Can't Live Without It
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must eat meat to obtain all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy, Dr. Remillard says.

Cats get taurine, vitamin A and an essential fatty acid called arachidonic acid, a vital component of cell membranes, from animal sources, Dr. Carey says. Taurine is an amino acid used to maintain normal bile function and healthy eyes and heart. It is continually lost from the body as the bile acids flow to the gall bladder, then into the small intestines to digest fat and are eventually expelled from the body in feces.

Taurine needs to be constantly replaced, Dr. Remillard says. A kitten raised without it will go blind or develop cardiomyopathy, a fatal heart disease, Dr. Tripp says.

Choices, Choices, Choices
All quality cat foods should comprise 43 nutrients, Dr. Remillard says. Within these, cats need protein for healthy body tissues; carbohydrates for energy; fats for absorbing and storing vitamins to maintain a healthy coat; vitamins for metabolism; and minerals for healthy skin, hair and development.

Knowing this, you're off to purchase the appropriate food for your cat. However, with the myriad choices available, how do you decide which formula is best? Is your cat a kitten, adult or senior? Should you get premium, grocery store, generic or prescription food? Does your cat require a formulation for hairball care? If you have a purebred kitten, ask your breeder what it's been eating.

If your cat has a special condition, ask your veterinarian about prescription food. Among others, there are formulated foods for urinary tract or kidney problems, excessive hairballs, tartar buildup and food allergies. Also speak to your veterinarian if your cat is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.

In addition to these specific needs, consider the following questions before purchasing cat food:

1. Should you buy dry, moist or canned food? Because soft/moist foods are loaded with preservatives, you should save them for the occasional treat, Dr. Tripp says. Canned foods require fewer preservatives, but cats tend to like the taste more than dry, and they're likely to eat too much and put on weight. Plus, any uneaten food left in the bowl has the potential to spoil. On the other hand, nutritious dry food can be left out all day, allowing the cat to graze as it pleases.

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