Abstract
Cats, belonging to the feline family, have been domesticated by humans for millennia, undergoing a gradual process divided into animal breeding and animal keeping phases. As obligate carnivores, cats require diets rich in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates, with dietary needs evolving throughout their lifetimes. The aim of the current study is to compare the nutritional value and health consequences from eating economic diets with premium diets. Twelve cats (7 eating economic diets and 5 eating premium diets as control) were enrolled into the study. The animals went through clinical consultation and laboratory investigations. Based on the results from the current study, economic ready to eat food supplement impact the overall immune system and the defense mechanisms in the cats due to a marked reduction the number of white blood cells in the peripheral blood in particular the lymphocytes and the monocytes. Cats consuming economic diets experienced anemia due to an impaired hemoglobin production therefore impacted the rate of red blood cell production. Moreover, thrombocytopenia, conditions marked by reduced platelet counts, are linked to economic diets and nutrient deficiencies in cats in the study. In conclusion, proper nutrition is pivotal in preserving overall health and preventing hematological anomalies. Regular veterinary attention and a balanced diet are imperative for the management and prevention of such conditions in feline companions.