What do cats eat? As obligate carnivores, cats require the nutrients in animal products to remain healthy. While dogs are omnivores and can survive on a vegetarian diet with careful planning, it is not ideal for their health. Cats, as obligate carnivores, need a high-protein diet with moderate fats and very low levels of carbohydrates. But what can cats eat safely, and what do they often prefer? Here’s what you should know.
What Do Pet Cats Eat?
If you are wondering what pet cats eat, commercial cat food is the most frequently chosen option for pet owners. There are many benefits to commercial food: it is readily available and nutritionally balanced, and most cats find it palatable.
Commercial cat food is available in dry and wet formulations. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Many pet owners find that feeding a combination of both wet and dry works best for their situation.
For a cat with no weight concerns, a free choice of dry food with a serving of wet food once or twice a day may work best. For a cat who tends to put on weight easily, offering dry food free choice is not an option, but measured portions of both wet and dry allow your cat to benefit from the variety while maintaining his weight.
Benefits of dry cat food:
- More affordable than wet food
- Convenient to feed
- Readily available
Benefits of wet cat food:
- Adds variety to the diet
- Improves hydration, which is very important for your cat’s overall health
- Higher protein levels support muscle development
Human Foods Cats Can Eat
Feeding cats certain human foods in moderation can be safe, but it’s important to know which foods are appropriate, as some can be toxic to cats.
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The best diet for your cat is one designed specifically for his life stage. As long as he is generally healthy, however, he can have some added treats in the form of human foods. Your domestic pet doesn’t have to struggle to find meals, but the downside of this is that the routine diet can lead to boredom. Healthy human foods, such as cheese, meat, and fish, can add variety to the meal plan.
Other foods that many cats enjoy and are perfectly safe may surprise you. Not all cats like all foods, but experiment with some of these choices, and you may find a new favorite snack for your kitty.
Here are some safe human foods for your domestic pet:
- Melon
- Berries
- Carrots
- Bananas
- Pureed pumpkin
- Cooked eggs
- Oatmeal
What Do Wild Cats Eat
Wild cats have a very different diet from house cats.
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It makes sense for a pet cat to eat commercialized food, but you may be wondering what wild cats eat. You’ve probably noticed your own cat attempt this lifestyle (or pretend to!) whenever they go outside and hunt in the yard.
As a carnivore, a cat in the wild spends much of its time hunting. Small rodents, such as mice and moles, make up the majority of their diet. Birds, lizards, and rabbits are also potential prey. Depending on the environment and how easy it is to find food, the cat in the wild will also eat insects and carrion.
How Cats Hunt Prey
When hunting for food, cats get very still, waiting for the prey to get close enough to pounce.
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You may have some idea of how a cat in the wild hunts by watching your domestic pet play. There are two main ways a cat hunts its prey. It may sit very still, waiting for the prey to get close enough to pounce, or it may stalk its prey before pouncing. The sit-and-wait method of hunting requires less energy but more patience — something cats typically have in spades!
