Why Do Cats Need Protein In Their Diets?

As obligate carnivores, cats have a special kind of diet that they need to follow to stay healthy and strong, one that primarily consists of meat. Unlike dogs and humans, who can survive on a variety of food, cats have strict dietary requirements for their cat food. For example, dogs are more on the omnivore side of the spectrum and can survive on a diet that includes both plant and animal-based food, cats on the other hand, have a physiology that is specifically adapted to consuming and utilising animal protein. This means that cats have a biological requirement for animal-based protein and fats in their diets. 

One of the key reasons why cats need to eat meat is due to their requirement for certain vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids that are only found in animal-based protein. These amino acids, such as taurine and arginine, are critical for a variety of physiological processes, including maintaining heart and vision health, supporting immune functions, promoting healthy growth and development. In fact, a lack of taurine in a cat's diet can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, reproductive failure, and blindness.

Another example of this is Vitamin A. Cats need a source of vitamin A in their diets to maintain good vision and support healthy skin and fur. This vitamin is not present in plant-based food and must be obtained through consuming animal-based food, such as liver or fish. 

Similarly, cats also require a source of vitamin D in their diets, to absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones. This vitamin is also not present in plant-based food and must be obtained through consuming animal-based food such as fish or egg yolks as they cannot convert the plant based vitamin D into its active form.

Essentially, the protein in animal tissues help support the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues and organs such as muscles, skin, and bones.

Additionally, protein is a key component of enzymes, some hormones, and other molecules that are important for a wide range of biological processes in the cat's body. In short, protein is an essential nutrient for cats, and they need a consistent and sufficient supply of it in their cat food to maintain good health and vitality.

Another reason why cats need to eat meat is because of their high protein requirement.1 Cats have a much higher protein requirement than dogs, as well as most domesticated animals, due to their natural predatory behaviours. As predators, cats have evolved to consume high levels of protein to fuel their bodies and support their active lifestyles. The high protein requirement of cats means that they cannot meet their nutritional needs with a diet that is primarily composed of plant-based food, which are typically lower in protein than animal-based food.

It's also important to note that the digestive systems of cats are designed to efficiently process animal-based protein, not plant-based food. Unlike dogs and other omnivores, cats do not have a long and complex digestive system that allows them to break down and absorb both plant and animal-based food. This means that they are not as efficient at breaking down and absorbing plant-based food, which can lead to digestive problems and other health issues.

Despite the clear benefits of a meat-based diet for cats, there are still some who advocate for feeding cats a plant-based diet. However, there is significant evidence that a diet primarily composed of plant-based food is not nutritionally complete for cats. In fact, feeding cats a plant-based diet can lead to serious health problems and nutrient deficiencies, and may even be harmful to their health.

In conclusion, cats are obligate carnivores that require a diet that is primarily composed of animal-based protein to meet their nutritional needs. This is due to their requirement for essential amino acids, high protein requirement, and the vitamins and minerals that are found in animal-based food. 

Additionally, their digestive systems are designed to efficiently process animal-based protein, and are not as efficient at breaking down and absorbing plant-based food. While there are some who advocate for feeding cats a plant-based diet, this approach is not recommended and can lead to serious health problems and nutrient deficiencies. For the best health and well-being of your cat, it is important to provide them with a diet that is primarily composed of animal-based protein or seek veterinary advice whenever in doubt.