Digestive System of the Cat

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food from its complex forms of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into simple molecules that can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream through the wall of the small intestine.

Its other equally important role is to act as a protective barrier against any harmful bacteria or other disease-causing agents that a cat may inadvertently ingest.

Food is usually consumed, digested, utilized, dehydrated, and excreted within 24 hours. The cat's digestive system is similar to the dog's or ours, but because it is an obligate carnivore, which must eat meat to survive, there are some important adaptations.

The cats digestive system is in essence like our own, but simpler. As a carnivore, it does not need a cecum to digest fiber, and its intestines are short relative to those of herbivores, such as sheep, or omnivores, such as humans.