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Nutrition                        Picture of Cat

What is the best way to feed our feline friends?
In their evolution, cats evolved from dogs 30 million years ago, and their nutrition requirements are clearly different from those of dogs. Cats are strict carnivores, and as a consequence must eat meat to remain healthy. The big verity of Cat Food availible on the market is also another option to you.
Lets take a closer look at exactly what your cat needs to ensure its well-being.

Energy

Enery is measured in kilocalories . It is derived from protein, fat and carbohydrate in the diet. An adult cat requires approximately 85 kcal of energy per kilogram of bodyweight per day.

Protein

Cats need protein in their daily diet to provide amino acids which then reformes into new proteins for essential parts of the body. Proteins are needed for tissue growth and repair, as well as for the maintenance of the metabolic process.

Fats

Fats and oils contain fatty acids which perform several functions in the diet of the cat.Fats are also the most highy form of energy in the diet. A diet deficient in fatty acids results in dry coats and dandruff.

Vitamins and Minerals

It is important to have some basic knowledge of the functions and sources of vitamins and minerals. While this is a complicated subject it is simplified by the fact that there are only 4 vitamins and 2 minerals which need concern the average cat owner.
  • Vitamin A stimulates growth in a young animal and renewal in the adult.
    Source : codliver oil, egg yolk and liver
  • Vitamin B is important for growth, the nervous system and heart.
    Source : yeast, egg yolk, ox liver, wheatflakes.
  • Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium and phosphate for bone development.
    Source : codliver oil, sunlight.
  • Vitamin E is associated with fertility.
    Source : red meat and wheat germ.
  • Calcium and Phosphates are minerals which the body need to grow bone in a animal and to aid in the absorption of nutrients.
    Source : red meat, milk and most foods in a diet.

Water

Water is the most important element in a cat's diet.It transports nutrients and metabolites in the blood, vital to temperature regulation, essential for digestion and facilitates the passing of waste material via the urine.
A 10% loss of total body water in a cat will result in serious illness and a 15% loss will prove fatal.
On average a active cat will drink approximately 85ml of water daily.