High Quality Protein
Makes A Happy Cat

By Teri Champigny

Do you want your cat to be healthy and maintain vigorous energy levels? Do you want him to look good, display a shiny coat, and to stand in good behavior as well? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes” then look towards good nutrition as a precursor to a healthy cat.

Nutrition for cats should be viewed as the same as nutrition for humans.  No, I am not saying that your cat should eat the exact same foods as you do.  In fact it's quite the opposite.  But what I am saying is that your cat should be getting in sound nutrition from a variety of sources so that he can be at his best health.

Protein Is King

Like most animals, cats must have a higher amount of protein in their diet.  This is just part of their design as nature has produced it.  While humans have high protein requirements as well, cats need more than double the amount of protein that their body weight is set at.  And amazingly enough, kittens need even more protein! Kittens need a lot of protein to support their fast growth into adulthood.

Why is protein so important? Because it provides the building blocks of life, which are amino acids, that your cat will reassemble and deliver to the protein organs of his body.  Every animal on the planet requires these amino acids, some more and some less.

There are some amino acids that are called “nonessential” and do not have to be consumed from food.  Nonessential proteins are produced and synthesized within the cat's body. On the other hand, the other proteins are called “essential”, and must be found and consumed from certain sources of food.

Offer Your Cat Variety

When you consider protein sources to feed your cat, it is important to pay attention to variety.  By providing a variety of protein sources for your cat's diet, you are ensuring that all of the essential amino acids will get into his system, thereby providing sound health and nutrition.  Such sources should include different types of red meat, fish, poultry, and the few dairy products.

Where Does Protein Come From?

Protein can be found within plants as well as animal flesh. However, it is important to know that not all proteins digest the same and your cat may not be able to handle a certain type of protein source.  If you witness your cat throwing up, having episodes of diarrhea, or any other problem soon after eating a new food, then he is sure to have an allergy or a digestive problem to that food.  Discard this item and do not feed it to your cat again. However, most meats, dairy and eggs are easily digested so you should not have any problems with your cat's digestive system this these basic foods.