Nutrition for kittens

Before looking in detail at the growth stages of kittens, it is important to understand some of the specific nutritional peculiarities of the cat. While dogs are omnivorous, cats are obligate carnivores and must have a meat-based diet (Grandjean, 2006). However, this is due to their dentition (Bradshaw, 2006), and does not mean that they cannot digest carbohydrates; indeed, a 2008 study by de-Oliveira et al proved that cats can efficiently digest processed carbs almost as effectively as dogs. Surprisingly, a review by Knight and Leitsberger (2016), concluded that it is possible for adult cats fed a vegetarian or even vegan diet to thrive, provided that the diet be checked as complete and balanced. However, it should be noted that the long-term health of the cats was not examined and many of the opinions regarding pet health were the subjective view of the cat owner. Additionally, their conclusion is at odds with long-established understanding of cats' absolute need for taurine — from meat or fish sources — in their diet, deficiencies of which can cause retinal degeneration and heart failure (Hayes, 1982; Novotny et al, 1994). It should also be noted that the British Veterinary Association does not recommend feeding a vegan or vegetarian diet to cats.