Contrary to popular belief, cats do not chew their food. Their teeth were designed for tearing and piercing rather than for chewing.
They occasionally break down large chunks of food into smaller pieces with their teeth, but do not gnaw on it to make it easier for them to swallow.
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Cats are obligate carnivores
Animals mainly divide into three distinct groups for eating: carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely solely on meat and animal-based nutrients for their sustenance. Unfortunately, these carnivores cannot digest plant matter and require a diet consisting of at least 70% meat to stay healthy.
Additionally, a meat-based diet can supply cats with essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals for good health. They require an appropriate balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates in their food for optimal wellbeing.
It’s essential to feed your cat a high-quality, meat-based diet tailored specifically for them and avoid foods that contain meat bi-products, fillers, grains, chemical preservatives or artificial colors. If you’re uncertain what kind of diet would be best suited for your feline friend, consult with your vet for recommendations.
Cat teeth are small
Cat teeth are relatively small compared to dog teeth, so cats often gulp down food without chewing. Therefore, it’s essential to watch out for drooling, red gums and changes in your cat’s eating habits so you can detect a dental issue sooner.
Your cat will develop two sets of teeth throughout its lifetime: baby (also known as deciduous or milk teeth) and permanent (also called permanent or adult teeth). The first set, 26 milk teeth, begin erupting when kittens are three weeks old and usually remain until four months old when permanent teeth start coming in.
Cats don’t have enzymes in their saliva
When your cat consumes food, digestive enzymes are necessary to break it down into smaller molecules the body can absorb and use. Without these helpful enzymes, their food would pass through their system completely unabsorbed, leading to potential health issues.
Digestion enzymes for cats come in various forms, depending on their individual health requirements. They can be taken as soft chews or powder and should be given regularly to keep your feline friend happy and healthy!
The pancreas is essential in producing digestive enzymes, but when it becomes damaged or impaired due to disease or injury it will no longer produce them. This condition is known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
If your cat is on a canned, dry or kibble diet and it appears they may not be getting enough enzymes, consider supplementing their diet with plant-based digestive enzymes. These can easily be added to their daily food regimen under the supervision of your veterinarian.
Cats don’t need to chew
Cats also consume their food whole, much like dogs do without needing to chew it. It is essential that cats only eat kibble specifically designed for them or meat that can be easily torn and swallowed.
Kibble can often be too large for cats to chew and choke on, making it unsafe to give kittens or senior cats hard kibble which may also cause them to choke.
Sometimes chewing behavior in cats may indicate something more serious, such as dental disease or obsessive-compulsive disorder. If your cat is constantly chewing on whatever they can get their hands on, it would be wise to consult your vet for an assessment.
