Understanding Feline Nutrition - Like Teens, Cats Are Picky Eaters

By Rob Metras

Ever wonder why Tom was always after Jerry in the classic cartoon, Tom and Jerry? Well the reason is simple: Cat food. You see, cats are meat eaters. And to a cat, a mouse is a tasty tidbit packed full of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Believe it or not, proper feline nutrition is one of the simplest ways to ensure your cat's body functions properly. Feeding your cat right helps prevent obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and a number of other cat illnesses and diseases. Like humans, if a cat's nutritional needs are not met, its' health may suffer.

Outdoor cats satisfy some of their nutritional needs from the critters they catch. Indoor cats on the other hand, are not so lucky. But both need your help.

More than anything else your cat needs a daily dose of fresh water. It also needs fat, protein, carbohydrates, and certain vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates provide energy. Protein helps tissues stay healthy. Vitamins help metabolism. Fats help store and absorb the vitamins cats need to maintain healthy coats. And minerals help cat hair and skin to develop properly.

With so many different types of cat food on the market, it seems like feeding your cat right requires a degree in feline nutrition. There is dry food, wet food, cat food to prevent hairballs, and food for different-aged cats. There ís name-brand cat food, store brand, and really expensive brands. So which cat food is right?

Many veterinarians recommend dry cat food over wet. Dry food contains fewer preservatives than wet, does not spoil, and does not usually cause overeating. Feeding your cat higher-priced varieties is typically better as these are more nutrient dense. But even the best cat food will not do your cat any good if the cat does not like the taste. The bottom line? When in doubt about cat care, ask the vet!

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