A typical cat diet primarily consists of meat-based foods, as cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet mainly comprised of animal-based proteins to thrive. Felines' natural diet in the wild consists of small prey such as rodents, birds, and insects. High-quality commercial cat foods are formulated to meet the dietary needs of domesticated house cats and often contain animal proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish.
Feeding an indoor cat a diet close to its natural tendencies is essential for mental well-being and to keep it at a healthy weight. To help a house cat keep calories down and simulate some of their prey mentality, puzzle feeders can be beneficial. They can be used with dry or wet food.
In addition to sometimes overfeeding domesticated felines, some pet owners may be tempted to offer human foods to their cats. But only some are safe for them and rarely any are necessary. For example, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries aren’t needed in a cat’s diet. They have little to no taste receptors for sweetness, and their digestive systems don’t process plant matter efficiently. So, there’s no inherent reason for cats to eat berries or other fruits. It's best to stick to a diet that matches their biological requirements to ensure optimal health and mental well-being.