How Much Protein Do Cats Require?

As carnivores, cats are built to hunt and eat other animals. Claws, fangs and agility make them fearsome predators and their body has evolved to process nutrients from animals. While the feline body can turn carbohydrates and fats into glucose, it can actually convert proteins into energy more efficiently.

  1. Protein for Body Weight

    • While the amount of protein in your cat's food isn't the only thing you should pay attention to, it's a good place to start when evaluating the quality of your pet's diet. Adult cats need about 4 grams of protein per 2 pounds of body weight every day, which should account for about 20 percent of the food's mass, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Make sure you get food appropriate for your pet's age, because his nutritional requirements do change as he grows. Ask your vet about protein requirements for a sick or pregnant kitty, as she may have special nutritional needs.

    Protein Quality

    • Not all proteins are equal when it comes to nutrition. There are a total of 23 amino acids that your cat needs to stay healthy. His body is able to make 12 of these amino acids from other molecules, but he must get the remaining 11 directly from his food. Taurine and arginine are among the most critical of these dietary-exclusive acids. Your cat needs arginine to rid himself of toxic byproducts after his meals, according to the Feline Nutrition Education Society. Dietary proteins that contain all the necessary amino acids are considered to have "high biological value."

    Benefits of High Protein

    • While a balanced diet for cats does include some carbohydrates and fats, they should not be a big part of his meals. Table food is often not appropriate for cats, so avoid the temptation to let your kitty enjoy your meals with you. Cutting excess carbs from your kitty's diet can help him lose weight. A diet of canned food with high protein and low carb content reliably leads to weight loss in overweight cats, according to Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Studies. Too many carbs from sugars, fibers and other sources can interfere with your furry friend's ability to digest food.

    Dietary Restrictions

    • While there are many commercial dry and wet food brands that contain all the necessary nutrients for your cat, there's always a chance that it just won't suit him. He may not like the taste, smell or texture, so you may need to try out a few brands before finding the one he likes. Your cat may also have a hard time due to food allergies. Some cats are allergic to certain sources of protein, like chicken or cow meat, so talk to your vet about identifying the allergen responsible.

    Changing Foods

    • If you plan to change your kitty's food brand, do it incrementally by adding some of the new food with the old. Slowly increase the amount over several weeks until he's only on the new brand. Switching foods quickly can make your kitty throw up or experience other unfortunate symptoms of indigestion, so take it slow.