Why Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

People are sometimes confused by the distinction between carnivores and obligate carnivores. There is a fine, but extremely important distinction between the two terms as related to cats. Let's start with the definition of "carnivore." The simplest definition is: "an animal which eats flesh."

So far, so good. However, consider that fact that most humans eat flesh, in the form of hamburgers, chicken, and seafood, for example. Is that all we eat? Hardly. Most of us also eat vegetables, fruits, and grains, which makes us omnivorous. However, many humans are vegetarian, or even vegan - those folks don't consume anything of animal origin. And face it - even a plant - the innocent looking Venus Flytrap - is carnivorous.

Take a look at your cat's teeth. They were made to kill, then rip and tear the flesh of their prey - a sure clue to their carnivorous needs. Then learn more about why cats are obligate carnivores.
_{Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Michael Bodmann}

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