What can cats eat? Out of curiosity, it is one of the questions we ask ourselves the most when we have a cat. There is no doubt that these felines They have a practically carnivorous diet, But it is essential to know other foods that they can tolerate and that are essential for their diet.
A correct diet will offer them their correct development, vitality and health to face their years of life. It is also important to know the contribution of the taurine in their food, a substance that is found naturally in meat and which we have already described in one of our articles.
What can cats eat?
Cats are especially carnivorous animals. Their main food must contain as main substance protein, which is obtained from fish and meat. Fruit and vegetables can also be included in your diet, but as a supplement, not as the main food. Vegetables provide fiber, vitamins and minerals, substances that are also essential for their diet.
You can offer them fish, as long as it is cooked, boneless or deboned. Its contribution is good because Contains vitamin E for its development, but you should not offer large quantities of fish given its high mercury content. Fish supplements are also good for keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
Chicken can also be offered to them for its great nutrients. The dairy They are not bad, for example, cheese, you can offer it in small quantities. It is not advisable for them to eat large quantities because their digestive system can reject it. Eggs are also suitable for your dietThis food is essential for its good nutrients, such as proteins and vitamin B.
What type of food can be offered to a cat?
Feed is one of the most practical foods to offer a cat, but you have to take into account to enhance the value of high-quality food. Look for those who can be advised by a specialist and who are rich in animal protein, such as chicken, turkey, salmon, etc. Avoid feeds that contain excessive ingredients such as corn or wheat, as they do not provide any nutritional value.
- Puppies (up to 1 year) They should eat foods rich in fats, proteins and nutrients essential for their growth. We will detail this later.
- Adult cats (1 to 7 years) should eat foods balanced in fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- Older cats (over 7 years old), They need to eat foods that are lower in fat and have nutritional properties that promote the use of their joints and do not cause problems to their kidney functions.
Special feeds for various diseases
Cats also need special food or feed when they are sick. We list the most common illnesses they can suffer from:
- Weight control, especially in neutered cats: low-calorie, high-fibre feed should be used.
- When there are urinary problems: The diet must be based on formulas that contain an adequate urinary pH to reduce the formation of crystals.
- Digestive problems: When digestion is sensitive, hypoallergenic formulas must be provided.
Can cats eat fruits and vegetables?
Add fruits and vegetables to your diet A cat's diet also has its benefits, since it provides the vitamins, minerals and fiber that it needs. In fact, these foods strengthen the animal's health, boosting the immune system and providing Antioxidants for your system.
Fiber is also important to relieve constipation. and improve intestinal mobility. It should not be forgotten that cats need this type of food only as a supplement and not as their exclusive food. Eating meat mainly helps to provide omega-3 and omega-6 for a healthy coat. And above all, it provides taurine, a very essential component for heart and eye health in cats.
- Some Fruits that we can offer to our cats: strawberries, mangoes, pear, peach, apple, peach, banana, melon, watermelon, blueberries, pear.
- Vegetables that can be added to your diet: potato, pumpkin, zucchini, peas, green beans, lettuce, cucumber, ripe tomato, broccoli, spinach, carrots.
What can cats eat when they are babies?
Kittens when they are newborn They drink milk from their mother during the first eight weeks of life. If the cat cannot be fed by its mother, it should be offered formulated milk, especially for its growth and survival.
offer them Cow's milk is a mistake because it contains lactose and causes diarrhea in kittens. They can be offered lactose-free milk, but only temporarily, as does not contain all the nutrients which they need for survival, including taurine. They can be offered it for 24 to 48 hours, after which a formula milk should be used.
Goat milk is another alternative, but it must also be offered temporarily because it does not contain all the necessary nutrients. To offer them milk, it must be administered every 2 to 3 hours and with the help of a syringe.
When reach eight weeks of age You can now offer it to him special food for their age. They should contain a high content of healthy fats, such as fish oil, folic acid and taurine.
What can cats eat after 15 years of age?
From this age on, kittens are older and feel more at home, less active and more affectionate. Their nutritional needs must also change. These are the so-called “Senior” type feeds, with fewer calories than traditional feeds and a higher fibre content. Many of them also contain antioxidants to help keep them healthier as they age.
Is it better to offer them dry food or soft food? Older cats tend to have more worn teeth, and they may need to eat soft foods to be able to chew them better. This can be done in several different ways: offering wet food or mixing it with the food. Or moistening the food with a little water so that it can be digested more easily. Your cat will be the one who chooses how to eat.