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What is protein?
Protein is one of the fundamental building blocks of your cat’s body. It is made up of smaller parts called amino acids, which are linked together in chains. These chains fold into specific shapes to form proteins, which the body uses for everything from growing and healing to carrying oxygen and breaking down food.
Out of the 20 known amino acids, cats require 11 that are considered essential. This means their bodies cannot produce them on their own, and they must get them from their food. These include important nutrients like taurine, arginine, and methionine, which are all vital to your cat’s health.
Where does protein come from?
Protein is found in all living things, including both animals and plants. In animals, protein is especially concentrated in muscle, organs, skin, and blood. In plants, protein is found in cells, but usually in smaller amounts and in a different amino acid profile compared to meat.
Why cats need animal protein
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have evolved to get their nutrients almost exclusively from animal sources. While plants do contain protein, they lack some of the amino acids that cats require, or contain them in lower amounts or in forms that are harder for cats to digest and absorb.
Animal proteins, on the other hand, provide all of the essential amino acids cats need, and in the right balance. These nutrients are crucial for functions like maintaining healthy vision, supporting the heart, strengthening the immune system, and much more.
Without enough high-quality animal protein, cats can develop serious health problems over time, even if they appear to be eating enough calories.
What does protein do for your cat?
Protein supports nearly every part of your feline friend’s body. It helps build and repair muscle, powers daily activity, strengthens the immune system, and even keeps their skin and coat healthy. In short, protein gives your cat the strength, energy, and resilience they need to live a full and healthy life.
