Digestive System, Introduction

 

Cats are pure carnivores! That means that their digestive system is designed exclusively for quick processing of high protein prey meals. One or two mice at a time!

 

Key features of our cat's "food processor" include:

»Sharp teeth meant to shear and tear prey

»No amylase in their saliva since they do not tend to eat high carb diets naturally

»Little starch processing enzymes in their pancreas since they again, do not require high carbohydrate processing capacity

» Taste Buds—no “sweet tooth” like people and dogs

»Short length of the gut and fast transit time means little weight in the guts for an active predator

»Liver does not tend to store carbohydrates, and tends to become fatty if the normal dietary intake is disturbed

»Metabolism control is mostly under control of protein intake since their pancreas uses amino acid triggers for insulin release, not glucose as with people and dogs

»Not garbage hounds like dogs, so do not tolerate or enjoy anything less than “super fresh” food

»Need we say “finicky”—this is thought to be due to their natural pickiness for fresh food, combined with an amazingly sensitive sense of smell that allows them to choose only the best!

»Stool of cats often carries scent markers deposited on the outside for marking territory—this scenting of their feces comes from the anal glands, located at the exit point of the anus.

More than you really wanted to know? This is the world of cats!

We are still learning about digestion in the feline species.

Follow the links to the right and below to learn about the various conditions than can afflict the digestive system of the cat!

 

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at Cathealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.