What do cats eat? What to give cats other than food?

Nutrients, vitamins and minerals that cats need

Proper nutrition of your cat; It is necessary for healthy growth, being energetic and active, strengthening the immune system, having healthy skin and feathers, and healthy muscle and bone development. Each cat's nutritional needs may vary depending on its age, weight and activity level. But below you can see the essential nutrients they all need:

• Protein: Protein is the essential nutrient for cats. They need to get enough protein for healthy muscle development and body functions. Animal-based proteins such as chicken, turkey, beef and fish are the healthiest option for cats.
• Fat: Fats are necessary for cats to store energy. Additionally, some fatty acids are important for cats' skin and coat health. Cats' diets should include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids can be obtained from sources such as fish oil supplements, fatty fish such as salmon, canola oil, coconut oil or chicken fat.
• Carbohydrate: The amount of carbohydrates cats need is limited. However, some carbohydrates are necessary for energy. Corn, rice and wheat are good sources of carbohydrates for cats.
• Water: One of the most important nutrients that cats need is water. Consuming adequate amounts of water is necessary for urinary tract health, feather health and digestive system. Your cat should always have access to fresh, clean water.
• Vitamins and minerals: Cats need minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K in order for their body functions to function properly.

In addition, proper nutrition of your cat will protect against health problems such as obesity, diabetes and kidney disease. You can talk to your veterinarian about your cat's nutrition program.

Dry food etc. Wet food: Which is better?

Dry food and wet food have different advantages to meet the nutritional needs of cats. Which one is more beneficial may vary depending on your cat's characteristics and needs. Dry food generally has a longer shelf life, is more nutritionally balanced, and can be stored easily. It can also be beneficial for cats' dental health because they can clean their teeth through chewing activity. However, dry food may prevent cats from retaining adequate amounts of moisture in their bodies. Cats that consume only dry food need to consume plenty of water to prevent kidney problems.

Wet food, on the other hand, can support cats' kidney health because it is a more moist food. Additionally, it is easier to digest and appetizing. However, since it has a shorter shelf life, it should be consumed quickly after opening as it may spoil.

Can the cat be given dry food every day?

Yes, you can give dry food to your cat every day. However, the food you give must be formulated to meet all his nutritional needs. If your cat is old or has any health problems, it may have special nutritional needs, your veterinarian will help you create a nutrition plan.

How often should cats be given dry food?

When giving dry food to your cat, take into account the measurements written on the food package or consult your veterinarian. The amount of dry food consumed by each cat may vary depending on its age, weight and breed. Or, if your cat is at risk of obesity, the food should be given in a controlled manner.

Is wet food harmful to cats?

No, wet food is not harmful to cats. In fact, many cat owners prefer wet food because it is generally tastier and cats eat more readily. However, since it is made with fresh ingredients and contains fewer preservatives, its shelf life is short and it may spoil if not consumed within a few days. Make sure that the wet food you choose for your cat is of high quality.

If you give your cat only wet food for a long time, it may get used to it and refuse to eat dry food because it is more delicious. This situation can lead to long-term hunger and nutritional disorders in the future. In addition, when your cat does not eat dry food, it cannot clean its teeth and over time, tartar formation begins on its teeth, and gum diseases such as stomatitis and gingivitis develop. With these disorders, your cat's immunity may weaken. It is good to give wet food occasionally as a reward or to supplement dry food, but it should not be preferred as a main meal.

What to give to cats other than food?

Instead of giving homemade food to your cat, you should prefer to give the cat food recommended by your veterinarian. However, if there is no food at home, you can consider the following options:

• Boiled chicken, turkey or fish meat without salt and spices
• Canned tuna or salmon (do not give too much as it is salty)
• Small amounts of yoghurt, low-fat cheese and kefir (if it is not allergic) (do not give your cat directly cow's milk other than these fermented products)

Harmful to cats foods

Some foods can cause serious health problems in cats. Some of the foods that may be harmful to cats are:

• Milk: Consumption of milk and dairy products, especially in cats with lactose intolerance, can cause digestive problems, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Chocolate: Cats cannot metabolize theobromine, a chemical substance in chocolate, which can cause it to accumulate in their bodies and have toxic effects. It can increase cats' heart rate, cause difficulty urinating, and cause serious health problems such as tremors, convulsions, and seizures.
• Onion and garlic: Onion and garlic contain compounds that are toxic to cats and can cause anemia.
• Caffeine: Caffeine can increase the heart rate in cats, causing restlessness, tremors, and vomiting.
• Alcohol: Cats cannot metabolize and digest alcohol. Their bodies have difficulty breaking down alcohol, and it can accumulate and cause toxic effects. Alcohol poisoning in cats can cause incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, low blood sugar, liver damage, brain damage, coma, and even death. Additionally, alcohol can cause other health problems, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and acidosis (raised blood acid levels).
• Avocado: Avocado contains persin, a toxic compound for cats, and avocado poisoning in cats can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, heart rhythm disturbance, edema, liver damage and even death.
• Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause serious health problems such as kidney failure in cats, although the exact cause is not yet known.
• Raw egg: Raw egg may contain certain bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, that cats are vulnerable to infections. Additionally, raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which cannot be completely digested by cats' digestive system. Avidin prevents cats from absorbing biotin, a type of B vitamin.
• Bone: Bone fragments can cause blockages and injuries in cats. Especially when broken, chicken bones are very sharp and therefore very risky

Is milk harmful to cats?

There is a common belief that milk is a beneficial food for cats, but this is wrong. The basic nutritional needs of cats are protein, and milk does not fully meet the nutritional needs of cats. Therefore, it is best to give your cat a specially formulated cat food instead of milk. Additionally, some cats may be allergic to milk and dairy products or lactose intolerant and may experience diarrhea, vomiting, gas or other digestive problems.

Can eggs be given to cats?

If your cat is not allergic, you can give eggs. Eggs are one of the high-quality sources of protein for cats and also contain many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your cat's diet. However, be sure to give cooked eggs, raw eggs carry the risk of many bacterial diseases.

What do cats like to eat most?

Cats are carnivorous animals by nature and they love high protein foods such as red meat, chicken, turkey and fish. In addition, reward biscuits and food are among their favorite foods, but they should be given in a controlled manner as they may cause weight gain. Apart from these, some cats love catnip. This herb can help your cat's digestive system. However, too much is harmful.