Cats, unlike dogs, may be described as “nibblers” or “occasional eaters.” They frequently nibble at their food over a period of several hours rather than consuming a serving of food at one time. This nibbling is sometimes misconstrued as being finicky or not liking a certain diet.
Cats require a higher level of protein and a different nutrient balance than dogs. Cats also require the essential amino acid, taurine, in their diets while dogs do not. In fact, the cat is the only known mammal which cannot synthesize sufficient taurine to meet its metabolic needs. Insufficient levels of taurine in the cat's diet can result in retina degeneration. Recent research also suggests a diet low in taurine may lead to cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.