What DO cats need to eat? Generally available foods are fine most of the time, but is it really what your cat needs? Even so-called "bargain" foods seem to be OK for most cats, but some cats are more sensitive than others. There are nutritional answers to everything from hairballs, to diarrhea, to chronic urinary tract infections. What is a cat lover supposed to do in these cases?

I've had some trouble in this area, and I've found some things that work. My little Bugsy seems to be allergic to about as much as I am. She might be a foster cat, but she's become more my cat than a foster! She started having terrible diarrhea and had to go on special food. It turns out she is allergic to grains in her food. She won't eat meat so far, but I keep trying to tempt her.

I began keeping track of what happened on my blog and did a couple of articles in the eZine about it. In the end, I found some foods that work and some that don't. Missy Bugsy Bits is doing much better, now. I have raw food in the freezer, and some canned in the cupboard to tempt her with. She is becoming very interested in meat, now, which works in my favor. She still turns her nose up when it's offered, but she wants to be included in the feeding times and comes into the kitchen to get a tidbit.

One thing that surprised me was that cats ignore fruit and all sugars! They developed a mutation several thousand years ago that removed the tastebuds from their mouths for sweet. They just don't even notice it. It doesn't taste bad, it just "isn't." That would be very disconcerting for me! Grains are mostly sugar so that explains a lot of it.

It seems that cats often have allergic reactions to grains. Many people also suffer this affliction. For some, it is life threatening. Think of what it must be for a cat who is always hungry! If nutrition is not absorbed through food because of diarrhea or other digestive upsets, where are we to get it?

Now, I believe that corn is only for vegetarian animals like cows and horses. Corn causes obesity and is processed to the point that "high fructose corn syrup" is in just about all packaged foods. It sets up a craving for other carbohydrates and you end up obese. It's an allergic reaction similar to alcoholism - allergy and craving combined. And, obesity is linked to diabetes. So, I try to avoid corn as much as possible.

Wheat and gluten can cause problems as well. There are some people who cannot eat any at all. It sets up terrible stomach trouble and nutritional problems. Can this also happen in cats? Certainly! It's the second-most prevalent food allergy in cats.

Soy is great for those who can tolerate it! I can't tolerate dairy milk at all and use soy as an alternative. However, there are some who cannot eat soy at all. Many cats are unable to digest the proteins in soy. This sets up an allergic response in the body as the body tries to rid itself of the offending substance.

The same things can happen with rice, rye, and barley.

Cats really need meat. That's what they crave. It's what makes their fur shine and their weight stay healthy. However, there are problems with a straight meat diet, too. Whether raw or cooked, cats need Taurine for ocular, neurological, reproductive, and cardiovascular health. There are several supplements on the market that provide taurine, but sometimes knowing how much to give can be a little confusing.

Many conditions are linked to diet. If hairballs are a problem, add some salmon oil to her food before you cut her hair off! There are several preparations specifically for vomiting and hairballs widely available. If your cat is prone to urinary tract infections and blockages, you might have to run to the vet every time there is a problem. Magnesium is linked to urinary troubles. Instead of taking drastic steps or giving up on your cat, try a change in diet to see what happens. If nothing changes, at least you have given her a good nutritional foundation so that your next steps with her will be more effective.