Cats and their nutritional peculiarities: They don’t taste sweet flavors and can eat more than 10 times a day

One of the most remarkable characteristics of cats when it comes to their diet is their status as rigorous carnivores. Their health relies on it. “Meat provides them with the nutrients they need, such as vitamin A, proteins, taurine and essential fatty acids,” says Ignacio Arija, veterinarian and professor in the nutrition unit of the department of animal production at Madrid’s Complutense University (UCM). Water is also an important part of feline nutrition. “They are animals of desert origin, capable of going for long periods without drinking, which can deteriorate their kidneys. That is why it is important to make sure they drink water,” warn Arija, who clarifies what they like to drink: “Running water, so that it’s fresh and clean, because if it smells bad or has a disagreeable taste they won’t drink it, and run the risk of developing urinary stones.”

Cat food must have certain characteristics for a complete and balanced diet. “Portions must be adequate, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the food, in addition to having wet food with a specific formula that suits their needs,” adds the specialist.

Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs, being two different species with distinct metabolisms. “Dogs are opportunistic omnivores, while cats are strict carnivores and predators who specialize in hunting. One of the most notable distinctions is that dogs recognize five tastes, while cats recognize only four, because they do not differentiate between sweet and savory,” says veterinarian Roberto Elices-Mínguez. The professor of animal nutrition at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Madrid (UCM) highlights the anatomical differences between the two species. “Dogs have 42 teeth with mixed omnivore and carnivore characteristics, while cats have 30, strictly carnivore teeth,” he says. But this is not their only difference; Elices-Mínguez mentions a few others:

• Different stomachs. Dogs’ are larger than those of cats, which means that cats are less able to absorb nutrients than dogs.
• Different behavior at meal time. Dogs work as a team to look for food. They have a daytime-oriented biological rhythm and eat quickly and compulsively. In contrast, cats are solitary hunters, who can eat by day or night in small quantities, many times a day (between 10 and 20 times).
• Particular tastes while eating. Cats are stimulated by eating in the presence of their owners. In addition, their tastes in food are more subjective, since they learn from their mother about certain tastes and smells.

The importance of water when it comes to cats’ health

Cats have more difficulty in recovering from dehydration than dogs. Cats need a whole day to do so, while dogs can recover in just an hour. “Drinking an adequate amount of water is fundamental to cats’ health, above all during the summer, during trips, when they are lactating, if they exercise or if they are sick,” warns Elices Mínguez. The veterinarian and nutritional expert describes the amount that a cat needs on a daily basis: “On average, between 0.8 to 1.2 ounces for every pound your cat weighs (50 to 80 milliliters for every kilogram of weight). To control its consumption, you can use a container of known volume, such as a half of a 500-milliliter water bottle.”

The water’s quality and temperature are important to cats. “It’s recommended that it be fresh and drinkable. It does not need to be mineral. Tap water works, but it is advisable to change it daily and make sure the cat drinks, because otherwise it could be a sign that it is sick,” says Elices-Mínguez. Felines have a particular style when it comes to drink. “They do it elegantly, very close to the dish, and use the dorsal part of the tongue as a spoon to get the liquid inside their mouth,” says the animal nutrition expert.

Fasting has dire consequences on a cat’s health. “Their organs overwork and that results in fat infiltration into the liver and acute renal failure. It’s essential that cats never go for over 24 to 26 hours without food and water. It is better that they eat something, even if it is not nutritious food,” warns the specialist, who shares tips on how to assess a feline’s nutritional status at home: “The frequency and quality of the feces, whether the cat is vomiting, the brightness of its coat or changes in the color of its fur. If you notice any change in these areas, it is advisable to go to the veterinarian so they can evaluate the situation early on.”

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