Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must be primarily meat-based to meet their nutritional needs. They require high amounts of animal protein and some fat, with minimal carbohydrates. Their natural diet consists of prey like small animals, which provide essential nutrients for their health
. Typical foods cats eat include:
- Meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pheasant
- Fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and whitefish (cooked, not raw)
- Eggs (fully cooked, scrambled or boiled)
- Small amounts of certain vegetables and fruits as treats, such as pumpkin, blueberries, melon, cucumber, asparagus, and some berries, but these should be given sparingly and never replace their meat-based diet
Cats should primarily eat complete and balanced commercial cat food formulated to meet their nutritional requirements. Human foods can be given occasionally as treats but should not exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake. Milk is generally not recommended as many cats are lactose intolerant
. Foods to avoid include:
- Raw or spoiled meat and fish
- Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and foods containing xylitol, as these are toxic to cats
In summary, cats thrive on a diet rich in animal protein and fat, with occasional safe treats from certain fruits and vegetables, but their main nutrition should come from high-quality meat-based cat food
