“Effects of nutrition choices and lifestyle changes on the well-being of cats, a Carnivore that has moved indoors”

Debra L. Zoran and C.A. Tony Buffington
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 239, No. 5,
September 1, 2011

Genevieve Ball
Animal Nutrition 505, Dr. Shapiro
October 13, 2011
Main Summary
The domestication of cats can be perilous as their nutritional changes in dietary protein and caloric intake effects their metabolism, muscle mass, water intake, urine acidity levels, and immunity against diseases, all of which effect their overall feeding behavior, well-being, and physical health. 70% protein intake is considered adequate in a cat’s daily diet, however studies show that a more accurate formula for protein intake should reflect 3.3 times the cat’s body weight in kilograms (Zoran, 2011, p. 597). Adversely, persistent insufficient protein intake results in deficiencies such as loss of muscle mass and a weakened digestive and immune system, all of which result in an increased susceptibility to disease and a shortened lifespan. In order for a cat to sustain its preferred body condition and avoid obesity, whether a cat is active versus inactive and neutered versus intact, veterinarians prefer controlled meals of 25% to 35% caloric intake versus free-feeding in order to supervise the caloric and protein intake (Zoran, 2011, p. 603). Furthermore, female neutered cats only require 60 to 70 kcals to maintain a decent body condition score whereas male neutered cats require even less (45 to 55 kcals) (Zoran, 2011, p. 598). Studies have also proven that every cat’s activity level must be taken into consideration as their dietary needs call for increased caloric intake to match their energy output. In order to maintain muscle mass, an active 4-kg cat’s protein intake was 4.3g of protein/kg of BW/d, whereas a neutered (less