Feeding a cat correctly is essential in order to maintain its healthy state. The needs of a feline are very specific: renowned for its food whims, what you feed it is decisive for its balance. This ritual is generally based on croquettes and pâté: it changes according to his age. This is why you will have to adapt his diet according to the situation he is going through: weaning, illnesses, intolerance of a certain type of food... Modifications which will have to be done gently, with a transition period, so as not to rush your companion. , hypersensitive to variations!
The opinion of the veterinarian is often invaluable for the owners of a kitten, who have no experience with these delicate animals by nature. What is the secret of the ideal diet for an animal in perfect health? Are there dangerous foods to avoid, and others to favor?
Summary
- What is the cat's diet?
- Croquettes and mash: what should I give my animal?
- My cat eats too much or eats little: why?
- The balanced meal routine
- A different organization according to age
- Iron health on a case-by-case basis
- And the milk in all this?
- In conclusion: What should you feed your cat?
1- What is the cat's diet?
In the wild, the cat feeds mainly on rodents and small prey such as birds. It is a strict carnivore that consumes raw meat for the most part. Some people want to go back to basics and ensure a life closer to nature. They then opt for a natural diet: BARF or Raw Feeding.
BARF consists of giving raw and fresh food to your animal, reproducing conditions similar to the animal killed and hunted in the wild. Of course, BARF preparation does not involve the killing of prey, but precise nutritionist gymnastics. You will therefore have to calculate your portions to the nearest gram. Most cat and dog owners who have tried BARF say it is a healthy way of life: the hair looks shinier, the droppings are finer and smell less strong. Economically, this alternative is attractive: since meat contains most of the daily intake for your feline, its behavior changes: it is less demanding and greedy, it eats smaller quantities.
However, not all of us have the time or the patience to adopt such a program. Industrial food seems more convenient, as it does not require preparation. Unlike household food, which should ideally be under the control of a nutritionist-veterinarian, you do not know directly what the croquettes you buy in supermarkets really contain. This is why you will have to weigh the pros and cons in choosing the perfect bag of kibble and the dream mash.
Remember: your objective is the health of your animal, whether it is a kitten, adult or old (senior): its minimum level of animal protein is around 40% and of a sufficient quantity. of water.
2- Croquettes and mash: what should I give my animal?
We often ask ourselves: "for the meal, which is better for my feline: croquettes or pâté? The answer is simple. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, the kibbles are practical: they are poured into the bowl or into the vending machine and other similar items, which you can find here... Finally, the wet mash hydrates your animal and makes it easy to incorporate medications that your companion is reluctant to take.
By following a certain punctuality, you will establish identical menus: same dose, content consistent with regular hours. On average, an adult cat consumes a maximum of 75 grams of kibble per day, for 200 and 300 grams of mash. The quantity depends mainly on your cat's lifestyle: if he goes out, if he spends a lot, his age, weight, state of health...
Daniel Müller's blog "Croquettes Alerts" makes it possible to reference the ranking of the best kibbles for felines as well as the risks relating to certain brands, which offer products toxic to our animals: presence of heavy metals, harmful substances... You will quickly realize that a small percentage of brands comply with the protocol directives of FEDIAF: the European Federation of the Petfood Industry.
The ideal kibbles therefore contain a large quantity of protein, essential for your cat's energy and body: its muscles, its coat... Beware of excess fat which, as for humans, must be monitored in order to avoid obesity. Even if the fibers represent only a small part of the needs of the cat, they are however essential, in order to facilitate its intestinal transit. Finally, minerals and vitamins are to be preferred. Prefer a careful reading of kibble bags and cans of cat food and take your time!
Related: What to Know About Depression in Cats?
3- My cat eats too much or eats little: why?
We often worry about our pets. Each feline is different: some rush to their bowl, beg while you are looking for a quiet dinner... Others make their bowl last, nibbling only from time to time and are completely indifferent to your plates. Extremes: Obesity and anorexia are abnormal health conditions that require urgent veterinary attention. You will be able to rebalance your animal's diet thanks to the advice of your specialist. Also find out how to feed a cat that no longer eats.
Loss of appetite is a signal not to be taken lightly. The most common reasons are a major change in his habits: for example, the bowl is no longer in the same place, you have opted for another brand of kibble without making a gradual change. For a successful food transition, the rations of the old type are reduced and the new ones are added in small quantities, mixing the whole over time: this can last at least 10 days, until your cat accepts this new balance.
The disease can also explain this type of phenomenon: pain in the cat's mouth, balls of hair stagnating in its belly, possible poisoning... Contracting coryza complicates the taste of your companion, osteoarthritis weighs down the natural gestures of the old cat, who struggles to move his joints.
On the contrary, too much appetite can cause long-term digestive disorders. A cat that constantly complains can hide the presence of intestinal worms or simply bad habits, related to the education of your animal, when he was still a baby.
4- The balanced meal routine
For a balanced appetite and a harmonious routine, your cat who appreciates regularity will need many factors to give him a sufficient and moderate appetite. First of all, the location of where he feeds is as important as where you place the litter. Some feline owners prefer to distribute the kibble ration at a fixed time or only when they notice that the bowl is empty. These two habits are recommended, but be careful: your companion may feel stressed and equate an empty bowl with a lack of food.
Playful bowls and smart vending machines allow you to regulate the portions, while entertaining your furry friend. For him, eating is a moment of entertainment. Food stimulation is a way to keep your pet awake, and to overcome depression and boredom. Self-serve food can scare many a cat owner, but contrary to popular belief, a healthy cat balances itself. Some vending machines with a clever maze concept allow him to play, feeling the structure with his paw to drop the kibble little by little.
Water is as essential as food: you must always provide your protege with a regular and fresh source of water. For this, nothing could be simpler than a fountain, especially if your feline is attracted to water. The cliché says: "cats don't like water", but it really depends on them. In fact, the cat drinks little, but a balanced diet requires hydration.
Your cat can sometimes be disoriented, in the event of prolonged absence. This is part of the elements that reassure him and allow him to eat heartily.
5- A different organization according to age
The unweaned kitten needs its mother for food. This is why it is sometimes particularly difficult to take care of orphan kittens, abandoned very early, because their education and their survival will depend on you. After 8 weeks, it is estimated that you can feed your pet. Now is the time to adopt good habits, in order to optimize your health, for a healthy and balanced behavior. On the shelves of supermarkets and specialized pet stores, you may have noticed the presence of croquettes specifically designed for kittens and young cats. Considering the fragility of the intestinal flora of this little cat, we advise you to wet the croquettes in the form of mash, so that it can absorb the nutrients correctly, without attacking its digestive system. The needs of a growing kitten are enormous and decisive for its adult life: it grows very quickly!
The neutered cat tends to gain more weight: concerning products such as croquettes and mash, you will have to rely on 2 major indications. Calories and proteins! Do not hesitate to mix dry and wet food, a habit that is very beneficial for your cat's urinary system. Several small meals during the day will be expected for him.
We remind you that sterilization is an act encouraged for the well-being of these animals which reproduce very quickly. Thus, you act against abandonment and in favor of its health: in females, this surgical procedure reduces the risk of mammary tumors as well as the transmission of AIDS in cats, FIV.
Finally, to conclude the last age bracket, the old cat will need even more attention and care. Indeed, the kidneys become fragile with age, so you will have to be all the more vigilant about the food you give him: the quality must imperatively be there. The golden rule to watch over him for as long as possible and in the best conditions: stimulate him gradually with foods that are easy to ingest.
Related: How to know if your cat is in pain: 10 unmistakable signs
6- Iron health on a case-by-case basis
Age requires very specific conditioning and care. This is not the only factor that will allow you to feed your cat correctly. A sick cat needs a specific diet, which will be prescribed to you by the veterinarian. The rations can be reduced, increased. They are often accompanied by a drug or a food supplement, for example.
Diabetes diagnosed in your cat reaps an adaptation: the food ingested will have to promote successful digestion. Few calories, an abundant amount of water, lean meats and slow sugars will be its allies. We then avoid treats and rewards rich in lipids, which can aggravate the situation.
As in humans, the cat can develop food allergies. Certain breeds are more likely to become allergic to an animal protein, such as the Siamese for example. After a diagnosis recognized by your veterinarian, you will have to adopt an exclusion diet. The hardest part is finding the allergen that triggers the allergic reactions. Fortunately, some kibbles provide you with special ranges of food, suitable for cats affected by this disorder.
A problematic digestive tract can make it difficult for your legged friend to thrive. Portions that are too heavy or a substance that is out of the ordinary can lead to unpleasant surprises. Vomiting and diarrhea, constipation may occur. This is why it is important to vaccinate a feline against typhus, deworm it by respecting the reminders.
7- And the milk in all this?
In the collective imagination, the happy cat laps up the milk in his bowl and there is some truth, because he loves its taste. However, the food intolerance par excellence in felines concerns lactose. In adulthood, most cats can no longer assimilate milk. On the other hand, the kitten consumes its mother's milk until weaning, since it contains amino acids, lipids and minerals essential for the growth of the kitten. If the weaning was not carried out correctly for specific reasons, you can feed your kitten yourself with a bottle.
Some adult cats will easily digest the cow's milk they love, but the health advice is to favor a simple drink: water, accompanied by kibble and mash!
8- In conclusion: What should you feed your cat?
Your companion is a complex being, who has kept his hunting instincts. Very sensitive to hygiene, it feeds mainly on croquettes, mash and occasional treats. Healthy behavior should reassure you: in this sense, the feline eats in reasonable quantities and does not fall into obesity or anorexia. In order to satisfy him in this diet, you will have to make sure to organize a meal routine adapted to his profile. Finally, the advice of the veterinarian will help you to accompany him on the way to balance.