A nutritious diet is a prerequisite for a happy and a healthy life. Just as this phrase is appropriate for humans, it is apt for our pets as well. If fed quality food, your cat stands a better chance of optimal health and a long life. Therefore, what cats should be eating should be your primary concern as a pet owner. This article intends to provide you information regarding the basics of feline nutrition, which would enable you to raise a healthy cat.

The obligate carnivores

Cats are obligate carnivores, which mean they just cannot do without meat. The specific nutrition requirements that they have can be fulfilled by meat only. This is in contrast to dogs, raccoons, and bears, which are facultative (optional) carnivores or omnivores. They can have meat but can survive on ‘only plant matter’ as well. Therefore, if you really want to know what cats should be eating, meat is the answer you cannot ignore. To ensure that your pet cat lives a happy and a healthy life, you are supposed to provide it its daily dose of animal-based proteins.

Cats don’t require too many carbohydrates

Most of the cat owners feed dry foods rich in carbohydrates to their cats. The reason behind is that dry foods are cheap and they are easily available. However, cats in their natural setting would never consume too much of carbohydrates because they are true carnivores. So for keeping your pet cats healthy, you ought to know what cats should be eating. They are designed to eat meat, not grains.

Cats require plenty of water

Cats have a low thirst drive, but they require plenty of water with their food for maintaining their overall health. Their low thirst drive is because of the fact that they obtain most of the water from their diet. Their diet here refers to their prey, which is approximately 70 percent water. However, if you feed your cat with dry food, it is your responsibility to provide it enough water as well. Otherwise, dry food can cause severe dehydration in your cat. You can count on canned cat foods for meeting their water needs.

Specific nutrition requirements

What cats should be eating differs from one situation to another and from one stage to another. For example, nutrition that your cat requires in her initial years differs from its requirement in its old age. Kittens require more protein, fats, calories, etc. Once pregnant, your cat would have elevated nutritional needs. Therefore, you should consult a veterinarian and seek ways to accommodate the changing nutrition requirements of your pet. For enabling your cat to maintain its teeth and gum health, you should offer it dry food. On the other hand, you can offer soft meaty foods to your cat that has a poor dental health.