Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats

Abstract

Cats are strict carnivores and in the wild rely on a diet solely based on animal tissues to meet their specific and unique nutritional requirements. Although the feeding ecology of cats in the wild has been well documented in the literature, there is no information on the precise nutrient profile to which the cat's metabolism has adapted. The present study aimed to derive the dietary nutrient profile of free-living cats. Studies reporting the feeding habits of cats in the wild were reviewed and data on the nutrient composition of the consumed prey items obtained from the literature. Fifty-five studies reported feeding strategy data of cats in the wild. After specific exclusion criteria, twentyseven studies were used to derive thirty individual dietary nutrient profiles. The results show that feral cats are obligatory carnivores, with their daily energy intake from crude protein being 52 %, from crude fat 46 % and from N-free extract only 2 %. Minerals and trace elements are consumed in relatively high concentrations compared with recommended allowances determined using empirical methods. The calculated nutrient profile may be considered the nutrient intake to which the cat's metabolic system has adapted. The present study provides insight into the nutritive, as well as possible non-nutritive aspects of a natural diet of whole prey for cats and provides novel ways to further improve feline diets to increase health and longevity. Key words: Cats: Nutrient profile: Natural diet: MetabolismThe domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is adopted as a pet in millions of homes and can be considered one of the most popular pet animals worldwide. Cats were domesticated approximately 9000-10 000 years ago in the Near East (1) and are thought to originate from at least five distinctive subspecies of F. silvestris from across the Near East region, namely F.s. silvestris, F.s. lybica, F.s. ornate, F.s. cafra and F.s. bieti (1) . After domestication, descendants were dispersed across the world with human assistance, and gave rise to today's domestic cat. A small subset of these domesticated cats has undergone intensive selection directed at specific aesthetic traits, leading to the development of so-called pedigree cats. Nowadays, forty-one breeds are recognised by the Cat Fanciers' Association, including sixteen 'natural breeds' (2) . These natural breeds are thought to be regional variants originating from domesticated F. silvestris subspecies (3) .The initiation of domestication of wildcats is believed to have coincided with the change from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of man in the Palaeolithic to the agricultural lifestyle in the Fertile Crescent about 12 000 years ago (1,4) . The permanent human settlements stored grains and middens, providing a new ecological niche for commensal species such as mice and rats. These rodents became peridomestic and provided a reliable food source for native wildcats. Wildcats then became adapted to the urban environment and became commensals like rodents (5) . Wildcats in the urban...

Free-ranging domestic cats are characterized by increased metal content in reproductive tissues

“…In comparison with recommended allowances for household cats, free-rangers were observed to consume larger amounts of minerals such as Ca and Mg. It is likely that these differences arise from other nutritional goals-supporting survival and procreation in free-ranging cats and optimizing health and longevity in household individuals [47]. At the same time, free-ranging cats and those not fed by humans were characterized by a significantly higher content of toxic metals.…”

Assessment of iron in uterine and testicular tissues and hair of free-ranging and household cats

“…the owner's favourite). In comparison with recommended allowances for household cats, free-rangers were observed to consume larger amounts of Fe (Plantinga et al 2011). It is likely that these differences arise from other nutritional goals, supporting survival and procreation in free-ranging cats and optimizing health and longevity in household individuals.…”

“…For example, household cats are usually fed a commercial diet and may vary from free-ranging individuals as regards their level of physical activity (Remillard 2008, Plantinga et al 2011.…”

Fermentation of animal components in strict carnivores: A comparative study with cheetah fecal inoculum1,2

“…Considering the high protein content of the natural prey of felids (Plantinga et al, 2011), protein fermentation can be expected to occur in the hindgut. However, despite the high protein intake, in contrast to the captive situation, there is a low incidence of GI disease in free-ranging cheetahs (Munson et al, 2005).…”

“…Plant-derived fermentable fiber also stimulates the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which influence colonic function and health, as well as metabolism in the domestic cat (Groeneveld et al, 2001;Hesta et al, 2001, Hesta et al, 2005Terada A. et al, 1993;Verbrugghe et al, 2009, Verbrugghe et al, 2010. However, when considering the natural feeding ecology of strict carnivores like the cat, the intake of these plant-derived carbohydrates is negligible (Plantinga et al, 2011). On the other hand, the ration of wild felids contains considerable amounts of animal tissue with indigestible components, such as bones, tendons, skin, hair, and feathers that will enter the hindgut and are potential substrates for fermentation.…”