Feeding Healthy Cats Flashcards
Cats have a higher arginine requirement because
They are unable to synthesize enough ornithine or citrulline in GI tract
Important amino acids in cat food diets
Arginine
Taurine
CYS and MET
Amino acid that is a precursor of glutathione
CYS
Amino acid that is limiting in vegetable protein sources
MET
Cats do not tolerate what type of triglycerides?
Medium chain triglycerides
Essential Fatty Acids in the cat diet?
Linoleic Acid
Aracachidonic Acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Characteristics of the cat small intestine that makes carbohydrate absorption decreased
Low sucrase and lactase activity
High sucrose foods fed to cats cause fructosuria because
Cats lack hepatic fructokinase
Cats require increased amounts of what vitamins
Niacin, B1, B6 and Folate
Beta carotene does not create retinol in cats because of a lack of what in the small intestine?
Dioxygnase
Most common mineral abnormalities in cats are
Calcium and phosphorus
Kittens should gain how many g/week?
50-100g/week
Growth/lactation food is fed to kittens at what age?
3 weeks
Kittens should be weaned at what age?
8-10 weeks
Key nutrients of kittens?
Energy Protein Fat Carbohydrate Crude Fiber Calcium Potassium Magnesium
Changes that occur after neutering a cat
Decreased resting energy expenditure
Increased food intake
Decreased activity
Key nutrients for obese prone adult cats
Energy density Protein Fat Fiber Calcium and Phosphorus Potassium Sodium and Chloride Magnesium Average Urinary pH
Describe the Atkins diet for cats
High protein, high fat and low carbohydrates
Key nutrients for the reproducing cat
Energy density Protein Fat Fiber Calcium and phosphorus Sodium and chloride Magnesium Soluble carbohydrate Taurine Copper Average urinary pH
Describe the feeding protocol for a weaning queen
Day prior to weaning feed little to no food Day of weaning feed 1/4 of DER Day after weaning feed 1/2 of DER Second day after weaning feed 3/4 of DER Third day after weaning feed full DER
Weight (gain/loss) is more common in geriatric cats?
Weight loss
Causes for weight loss in geriatric cats
Reduced nutrient intake
Reduced digestive function result in decreased nutrient assimilation
Concurrent illnesses
Illnesses that can cause weight loss in geriatric cats
Chronic Kidney Disease
Hyperthyroidism
Urinary Tract Infection
Neoplasia
Clinical signs of Cobalamin deficiency in cats
Anorexia, weight loss, pica
Unkept, wet appearing hair coat
Enteropathy with villous atrophy and fat malabsorption
Key nutrients of geriatric cats
Energy density Protein Fat Calcium and phosphorus Soidum and chloride Potassium Average urinary pH Food texture
T/F: Cats are obligate carnivores
True!
