Assuming that fresh water is freely available, an ideal maintenance diet can be defined based on our understanding of a cat's dietary needs. The diet should be appetizing and maintain ideal body weight.
While cats require the dietary taurine provided by proteins, they also must consume more protein by body weight than dogs. Protein requirements are expressed in relation to caloric content. Cats require 80 grams of protein per 1,000 kcal.
In addition to providing energy, fats make foods more appetizing. However, the greater the fat content, the more food a cat will eat, possibly leading to obesity.
Experts generally agree that 10% crude fat on a dry matter basis is sufficient for an adult cat on a maintenance diet.
Of course, fats must be of high quality and provide sufficient quantities of essential fatty acids (linoleic and arachidonic acids).
Deficiencies in these two fatty acids can result in growth retardation, infertility, hair loss, fatty liver disease, and clotting disorders.
A healthy diet will include balanced quantities of animal and vegetable fats.
Though cats do not require starch in their diet, it is a good source of energy. Since carbohydrates are not as appetizing to cats, overeating is less likely, and therefore the risk of obesity is reduced.
A moderate, balanced amount of soluble and non-soluble fibers is a healthy addition to a cat's diet.
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