If you have been a cat parent for long, you must know that cats are not the idle, lazy creatures that they are expected to be. In contrast, they are extremely active creatures as predators, and spend a majority of the day exploring and going on adventures of their own. So, to keep your furry little munchkin healthy and fit to be able to participate in these adventures, providing them with appropriate nutrients is extremely important. Furthermore, the nutrient is required by cats to carry out vital functions that sustain them. Given below are some of the reasons that make proper nutrition an important component in the everyday life of your little munchkin:
Unlike dogs, cats are obligate (true) carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to fulfil their nutritional needs. The nutritional requirements and digestive systems of the two species are different, thus they require specific dietary regime. Cats also need 2-3 times more protein than dogs and 4 times more protein than humans.
Proper nutrition is key to keeping your cats healthy. Cats require about 41 essential nutrients to maintain a healthy weight and to keep them in good shape. A complete and balanced diet, like the one provided by Whiskas®, delivers the right amount of essential nutrients to support cats daily nutritional needs.
While your cat nutrition must contain all essential nutrients to keep up vital bodily functions, it might also need particular nutrients for overall nourishment:
Protein is one of the most important nutrients that play a vital role in cats. Cats, as carnivorous creatures derive most of their protein intake from animal products like meat and fish. The dietary protein present in cat food nutrition contains over 10 essential amino acids that are not produced naturally in the cat’s body. It plays a vital role in keeping off health risks such as metabolic problems, cardiomyopathy, reproductive failure and inadequate immune responses.
Vitamin E also plays a crucial role in maintaining cat health. It is most commonly available in plant-based seeds, nuts, oils and vegetables. Vitamin E contributes greatly to the physical well-being of your furry little friend. Vitamin E is also helpful for keeping up their adorable appearances, and preventing eczema, flea allergy dermatitis, and mites. It also plays an important role in maintaining a good coat.
Taurine as a nutrient is readily available in dairy products like milk, as well as in fish and meat. You can also introduce taurine into your cat’s diet as a dietary supplement. In cats, taurine plays a vital role in supporting brain functions, as well as for the development of the nervous system.
Omega 3, a fatty acid, is commonly found in animal fat, as well as in vegetable oil and nuts. Omega 2 also serves the important function of developing and maintaining a healthy body. Not only does Omega 3 contribute to the development of your cat’s body, but it is also beneficial for keeping up the functions of the blood vessels, lungs, and heart.
Omega 6 is a different form of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are largely obtained through nuts, seeds and vegetable oil. Omega 6 is a fatty acid that is required for cat nutrition as it helps them in warding off cardiac diseases and other heart complications.
Arginine is a vital nutrient required by cats as it is not produced naturally in their body. L-arginine is one of the common forms of amino acids that allow the body to make protein. It is contained in products with a higher quantity of protein, such as red meat, fish, and eggs, as well as in dairy products. Arginine is turned into nitric oxide (NO) in the body which helps in blood circulation and allows blood vessels to relax.
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient required for cat nutrition of all ages, as it is beneficial in developing the body’s immune system for warding off diseases, keeping their skin and coat healthy, as well as improving their vision. Vitamin A recommended for cats is readily available in liver, fish liver oil and egg yolk.
It is vital for adult cats and kitten nutrition to have a diet with sufficient calcium as it supports their active lifestyle and musculoskeletal growth. You can include calcium in your cat’s diet through dairy, meat and organ tissues, bones and legume plants.
Phosphorus is a mineral important for cats in their growing years as it bonds with calcium inside the body, forming calcium phosphate, which is helpful for maintaining bone density and teeth health. Phosphorus is also beneficial for cats with renal diseases and can be found in organ meats like chicken liver, sardines, brewer’s yeast, and lentils.
Zinc is an important mineral to be included in your furry friend’s diet, and can be derived from foods rich in amino acids such as red meat, and soy proteins. Zinc plays a vital role in improving brain function and memory in cats, as well as for better eyesight. However, cats require a very low zinc requirement ranging between 15ppm to 50 ppm, and foods with a higher zinc content are toxic to cats, and must be avoided.
Kittens, until they have been weaned, are primarily dependent on a liquid diet for their sources of nutrition and nourishment. However, if you are taking care of a kitten in the earlier months of his life, it can be a good idea to consider giving the kitten regular kitten nutrition food after it has been weaned for a few months. You can also gradually introduce your kitten to solid foods like feline nutrition food by offering them frequent treats to try out.
Adult cats do not usually require a liquid diet like kittens. Instead, their diet is comprised mostly of high-quality nutritious food that is to the liking of your furry friend. A high-quality, nutritious diet in adult cats serves the vital function of maintaining and repairing body tissues. However, the amount of food and the caloric intake an adult cat requires may vary depending on the age and the breed of the cat.
Senior cats, unlike adult cats, often display age-related changes which can also reflect a change in appetite and overall diet. Senior cats undergo metabolic and immunologic changes which make it difficult for them to digest complex food proteins. Senior cats are often recommended a consistent daily dietary routine that they can easily digest. It is also important for senior cats to have a diet with higher moisture content.
Obesity in cats is a condition that can lead to serious health risks. So a veterinarian can insist on putting your cat on a strict dietary chart to be able to lose some excess weight. Obese cats often run the risk of liver problems, diabetes and joint pain, so a strict diet accompanied by exercise can help them get into shape.
Like obesity, an underweight cat can also suffer from several underlying health conditions including malnutrition, metabolic issues and reduced immunity from diseases. To help your cat gain weight, a veterinarian can recommend a dietary plan consisting of proteins, or extra portions of food.
Nutrients, therefore, play a vital role in keeping your cat healthy and free from diseases. However, the nutrient essential to feline nutrition at any given point in time is likely going to differ from other cats depending on their age, breed, environment, and general health. A balanced diet for cats according to their age may include:
Whiskas nutrition provides a complete range of nutrients for kittens and cats of all ages. Whiskas Kitten food has a high content of digestible protein supplemented with balanced levels of calcium and phosphorous for improving growth and supporting the development of muscles, bones, and joints. It is also rich in essential vitamins, minerals, colostrum, DHA, and antioxidants that help your furry little friend grow into a healthy cat.
Adult cat food nutrition from Whiskas nutrition has been specifically designed for providing a balanced, nutritious diet for cats over 1 year of age. To allow adult cats more independence, Whiskas adult cat food is packed with energy-boosting proteins, minerals, and 41 other essential nutrients required by your cat on its everyday adventures. Whiskas adult cat nutrition wet food also has higher moisture content which helps your adorable friend to stay hydrated all day long!
Whiskas cat food for kittens and adult cats is available in both dry and wet variants, and is packed with all essential nutrients and flavours that your feline friend will definitely enjoy!
