Many nutrients play a decisive role in the health of cats. These include calcium and phosphorus. Both the respective amounts in the food and the ratio of the two minerals to each other are important for a needs-based diet. You will find all the important information in this guide.
Why do cats need calcium
Calcium is a mineral that cats need for various bodily functions. Here are the most important ones:
- Bones and teeth:
Calcium is the main component of bones and teeth and ensures their stability and health. - Cell stimulation:
It enables cells to respond to hormones and other stimuli. - Muscle and nerve function:
Calcium plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve stimulus conduction. - Blood clotting:
Calcium is essential for activating blood clotting. - Energy metabolism:
The mineral is essential for energy utilization and transfer in the body.
Why do cats need phosphorus?
Cats need phosphorus in particular for the following bodily functions:
- Bones and teeth:
Phosphorus is the second most important component of bones and teeth after calcium. - Energy metabolism:
Phosphorus is essential for energy production and utilization in the body.
What are the sources of calcium and phosphorus?
Calcium and phosphorus are found in various natural sources. In a high-quality cat food, they are already present in the required quantities and do not need to be supplemented. The following ingredients are used in feed to cover calcium and phosphorus requirements:
- Meat:
Muscle meat contains natural phosphates, but little calcium. - Bone meal:
It contains both calcium and phosphorus. - Offal:
Liver in particular contains phosphorus as well as other important trace elements. - Egg shells:
They are an excellent source of calcium. - Algae lime:
Is suitable for supplementing calcium.
What is the ideal calcium-phosphorus ratio for cats?
Calcium and phosphorus should not be present in the body in either too low or too high a quantity. In addition, the body always tries to create an optimal ratio of the two minerals. In the event of a deficiency or imbalance, for example, calcium may have to be removed from the bones and teeth. This would affect their stability in the long term. However, an oversupply should also be avoided: Too high a concentration of phosphorus can impair kidney function.
In order to feed cats a healthy diet, both the amount of minerals ingested and the right ratio of calcium to phosphorus are decisive factors.
What are the FEDIAF guidelines and what do they say about calcium and phosphorus for cats?
The FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) is the European umbrella organization of the pet food industry. The scientific advisory board, a committee of independent European experts in animal nutrition, issues recommendations for the nutritional composition of pet food - including the required amount and ratio of calcium and phosphorus in cat food.
According to the FEDIAF guidelines, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be in the range of 1:1 to a maximum of 2:1.
Recommended minimum values:
- Calcium: FEDIAF recommends a minimum level of 1g of calcium per 1000 kcal of metabolizable energy in food for adult cats and 2.5 g for kittens.
- Phosphorus: For phosphorus, a minimum content of 0.64 g per 1000 kcal of metabolizable energy is recommended in adult food and 2.1 g in kitten food.
Good to know for all pet owners: animonda ensures the nutrient content recommended by FEDIAF for all nutrients in its complete foods!
