Sandy Spots of Foothill Felines, our first Savannah Queen
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BROWSE THIS ENTIRE PAGE, OR CLICK ON AREA OF INTEREST: History of Feline Nutrition; Food = Fuel & Energy; Nutrients (General); Protein; Carbohydrates; Fats; Fiber; Vitamins; Minerals; Other Nutrients Essential to Cats; Water; The Natural (Wild) Feline Diet; The Natural (Mother's Milk) Kitten Diet; Diets for Cats with Special Needs; Commercial Cat Foods (General); Dry Cat Foods; Soft-Moist Cat Foods; Canned Cat Foods; Gourmet Cat Foods
Cats are strictly carnivorous,
meaning in the wild, they only eat meat.
You will never find a vegetarian feline, no matter HOW finicky!!
Cats are simply not capable of digesting and benefiting from the
nutrition in the majority of vegetable proteins.
Since all cats evolved from their wild ancestors,
to a degree, how cats survived in the wild tells us a great deal
about their nutritional needs. Wild cats devour their ENTIRE prey,
including muscles, organs, bones, offal, skin, viscera, etc. Since
the prey that these cats capture usually ate vegetable protein,
the cat would then, by eating the entire prey, ingest not only
the flesh and organs of their prey, but also the partially and
completely digested vegetable foods the prey had eaten. In that
way, with the assistance of the prey's own digestive processes,
the wild cat was able to benefit from the nutrition in those various
vegetable sources.
But, what does this mean to the nutrition of cats in general?? What it means is called an "evolved approach" to eating, and has caused the nutritional needs of cats to be radically different and considerably more expensive than dogs, because the cat has lost the ability to manufacture various enzymes, vitamins, and other substances NECESSARY TO LIFE, since it receives this substances from it's food. THE CAT MUST DEPEND UPON ITS FOOD TO PROVIDE ALL NUTRITIONAL SUBSTANCES NECESSARY FOR LIFE.
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The purpose of food is to provide the body with the energy that
it needs to keep functioning. All the processes in the body (movement,
digestion, thinking, circulating blood, breathing, etc.) require
energy, which must be derived from the food consumed. This energy
is measured in "calories."
How is energy obtained from food?? All energy is derived from food and able to be utilized by the body through a series of chemical reactions, and these chemical reactions require the input of energy to trigger and control them. Chemical reactions have differing energy requirements for input and output. Some chemical reactions release more energy than was required to trigger and control them, and this surplus output of energy is then stored by the body in the forms of chemicals such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These chemical forms are then available to the body for future energy needs and use. Other chemical reactions release less energy than was required to trigger and control them, and this energy output deficiency must be made up from the body's energy reserves. This is done by breaking down the carbohydrate, fat or protein chemicals stored and releasing their energy into the body. This breakdown of chemicals releases waste products, which are then passed into the body's bloodstream, and filtered out by the kidneys.
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Food must provide all essential nutrients to maintain life, in
addition to providing basic energy for life from calories.
Most of these nutrients are provided by "synthesizing"
or breaking down and re-arranging the molecular structures of
the carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the foods consumed. Virtually
all organic molecules are synthesized; i.e., there is really no
difference between "natural" Vitamin C and "synthetic"
Vitamin C in their molecular structure.
The cat is no different
than most of the organisms higher up on the "food chain"
in that it has lost the ability to synthesize some of the chemicals
it requires for life, obtaining those chemicals in their ready-to-use
form from the food it eats. It is obvious, then, that those chemicals
MUST BE PRESENT IN THE FOOD THE CAT EATS, or the cat will become
ill and eventually die.
~ Click on image above for more information and to order this uniquely powerful nutritional supplement for felines at our Foothill Felines breeder discount (which is up to 50% less than what veterinarians typically charge). Used and recommended by Foothill Felines, just a pinch a day in wet and/or dry food provides vibrant results with all ages, weights and breeds of cats. Developed by scientists, veterinarians and formulators to enhance the health and lives of cats, this unique Nu- Vet supplement contains many important minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins INCLUDING taurine, calcium, blue green algae, brewer's yeast, and much more. Many studies show that the ingredients in this supplement are especially important during pregnancy to promote healthy kitten development in utero; build a substantial source of calcium levels in the queen which encourages easier labor and vital milk production, plus providing key nutrition support to help maintain strong immune systems in the queen and her kittens. This supplement is also extremely helpful during times of stress and promoting a more rapid recovery during illness. ~
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The primary source of food energy is protein.
A cat's body, like all animals, is primarily protein, and requires
a great deal of food protein to maintain it. Typically, the energy
content of a cat's diet should be derived from at least 25% to
30% protein, almost ALL of which must be animal protein. What
are the major sources of animal protein?? In commercial foods,
they are typically meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. (Vegetable
proteins are derived typically from beans, peas, nuts and cereals.)
Proteins provide the basic amino acids needed for muscle and organ tissue; however, they also contain a high percentage of waste, which must be filtered and eliminated from the body by the kidneys. An all-protein diet, such as a raw meat diet, will not only lack other important and even critical nutrients, but will OVER-TAX THE KIDNEYS, and increases the chances the animal will develop urinary problems or even premature kidney failure.
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Neither humans nor cats can live without carbohydrates; they are as essential to life as water, and are primarily starches and sugars. Only a small amount of carbohydrates is required in the cat's diet, with only about 5% of the total food energy requirements being in this chemical form. The simple carbohydrates (the sugars) are more easily assimilated into the cat's system, while the complex carbohydrates (the starches) usually pass through the cat's body virtually untouched. Cooking complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, corn, pasta, etc. starts the conversion of starch to sugar, and aids the digestion process.
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The cat requires a diet containing
a LOT of fat, far
more than either the human or the dog. From 15% to 40% of the
energy content of your cat's diet should be derived from fat.
Unlike proteins, very little fat is wasted by the cat's metabolism, and thus does not put a burden on the kidneys. Because of this, as a cat reaches old age, the fat content of its diet should be INCREASED somewhat while the protein content should be DECREASED proportionally, so that the overall energy content can be maintained at less burden on the older kidneys. It is ALWAYS important to make any dietary changes with cats very gradually. Sudden or rapid changes in diet are especially hard on an older cat, but can cause serious and long-lasting bouts with diarrhea even in young kittens and adults.
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In addition to providing energy, vegetable
matter provides fiber, which helps to keep the bowel functioning
smoothly through the mildly abrasive and water-absorbing actions
of its cellulose content. Interestingly, two almost opposite conditions
can occur as a result of lack of fiber: constipation (from a lack
of abrasive action); and diarrhea (from a lack of water-absorbing
action.) A cat needs some fiber in its diet.
Fiber is simply cellulose, which is the basic material from which the cellular walls (membranes) of plants are made. In the wild, a cat derives all the cellulose it requires from the stomach and intestines of its prey. The domestic cat needs to receive all the cellulose it needs from its normal diet, also.
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Each vitamin plays a role in the health of a cat. Vitamin A is fundamental to good vision, proper growth, and a healthy skin. Vitamin B1 is needed for growth and overall body function. Vitamin C is important for a healthy skin, coat, and gums, but is not required in the diet as the cat synthesizes all it needs. Only very small amounts of Vitamin D are required for regulating the use of calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for good bones and teeth. Vitamin E is required for a healthy skeleton and reproductive system. Vitamin K is required for proper blood clotting, but like Vitamin C is wholly synthesized by the cat. Vitamin B12 is not required by the cat except in very small traces.
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Certain inorganic substances are also required for life. "Life" is often thought of as being composed of six elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus; the same elements that make up DNA. The "big six" are the overwhelming components of life; however, there is a fraction of a percent of other matter that is also needed to create living tissue. That fraction of a percent is crucial, and we term the substances "minerals". The elements iron, sodium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, manganese and others are needed in varying amounts. Like the vitamins, the minerals are necessary for overall body function. The three most important minerals to the cat are iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Iron is critical to proper blood function; it is the "heme" in hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body, making the blood red as it does so. Calcium and phosphorus are required by the bones and teeth, which together contain over 99% of the body's calcium and phosphorus. They also contribute to proper muscle action.
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While most of the nutrients needed in the food of cats falls
into one of the 5 major groups already discussed above, (Protein,
Fat, Carbohydrate, Vitamin, Mineral), some do not. They are nonetheless
also essential to life. Linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid midway
between the fats and the carbohydrates in composition, is necessary
for healthy skin and fur, among other things. There are some other
nutrients like this also.
Cats are unique animals, and they have
unique nutritional needs. Inositol,
one of the B-complex vitamins, is definitely required by the cat
to be present in its diet; yet humans and dogs can synthesize
their own. Taurine is required for good vision in certain nocturnal
animals, including the cat. It is believed that taurine keeps
the lining inside the eye healthy, increasing night vision and
making the eyes very reflective.
Cats can be very easily poisoned by things that do not affect either humans or dogs. This is because the metabolism of a cat is vastly different, and their metabolism takes much longer to break down many chemicals. This difference makes the cat highly susceptible to becoming extremely toxic to relatively small amounts of substances in a short amount of time. As an example, a human metabolizes a common aspirin in 4 to 6 hours; however, in a cat, requires 38 hours!
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Without water, quite simply, there is no life. About
70% of a cat's body is water. A cat requires one fluid ounce of
water per pound of body weight per day. In the wild, the majority
of this water comes from the cat's prey. For domestic cats fed
canned food, this may also be true; however, domestic cats fed
semi-moist or dry foods absolutely require additional water.
Why do cats drink from gutters, ponds, or even the toilet, yet refuse water out of their clean water dish?? The answer is in the cat's keen sense of smell. Algae, mud, feces, fish-bits are all normal, natural things that the cat expects to smell and taste in their water. However…chlorine!! Yuck!! Chlorine in our water is often the culprit in why the cat will not drink from its water dish. You will probably find your cat enjoys bottled water, plus it has the major benefit of being consistent, and you'll have the peace of mind of knowing it is parasite-free. Try letting the cat's fresh water stand out for a few hours before giving it to an especially finicky feline. Another trick is adding an ounce of club soda to 16 ounces of ordinary water, as some cats seem to like the carbonation. Most cats prefer running water, or at least freshly changed water that is still vital with oxygen. For more information about water and your cat, click here.
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Here is a table with the breakdown of an actual wild (or feral domestic) cat diet as it is over time:
The "total" column indicates the percentage breakdown of the diet WITH WATER INCLUDED among the nutrients, while the "dry" column indicates the percentage breakdown EXCLUDING WATER. The "fuel" column indicates the percentage RELATIONSHIP of the fuel foods to each other: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The "energy column indicates the percentage of TOTAL FOOD ENERGY (caloric) intake among the three fuel foods. (Remember that fats contain 9 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates each contain only 4 calories per gram.)
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Here is a table with the breakdown of different milk compositions, and you can see that cat's milk is radically different than that of most other mammals!! This is an important reason never to give any cat cow's milk, regardless of what you have seen in ads and on television!! In this table, "canned milk" refers to 20% liquid reconstituted evaporated cow's milk.
| Nutrient | |||||
| Water
Solids | 30% | 28% | 23% | 13% | 20% |
| Calories | |||||
| Protein | |||||
| Fats | |||||
| Carbohydrates |
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| Newborn | ||||
| 5 Weeks | ||||
| 10 Weeks | ||||
| 20 Weeks | ||||
| 6 Months | ||||
| 1 - 10 Years | ||||
| 15 Years | ||||
| 20 Years | ||||
| Pregnant | ||||
| Nursing |
These values listed are daily
nutritional requirements (per pound of body weight.)
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~ Just like with humans, exercising and staying in shape goes hand in paw with nutrition in keeping your kitty in the best of health and to promote their happiness and quality of life. Exercise has been also proven to increase the ability for a queen to become pregnant, as well as her ability to carry a healthy litter full-term. Click on image above to learn about the incredible new exercise wheels for cats; the Toy-Go-Round wheels!! Great for relieving boredom, controlling weight, and keeping your indoor cat in top physical shape. They're simply the best designed, best built and best priced wheels we've found anywhere!! |
The commercial cat foods that most of us will be feeding our felines is available in four categories: dry foods, soft-moist foods, balanced canned (wet) foods, and specialty or "gourmet" canned (wet) foods. GENERALLY, THE NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF 3 OUNCES (ONE LEVEL CUP) OF DRY FOOD IS THE SAME AS THAT OF 4 OUNCES OF SOFT-MOIST FOOD AND THE SAME AS THAT OF 7.5 OUNCES OF CANNED FOOD.
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Commercial dry foods
that one can generally purchase in a supermarket tend to vary
little in nutritional content between brands. Beware of the non-nutritional
additives and fillers used in these types of commercial foods. Most dry foods
often use corn meal as a bulk filler, while canned foods often
use gelatin. Usually there is no harm in these fillers as they
pass effectively right through the cat's digestive system untouched. However, the most common ingredient in a commercial food that causes allergies in cats is CORN MEAL. Also, these fillers and additives do not offer any nutritional value to the animal, and one should keep that in mind when comparing prices of different brands. Additionally, several popular supermarket brands of cat food use excessive food coloring to apparently make the color of the food more appealing…however, this can cause the cat to have orange stools. Again, this is an ingredient in the food which has no nutritional benefit to the cat, but rather, is an effort at marketing aimed towards the consumer who purchases the food - YOU!
Dry foods are usually the least expensive of the four categories
of commercial cat foods, and, being dry, have the added advantage
of keeping the teeth and gums clean and healthy by minimizing
buildup of dental tartar due to the abrasive action of the dry
food. These foods derive their protein and fat from meat, fish,
poultry, and/or dairy products, and blend them into a cereal base
(usually corn meal.) Careful balancing and the addition of vitamin
and mineral supplements in the SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED AND BALANCED dry foods available through veterinarians, top quality pet and feed stores usually guarantee the best nutritionally balanced foods possible (sometimes even without the corn meal). This is in definite contrast to the poorer quality commercial foods sold in supermarkets (often likened to "junk food" for cats).
These dry foods actually contain about 10% water,
and do have typically long shelf and bowl life. It is often recommended
that this type of food be left out at all times and the cat may
help herself to many small meals rather than one or two large
meals in a day. This improves tone and digestion, and can often prevent the vomiting that can occur when a cat eats too quickly and too muchy.
Avoid using any dry food more than 6 months old, and take care to avoid unnecessary exposure to light and air. If dry food must be stored for long periods of time, store the food in air-tight containers that offer protection from the light.
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Commercial soft-moist foods have more appeal than dry foods, and
also have a higher price tag, as they are intentionally designed
to make the cat think they are "MEAT", both in texture
and in taste, and some of these foods come fairly close!! Like
dry foods, they derive their protein and fat from a variety of
sources. Additionally, one particular source (meat, fish, whatever)
is usually emphasized to establish a particular flavor. These
foods are about 30% - 35% water (contrast this with 10% water
for dry foods, and 70% water for canned foods.)
One human advantage of this food is that it has minimal odor, and a long shelf life (it usually comes packaged in air-tight pouches.) This food will last about a day in the bowl, and should not be left out longer than that. Read the labels carefully on this type of food, as many preservatives are often used to prevent spoilage and maintain the advantage of the long shelf life. This type of food works well in the automatic cat feeders available on the market, especially those feeders which provide replaceable ice packs for keeping the food cold.
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Canned cat foods are still
the most popular,
and except for the gourmet variety, are usually nutritionally
complete (we are particularly referring to the scientifically formulated premium cat foods). They are, however, more expensive than the dry and soft-moist foods, and they also have more of an odor. Canned foods are primarily protein and fats from meat, fish, dairy and vegetable sources,
with vitamins and minerals added.
Most canned foods are approximately 70% water, and often gelatin is used as a filler and to hold in more water. Canned foods do nothing to inhibit dental tartar. However, cats that have had Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS), are often prescribed a low magnesium canned food diet…this is for cats that already have developed this syndrome, and not for healthy animals. There are also a variety of special prescription diet foods that you can get from your veterinarian, which can be extremely helpful for a large number of feline health conditions.
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It is not recommended
to feed your cats the "gourmet" or specialty supermarket non-premium brand canned foods other than as an occasional treat, as they are seldom a balanced diet by themselves, and one would need to give supplements and/or another, balanced high quality food in addition to the gourmet goodie.
These foods have two distinguishing characteristics: they are very expensive, and they tend to be 100% beef, or 100% whatever, meaning all protein derived from one source. Just because it costs more does not mean it is a better food! To the contrary, these foods may contain lung and udder (using the "beef" flavor as an example), neither of which contain any nutritional value for a cat whatsoever. No doubt the "beef" will also contain hoof in the form of gelatin.
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