Optimal Cat Nutrition: Body Structure & Nutritional Nee

Part 1: The Anatomy of Cats

1. Limbs

Cats are renowned for their agility in running and leaping, a feat achieved through the perfect synergy of their limbs and tails.

The health of a cat's body significantly impacts its interest in exercise. Ailing cats often exhibit a lack of enthusiasm for physical activity.

2. Eyes

Cats have a field of vision of 280°, allowing them to see clearly even in the dark, thanks to their exceptional night vision.

3. Teeth

As kittens, cats have 26 teeth, which are replaced by 30 permanent teeth at around six months of age. Once lost, these teeth do not grow back.

4. Pads

The pads on a cat's paws act as shock absorbers, protecting them from injury when they land from a height. They are richly innervated with sensitive sensory organs and also facilitate sweating.

5. Nose

Cats can detect scents from up to 500 meters away, showcasing their highly developed sense of smell.

6. Tongue

The cat's tongue is covered in tiny backwardpointing spines that serve to groom their fur and remove meat from bones.

7. Claws

Cats can retract and extend their claws as needed, keeping them hidden beneath the pads when not in use. These sharp, curved claws are perfect for piercing the skin of prey.

8. Whiskers

Not only do cats use their whiskers to gauge the width of spaces they pass through, but they also sense air currents. A narrow bowl when eating can cause their whiskers to receive frequent signals, leading to stress.

9. Ears

Cats' ears are crucial in expressing emotions and have an auditory range three times wider than that of humans.

Part 2: Nutritional Needs of Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, requiring all nutrients to come from animal sources. Essential nutrients for cats include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, roughage, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and taurine, among others.

1. Protein

Proteins are vital for providing essential amino acids and serving as the building blocks for other nonessential amino acids, which are necessary for the cat's growth and life processes.

Quality proteins, primarily sourced from beef, pork, poultry, eggs, milk, and fish, offer the right balance and content of essential amino acids with fewer metabolic byproducts. Poorquality proteins, on the other hand, can lead to an overproduction of nonessential amino acids, burdening the cat's kidneys.

Two parameters are used to assess the quality of protein in cat food: the concentration of crude protein and the percentage of essential amino acid nitrogen to total amino acid nitrogen (E:T). A higher crude protein concentration with a wide E:T range is ideal, while a lower protein concentration requires a higher E:T value to meet the cat's needs.

2. Fats

Fats, or triglycerides, provide energy and essential fatty acids for maintaining body temperature and protecting internal organs. They also help conserve protein usage.

Cats require essential fatty acids from the n3 and n6 series. A deficiency can lead to stunted growth and rough, dull fur. The best cat food contains 22% to 25% fat, with beef fat being particularly favored.

3. Carbohydrates

Cats have a low carbohydrate requirement, obtaining glucose primarily through liver conversion to maintain energy for normal bodily functions.

Excess carbohydrates can be stored as fat, leading to obesity, a serious health risk for cats.

4. Water

Water is crucial for all life processes in cats. Healthy cats will drink water proactively. The daily water intake for a cat weighing X kilograms is approximately 60X milliliters.

5. Roughage

Roughage, consisting of cellulose and lignin, is processed from plant tissues. While it is not easily absorbed and does not provide energy, it absorbs water, promotes gut motility, and aids in forming stools. However, excessive roughage can interfere with the absorption of proteins and fats. The ideal range for roughage in food is 2.4% to 4.5%, with more than 9.5% potentially causing digestive issues.

6. Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for enzyme activity, muscle and cell membrane regulation, bone and tooth composition, and hormone secretion. It is found in many foods, including vegetables, fish, legumes, and meats. However, excessive magnesium can burden the urinary system and lead to kidney stones, while a deficiency can cause stunted growth, muscle weakness, and seizures. The typical magnesium content in cat food is generally below 1.9%.

7. Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium and phosphorus are important together, as the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet is crucial for cats. The ideal ratio is approximately 1:0.6 to 1.3.

Calcium is vital for maintaining bone and tooth health and for acidbase balance. A deficiency can lead to weak bones and fractures, while excessive intake can cause abnormal bone growth and stunted growth. The safe upper limit for calcium is 2.6 to 4.6 grams per 1000 kilocalories.

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in cats, with 86% in the skeleton and 8.6% in muscles. A deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia, muscle system disorders, and metabolic acidosis. The safe upper limit for phosphorus is 10 to 14 grams per 4000 kilocalories per kilogram.

8. Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot synthesize and must obtain from their diet. Found in beef, fish, rodents, and egg yolks, taurine is crucial for the development of the heart, brain, and eyes. A deficiency can lead to retinal degeneration and, in severe cases, blindness. The safe concentration of taurine in plasma is 40 nmol/ml, with lower levels potentially causing heart disease.

Cats differ from dogs in that their anatomy dictates a carnivorous diet, making them more reliant on their owners for proper care. It is essential to create a healthy environment for them to thrive.