Cats' Nutrition: What Do Domestic Cats Eat?

Domestic cats are carnivores, which means they eat mostly meat. Cats need meat and animal-based protein as part of their diet. They also require a good balance of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. Domestic cats are descended from African wild cats, which eat small rodents, such as mice and rats, as well as moles, shrews, rabbits, and birds. Similarly, domestic cats can also eat human foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and certain fruits and vegetables, but only in small amounts.

Meat and protein sources

Domestic cats are carnivores, so their diet should consist mostly of meat. Cats also need a good balance of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids, which are the building blocks for protein.

Meat and other animal-based protein sources are the main nutrient sources for cats. Cats can eat any type of meat, fish, or poultry, as long as it is cooked and served without any sauces or seasonings. The best cooking methods for meat are boiling, grilling, or baking, as frying can be too fatty. Meat should also be cooked thoroughly to kill any potential viruses and bacteria.

Fish is another good option for cats, as it contains vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. It should be served boiled, cut into small pieces, and without any seasonings. Fresh-caught fish is preferable to farm-raised, and it is important to carefully pick out the skeleton and bones.

Shrimp is also a good source of protein for cats, as well as being rich in phosphorus, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It can be beneficial for heart health and can help keep a cat's fur in good condition. However, it should only be added to a cat's meal occasionally rather than being a staple of their daily diet.

Eggs are another excellent source of protein for cats and can be safely fed to them as long as they are cooked, for example, by scrambling or boiling. Raw eggs should be avoided, as they carry the risk of viruses and bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.

Carbohydrates and sugars

Carbohydrates are not an essential part of a cat's diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are designed to get their nutritional needs met by the consumption of a large amount of animal-based proteins (meat/organs) and derive much less nutritional support from plant-based proteins (grains/vegetables).

Cats have a unique physiology that makes them different from other species in their ability to process carbohydrates. They have a reduced digestive enzyme capacity, alterations of monosaccharide absorption, and peculiarities of glucose metabolism in the feline liver. Cats have a limited ability to adjust the amount of protein that the body uses relative to the protein level in their diet. In other words, cats will continue to use protein to maintain blood glucose (blood sugar) levels even when dietary protein is limited and carbohydrates are provided.

Cats do not need carbohydrates in their diet unless they are pregnant or nursing kittens. Carbohydrates provide plenty of energy, generate heat for the body, and provide building blocks for other nutrients, such as vitamin C, nonessential amino acids, and a host of others. Carbohydrates also play an important role in the making of dry cat foods, helping to hold kibbles together and prevent crumbling during manufacturing.

However, cats can digest, absorb, and use dietary carbohydrates. Cats have a higher need for protein than many other animals, and their liver has a greater number of enzymes related to glucose metabolism compared to a dog's liver. Cats fed high-carbohydrate diets have higher blood glucose levels compared to cats fed low-carbohydrate diets due to their failure to convert excess glucose to glycogen (storage form of energy).

The biological value (how well the pet absorbs and utilizes the ingredient) of animal protein (like beef or chicken meat) is almost twice that of a plant protein (like corn, gluten meal or soybean meal) for cats. Cats in the wild eat mice that are made of approximately 70% water and high in protein (48%) and low in carbohydrates (5%).

It is recommended that cats are fed a low-carbohydrate diet with between 10% to 15% of the calorie content from carbs. Ideally, no more than 30% of the calories should come from carbs.

Fruits and vegetables

Domestic cats are carnivores and derive their primary nutritional requirements from a meat-based diet. However, they can benefit from the occasional plant-based snack, and fruits and vegetables can provide a healthy boost of nutrition.

Fruits

Fruits should be fed to cats in moderation, as they are high in sugar and could lead to weight gain or diabetes if consumed in large amounts. Always wash fruits thoroughly, and remove parts that may be hard to chew or swallow, such as the peel and seeds. Here are some fruits that are safe for cats to eat:

• Apples: Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Remove the peel and seeds, as they may contain traces of cyanide, which is toxic to cats.
• Bananas: Rich in fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. High in sugar, so should be given in small amounts.
• Pears: High in sugar, but also contain vitamins and dietary fiber. Remove the peel and seeds, as they contain cyanide.
• Blueberries: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Strawberries: High in fiber, water content, and minerals. Remove the leaves and stems before serving.
• Raspberries: Good source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
• Cranberries: Rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Avoid giving cranberry sauce or juice, as these are high in sugar.
• Watermelon: Contains vitamins A, B, C, and potassium, and is over 90% water. Remove the seeds and any traces of the peel.
• Pineapple: Rich in vitamins and minerals, but high in sugar, so feed in limited quantities. Remove the skin and core, and cut into small pieces.
• Apricots: Good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium. Remove the peel, pit, stem, and leaves, as these can be poisonous.
• Mango: Rich in magnesium, potassium, folate, and vitamin C. Remove the skin and pit before serving.
• Oranges: Loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants, as well as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Remove the peel and seeds.
• Peaches: Can be fed in small amounts, but remove the pit, as it contains cyanide.

Vegetables

Vegetables are not a necessary part of a cat's diet, but they can provide a boost of nutrition, and some cats may enjoy the flavor and texture. Here are some vegetables that are safe for cats to eat:

• Carrots: High in beta carotene, which is good for a cat's eyes and coat. Peel and cook to reduce the risk of choking.
• Cucumber: Contains vitamins C and K, magnesium, and a high amount of water, making it a good snack for overweight cats. Peel and cut into thin strips.
• Celery: Rich in vitamins and fiber, with diuretic advantages that can assist with kidney function. High in water content, so it can be given to overweight cats.
• Green beans: Rich in iron and protein, and low in calories, making them ideal for overweight cats. Can be served raw or cooked.
• Lettuce: High in water and fiber, which can help with hydration and digestion. Wash thoroughly and cut into small pieces.
• Peas: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Can be served fresh, frozen, or canned, but must be cooked.
• Pumpkin: Safe for feline consumption, as long as the outer skin and seeds are removed. Cooked pumpkin puree can help with diarrhea and constipation.
• Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals, but should be given in small quantities, especially if the cat has kidney issues.
• Broccoli: Safe for cats and packed with vitamins and minerals, but can be difficult to digest due to its fiber content. Steam and cut into small pieces before serving.
• Brussels sprouts: High in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and manganese. Shred and steam before adding to your cat's food.
• Cabbage: Excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and manganese. Shred and steam before adding to your cat's food.
• Cauliflower: Rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, with cancer-fighting properties. Cook before serving to make it easier to eat and digest.
• Asparagus: Packed with fiber, potassium, and folic acid. Cut into small pieces and steam or boil before serving.
• Bell peppers: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Cut into small pieces and serve raw or cooked.
• Sweet potatoes: Rich in dietary fiber, water, vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, and potassium.
• Zucchini: Rich in fiber, moisture, vitamins, and minerals. Remove the peel before serving to aid digestion.

Human food to avoid

Cats are carnivores, so their diet should consist mostly of meat. They also need a good balance of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause serious problems in cats, including vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, coma, and even death. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could be fatal.

Bread dough containing yeast

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to build up in a cat's digestive system, leading to stomach bloating and twisting, which can be fatal. Additionally, yeast produces alcohol as a byproduct, which can also harm your cat. Baked bread, on the other hand, is considered safe in small amounts.

Chocolate and coffee

Chocolate and coffee contain methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures, and even death. Cocoa powder is the most dangerous form of chocolate, while white chocolate is the least toxic.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, clementines, and grapefruits contain citric acid and essential oils that can be harmful to cats. All parts of these fruits, including the stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds, should be avoided. While small amounts may cause an upset stomach, larger quantities can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, and central nervous system depression.

Coconut flesh and coconut water

Fresh coconut milk and flesh can cause digestive issues in cats, though small amounts are not likely to be dangerous. Coconut water, on the other hand, is too high in potassium to be safe for cats.

Dairy

Many cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt. This can lead to digestive problems such as gastrointestinal pain and diarrhoea.

Grapes and raisins

Grapes and raisins have been known to cause kidney failure in cats, although the exact reason is unknown. Even a small amount can make a cat ill, with early signs including repeated vomiting and hyperactivity.

Nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to cats, and other nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in oils and fats that can cause digestive issues and potentially pancreatitis.

Raw eggs

Raw eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. They also contain avidin, an enzyme that hinders the absorption of biotin, a vitamin important for skin and fur health.

Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs

Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, leading to foodborne illnesses. Additionally, raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine, an essential B vitamin, which can cause neurological problems, convulsions, and coma.

Salt

Consuming large amounts of salt can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures, and even death in cats.

Some vegetables and herbs

While cats can eat some vegetables, onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, shallots, and chives are particularly harmful. These can cause gastrointestinal problems and damage red blood cells.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a common sweetener found in packaged goods like gum and candy, but it can lead to vomiting, lethargy, and liver failure in cats.

Dietary requirements for kittens

Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats. In the first few weeks of their lives, kittens are solely fed their mothers' milk. They are gradually introduced to moistened solid food before transitioning to a complete and balanced kitten food.

Kittens need large amounts of energy—about two to three times that of an adult cat. They also need about 30% of their total energy from protein. Make sure the food you offer is specifically formulated for kittens. Your pet will need to eat kitten-formula food until she reaches maturity, at about one year of age.

Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats because they have more energy and are also growing and developing at rapid rates. Kitten food has more calories and higher levels of certain nutrients.

• Protein: As carnivores, cats need more protein than dogs. Kittens, however, need even more protein, and more essential amino acids such as arginine, lysine and methionine than adult cats to support their rapid growth and development.
• Taurine and Choline: Like adult cats, kittens need a sufficient daily intake of taurine and choline.
• Fat: Kittens need more essential fatty acids to support their rapid growth and development. Fat is also a good source of energy and carries fat-soluble vitamins.
• Calcium and Phosphorus: Kittens need more calcium and phosphorus than adult cats to support the growth and development of their bones and teeth.
• DHA: The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is important for brain and vision development.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Cats need an adequate daily intake of vitamins and minerals, but kittens need more magnesium, copper, iodine and vitamin A than adult cats.

The nutritional content of kitten food is designed to support the rapid growth and development of young cats. It is important to feed your kitten a complete and balanced diet to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.

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