NO, TOO MUCH MEAT DOES NOT DAMAGE A CAT'S KIDNEYS!!!
Many owners still come today terrified of “excess protein” that a cat would face if it eats too much meat or fish. But this is a nonsense, as we are talking about an obligate carnivore.
THE CAT IS A CARNIVORE… AND IT SHOWS.
The cat is the quintessential carnivorous domestic pet. This is, in fact, an obligate carnivore: its diet must be based on meat and animal-derived products to meet all of its essential nutritional needs.
Anatomically, this predisposition is evidenced by the presence of small teeth, with the exception of the canines, long and sharp for tear apart prey; a cat's stomach is small and has a low capacity — in the wild, they feed on small prey many times throughout the day, resting between meals as digestion takes place. A cat's digestive tract is also able to digest and absorb proteins and nutrients coming from animal sources.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN FOR CATS
Proteins are essential nutrients, which support proper bodily development by providing the tissues and enzymes required for healthy metabolic function. It is extremely important that these substances are introduced through the diet starting from birth, and continued across every stage of a cat's life, including adulthood and senior years. A lack on their part, or the supply is insufficient, could cause even severe alterations and damage to various bodily systems, ranging from the skin and coat all the way to actual, fully developed metabolic disorders.
However, many cat owners now prefer commercial foods specially formulated for domestic cats, though these only partially meet the species-appropriate nutritional needs of modern cats: dry food, while complete and balanced, also provides unnecessary carbohydrates for cats if chosen as their exclusive diet.
YES, PROTEINS ARE GREAT — BUT HIGH-QUALITY PROTEINS ARE FAR BETTER
The cat should receive an appropriate diet to ensure its health and well-being, and High biological value proteins form the foundation of their food pyramid. Of course, the quantities of these protein sources should be adjusted to match the age, weight, activity level, and lifestyle of each individual cat, but we can state that supplement their dry feed, complete and balanced, Going with a wet food made from high-quality protein is definitely a suitable choice to its needs.
Of course, we are referring to healthy cats that are fully capable of digesting and processing all animal-sourced ingredients. If a cat is living with a health condition, it is extremely important to follow your veterinarian's guidelines to manage their diet, so that their nutrition supports their specific condition and any concurrent ongoing treatments.
What we need to pay attention to within a mixed diet is the balance of macro and micronutrients (such as minerals), relying on a veterinary nutritionist and ensuring the correct caloric intake, to prevent excesses that can lead to overweight and resulting metabolic issues. An additional benefit provided by a mixed diet is the protein variety, which therefore facilitates the introduction of various amino acid chains, of which proteins are composed.
YES, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CAT'S KIDNEYS?
What about kidney health? The most famous urban legend claims that a "protein excess" causes reduced kidney function in cats, up to the development of chronic kidney disease. However, it has been observed that this problem, especially in older cats, is more closely linked to insufficient hydration and follows an unbalanced diet, very often consisting of only dry foods, not well suited to a cat's natural dietary needs.
Dr. Alessandra Calini
Veterinarian specialized in nutrition