Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to meet their nutritional needs. Unlike omnivores or herbivores, cats have specialized dietary requirements for certain amino acids and nutrients found only in animal flesh. Their bodies cannot produce these essential nutrients on their own, so they rely on a meat-based diet to survive and stay healthy.
Cats have physical and metabolic adaptations specific to carnivory, including sharp teeth for tearing meat, a short digestive tract suited for digesting animal protein, and limited ability to digest carbohydrates. Their metabolism is adapted to use protein as a primary energy source, requiring a higher protein intake compared to omnivores like dogs.
In summary, cats are specialized carnivores that require a diet primarily composed of meat to fulfill their unique nutritional needs.
