Many cat owners believe that feeding meat, fresh fish, liver, and eggs is good for their cat’s health—making the fur shinier and the body stronger. However, the surprising truth is: too much protein—especially the wrong kind—can silently lead to chronic kidney disease in cats. This article will help you understand the nature of protein, common feeding mistakes, and how to create a proper diet to protect your cat’s health.

Cats need protein—but not all protein is good

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require animal-based protein to stay healthy. However, this doesn’t mean that all types of meat are suitable.

Some foods like liver, ocean fish, and egg yolks are indeed nutrient-dense, but they are also high in protein and phosphorus, which can overburden the kidneys if fed long-term or in an unbalanced diet.

More importantly, homemade meals often lack control over the balance of protein, fiber, fat, vitamins, and minerals—forcing the digestive system and organs, especially the kidneys, to work harder than necessary.

Excess protein – the silent enemy of your cat’s kidneys

One of the most common causes of kidney disease in cats is an excess of inappropriate protein, which leads to:

• Increased kidney workload: When protein intake exceeds the kidneys’ processing capacity, they must work harder to filter out urea and other waste products.
  
  
• Higher phosphorus levels in the blood: High-protein foods often come with high phosphorus content, which, if uncontrolled, can damage kidney tissues and reduce filtration ability.
  
  
• Nephron damage: The filtering units in the kidneys (nephrons) become worn down over time, eventually causing chronic kidney disease.

In fact, many cats develop kidney issues while still young, even without noticeable early symptoms. By the time the disease is diagnosed, it is often in an advanced and difficult-to-treat stage.

Common feeding misconceptions

Many cat owners fall into harmful myths such as:

• “Fresh beef is the best”: While nutritious, beef is unbalanced in micronutrients and lacks taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.
  
  
• “Raw fish makes the coat shiny”: Raw or improperly prepared fish can contain enzymes that destroy vitamin B1, leading to deficiency and neurological problems.
  
  
• “Liver is good for blood”: Liver contains extremely high levels of vitamin A—frequent consumption can result in vitamin A toxicity and skeletal deformities.

  How to choose the right protein for your cat

  The key is not just the type of meat, but the nutritional balance in your cat’s diet. You should prioritize:

  • Complete and balanced cat foods, specifically formulated for different life stages.
    
    
  • Protein levels suitable for your cat’s condition—not too high, not too low.
    
    
  • Clearly controlled levels of phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium.
    
    
  • Added taurine, fiber, and digestive enzymes for better absorption and gut health.

  Recommended diets based on your cat’s age

  • Kittens (<1 year old): Require higher energy and protein for growth. Choose food specifically designed for kittens to ensure complete nutrition.
    
    
  • Adult cats (1–7 years old): This is the maintenance stage—focus on weight control and digestive health. Opt for easily digestible protein and high-fiber food.
    
    
  • Senior cats or those showing signs of kidney issues: Choose products that support kidney function, with reduced levels of protein and phosphorus. Recommended Japanese brands include:
    
    
  • Vet’s Selection Cat Kidney Care PP Label
    
    
  • Vet’s Selection Cat Kidney Care BP Label

    Feeding your cat meat is right—but how you feed them is even more important. Mistakes in diet—especially excessive or inappropriate protein—can lead to severe consequences like chronic kidney disease, a common yet silent threat to cats.

    Be a wise and informed cat owner: research before choosing food, prioritize scientifically formulated products, and schedule regular vet checkups to keep your furry friend healthy and happy by your side.