Companion Animals

Cat Feline Nutrition Welfare Science

Nutritional science for cats guides optimal diet choices that support health and welfare throughout the life cycle.

Key Facts

Cats are obligate carnivores requiring specific amino acids including taurine and arginine
Taurine deficiency causes dilated cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration in affected cats
Protein requirements in cats remain high throughout life unlike omnivores where needs decrease with age
Wet food increases water intake and reduces urinary tract disease risk compared to dry food
Commercial raw food diets carry bacterial contamination risks requiring careful food safety management

Welfare Considerations

Cats fed nutritionally incomplete diets develop deficiency diseases that cause chronic suffering including heart disease and blindness. Evidence-based nutrition that meets feline-specific requirements supports lifelong health and welfare.

What You Can Do

Feed commercially prepared foods that meet FEDIAF or AAFCO nutritional standards
Provide wet food as a significant proportion of the diet to support urinary tract health
Consult your vet before preparing home-cooked diets to ensure nutritional completeness