The understanding of good and poor protein should not be new for cat parents. However, excellent cat parents know that high-quality natural sources always offer healthy and good protein for their cats.
But why protein is so crucial to your cat’s diet is the primary concern now. Here are seven reasons for the importance of good protein for your cat.
This list will explore through researched reasons that will let you know about the necessity of good protein. So, without any delay, let’s start our list of why a good protein is crucial to your cat’s diet?
Table of Contents
- Cats are Obligate Carnivores
- Cats need Amino Acids from Animal Tissue
- Taurine
- Arginine
- Protein Needs
- Balancing Amino Acids
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals
- Cats Require More Protein to Produce Energy
- Weight Gain and Health Issues
- Final Thoughts
Cats are Obligate Carnivores
Unlike canines, who are omnivores, cats are primarily carnivores. This is because felines are born with the need for high-quality protein for their system. As a result, the cat’s metabolism cannot sustain itself under the pressure of low-quality protein and other food products. Therefore, cat parents should know that they endanger their cats’ health when not offering them a high-quality protein diet.
According to vets and experts, a carnivore needs good quality protein to keep metabolism and other body functions at par. Any other food will create complications, which in return can lower the life expectancy of your beloved cat.
Cats need Amino Acids from Animal Tissue
Cats require amino acids for life, yet their bodies are incapable of producing enough of them. There are profound implications if your cat does not get enough amino acids. Your cat might die within months if they do not have enough amino acids.
Cats require nine distinct kinds of essential amino acids, which they get from high-quality animal protein. All of the amino acids act in particular ways to help cats survive. The most important ones, though, are as follows.
1. Taurine:
Cats for reproductive and kitten development require this amino acid. This protein shortage can result in eye degeneration and cardiac problems. The usage of high-quality protein will assist your cat in obtaining Taurine from his food. It will help them in maintaining normal bodily processes and warding off different illnesses.
In cats, the most frequent illness caused by Taurine deficiency is stunted development and sterility. Blindness and dilated cardiomyopathy are two dangerous conditions that might shorten your pet’s life. In certain situations, heart failure might take your pet’s life within months.
2. Arginine:
The most common cause of elevated ammonia levels in the blood of your cat is arginine insufficiency. When cats do not have access to high-quality protein, neurologic problems emerge. Seizures and death are the worst-case situations.
Protein Needs
Cats are obligate carnivores; as previously said, don’t worry; we’re not going to go over everything again. The key objective here is to make you understand that your cat’s body needs high-quality protein, and your cat will go to any length to satisfy that demand.
If you do not provide high-quality protein to your cat, it will go out and hunt wildlife. This hunting habit is not inherently harmful, but infected animals can kill your beloved cat within months or a year. Without any indicators!
It would be beneficial if you prevent your cat from hunting virus and disease-infected animals outside. To maintain your cat’s body and health, the ideal way is to give them a high-quality protein source.
Balancing Amino Acids
Cats are carnivores, yet we still feed them grains and plant-based protein daily. For example, you may have noticed that your cat prefers to munch on fresh grass more frequently. Unfortunately, this activity is hardwired into their genetic code, and you can’t stop them or compel them to stop.
The usage of vet-recommended cat food and other treats will need you to pay close attention to your cat’s protein intake. However, there is no need for costly testing or veterinarian appointments. All you need to do is provide them with a healthy amount of high-quality protein to balance all the different types of their body and avoid any adverse effects.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Cats can consume kibbles regularly. However, some carbs are indigestible in their digestive tract. It will make their litter box smell worse and lead to a lack of nutrients and vitamins. We are all aware of the importance of vitamins and minerals in our everyday lives.
The usage of high-quality protein will allow your cat’s mineral and vitamin sources to be enriched. As a result, you will be able to reduce the odor in the litter box this way. It will also assist your cat in obtaining all of the required minerals and vitamins from the natural source that nature has chosen for them.
Cats Require More Protein to Produce Energy
Cats are one-of-a-kind creatures that are unlike most other animals. Therefore, when seeking the ideal meal for their daily intake, high-quality protein cannot be overlooked. Kittens cannot survive without high-quality protein, which you must give them regularly for them to develop.
Cats’ digestive systems require more protein to give their bodies the energy they need to function optimally. As a result, they will get drowsy as their energy levels fall, and their immune system will deteriorate at an alarming rate.
Suppose you want a healthy kitten with brightness and a playful personality. High-quality proteins cannot be compromised. According to veterinarians and experts, raw protein is the best energy source for your cat to survive and flourish.
Weight Gain and Health Issues
High-quality protein is required for regular bodily function and to maintain your cat active and healthy. Conversely, low-quality protein or protein-free food can cause your beloved kitty to gain weight, and you will have to deal with an obese cat suffering from various illnesses.
The usage of high-quality protein will maintain the digestive system operating at peak efficiency. It will aid in regulating your cat’s body weight and strengthening its immune system. Obesity in cats is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, and veterinarians are concerned.
If your cat is obese, call your veterinarian immediately away for a diet plan. The easiest way to combat obesity is to record your cat’s weight every two weeks and closely check their nutrition. A cat consuming more or less than a regular diet is an indication that an issue is brewing in its body.
Final Thoughts
You’ve discovered all of the essential scientific reasons why adequate protein is necessary for your cat’s diet. These tips will help you understand your cat better and provide them with what they require the most.
So, if you care about the feline members of your friends and family, please share. Then, in the comments area below, tell us how you enjoyed it and what you would want to see added to the article.
Want to learn more about the best foods for your cat? Check out foods cats can eat!
References:
https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/dr-coates/2014/december/what-taurine-32287
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cardiomyopathy_dilated
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article-abstract/108/12/1944/4770338
https://primalpetfoods.com/pages/vet-locator