Copyright (c) 2010 Nick Travis

There are essentially three types of basic cat food; dry, moist and wet. Dry food comes in small pellet shapes known as kibbles. It is manufactured under high heat and fat is often sprayed on it to make it easier to eat. Vitamins are often added as well, as cats require these for normal functioning. Dry food is usually the least expensive, but many cats do not like this type of food. Moist food is similar to the dry type, but it is soft and chewy. Most felines will gladly consume this type of food. Wet food normally comes in cans or foil pouches and the feed is presented in chunks with sauce, or in a ground form. Wet food is generally preferred by cats and there are some cats that will only eat this type of food.

Since cats are carnivores, their natural diet would consist exclusively of meat. Some types of food contain less meat than others and the list of ingredients should be checked to see if the first ingredient is meat rather than corn products. Kidney disease is very common in cats so low ash content is essential as this can prevent urinary tract blockages and infections. Cats require taurine which is an essential amino acid that promotes a healthy heart and vision.

There are different types of food that cater for the different needs of cats. Some are made for different age groups or for special needs. There are some that are made for different breeds.

A kittens body needs to manufacture muscle, it has to grow hair, teeth and they need to build up their immune system, and therefore kittens require high quality nutrition. Specially formulated kitten food should contain all the necessary minerals to promote healthy growth. It should contain protein to enable tissue and organ development as well as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and iron for strong bones and teeth.

As cats grow older they become less active and spend more time indoors so fewer calories and less fat is required in their diet. A good older cat food should have low fat content, protein and easily digestible carbohydrates for energy. It should also contain minerals and vitamins to assist with aging joints and to help fight infections and lower phosphorous levels to minimize the strain on their kidneys.

There are foods available for vegetarian or vegan diets which are normally fortified with polyunsaturated omega 6 fatty acids and taurine, however because cats are carnivores, this is not recommended by vets.

What your cat eats is very important to their well-being and most cats fussy needs can be met by the variety of cat food on the market. Ensure that the food contains all the necessary proteins and vitamins that your feline requires to keep them healthy and to live longer.