Proper Feeding of Cats

Cats Need Meat

• Unlike dogs, who can live happily and healthily on a vegetable diet, cats are obligate carnivores. That is, their bodies have evolved to eat meat, and they must do so for their health and well-being. Therefore, it is highly inappropriate to try and turn your cat into a vegetarian; you won't be doing right by him or her.

  The term "meat" is very broad; most people understand it as muscle from cattle, chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats and fish. It can also include organ meat, including heart, kidneys and liver. Just like humans, cats derive proteins from the meat in their diet, and proteins are the building blocks of cells. Whichever food you select, meat should be the main ingredient.

  Watch out for a high amount of carbohydrates in your cat's food; cats really don't need extra carbs, which can make them gain weight and lead to health problems.

Quality and Formulas

• Meeting basic needs is never enough. The difference among foods is the quality of their ingredients. A name-brand cat food will use more chicken meat and fewer chicken by-products, for example, than a generic. Premium and superpremium brands use high-quality ingredients and are easily digested; if you switch your cat from a less expensive brand, you may notice that the kitty box isn't quite as offensive as it used to be.

  Special formula diets are available, and they're tailored to meet the needs of the cat at different stages of its life. Kittens (cats less than a year old) should be fed a kitten food that supports their rapid growth and high energy. Adult cats between 1 year old and 6 years old should get an adult or maintenance formula (pregnant and nursing females may be fed extra adult food or even kitten food; see what your vet suggests). Older cats benefit from a senior diet that helps them maintain a healthy weight even as they slow down.

Dry or Canned?

• Should you feed your cat dry or canned food? Dry food has the advantage of working like a toothbrush to remove tartar from your cat's teeth. However, if your cat has trouble chewing dry food, consider feeding canned food. The nutrition they provide is comparable; the big difference lies in the water content. Canned foods are up to 75 percent water, while dry food is about 10 percent water.

  While canned food is more expensive, there's concern that dry food, with its high carbohydrate levels compared to canned food, contribute to cats becoming overweight and even developing feline diabetes. As you choose your cat's food, remember: Carnivores don't really need carbs! Protein is key, and that comes from meat, not grains, veggies, or fruits.