What Nutritional Needs Do Cats Have?

Cats need proper nutrition to promote their health and happiness. Meeting your cat's nutritional needs will extend its longevity. To meet your cat's nutritional needs, find foods that have an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label, which will guarantee that your cat's nutritional needs will be fulfilled.

  1. Protein

    • Protein contains amino acids. Protein and amino acids convert into an energy source for your cat, as well as help develop muscle. An important amino acid that you should incorporate into your cat's diet includes taurine. Without adequate taurine in your cat's diet, medical issues such as blindness, deafness and heart failure can develop, according to the National Academies. Another essential amino acid is arginine, which helps your cat flush ammonia from its body.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    • Cats need vitamins to help boost their immune systems, keep their metabolism regulated and assist in growth. Vitamins are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins process through your cat's urine, while fat-soluble vitamins become stored in your cat's body. Vitamins to assist with your cat's immune system include B1, niacin and riboflavin, according to Vetinfo. Other important vitamins include riboflavin, niacin and vitamin E. Minerals such as calcium help to facilitate in bone and teeth growth. Minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium also provide good nutrition for your cat.

    Fats

    • Fats account for most of your cat's energy source, according to the National Academies. Fats contain fatty acids, which help to regulate your cat's immune system, contribute to your cat's visual development and assist in reproductive health. Fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are necessary in your cat's diet, indicates Pet Education. Cat food containing fish oil are good sources of these fatty acids. Cat food containing beef have lower levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

    Water

    • Your cat may need supplemental water sources.

      Cats in the wild require less water in their diets since prey contains a higher water content. However, a domesticated cat will need food with a high moisture content to assist in food digestion and waste elimination, as well as regulating body temperature. Semimoist food has a 35 percent moisture content and canned food has a 75 percent moisture content, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. If you feed your cat a diet consisting primarily of dry food, include fresh water daily to avoid dehydration.