Basic Feline Nutritional Needs

Nutrients are essential substances that every living creature gets from the foods it consumes. As for our pet cats, we need to nourish them with foods that carry nutrients nature has intended for them. Here are the foods that encompass the basic nutritional needs of cats. You should know them in order to keep your feline pet healthy and alert.

Water

This is the most important nutrient on earth. It is synonymous with life. It makes up approximately 70 percent of your cat's weight. You should provide your pet with sufficient supply of clean drinking water to keep it hydrated. While it is true that a lot of canned pet foods contain water, these are not as fresh as the drinking water from your faucet. Besides, food moisture content is not enough to sustain your pet's need for fluids. A deficiency of water (as much as 15 percent) may trigger serious illnesses or even death to cats.

Protein

Like us, cats need protein for energy, development of cells, and repair of worn out tissues of their body. This substance is also the basic building blocks for antibodies, enzymes, and hormones to make their body function normally.

Protein is obtainable from many foods. These include meat (beef, turkey and chicken), fish and eggs. Please note that you need to cook eggs before feeding them to your feline friends. Raw egg whites are not good for their health.

Essential Amino Acids

Cats need amino acids in order to make proteins work in their system. You should provide your pet with foods that are loaded with these substances because the animal's body is not able to manufacture them.

Taurine is just one of the essential amino acids your pet needs. It is a nutrient that helps to protect the animal from eye and heart ailment. It also works to keep pregnant cats healthy. Like protein, essential amino acids can be obtained from meat, fish and eggs.

Fats

Fats provide energy for your feline pet. It is needed for the production of certain hormones, efficient absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, body insulation, and protection of your pet's internal organs.

Among the most important fatty acids include linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. If your pet doesn't have sufficient supply of essential fatty acids, he may not reach his maximum growth potential. The deficiency may also make him prone to poor skin and coat health, joint diseases, inflammatory ailments, and kidney or renal failure.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are important because they provide energy and protect your pet from intestinal disorders. They play a role in keeping your cat physically and mentally alert.

Vitamins

Cats need vitamins to keep their metabolic functions normal. But you don't need to go to the extent of supplying your pet with supplements unless a specific deficiency is diagnosed by your vet. You should allow your pet to get the vitamins he needs by feeding him with a complete diet. Remember, a deficiency or overdose of vitamins can be harmful to cats.

Minerals

Your feline pet needs minerals because these substances are necessary for the health of his teeth and bones as well as the maintenance of fluid balance in his body.