The 5 biggest feeding misconceptions about cats

The 5 Biggest Misconceptions About Cat Nutrition

Surely you have also been at the point where you thought: Which feeding tips for my cat can and should I actually take seriously - and which of them are total nonsense?

Whether it's nutritional wisdom, amateur advice, or a blunt "Cats should drink milk" - we are clearing up the nutritional myths surrounding house cats and explaining to you which recommendations you should better not listen to.

1. "Milk is good for cats"

Young cats are provided with milk by their mothers until they are about 4 weeks old. Kittens tolerate this well because their bodies produce the enzyme lactase during this time, allowing the milk sugar lactose to be utilized by the body.

During this time, the problem-free intake of mother’s milk is particularly important for the kittens, as it contains all the nutrients they need for healthy growth. Gradually, the mother cat transitions her young to solid food - and thus weans them step by step from milk. However, the production of lactase is linked to the amount of mother’s milk the kittens consume. If there is less milk, there is also less lactase.

As a result, cats gradually develop a kind of lactose intolerance: Their bodies are no longer equipped to process milk sugar after just a few months. If your furry friend gets milk, it will cause her significant stomach pain. Diarrhea and bloating are also common reactions to the milk sugar present.

While lactose-free milk and cat milk are alternatives, they often contain more fat than mother’s milk and many calories, which can lead to obesity over time. Therefore, cat milk should only be given to your furry friend in moderation and as an occasional snack.

2. "Cats know how much they need to eat"

If you observe your cat occasionally picking a piece of dry food from the bowl and not devouring the entire bowl at once, it is tempting to assume that cats can regulate their food intake themselves.

Looking at obesity in cats, it becomes apparent that about every second house cat is affected. The reason for this is simply too much food with too little exercise - which is not uncommon for indoor cats. Additionally, many owners have their cats neutered, which increases hunger while simultaneously decreasing energy needs. The result: Cats gain weight even faster if there is no adjustment in the feeding amount.

Cats cannot, even if it seems so, distinguish between hunger and appetite. If a bowl is constantly filled, your furry friend will eat from it even when she is not hungry. Keep an eye on your cat's food intake and feed her several small portions throughout the day - this is also beneficial for digestion.

3. "Cheap cat food is controlled and therefore good"

Those who produce cheaply and spend little money on raw materials can also sell cat food at a low price. Cheap food therefore contains cheap raw materials, which means: meat from animals in poor conditions or even meat from →slaughter waste (K-3 material) and a high grain content, because it saves money.

And therein lies the problem: Studies show that all types of grains together have the highest allergy potential among food components. The meat content usually consists of several types of meat, so there is no trace of monoprotein here. An intolerance to food components of this kind occurs relatively frequently and does not always manifest directly.

Dull fur, itching, diarrhea, or bloating can be the first reactions to the high grain content. To make such food attractive to cats, a lot of color and flavor additives are needed, which are anything but healthy.

But what about the quality? And why does even cheap food pass almost every control? Testing institutes only examine the coverage of vitamins and nutrients that an animal theoretically needs. Nowadays, almost all nutrients can be artificially added.

Moreover, such tests do not check the raw material quality, such as the value of the contained meat. Additionally, pet food is legally defined as not being food, and cats are legally considered objects. This often allows low-quality slaughter waste to end up in the food to save costs, and no one can legally take action against it.

If you feed your furry friend cheap cat food, she will not complain, will still eat it, and will also feel full. Your cat will hardly say: "Hey, something's wrong here - is what I'm eating every day even healthy?!" and that's why it’s in your hands which food quality you want to offer your four-legged friend.

4. "Cats can do well without meat"

Let’s say one thing: No. Cats are known as carnivores, meaning meat eaters, and their meals should always contain as high a meat content as possible. Proteins are most easily obtained by cats from the meat of mammals, fish, and poultry.

Cats also rely on the intake of the essential amino acid taurine, which they can only obtain from animal tissue and cannot produce themselves. Animal fats (e.g., poultry fat and lard) are primarily found in the meat of mammals and poultry, as well as in offal and fish. Their proportion of saturated fatty acids is very high, providing your cat with the necessary energy. With our →high-quality cat food, you can ensure that your four-legged friend receives all the important nutrients.

If you turn this misconception around, it remains equally false: "Cats only need meat." Cats best obtain their daily energy from animal protein, while plant sources have only a low bioavailability for them. Therefore, they need a small amount of plant components for proper intestinal function. Small additions of fiber, oils, and minerals are necessary for cats to maintain intact digestion and overall health.

5. "Homemade food is always best for cats"

A little chicken with rice here, a vegetable stir-fry there, and you’ve provided your furry friend with the best food? As simple as it sounds, it is unfortunately not that easy. Cat food is always specifically formulated according to a cat's nutrient needs, ensuring that your four-legged friend's daily requirements are optimally met.

If you now put together a menu for your house cat based on intuition, it can quickly backfire without the necessary knowledge. On the one hand, it is important that the food covers your furry friend's nutrient needs, and on the other hand, →not every food that is good for you is suitable for your cat.

Balance also plays a role: Meat, vegetables, oils, herbs, and minerals should be present in the right ratio in the food. Just like with →BARFing, precise weighing is especially necessary at the beginning. If you do not want to feed offal, you need to supplement with a mineral mix to ensure that your beloved pet does not suffer from nutrient deficiencies. If you do not consider these factors and cook based on intuition, the meal for your cat will be anything but healthy.