Forms of cat food available in the market
There are a variety of forms of cat food, and some of these types are as follows: Dry food Dry food contains many natural ingredients useful for the bodies of cats from grains and their derivatives, meat, dairy products and fiber, and the humidity in this type of food ranges between 6-10%. Dry food has been shown to be effective in maintaining healthy teeth and bones and may be desirable for many people due to its low cost, and the low likelihood of spoilage compared to other foods. On the other hand, cats are mainly carnivores, so the digestive system is not equipped to receive large amounts of fiber and starches found in this type of food, it can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Semi-wet food in semi-humid food meat and its derivatives are the main component of such for such food, the moisture content is approximately 35%, and it is also average cost, and it can contain quantities of sugar or salt in larger quantities than dry food, and it also contains chemicals to preserve food and added colors. Canned food in canned food has a moisture content of 75%, which is the preferred type among cats, and the most expensive among other types, and this type is characterized by its diversity and the possibility of containing several varieties, and canned food is characterized by preserving food for periods greater than other types. This form of food can cause some gum disease in cats.
Foods suitable for cats
There are many types of foods suitable for cats, which are easy to prepare and serve to them at home, including the following: Red meat Cats naturally prefer to eat red meat, and it must be served to them cooked; either grilled, cooked, or boiled, alone or with sauce (meat broth), and it is permissible to add a little mashed potatoes to increase the percentage of potassium in their body, and to reduce urine odors issued by them at home. It is okay to serve meat with parts of white fat on it because cats love it first, and because the nature of building their body needs a quantity of fat to be in their daily diet. But you should avoid serving raw meat to cats, because eating it increases their ferocity, and it should be noted that there are a few types of cats such as Shirazi who hate eating meat and are not suitable for eating them at all.
Liver
Many people are keen to provide liver to cats because they know how much cats love them; they are able to eat a large amount of cooked liver, in addition to that, they are an essential source of nutrition for the cat with essential vitamins and minerals.
White meat
Chicken, rabbits, and fish, examples of them, chicken meat is the favorite food of the majority of cats, if it is served to them cooked, grilled or cut, they enjoy eating it very much, as well as white meat is a source of supplying cats with calcium necessary to build their body, as well as fish provides them with many nutrients such as phosphorus, proteins, and vitamins.
Dairy products
Cheese and yogurt are among the most important foods suitable for cats, as cheese provides them with calcium, fats and proteins, and milk is a suitable food for cats in the first months of their life.
Spinach
It is a source of many vitamins such as vitamin A, K, C, and is rich in iron and calcium, and spinach works to protect the lining of the digestive system from damage caused by infections, but if the cat has problems in the urinary system, such as the presence of calcified stones in the bladder, you should avoid feeding them.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein and B vitamins, and they should be served to the cat cooked.
Cantaloupe
contains a high percentage of antioxidants, and it also contains beta-carotene, which helps maintain healthy eyes and skin.
bananas
Bananas are high in potassium and soluble fiber, making them a light healthy food for cats.
Oats
Oats are an important source of energy and vitamin B.
Bread
Bread is a good source of protein and fiber, but care must be taken in the amount given, as it should be small so as not to cause diarrhea.
Apple
Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, making them a suitable food, taking into account the removal of the outer skin.
mulberries
Berries are a good source of vitamins A and C.
Peas
Peas contain vitamin A, C, and fiber.
Foods harmful to cats
There are many foods that pose a risk to the health of cats, including:
Onions and garlic
Giving cats foods containing onions and garlic is very dangerous because they contain sulfur compounds, which may cause the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Raw eggs
Be careful to cook eggs before serving them to anyone to ensure that they are free of salmonella bacteria, and egg whites contain avidin, which works to stop the absorption of vitamin B.
Alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages cause many problems for cats, including alcohol poisoning that can destroy their lives.
Caffeine
Caffeine works to increase the amount of urine, excite the nervous system, and accelerate the heartbeat, and chocolate is considered one of the harmful substances for cats because it contains caffeine and theobromine, which may cause the death of the cat.
Raw fat
Meat and fish fat is one of the most harmful foods for cats because of the problems it may cause from vomiting, diarrhea and inflammation in the pancreas, as raw fat contains an infinite number of salmonella bacteria, so you should avoid serving it to cats, especially the skin.
Grapes and raisins
Raisins are one of the harmful foods for cats due to the possibility of sudden kidney failure for cats, and the most important symptoms that may appear on a cat within 24 hours of eating grapes and raisins: diarrhea, lack of appetite, weakness, and lack of urination.
Candy
Candy is harmful to cats because it contains xylitol, which can cause increased blood sugar, liver failure, and symptoms that may appear on cats vomiting and lethargy.
milk containing Lactose
Since a cat is unable to break down and digest lactose when it reaches adulthood, eating milk containing lactose can lead to diarrhea, and thus dehydration.
Obesity in cats
Cat obesity can be defined as the increase in cats' body weight by 20%, or more than the normal weight level, and it is one of the most common eating disorders among domestic cats, and when you notice it, solutions must be found and treated. Obesity in cats results in several risks and harms, the most prominent of which are: affecting the quality of life of cats and inhibiting their physical activity. Causing several serious diseases for cats and exacerbating their effects, such as osteoporosis, cartilage erosion, and diabetes. Impact on cardiovascular health in cats.