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Aug 25, 2007 9:11 am US/Eastern
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Dr. Mike's Pet Tip: Your Cat's Dietary Needs
Cats can certainly be finicky eaters, but veterinarian Dr. Mike Hutchinson has an important consideration when it comes to what you put in your cat's food bowl.
CATS AND PROTEIN:Cats are strict carnivores whose nutritional needs must be met by the consumption of a large amount of animal-based protein, or meat. Their dietary needs are different from other species, including dogs.
As carnivores, cats' bodies work best with high levels of protein and lower levels of carbohydrates.
Cats benefit from a high protein diet.They efficiently metabolize protein, which is why protein should be a main energy source in their diet.
High protein levels help cats to maintain lean muscle mass for strength and a healthy energy level.
An optimal level of protein in the diet helps sustain a healthy skin and hair coat, and a high protein, lower- carbohydrate diet also promotes a healthy weight.
All mammals need optimal levels of protein in their diets to help maintain the strength and function of skeletal muscle. If cats receive an insufficient amount of protein, this can result in a loss of lean body mass.
For more information about feeding cats for life stages, visit
Purina.com/cats/food/FeedForLife.aspx