Meat is essential to a cat's diet

Tuesday, 8th May 2012

Meat should form part of the pet food given to cats because it contains an acid that is essential for the animal’s digestive process, an expert has said.

Ros Davies, cattery rehomer at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, explained that cats are not vegetarians, but are 'obligate carnivores', which means meat is essential to their diet.

She said: "Always buy the highest quality food that you can afford. If feeding your cat solely on dry food, ensure that there is a second water bowl in the home with the water taken from a source other than the kitchen tap ... and place the water bowl in a location away from the food."

Ms Davies explained that cats are not natural drinkers so they should be encouraged to drink water. She said that cats can be prone to kidney disease in later life.

Another tip issued by the expert is that cats should not be given cows' milk, as a lot of the time it is too rich for them and can result in tummy upsets.