When it comes to food for your cat, there are a lot of choices. Before making a choice, however, it’s essential that you understand what exactly their requirements are.
As a general rule, cats are obligate carnivores who require high levels of animal-based protein in their diet. Furthermore, it’s best to limit carbohydrates intake as too much carbs may lead to obesity and organ issues.
Contents
Meat
Felines are obligate carnivores and must consume meat to stay healthy (sorry vegans!). They can get their protein from cooked beef, chicken, turkey or lean deli meats.
Meat is an excellent source of protein and amino acids, but it should be served in moderation due to its high fat content and salt content. Make sure all meat is thoroughly cooked before giving it to your cat for consumption.
Fish
Fish is a popular option for cats, and it’s not hard to understand why. Not only does it provide protein but also essential omega 3 fatty acids.
However, it should not become the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Instead, offer it as an occasional reward.
Shrimp
Cats are carnivores and seafood is one of their favorite meals. They enjoy fish and shrimp in delicious combinations, so many cat foods include these proteins in delicious combinations.
However, you should be cautious with how much and how often your cat consumes shrimp. Shrimp can be toxic if not cooked properly or given too much at once.
Lettuce
Cats who consume lettuce are providing themselves with a nutritional treat that’s low in calories and high in water and fibre. Plus, it contains essential vitamins A and K as well as calcium and potassium.
Lettuce can be enjoyed by cats, but it’s essential to limit their consumption in order to prevent choking or digestive problems. Treat lettuce as a special treat and don’t make it your cat’s main diet.
Vegetables
When offering vegetables to your cat, be sure to portion out small servings as an addition to their main meat-based food.
Some vegetables that can be included in your cat’s diet are chopped carrots, peas, frozen corn, broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, lettuce, spinach and winter squash. All should be cooked (steamed is ideal) since felines lack the enzymes needed to break down plant fiber.
Cheese
Cheese is high in fat and calories, so if your cat consumes it regularly, they could quickly gain weight. This poses serious risks to their health as obesity has been known to lead to numerous diseases and drastically shorten life expectancies.
Cheese should not exceed 10% of a cat’s total diet. As an occasional treat for your furry friend, keep cheese consumption to a minimum.
Bananas
Bananas make for an easy snack and offer numerous health benefits to humans, such as fiber, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. Plus they’re considered safe enough for cats to eat too!
However, bananas can cause digestive issues in cats if given too much or if they have health conditions like diabetes, obesity or heart disease. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your cat closely after giving them a new food and watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress like vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
Blueberries
Blueberries are an ideal treat for cats due to their high antioxidant content and potential role in lowering blood pressure and protecting against blocked vessels.
They contain fiber, which aids digestion and enhances stool quality.
However, they should not be a staple part of your cat’s natural diet and should make up no more than 10% of their total caloric intake. Eating too many of them can lead to gastrointestinal issues if eaten in large amounts.
Melon
Melons make for an excellent snack for your cat. Not only do they contain low calories and essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and fiber, but they’re also low in sugar.
They provide essential hydration for your cat’s wellbeing.
It is essential to remember that melons are not part of a cat’s natural diet, so they should only be given as treats and not in place of their regular food.