Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Vitamin deficiencies are rare in cats who eat commercial diets. Cats
require high levels of B vitamins, and B complex supplements are rec-
ommended for the diets of sick cats. Unlike other animals, cats cannot
synthesize vitamin A or vitamin D, so they must ingest them in their
diet.When cats are anorexic or have liver disease, vitamin E and K sup-
plements may also be needed.
Cats, like other mammals, require the essential fatty acid linoleic
acid. It is unknown how well cats are able to metabolize and synthesize
alpha-linoleic acid, so it, too, should be part of their diets. Animal tis-
sues are good sources for these fatty acids, so deficiencies in meat-based
diets are unlikely. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have received
attention for their roles in inflammation, but their optimal ratios are
unknown at this time. Fatty acid supplements are used frequently for
cats with dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
After seeing all of the needs that must be met to provide good
nutrition, it is no wonder commercial diets are so widely used.The diet
your cat eats should make him feel and look good, agree with his diges-
tive tract and provide for any special health needs.
VIVA VARIETY
Most veterinary nutritionists believe a cat should be given some vari-
ety in foods during her lifetime. Feeding a variety of foods helps make
up for any deficiencies that might be present in a single food or diet.
Kittens develop eating habits and preferences from watching their
mothers. Food preferences develop by the time a kitten is six months
old. If they're given a variety of foods as kittens, cats are less likely to be
finicky eaters later in life.This makes introducing a therapeutic or new
diet (if needed) easier in the future.
Cats do not know that there are unlimited choices available for
their feeding pleasure. To prevent your cat from becoming too finicky,
limit the flavors and types of food you offer in a single meal. A smor-
gasbord of different foods is not needed. You can certainly appeal to
their preferences, but try to remember who the boss is!
Some cats will starve themselves before they would consider eating
food they deem undesirable. Whenever a new diet is offered to a cat,
gradually mix it with the previous diet. Over the course of a week or
two, increase the percentage of the new food. Cats will more readily
accept a slow change, and their digestive tract will be happier, too.
