The cat: an obligate carnivore
The cat: an obligate carnivore
Cats are fascinating animals with a rich history and unique nutritional needs. As obligate carnivores, they rely on animal protein in their diet. In this blog, we dive deeper into the background of the cat as a carnivore, their ancestors and their dietary preferences.
Ancestors of the Cat
Our domestic cats are descended from the North African wild cat (Felis lybica). This ancestor lived in desert-like areas and primarily hunted small prey animals such as rodents, birds and insects. Through millions of years of evolution, cats have adapted to a diet consisting almost exclusively of meat. This has led to their status as obligate carnivores, meaning they must obtain essential nutrients from meat to survive.
What is an obligate carnivore?
An obligate carnivore is an animal that gets its nutrients primarily from animal protein. For cats, this means that their diet must consist of muscle meat, organs, fats, bones, skin and even blood. Cats need specific nutrients found only in animal tissue, such as taurine, vitamin A, vitamin D and arachidonic acid. These nutrients are essential to their health and cannot be obtained in sufficient quantities from plant sources.
Dietary Preferences of the Cat.
In the wild, a cat eats mainly small prey animals. Their diet consists of:
Mice and rats: The main prey for wild cats.
Birds: Small birds and sometimes larger species such as pigeons.
Insects: An important source of protein.
Amphibians and reptiles: Such as frogs and lizards
Although many domestic cats today eat commercial cat food, their need for animal protein remains unchanged. It is important to choose cat food that is rich in high-quality animal protein and free of excessive amounts of vegetable ingredients.
HobbyFirst Feline cat food is rich in high-quality proteins and meets the specific needs of each cat. On top of that, certain essential vitamins and minerals are added to prevent deficiencies. Find out more below:
Why No Vegetarian Diet?
Some people consider giving their cat a vegetarian diet, but this is not suitable for obligate carnivores. Cats cannot get all the nutrients they need from plant sources and may develop serious health problems if they do not eat meat. It is crucial to ensure that your cat is fed a diet that meets its natural needs.
Cats are obligate carnivores that depend on a diet rich in animal protein and nutrients. It is important to respect these nutritional needs and make sure your cat is getting the right nutrition to stay healthy and happy.