No one thinks their cat is just like any other. Whether it's personality, looks, or breeding, owners recognize the diversity within the feline species. So why would anyone think that one cat food is going to work well for every cat? Luckily, that notion is very out-dated.
Many variables influence optimal nutrition for any cat. Obviously, age and lifestage dictate certain requirements. The needs of a growing kitten or a pregnant queen are recognizably different than that of an adult sedentary spayed or neutered cat. Other factors come into play as well. Long-haired cats have higher protein needs to maintain their coats. As a consequence, these cats often need help controlling hairballs. If a cat is strictly kept indoors, the need for energy is lower than that for an indoor/outdoor cat. Likewise, intact males and females have a faster metabolism than those that are spayed and neutered. The spayed and neutered cats need lower fat, lower energy diets to prevent weight gain.
More specifically, differences are noted among breeds. For instance, Siamese tend to be very lean, highly active pets. Maine Coon cats have a larger structure, carry more weight and are predisposed to joint issues.
To meet the needs of cats more completely, Royal Canin is dedicated to research and to implementing the knowledge gained in optimal diets. To that end, Royal Canin has invested millions in learning about the unique attributes of individual breeds. The approach is similar in each case. The initial mission is to learn as much as possible about the targeted breed. What is its history? What other breeds are genetically close? What have been the health problems commonly associated with the breed? To what genetically based diseases are the breed predisposed?
The next step is formulating a diet and performing feeding trials with cats of that breed. This is done not only in the Royal Canin research centers in England and France, but also with established breeders around the world. These feeding trials average 18 months. During this time the cats are closely monitored for all aspects of health and well-being, and for the satisfaction of the owners.
The first feline breed specific diet developed was for Persians in 1999. Important characteristics with the Persians include the brachycephalic skull structure, the extensive coat, sensitive skin, tendency for hairballs, and a predisposition towards urinary bladder crystals and stones.
Because of the brachycephalic type skull, which has a broad, round crown, a short, broad nose, and perfectly aligned forehead, nose and chin, the resultant facial structure is flat. This is an important feature because it impacts their ability to grasp kibbles. Additionally, Persians have a unique technique in grasping the kibble and getting into their mouths. They actually position the tongue over the kibble, scooping it backwards under the tongue. So one of the first decisions was to develop a kibble shape that would be easier for the cat to pick up and eat. A special almond shape was the successful design.
Obviously, the long hair and sensitive skin were critical issues. Persians have the densest coat of any breed of cat. Persian breeders reported that greasy fur, dandruff and hair-loss are some of the most frequent complaints. Since hair starts at the skin level, this is where the formulation began. The diet is formulated to provide extra protection for the skin through an increased supple of essential amino acids, and in particular the anti-inflammatory omega - 3 fatty acids. A special combination of nutrients works synergistically to ensure the integrity of the skin to prevent water loss and to establish a stronger barrier to prevent penetration by foreign bodies. And because of the beautiful coat for which Persians are loved, special attention was dedicated to enhancing the softness, the texture, and the shine of the coat. Because of that long luxurious coat, the Persian cat can experience hairballs. This factor too was important to the diet formulation, and was addressed by aiding the natural purging of the hairballs using diverse sources of micronized vegetable fibers.
An important goal was to strengthen the body's natural defenses by enhancing immunity. Three ways to achieve this is to protect the cells of the immune system already in circulation, increase the activity of those immune cells, and to ensure the production of subsequent immune cells. Nutrients used to this end are a unique balance of vitamin E, vitamin C, taurine and lutein.
Persians have a predisposition to forming calcium oxalate stones in the urinary bladder. The risk is 2.5 times higher than found in the rest of the feline population. With that knowledge, along with the genetic predisposition to Polycystic Kidney Disease, the Persian diet was formulated with potassium citrate and a decreased phosphorous concentration.
The second feline breed specific diet developed was the Maine Coon. Two of the most important aspects to consider with Maine Coons are the predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and joint disease. Nutrients protecting the heart include vitamins C and E, green tea polyphenols, and lutein which are all potent antioxidants. L-carnitine enhances the heart cells ability to use energy and Taurine promotes cardiac function. Arginine, an amino acid, is a precursor of nitrous oxide, which protects the heart valves, and blood vessel walls. The Maine Coon joints are protected by a combination of ingredients that combat inflammation and nourish cartilage including chondroitin, glucosamine, manganese and fish oil. The fish oil provides enhanced essential fatty acids EPA and DHA which help prevent the degradation of cartilage.
Siamese diet was introduced in 2003. Some of the breed characteristics of Siamese include the lean muscular body type, sensitive digestive system and vulnerability to oral infections.
Unique ingredients such as fruto-oligosaccharides (FOS) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) directly impact the health of the gastrointestinal tract. FOS stimulates the development of beneficial bacteria and inhibits pathogenic bacteria. It also improves the absorption of certain nutrients. MOS is provided by natural yeast extracts, and has a twofold effect on digestive health. The barrier effect limits potential pathogenic bacteria from attaching on the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, they can't damage the cells lining the gut. MOS also boosters local defenses by stimulating immune response and increasing antibodies.
The classical body type of Siamese is lean and muscular. The Siamese diet is protein-rich, with moderate energy to support the muscular body without fat accumulation.
Oral problems are the number one reason why Siamese cat owners seek veterinary attention. The plaque deterring features of the diet decreases the formation of tartar and the development of gingivitis. This progression of dental disease can lead to tooth loss. Other ingredients strengthen the cat's immune system and decrease inflammatory reaction.