Animals have unique physiological and structural systems and, therefore, need specific food and nutrients to remain in optimal health. No longer insignificant, household pets are now considered family members who require special attention. Filling the need, the pet food industry has grown tremendously over the years. But you have to wonder if you are getting the best nutrients for your cat. Cats have been domesticated since early times to catch rats and mice. Today, they are primarily household pets that, like dogs, require special attention when it comes to nutrition and care. Cats are carnivorous. But unlike dogs that can eat some plant-based foods, cats need animal protein to survive. Nutrients like taurine and arginine are important to a cat’s health, 4-7 and without them cats could die. Taurine, for cats, is a must for heart, kidney, and eye health.8-11 Arginine detoxifies ammonia in cats’ kidneys and is also important for heart and pancreatic function and keeping the gut healthy.12-15 Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid for cats, since cats cannot convert significant quantities of linoleate to arachidonate.16 And, just like humans, cats need B vitamins to support the cardiovascular system.17 Cats also have problems metabolizing certain amino acids from other nutrients, like the conversion of niacin from tryptophan, or vitamin A from beta carotene. For that reason cats have more stringent nutritional requirements than such omnivores as dogs and humans.