Purr-fectly Balanced: Cat Nutrition for Pet Owners
We all know that what we eat can affect our overall health and well-being dramatically. Feeding our beloved pets is no different. When it comes to making good choices regarding cat nutrition, Cat Care of Vinings is proud to be your go-to resource. While we are always here for you to ask questions, read on to learn the basics of feeding your cat well.
How Cats Are Different
The basics of feeding another living thing generally are the same from species to species: water, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals all make up the foundation of any diet.
Cats are not just like any other species, though, and do have some unique nutritional needs to take into account.
- Protein requirements—Cats are evolutionarily hunters and they require a lot more protein than other species. In fact cats need two-to-three times more protein than dogs do in order to thrive.
- Amino acids—While dogs can technically get by on a well-formulated vegetarian diet, cats cannot. As obligate carnivores, they do need meat in their diet as a source of certain amino acids like arginine and taurine. Unlike other species, felids lack the ability to synthesize these important compounds. Without an appropriate nutritional source, ammonia metabolism and heart muscle health can be affected.
- Vitamin needs—Cats need meat sources of vitamins A and D and require higher amounts of B vitamins than most other species.
When it comes to cat nutrition, our feline family members need a diet specially formulated with cats in mind.
Providing the Best Cat Nutrition Possible
With so many options out there, how does one choose the best cat food for their pet? When it comes to cat nutrition, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for everyone. Rather, you should take into account:
- Your budget
- Whether your cat needs to lose weight, gain, or maintain
- Your cat’s age and reproductive status
- Any underlying health conditions
- Preferences for dry vs wet food
- The WSAVA guidelines on selecting a quality food
In general, things like grain-free, meat only, raw, or homemade diets are not recommended unless fed under the supervision of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. It is easy to make mistakes with these types of nutritional plans that may negatively affect your cat’s health.
Good nutrition is the foundation of stellar wellness care for your pet. Cats are not small dogs, and understanding their nutritional uniqueness is important.
That said, with the plethora of information and choices out there, it can be hard to know what the right decisions are. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Our team is passionate about cats and always happy to help where we can.
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I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…