Why Cats Are Obligate Carnivores—and What That Means for Their Diet and Hydration

If you're a cat parent, you've probably noticed some quirky behaviors—like your cat ignoring their water bowl or showing more interest in cardboard boxes than toys. But one of the most important (and lesser-known) things to understand about our feline companions is that cats are obligate carnivores.

That’s not just a fancy term—it has real implications for what cats should eat and how they stay hydrated. At Sam’s Cats and Dogs, we’re passionate about helping pet parents make informed decisions. So, let’s break down what this means, why it matters, and how it can help you choose the best diet for your feline friend.

What Is an Obligate Carnivore?

A cat is classified as an obligate carnivore, meaning that their bodies are biologically designed to eat meat—and only meat—to survive and thrive. Unlike omnivores (like humans and dogs), cats rely on nutrients found exclusively in animal tissues.

Some of these essential nutrients include:

• Taurine – critical for heart, vision, and reproductive health

• Arachidonic acid – a fatty acid found in animal fat

• Vitamin A – in a form only found in animal tissue

• Niacin (Vitamin B3) – which cats can’t produce on their own

In other words, cats can’t just "get by" on a vegetarian or plant-based diet. Their bodies simply aren’t made to process plant material efficiently.

What Do Cats Eat in the Wild?

To understand what cats need, it helps to look at what they eat naturally.

In the wild, cats are hunters. Their prey is typically small animals like mice, birds, or insects. When a wild cat catches a mouse, for example, they eat the whole animal—not just the muscle meat. That includes:

• Organs like liver, kidneys, and heart (which are rich in vitamins and minerals)

• Bones (for calcium and phosphorus)

• Skin and connective tissue (for collagen and hydration)

These parts of the animal provide a balanced nutritional profile, and the moisture content of raw prey helps satisfy their hydration needs. A wild prey animal is about 70–75% water—and that’s how cats evolved to get most of their fluids.

Cats Don’t Naturally Drink Much Water

This surprises many people: Cats don’t naturally drink a lot of water. Because their ancestors lived in arid environments (like deserts), cats evolved to get most of their hydration from food.

That means:

• A cat on a dry kibble diet, which contains only about 6–10% moisture, may not be getting enough water

• Dehydration is common in cats who eat only dry food and don’t drink enough to compensate

Even if a water bowl is always available, many cats simply don’t drink enough. Their natural thirst drive is lower than other animals because they weren’t designed to rely on drinking water separately from food.

Why Moisture in Cat Food Matters

Because cats rely on food for water, feeding moisture-rich food is one of the best things you can do for your cat’s health.

Here are some benefits of high-moisture diets for cats:

• Supports kidney health – Cats are prone to kidney disease, and hydration helps reduce the workload on their kidneys.

• Aids in digestion – Moisture helps keep things moving in the digestive tract.

• Helps prevent urinary issues – Cats are vulnerable to urinary tract infections and crystals, which are often linked to dehydration.

Feeding wet, raw, or gently cooked food that mimics the natural moisture content of prey (around 70–75%) can help support all of these areas.

What About Organ Meat?

In the wild, cats instinctively eat organ meats first. Organs like liver and heart are powerhouses of nutrition, providing:

• B vitamins (like B12 and folate)

• Iron and zinc

• Essential amino acids like taurine

While muscle meat is important too, organ meats are vital for complete nutrition. That’s why high-quality cat foods—especially raw or gently cooked diets—include organ meat as part of their formulation.

At Sam’s Cats and Dogs, we carry several raw and gently cooked diets that incorporate organ meat and maintain a high moisture content, helping you replicate the natural feline diet at home.

Choosing the Best Diet for Your Cat

We know choosing a diet can be overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when shopping:

1. Look for meat as the first ingredient

Avoid plant-heavy foods. Cats need animal protein—not peas, corn, or potatoes.

2. Check the moisture content

Dry food is convenient, but a wet or raw diet offers better hydration. Canned food usually contains around 75% moisture, while raw food mimics the natural state of prey.

3. Choose foods with organ meats

Liver, heart, and kidneys are all beneficial. Look for these on the ingredient list.

4. Avoid fillers and artificial additives

Cats don’t need grains, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I feed my cat dry food only?
A: While many cats survive on dry food, it may not be ideal long-term. Adding moisture-rich food—even just part of the time—can help support hydration and urinary health.

Q: How can I encourage my cat to drink more water?
A: Try a cat water fountain (many cats prefer running water), place water bowls around your home, or add water or broth to wet food. But the best way to keep cats hydrated is through their food.

Q: What’s the best way to transition my cat to a raw or wet diet?
A: Go slow. Mix a small amount of the new food into their current food and increase gradually over 7–10 days. Watch for signs of digestive upset and adjust as needed.

Let Food Be Their Water

Feeding a diet that respects your cat’s natural biology—as an obligate carnivore who relies on meat and moisture—is one of the best ways to support their health.

At Sam’s Cats and Dogs, we believe that informed choices make happy pets. That’s why we offer a curated selection of nutrient-dense, species-appropriate cat foods—including high-moisture raw, frozen, and gently cooked options with organ meat included.

Need help choosing the best food for your cat? Stop by and chat with one of our pet enthusists. We’re here to help you feed your cat like the natural carnivore they are.