams of protein per pound.
There are different varieties of cat food for kitties with allergies, sensitive stomachs, heart or urinary issues, dental problems, and coat and skin problems. There are also special cat foods for kittens and senior cats. Older cats will appreciate a diet lower in phosphorus with a medium level of fiber. This will reduce constipation. Kittens will have high nutritional needs for proper growth. Their nutritional needs will also change as they mature.
What should I not feed my cat?
Some of the things a cat should never eat include grapes, chocolate, onions, pork, green tomatoes, raisins, raw egg yolk, raw potatoes, bones, aspirin, and dog food. These foods are very toxic to felines, and can cause severe illness or death. Despite popular opinion, cow’s milk is not healthy for a cat. It is not easy for a cat to digest, and often results in diarrhea. Do not regularly feed your cat table scraps. It may reject its proper diet if you do so. Occasional scraps from your plate are OK, as long as they do not pose harm to your cat’s health. During the aging process, it can develop the following health problems: a weaker immune system, a less sharp sense of smell, a duller sense of taste, urinary problems, arthritis, asthma, hyperthyroidism, and cancer. Always provide your kitty with clean water, and replace as necessary.