Cats are meat eaters and protein is the main component of their diet. A cat cannot survive healthily on a vegetarian diet. They are picky eaters but thankfully the market is flooded with cat food options that are nutritious, tasty, and make for a perfect balanced meal. 

Cats have different preferences of what they like to eat based on their age as well. Senior and adult cats require different food than kittens, be it in terms of nutritional value or taste. Let us understand what cats prefer to eat through this blog post. 

Cat Diet

Cats require meat as their primary source of nutrition. A balanced meal of fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and the most important amino acids is what they require to stay healthy. 

Kittens feed on their mother’s milk at least till they turn 4 weeks old. They can start eating wet foods once they can move around on their own. However, they can consume dry food once they turn at least 6 weeks old. They require a high amount of proteins in the weaning stage. However, the protein needs drops as they grow. 

Adult cats on the other hand require a meal that has at least 50-60 % protein and 30-40% fat content. The fat content may come down if your cat isn’t leading an active lifestyle. Cats also require an ample source of liquid in their diets. Fresh, clean water is the best choice. 

What do Cats and Kittens Like to Eat? 

Cats are fascinating meat eaters. They like indulging in a variety of fish such as tuna, salmon, trout, and whitefish. They also like poultry items such as chicken, turkey, and beef. 

Kittens are also adventurous eaters. They enjoy eating new varieties of food, dry as well as wet. However, a moistened form of food is more suited for their digestive and overall health. 

Apart from the non-vegetarian protein sources, cats also love having rice, oatmeal, and wheat flour. These are healthy vegetarian options that are easy to digest for their systems. 

Human Foods that cats enjoy

1.Spinach

Spinach is a powerhouse of minerals like iron and calcium and a source of vitamins A, C, and K. Many cat food brands include spinach in their food composition. It is delicious, healthy, and a perfect source of balanced nutrients required in a diet. 

2.Eggs

Cooked eggs can be devoured by your cat friends and it will cause no harm. Eggs are a great source of protein and B Vitamins, hence making a nutritious treat and meal for cats. Avoid seasonings in eggs while making them for your cats. 

3.Chicken

Chicken is a good source of lean protein and as long as it is thoroughly cooked, it is excellent for their diet. Cats don’t usually enjoy human foods as much and a high-fiber diet is difficult for them to digest. While cooking chicken for cats make sure to remove the skin as it has fatty contents that are not good for cats’ health.

4.Bananas

Bananas can take space for occasional treats. They are high in potassium and soluble fiber content. However, make sure that it does not make for more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. 

5.Oatmeal

Your cat may or may not like the oatmeal. Oatmeal is cat-friendly food. However, introduce it slowly into their diets and see if they like devouring it. 

6.Cheese

Surprisingly small amounts of cheese are good for your cats. If your cats love cheesy treats, introduce high protein and calcium cheese like Swiss, cheddar, and Gouda. Bake them into treats or feed them raw in small portions. 

7.Apples

Remove the skin and seeds and feed chunks of apple to your cat. Apple has high fibrous content and is a good source of vitamin making it good for your feline health. 

8.Bread

Most cats like being treated with bread. They are a good source of protein and fiber making them a nice indulgent snack. However, limit those to a few chunks. 

9.Peas

Peas are a good source of vitamin A, C, and fibers and is often found in ingredient lists of cat food products. Cook them or serve them raw right out of the freezer, your cats would love it. 

10.Watermelon

Seedless watermelon when served in moderation is a good treat for your cats. They are high in potassium and magnesium and a good source of vitamins A, B1, B5, and C. Treat your cats with a few pieces while you are indulging in this delicious fruit. 

Take some time to experiment and figure out what your cat likes. Try including those things in the diet while strictly considering the nutritionally balanced aspect of the meal. Look out for a range of wet food, dry food, and kibble options for your kittens, cats, and cats with special dietary requirements at MyPetz.