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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-obligate-carnivore

Cats are called obligate carnivores. What does that mean?

Cats must eat meat, their bodies need animal nutrients.

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  1. They can live on plants if they must
  2. They rely on nutrients found only in animal products ✔
  3. They eat only fish

Why: Cornell explains that cats rely on nutrients found only in animal products. They also need more than a dozen other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids.

Huh, didn't know that: Cornell suggests looking for foods where meat, meat byproducts or seafood are listed among the first few ingredients.

The dad joke
What do you call a cat who just ate a duck? A duck-filled platy-puss.
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References

Answer: They rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Cornell explains that cats rely on nutrients found only in animal products. They also need more than a dozen other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids.

  1. Cornell Feline Health Center, Feeding Your Cat www.vet.cornell.edu/node/4069
    Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they rely on nutrients found only in animal products.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. International Cat Care, Feeding your cat or kitten icatcare.org/articles/feeding-your-cat-or-kitten
    Cats are what’s known as obligate carnivores, meaning they are dependent on a meat diet
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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