Cat nutrition — dietary needs, standards, and feeding practices (Merck Vet Manual)
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com), a copyrighted veterinary reference. Per COPYRIGHT_POLICY §3, the points below are paraphrased derived fact summaries: numerical values and proper nouns are preserved from the source, but sentences are rewritten and not quoted verbatim.
Claims
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Cats need high-quality fat and protein plus specific amino acids (e.g., taurine) absent from dog or human food.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Feed balanced commercial diets; homemade ones often lack essential vitamins and minerals.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* AAFCO's Feline Nutrition Expert Subcommittee sets cat nutrient requirements.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The NRC publishes nutrient profiles for cats and kittens.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* WSAVA gives global small-animal nutrition guidance.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* An adequacy statement confirms the food is complete and balanced for a life stage (growth, reproduction, or adult maintenance).
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Foods failing the standard may be sold only as treats or occasional feeds.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Cats are obligate carnivores, eating chiefly meat.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Never make dog food a cat's regular diet; their needs differ greatly.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Raw meat and raw dairy (including raw milk) are unsafe for cats.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Kittens need extra calories, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals; feed 3–4 times daily under 4 months with kitten food.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Cats like small frequent meals; free-choice feeding risks overeating.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Twice-daily feeding suits most cats' weight and welfare.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Offer several fresh-water bowls and clean them daily.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Wet or canned food boosts water intake — a common reason vets favor it over dry.
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License & attribution
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com) is a copyrighted veterinary reference and is not openly licensed. Per COPYRIGHT_POLICY §3, every claim above is a paraphrased derived fact summary (numbers and proper nouns preserved, sentences rewritten), not a verbatim quotation.
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/selecting-and-providing-a-home-for-a-cat/proper-nutrition-for-cats