Carnivores

• Mammals such as humans, dogs and cats, all need proteins to survive. What separates the cat from the others is that while humans and dogs can get their proteins from both animal and plant sources, the cat can only receive its protein from animal sources. Cats do not have the metabolic capability of properly breaking down proteins that came from a plant source. This makes them a true carnivore or obligate carnivore, meaning that their owners should feeding them accordingly.
  
  

Feeding Bowls

• The best type of bowl to use for feeding cats is a porcelain bowl that is heavy enough to withstand being tipped over. Some cats may be hypersensitive to plastic, causing them to grow pimples under the jaw which can be irritating for the feline. Cleaning cat bowls is as easy as a rinse with warm water every day with a soapy wash once a week. Avoid strong smelling detergents and soaps as these can be too strong for the cat and lead to it refusing the food.
  
  

Cat Food Ingredients

• When choosing a cat food, note the ingredients to ensure the cat is receiving everything it needs to stay healthy. The first ingredient should be a meat source such as beef, lamb or chicken. Meat by-products and bone meal not very good substitutes but they are much better than the lesser quality foods. The ingredients in these foods will be mainly grains which contain undigestible protein and will not benefit the cat.
  
  

Wet Or Dry Cat Food?

• The debate about whether wet or dry cat food is the best to feed cats has been ongoing with animal nutritionists for some time. Currently many nutritionists recommend making the dry content about 20 percent of the total diet. The reasoning behind this is because cats get most of their water needs from their meat but there is less than half the amount of needed water in dry food. The reason for keeping a small amount of dry food in the diet is because it is a benefit to the cats' teeth. The hard food helps to scrape off plaque and bacteria.
  
  

Milk For Cats

• Contrary to popular belief, not all cats like milk. Milk can prove to be harmful to some cats that are lactose intolerant. For cats that do enjoy milk, it should not be given as a daily meal but as a treat once a week. Too much milk can cause problems with the feline digestive tract, making diarrhea a distinct possibility.