Proteins are the most important nutrients cats need. These large biomolecules are like the building blocks of cats muscles and help them in various functions. The other five essential elements in a cat’s diet include fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water.
Cats are obligate carnivores; they cannot obtain all nutrients from plant diets. Hence, they require animal protein to function properly.
A high-quality cat food contains at least 26% protein for maintenance cats and a minimum of 30% for growth and reproduction phases. This is the minimum standard set by AAFCO. However, recent studies have shown that some cats even require around 40% protein in their diet. When not given, they start losing muscle mass over time.
The Role of Protein in Cat Food
Proteins are made of amino acids. Cats need 11 essential amino acids that they must get from their diet. The two most important of the 11 are taurine and arginine.
Taurine is a cat’s support system for eye and heart health. It helps in kitten growth and reproduction as well. Cats can make small amounts of taurine, but they require it in large amounts. So, it is important to ensure that it is mentioned on the cat’s food label that you are feeding your feline buddy.
Arginine is essential for kitten growth. It also plays an important role in urea cycle functioning, wound healing, and neurological health. If not given in adequate quantities according to a cat’s age and activity level, it can have deteriorating effects on a cat’s health. Two other amino acids, cystine and methionine, are equally important for cats during growth.
For cats, proteins also serve as a vital source of energy. A cat’s liver enzymes are equipped to break down proteins; use them as a source of energy. If cats don’t receive enough protein, regardless of their diet having fats as an energy source, their body starts to break down muscle tissue to meet their amino acid needs.
Apart from all the above processes, proteins are like the building blocks of a cat’s body. They are used to build body organs, tissues, cartilage, tendons, skin, hair, blood, and heart muscles. The importance of proteins for cats can be gauged from the fact that humans need around 10 to 35% protein, dogs need around 8%, and cats need at least 26% to stay healthy.
While the role of protein in a cat’s diet can’t be ignored, cat parents and caregivers must keep in mind that excessive protein is bad for health. It can strain the kidneys and make cats obese. So, always keep a check and ensure that your feline buddy gets a balanced diet.
Protein Deficiency in Cats
A protein deficiency for long can be detrimental to cats. For example, arginine shortage can lead to ammonia buildup, which may cause death and seizures. A taurine shortage can cause retinal and cardiac problems. Other protein shortage symptoms include compromised immune systems, stunted growth, reproductive and urinary issues, and poor coat health.
Is the Source of Protein Important?
The two major sources of protein are animals and plants. Since cats are obligate carnivores, yes, it does matter to them. The source of protein is as important as the percentage of protein in cat food. Cats cannot make amino acids. One of the most important amino acids cats need is taurine, and it comes from animal meat like fish, turkey, and chicken. Taurine is crucial for retinal and cardiac health.
