Cat Corner

What You Need to Know About Your Cat's Diet

By Gianina Scalise

Dry food is cheaper. There is no question about that. It's easier, as well. A scoop once or twice a day into a food bowl and you're all set. However, because of the market for dry food, the truth about your cat's dietary needs gets swept under the rug. And while dogs can thrive on a kibble-based diet, it is difficult for cats to do the same without suffering related health risks.

Unlike humans or dogs, cats need much more protein in their diet to survive. An easier way to bring that concept to life is to think about what a cat would eat in the wild. That's right: a nice, juicy mouse. It's not the most appetizing thought, but there's a reason the game of cat and mouse has pervaded society's perception of their sassy feline companion. Cats are carnivores, and while some wheat or dairy won't hurt them, in the wild, they would not be chewing on grains or plants for their protein. It's hard to put protein into a dry form, and many kibble products have an unnecessary amount of grain and plant protein that is not necessary.

Another issue that arises with dry kibble is carbohydrates. While carbs are a source of energy, cats can survive without them. A mouse is made up of mostly protein and water with a small mount of fat and an equally small amount of carbohydrates. As Dr. Lisa Pierson states on her website CatInfo.org, "You would never see a wild cat chasing down a herd of biscuits running across the plains of Africa or dehydrating her mouse and topping it off with corn meal gluten souffle." It's just not in their nature.

The other negative about a feline diet too high in carbohydrates is that carbs can wreck havoc on a cat's insulin and sugar levels and can cause rapid weight gain if the amount of kibble provided is not monitored. Keeping that in mind, it's not surprising that one of the leading feline diseases is diabetes.

The other downside of kibble is moisture. Cats are descendents of desert animals. This means that they do not drink their water in the wild, but must hydrate as they eat their meals. Mice are, give or take, about 70% percent water. There is no possible way for kibble to imitate a substantial water source, so many house cats are living their lives dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to skin and coat problems, as well as one of the leading causes of feline death: kidney disease. Without enough moisture, blood flow is limited, and without enough blood flow to flush out the kidneys, toxins build up. 

Lack of moisture is also the cause of urinary tract issues in cats because they are not consuming enough water to flush out their bladder. Urinary tract infections and blockages are incredibly painful, but can be easily prevented with the proper diet. 

So, what can you do? The solution is easy. Feed your cats a canned food diet. Canned food is generally higher in protein, lower in carbs, and much higher in moisture. By making such a small change in your cat's life, you can significantly alter their disposition to painful and sometimes fatal diseases. 

For an extensive look into what a proper feline diet can do for your cat, please visit CatInfo.org.