Proper Diet and Nutrition for Your Cat Proper cat diet and
nutrition is critical to the overall health and wellness of your
cat. Cats have unique nutritional needs as obligate carnivores.
There are many different types and brands of cat food. Your
veterinarian can help you navigate the landscape of cat
nutrition in order to help you pick the best cat food for your
pet. In order to ensure a cat’s basic requirements are being
met, cats must eat food that is complete and balanced for their
particular lifestage according to the guidelines set forth by
the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Cats
must eat a meat-based diet in order to meet their higher protein
requirements and specific nutrient requirements—such as taurine,
certain fatty acids and vitamins— which are only present in
foods of animal origin. Deficiencies of any of these essential
nutrients may result in severe illness and even death in cats.
Cats with health issues may require a specialized cat diet. If
your cat has a medical con