You've probably wondered if you can feed cats meat or what would happen if your pet only ate vegetables. To understand feline nutrition, you need to go back in time and analyse the behaviour and needs of the species' ancestors. Also, understand what the feline food chain looks like. Are cats carnivores? Do they necessarily need protein?animal to survive? Paws of the House went after the answers and will answer below if cat is carnivore, herbivore or omnivore!

Is a cat a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore?

No herbivore or omnivore: the cat is an obligate carnivore! Unlike humans and dogs, the main source of nutrients for felines is meat - but that doesn't mean that these animals can't also eat vegetables, fruits and other foods. So this means that the species needs a diet rich in protein to ensure good health. Salmon, trout, tuna,White fish, chicken, beef and pork are some of the most common proteins found in cat food.

The reason why cats are carnivores is quite simple: felines are born hunters, which means that in the wild they feed mainly on game. Although they have been domesticated, their nutritional needs prevail and depend mainly on a protein source. But beware: this does not mean that you can give raw meat to cats, okay? It is important that the food is cooked in an oven.boiling water and do not have any type of seasoning - such as onion or garlic - as it can be harmful to the pet's body.

So if your question is whether your cat is a carnivore or a herbivore, the question is answered. The same goes for those who wonder if felines can be omnivores, because although they can consume different types of food, the base of the feline food chain must always be meat (not raw, but the one in the pet's food).

Cats are carnivores, but should not eat only meat

Cats' diets have undergone several changes over time, especially after they started living with humans and became domesticated animals. Although there are wild cats - such as the feral cat - most kitties today have an adapted diet that includes several other ingredients, such as vegetables and cereals.

So, even if it seems strange, don't worry if you read that these components are present in your cat's food: it's totally normal. The feline organism has undergone a series of modifications in a natural way, thus creating different nutritional needs than before (but proteins continue to play a fundamental role in all this).

In addition, you can offer cats fruit, vegetables and greens as a form of snack. Even if it is not the main source of animal food, these snacks can be offered occasionally.

Find out which nutrients are essential for feline health

You've already noticed that, despite the fact that felines are carnivores, there are several other nutrients that are important for maintaining your cat's health, right? So if you are curious about the subject, see below what are the main elements that cannot be missing in a good cat food:

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Essential amino acids
• Vitamins
• Minerals

Another important point is that cats do not have the habit of drinking water frequently, so for their diet to be even more beneficial, a tip is to invest in cat sachets as a snack or even as a complete food. This specification is indicated on the product packaging and, in addition to being very nutritious and similar to the natural food of these animals, it helps to encourage the cat to eat.hydrate, warding off kidney disease and other problems.