What Type Of Food Should You Really Feed Your Cat?

What should you feed your cat to make sure he or she will have the necessary nutrition? What is the ideal mix of food to help your cat live to the limit of it's life span?

Tp answer these questions, one should look at the diet of a feline in it's natural habitat. In the wild, a cat eats almost exclusively animal tissue. However, they would normally eat the entire body of the animal,

including it's stomach contents, which has many nutrients that are simply lacking in an animals muscle tissue.

Another question many cat owners have is: Is fresh meat the best possible food for cats? Not necessarily. Fresh meat will not provide a balanced diet for a cat, as they are extremely protein dense while being very low in vital nutrients such as calcium.

Alternately, some cat owners have asked, "Is it O.K. to feed my cat an exclusively vegetarian diet?" The answer to that question is a clear cut no. Cats cannot produce the nutrients it needs from an exclusively vegetarian diet in the same way that humans can.

Being a highly specialized hunter, it has simply lost that ability during the course of it's evolution.

Major skin problems are often the result of a deficiency in certain essential fatty acids which can be found in animal flesh alone.

Another problem is that a deficiency of the amino acid taurine, a vital building block for proteins in the body, which can cause both blindness and heart failure. Cats are simply born carnivores.

Is it o.k. to give a cat only dry food? According to petshub, the answer is yes, providing that you ensure that fresh water is available at all times.

Dry food is generally more convenient, hygienic, and affordable than canned or fresh food. It also exercises the teeth and reduces the buildup of tartar, which can grow into a severe problem in cats that are fed a soft and mushy diet.

About The Author

A. M. Wilmot is a writer and researcher in the field of human and pet health. For more information visit http://www.premium-cat-food.com/ or http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/

---

An Introduction to Dog Beds

Some people are so attached to their pets that they wouldn't dream of asking them to simply curl up on the floor to go to sleep. Pet owners, especially dog owners, have created... Read More

Interior Decorating for Cat Owners - Protecting Your Pet

Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then designing the d?cor of your home will require taking several precautions in order to protect your pet from harm. Glass items should be... Read More

10 Questions Im Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.2. What are the symptoms?Females bleed from the vagina sometimes... Read More

The Lowdown on Dog Vaccinations

Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started in puppies at about 6-8 weeks of age, when the natural immunity inherited from the mother may start wearing off. A series of... Read More

Bast, The Beloved Protector of Cats

She is the protector of cats, women and children. The ancient Egyptians celebrated her feastday on October 31 with convivial merry making, music, dancing in the streets and drinking with friends - the... Read More

Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care

There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet foods, treats and supplies. First, use of natural products is consistent with a holistic view. A holistic approach considers all factors regarding your... Read More

Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Having a dog is a little like having a baby. Before you rush out to the nearest breeder or shelter you must consider the costs of ensuring that your new pet remains contented... Read More

The Different Breeds Of Dogs

The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There are seven different groups in which the dog can belong. They are assigned to one of the groups based on what the breed... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bird Cage

If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your future, bird cages are undoubtedly on your mind. Bird cages are available in every price range. They are also available in an increasingly... Read More

Training Your Dog

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at times, but it's well worth it. Here are several tips that should help things go much smoother and faster... plus reduce the frustration... Read More

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again. So it is with bird cages. Antique bird cages are a popular addition to many houses and apartments. They fit in with many... Read More

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a... Read More

Crate Training Your Puppy

Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best step in his life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes... Read More

Horse Care & Training Tips

Do you own a horse? If so, then you have questions about the care, feeding, shoeing, cost, etc. of horse ownership. The least expense of owning a horse, is the actual purchase. Once... Read More

West Highland White Terrier ? How To Capture the Best Pictures of Your Westies

For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is a beloved member of the family. Like your children, you will want to capture pictures of your Westies from the time they are... Read More

Tips that May Help Your Arthritic Dog

Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The cause can be abnormal bone or joint development, instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons, damage or injury to the joint, an infection,... Read More

Petting a Dog is Good For Both of You

Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a person the following benefits: Lower blood pressure Lower cholesterol Lower risk of heart disease Improvement in chronic illnesses (such... Read More

Are Your Fish Sick?

Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby, but it can turn stressful if your fish start to die off. The most common cause of fish disease is poor water quality... Read More

One Of The Benefits Of Using RecoveryPets.Com

One of the benefits of registering your pet with a pet recovery service is that in the event your pet should ever become lost, the finder can get information to contact the owner.The... Read More

Crate Training Tips: How to Crate Train Your Dog

A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its main purpose is to provide security, safety and protection for short term confinement while training a puppy or new dog about its own... Read More

How To Grow Daphnia For The Aquarium

The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a community tank are many: live food will improve vigor and color, and more closely resemble the food found in the fish's natural habitat.... Read More

Training Your Dog To Save a Life In Water

Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can really learn how to train your dog for different situations.There was a program on in August, 2005 about a dog that loved to... Read More

Dog Doors: Giving Your Pet Freedom to Come and Go as They Please Helps Solve Behavior Problems

Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of flaps that allow dogs to trot on through. What a great convenience this can be for you and your pet. Allowing your pet... Read More

Dont Let Ticks Ruin Your Dogs Good Time!

Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I can't think of a single redeeming quality.While you may see the occasional ant farm or flea circus, the tick competes with the cockroach... Read More

Got Fleas?

Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you can find to combat those fleas? Have you done everything outside of trying to shoot the fleas off the dog? You are not... Read More

Positive Dog Training Methods

Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every dog should know at least the basics for living with people: come, sit, stay, don't jump up on people, and so on. Beyond... Read More

Westies Dogs and Your Children

Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier, westies dogs, are good with children. However, terrier enthusiasts, and westie rescue organizations, tell a different story. Before you bring your terrier into... Read More

How To Adopt A Shelter Cat - Your New Cat Will Thank You For Reading This Article

If you are thinking of adding a feline to your family, consider adopting a cat from your local animal shelter or humane society. The animals have been carefully screened for adoptability and have... Read More

Ears Stand Corrected: Cosmetic Surgery and Pets

Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your kitty's tail which is capable of sweaping off a coffee table in a mere second? Is your puppy being too loud and your... Read More