How many times have you heard that cats love fish and milk? Many. Although these foods can be offered from time to time, with caution and in their most appropriate forms - boneless fish and special milk for felines - there is nothing better than providing them with food suitable for their digestive system, since they are strict carnivores.
If you're a first-time cat owner and need to buy cat food, you're probably feeling lost with the many options available. Choosing correctly will not only directly influence your feline's health, but also the quality of its digestion, which, as we'll see below, is a fascinating and complex process.
Particularities of the digestive system of cats
Cats' digestive systems work similarly to ours in terms of basic structure, but are especially optimized for processing meat, due to their carnivorous nature. It begins in the mouth, where their sharp teeth cut and grind food into smaller pieces. This food is mixed with saliva to facilitate its passage into the esophagus and then into the stomach. However, unlike humans, cats do not have enzymes in their saliva to initiate the digestion of carbohydrates, which reinforces their inability to properly digest certain plant foods.
In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices extremely acidic (pH 1,6), designed to break down meat, bones, feathers and fur from animals such as rodents and birds. However, anything that cannot be digested, such as feathers or hair, will be regurgitated later.
The food then passes into the small intestine, where most of the digestion occurs. Here the enzymes secreted by the pancreas and bile from the liver transform food into essential nutrients: proteins, fat and, even in small proportion, carbohydratesThese nutrients are absorbed by the villi of the intestine and sent to the blood to be distributed to cells throughout the body.
Finally, the indigestible remains are transported to the large intestine, where water is extracted before being expelled in the form of feces. The total transit of food can last approximately between 14 and 20 hours, depending on the type of diet, age and health of the cat.
Key aspects in nutrition for good digestion
Diet plays a fundamental role in optimization of the digestive system. As obligate carnivores, cat food must contain a high percentage of animal protein as the main ingredient. Avoid feeds with high levels of grains, low-quality animal by-products or unnecessary additives. These ingredients are not only harder to digest, but can also cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting or foul-smelling stools.
A diet based on wet food, natural food or holistic feed is usually easier to digest than dry food with high levels of carbohydrates. It is also key to ensure that your feline is properly hydrated, especially if its main diet consists of dry food. If you suspect that your cat is not drinking enough water, you will be interested in knowing Why it is important to promote its consumption.
Common digestive problems in cats
Despite having a specialized system, cats can suffer from some digestive problems that can affect your well-being. Some of the most common ones include:
- Vomiting and regurgitation: Often caused by hairballs, dietary changes or inappropriate foods.
- Diarrhea: It may be due to infections, intestinal parasites or food intolerances.
- Constipation: Generally associated with dehydration or low-fiber diets.
If your cat shows symptoms like loose stools If you experience recurrent, frequent vomiting or weight loss without apparent cause, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out more serious health problems.
How to choose the right food for your cat
Selecting the best food for your feline will depend on both their specific needs and their life stage. For example, kittens require formulas with higher levels of energy and essential nutrients to support their rapid growth, while older cats may need easier-to-digest foods with higher fiber content to prevent constipation.
If you opt for dry food, check the ingredients and make sure that the animal protein be the main source. For optimal digestion, consider offering a wet or mixed diet. And always remember the importance of hydration.
Understanding the digestive process of cats and their nutritional needs is key to ensuring your cat's well-being. A proper diet not only improves digestion, but also reduces long-term health problems, saving you worries and unnecessary visits to the vet. Investing in good food for your feline will always be a wise decision.
Hello Monica, thank you very much for your article… I am from Venezuela, although you should know it, we are going through a serious problem of food shortages, and among them there is also a shortage of food for cats, there is also a shortage of rice, and recently I discovered that they like precooked cornmeal arepa, this is good for them ???, however this is also a product that is scarce, but honestly I no longer know what to give it. Thank you very much for the help.
Hi Iriana.
I'm very sorry for what you are going through 🙁. Hopefully things get better very soon. Much encouragement from Spain !!
Regarding what you comment, cereals or their derivatives are foods, let's say, natural for cats. But when food is scarce, if he likes it and you see that he continues to lead a normal life, well, hey, keep eating that. The most that can happen is that you have a little diarrhea, but nothing more serious. You can give him cans of tuna, chicken broths or other types of meat, sausages. You can even try giving him cow's milk to see how he reacts; If you don't feel bad, from time to time it will be good to satisfy your appetite, as it is more nutritious than water (but be careful, it does not quench your thirst).
I said, a lot of courage and strength. A hug.