Unlike dogs and humans, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require animal protein to survive. They cannot digest plant materials efficiently and lack the ability to synthesize essential amino acids like taurine from plants. Taurine deficiency in cats can lead to blindness and fatal heart diseases.
Dry food (kibble) is convenient, cost-effective, and stays fresh longer. However, it lacks moisture. Wet food (canned pate) provides much-needed hydration and is closer to a cat's natural diet, which helps prevent kidney disease and urinary tract infections. Feeding a combination of both is often the best approach.
Several common human foods are extremely toxic to cats. Never feed your cat chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, or caffeinated drinks. Onions and garlic damage a cat's red blood cells, causing anemia, while grapes and raisins can trigger sudden, irreversible kidney failure.
Cats have a low thirst drive because their wild ancestors obtained moisture from prey. They also prefer running water over standing water. To encourage drinking, use cat water fountains instead of bowls, keep water bowls away from their food and litter box, and wash their water containers daily.
