Cats have very good hunting instincts

Unlike dogs cats are strict carnivores, they are uniquely different to dogs in many ways. Strict carnivore means that cats consume only animal tissue to meet their precise nutritional needs. In their natural state cats consume prey that predominantly contain high levels of protein with modest levels of fat and a small amount of carbohydrates.

Cats are metabolically adapted for higher metabolism of proteins and lower utilization of starch. This is another reason why farm cats tend to survive well on predominantly mice and rats etc and very little else.

When you consider that cats are strict carnivores it is of concern that most commercial can or dry food for cats contain a mixture of plant and animal ingredients. This goes against the specific needs of the domesticated cat.

Domestic cats often take out their need to hunt on their friends!

The natural diet of wild cats is meat based, rodents, birds etc; these types of animals contain only low levels of carbohydrates. Cats have evolved to use mostly protein and fat to provide energy. Cats use protein for the maintenance of blood tissue even if there are not sufficient levels of protein in the diet.

There is a substantial difference between the protein requirements of dogs verses that of cats. A high protein diet is therefore recommended for cats, this also means that a higher level of amino acids is required. Adult cats require 2-3 times the amount of protein in their diet compared to other species such as dogs.

Cats depend on their protein source for energy; they also require higher levels of some amino acids such as taurine, arginine, methionine and cysteine. Cats for example are unable to synthesize enough taurine and this amino acid is essential for cats.

The recommended diet for cats is therefore quite simple; fresh raw meat, either chicken or beef. Purchase your meat from the butcher or market, as it is generally cheaper and fresher than the supermarket meats. Purchase meat that is for human consumption, do not buy pet meat.

Commercial food does not suit your individual cats requirements. Do not feed your cat processed food or canned food and do not feed dry food.

Feed minced beef or chicken to your kitten and chopped beef or chicken to you mature cat (over 6 months of age). Gravy beef is ideal and is not as expensive as some other cuts of meat. Always allow fresh water for your cats and feed fresh chicken wings to enable your cats to clean their teeth.

Supplements provide important support for your healthy cat

It is recommended that a daily supplement such as PetArk Daily or PetArk Puppy and Kitten be fed to your cats. PetArk Daily or PetArk Puppy and Kitten will also assist with overall health and well being, improve skin and coat condition enormously, assist in maintaining the immune system and improve digestion of food. The PetArk formulas will also assist with the control of fleas and worms, by maintaining the highest health and using herbs such as peppermint and garlic at regulated levels.

For more specific advice on feeding your cat go to the free advice page and complete our online form.