Cat Facts 23

•  66. Protein Dependence
• Cats are highly dependent on protein for meeting their blood glucose requirement. If they don’t get enough from their diet, then they will use the protein from their own muscles and organs.
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• 67. Rough Tongue
• Pet owners can attest that their tongues feel like sandpaper. These are useful when they are trying to remove every morsel from animal bones.
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• 68. Dry Cat Food
• Commercial cat food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition for both kittens and adult cats. Dry food is only 6-10% water. The rest is a combination of meat, poultry, grain, fish meal, milk products, fiber sources, supplements, and flavor enhancers.
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• 69. Semi-moist Food
• These products are approximately 35% water. They mostly contain meat and their byproducts. Manufacturers will often add cereals, grain byproducts, soybean meal, and preservatives. These are more appealing to cats compared to dry food.
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• 70. Canned Food
• The moisture content is at least 75%. Canned food is the most expensive but also the most attractive for cats. These are great for picky eaters. They have the longest shelf life while unopened.
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• 71. Harmful Foods
• Onions, garlic, and chives can cause anemia in cats. Milk can lead to stomach upset while grapes can trigger kidney failure. Chocolate and caffeine can be lethal.
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• 72. Homemade Diets
• Pet owners can make their own cat food although ensuring correct nutrient content makes it difficult and time-consuming. Veterinarians may supply recipes to deal with specific medical conditions such as pet obesity and diabetes.
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• 73. Treats
• Treats should not be more than 10-15% of their total caloric intake. Cats may love treats but these do not provide balanced nutrition.