Cart
Checkout Secure

Got a Question? Call Us

0345 4755696 | 03008822551

Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm

Cat Food and Diet

Introduction

Unlike dogs, cats are carnivores that have evolved to a diet that is high in fat and protein and relatively low in carbohydrates. This does not mean that cats are unable to utilize plant proteins, only that they require certain amino acids and fatty acids that can only be found in meat of animal sources.
Some of the adaptations seen in cats resulting from a low carbohydrate (high fat and protein) diet include fewer taste buds and an inability to taste sweetness. Pancreatic and salivary gland amylase activity is relatively low when compared to the dog and an increase in dietary carbohydrates does not stimulate increased enzyme activity.

Protein Requirements

One of the key differences in the feline diet is the higher protein requirement over that of the canine. Cats require at least 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. The relative dietary protein requirements of older vs. younger cats remains unknown. This higher requirement is not a result of a relatively higher demand for essential amino acids than that of the dog. Rather it seems the cat has evolved in a manner that has allowed its protein metabolic pathways to become less efficient or wasteful in the handling of dietary protein derived from protein-rich animal tissue sources.
Most feline pet foods provide protein levels in the range of 25-35% which represents 25-30% of the metabolizable energy (30 Kcal/lb/day), yet if the caloric density was lowered to 21 Kcal/lb/day, an increase to a 30% protein diet would be necessary.

Amino Acids in the Feline Diet

All cats require the amino acid taurine in their diet, unlike the dog. Diets deficient in taurine result in central retinal degeneration and blindness, as well as feline dilated cardiomyopathy.

Arginine is another essential amino acid in the cat (and is thought to be essential in the dog only during growth) and is an integral part of the urea cycle converting ammonia to urea. Lack of this amino acid results in kidney failure and rapid death.

Vitamin and Enzyme Requirements

Cats lack the enzyme delta 6 desaturase and so are unable to synthesize arachidonic acid from linoleic acid or to synthesize eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) from alpha-linoleic acid. Hence, cats must consume preformed arachidonic acid which is available only in animal fats and is not available in any plant products. Lack of arachidonic acid usually results in a variety of skin diseases.

Beta-carotene is only available in plants. However, cats lack the enzyme responsible for converting beta-carotene into retinol (Vitamin A). Deficiencies in Vitamin A lead to such problems as retinal degeneration, reproductive failure, and various forms of dermatitis.
The B vitamin niacin is converted from the amino acid tryptophane in dogs. However, cats are unable to use tryptophane as a precursor of niacin. Hence, more niacin is required in the feline diet. Deficiencies can lead to diarrhea, emaciation and death.

Don't Take Our Word For it! Here's What Our Customers Think:

Added to cart!
Farmina Matisse Chicken & Rice
Someone purchased a 49 minutes ago from Islamabad, Pakistan
Farmina Matisse Kitten
Someone purchased a 42 minutes ago from Islamabad, Pakistan
Royal Canin Persian Adult Cat Food
Someone purchased a 49 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Klumpy Cat Litter
Someone purchased a 55 minutes ago from Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Klumpy Value Cat Litter 5 KG
Someone purchased a 54 minutes ago from Islamabad, Pakistan
Premium Bentonite Cat Litter – Lavender Scented 99% Dust Free
Someone purchased a 27 minutes ago from Islamabad, Pakistan
K9 Adult Dog Food
Someone purchased a 26 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Mr Pet Organic Cat Food
Someone purchased a 58 minutes ago from Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Farmina Matisse Salmon & Tuna
Someone purchased a 38 minutes ago from Lahore, Pakistan
Feeding Bowl Stainless Steel for Dogs & Cats
Someone purchased a 38 minutes ago from Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Fluffy Cat Food - 1.2Kg
Someone purchased a 34 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Praferan Deworming Tables For Dogs & Cats
Someone purchased a 42 minutes ago from Hyderabad, Pakistan
Pet Mommy Cat Litter Lemon Scented
Someone purchased a 58 minutes ago from Lahore, Pakistan
Remu Easy Clean Cat Litter
Someone purchased a 52 minutes ago from Islamabad, Pakistan
Royal Canin Persian Kitten Food
Someone purchased a 34 minutes ago from Karachi, Pakistan
Taste of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Grain Free Food - 2 KG
Someone purchased a 46 minutes ago from Hyderabad, Pakistan
Diamond Naturals Breeder Formula Dog Food - 20 Kg
Someone purchased a 51 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Farmina N&D Low Grain Feline Chicken & Pomegranate Adult
Someone purchased a 41 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Dog Harness Vest Strap With Leash
Someone purchased a 54 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Remu Smart Catty Clumping Cat Litter - 7.5 KG
Someone purchased a 44 minutes ago from Karachi, Pakistan
Free shipping when you order over XX You Have Qualified for Free Shipping "WE ARE DELIVERING ALL OVER PAKISTAN" ORDER ONLINE "STAY HOME - STAY SAFE" You Have Achieved Free Shipping Free Shipping For Over $x to Free Shipping Over $x to You Have Achieved Free Shipping Free shipping when you order over XX ou Have Qualified for Free Shipping