Properly feeding a cat is essential to maintain its good health. The dietary needs of a feline are very specific, known for their finicky eating habits, what you feed them is crucial for their well-being.
In this article, we will explore the various food options available for cats and delve into their nutritional requirements at different stages of life. We will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of dry kibble, wet food, and raw diets, shedding light on how to select the most suitable nourishment for your cat, taking into account their age and specific health considerations.
Additionally, we will address common nutritional health issues that cats may encounter and offer preventative measures. By the end of this article, you will possess a deeper comprehension of feline nutrition, empowering you to make well-informed choices when it comes to nourishing your beloved cat. So, settle in, relax, and let's dive into the world of feline nutrition.
Summary
1- What is the cat's diet?
2- My cat eats too much or too little: why?
3- Different Organization by Age
4- What About Milk?
5- In conclusion: What should you feed your cat?
The advice of a veterinarian is often invaluable for cat owners, especially those who lack experience with these naturally delicate animals. What is the secret to the ideal diet for a perfectly healthy animal? Are there dangerous foods to avoid and others to prioritize?
What is the cat's diet?
In the wild, cats primarily feed on rodents and small prey like birds. They are strict carnivores that mainly consume raw meat. Some people wish to return to these natural instincts and provide a diet that closely mimics the animal's life in the wild. They opt for a natural diet called BARF or Raw Feeding.
BARF involves feeding your pet raw and fresh food while replicating conditions similar to when the animal hunts and kills in the wild. Of course, BARF preparation does not involve hunting and killing prey but rather precise nutritional planning. You will need to weigh the portions down to the gram. Most cat and dog owners who have tried BARF claim it leads to a healthier lifestyle: the fur appears shinier, feces are smaller and less odorous, and economically, it is attractive because meat contains most of the daily nutritional requirements for your feline, leading to changed behavior such as reduced demand and consumption of smaller quantities.
However, not everyone has the time or patience to adopt such a program. Commercial pet food appears more convenient as it does not require extensive preparation. Unlike homemade food, which should ideally be supervised by a veterinary nutritionist, you may not know exactly what commercial kibble from the supermarket contains. Therefore, you will need to weigh the pros and cons when choosing the perfect bag of kibble and dream wet food.
Related: Dangerous foods for cats: what are they?
Remember: your goal is your pet's health, whether it's a kitten, an adult, or a senior. Their minimum requirement for animal proteins is around 40% along with an adequate amount of water.
Kibble and wet food: what should I feed my pet?
People often wonder, "What's best for my feline companion: kibble or wet food?" The answer is clear: both of them have their benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, kibble is convenient; you simply pour it into a bowl or an automatic dispenser. Wet food, on the other hand, hydrates your pet and allows you to easily incorporate medications that your companion may be reluctant to take.
By establishing a regular feeding schedule, you can create consistent menus with the same portion sizes and content at specific times. On average, an adult cat consumes a maximum of 75 grams of kibble per day and between 200 and 300 grams of wet food. The quantity primarily depends on your cat's lifestyle, whether it goes outside, is active, its age, weight, and health condition.
Daniel Müller's blog, "Alertes Croquettes," provides rankings of the best cat food and information on potential risks associated with certain brands that offer products harmful to our pets, such as the presence of heavy metals and harmful substances. You will quickly realize that only a small percentage of brands adhere to the guidelines set by FEDIAF: The European Pet Food Industry Federation.
Ideal kibble should contain a high amount of proteins, essential for your cat's energy and overall health, including its muscles and coat. Pay attention to excess fats, as they need to be monitored to prevent obesity, just like in humans. While fibers represent only a small portion of a cat's dietary needs, they are essential for facilitating intestinal transit. Finally, minerals and vitamins should be prioritized. It's essential to carefully read labels on kibble bags and cans of cat food, so take your time!
My cat eats too much or too little: why?
We often worry about our pets. Each cat is unique: some eagerly eat their meals, while others take their time, nibbling occasionally, and are indifferent to your plates. The extremes, obesity and anorexia, are abnormal health conditions that require immediate veterinary attention. You can rebalance your pet's diet with advice from your specialist.
A loss of appetite is a sign that should not be taken lightly. The most common reasons are significant changes in their routines: for example, moving the food bowl to a different location or switching to a different brand of kibble without a gradual transition. For a successful dietary transition, reduce the portions of the old type of food and gradually introduce the new one in small quantities, mixing them over time. This process can last at least 10 days until your cat accepts this new balance.
Disease can also explain such behavior: mouth pain, hairballs in the stomach, possible poisoning, or contracting feline upper respiratory disease (coryza) can affect your cat's taste. Arthritis can make it difficult for older cats to move their joints naturally, leading to changes in their eating habits.
Conversely, excessive appetite can cause long-term digestive issues. A cat that constantly demands food may hide the presence of intestinal worms or simply have bad habits developed during its upbringing when it was a kitten.
Balanced Meal Routine
For a balanced appetite and harmonious routine, your cat, who appreciates regularity, will need several factors to ensure they eat a sufficient and moderate amount. Firstly, the location of where they eat is as important as where you place the litter box. Some cat owners prefer to feed their cats at fixed times or only when they see that the bowl is empty. Both habits are recommended, but be cautious: your cat may perceive an empty bowl as a lack of food, causing stress.
Interactive feeders and intelligent automatic dispensers can help regulate portions while entertaining your furry friend. For them, mealtime is a form of entertainment. Food stimulation is a way to keep your pet alert and overcome depression and boredom. Free-feeding may worry some cat owners, but contrary to common belief, a healthy cat can self-regulate. Some intelligent maze-style dispensers allow your cat to play by tapping the structure with its paw to release kibble gradually.
Water is as essential as food: you should always provide your pet with a regular and fresh source of water. For this purpose, a fountain is a simple solution, especially if your cat is attracted to water. The saying goes, "Cats don't like water," but it depends on the individual cat. In practice, cats drink relatively little, but a balanced diet requires hydration.
Your cat may become disoriented in case of prolonged absence. This is one of the factors that can reassure them and encourage them to eat heartily.
Different Organization by Age
Unweaned kittens rely on their mother for feeding. This is why it can be particularly challenging to care for orphaned kittens abandoned at a very young age, as their upbringing and survival depend on you. After 8 weeks, it is generally considered safe to start feeding your domestic animal. This is the time to establish good habits to optimize their health for a healthy and balanced behavior.
In the aisles of supermarkets and specialized pet stores, you have probably noticed specific kibble designed for kittens and young cats. Given the fragility of the digestive system of these little kittens, we recommend moistening the kibble into a wet food form so they can absorb the nutrients properly without straining their digestive system. The nutritional needs of a growing kitten are substantial, and they grow quickly!
Neutered cats tend to gain more weight. When it comes to products like kibble and wet food, you should focus on two key indicators: calories and protein! Don't hesitate to mix dry and wet food, a highly beneficial habit for your cat's urinary system. Several small meals throughout the day will be necessary for them.
We remind you that spaying/neutering is encouraged for the well-being of these animals, which reproduce very quickly. By doing so, you act against abandonment and in favor of their health. For females, this surgical procedure reduces the risk of mammary tumors and the transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
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Lastly, to conclude the final age bracket, older cats will need even more attention and care. As they age, their kidneys become more fragile, so you must be particularly careful about the quality of the food you give them. The rule of thumb to ensure their well-being for as long as possible and under the best conditions is to gradually introduce them to easily digestible foods.
Case-by-Case Robust Health
Age requires specific conditioning and care. It's not the only factor that will allow you to feed your cat properly. A sick cat requires a specific diet prescribed by a veterinarian, which may involve reducing or increasing their food intake. This is often accompanied by medication or dietary supplements.
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A diagnosis of diabetes in your cat necessitates adaptation: the ingested food should promote successful digestion. Low calorie content, abundant water intake, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates will be their allies. Avoid fatty treats and rewards, as these can worsen the situation.
Like humans, cats can develop food allergies. Some breeds are more likely to become allergic to animal proteins, such as Siamese cats, for example. After a diagnosis confirmed by your veterinarian, you will need to adopt an exclusion diet. The most challenging part is identifying the allergen that triggers the allergic reactions. Fortunately, some kibble brands offer specialized food ranges tailored to cats with this condition.
A problematic digestive system can complicate your four-legged companion's well-being. Excessive portions or unusual substances can lead to unpleasant surprises like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. That's why it's important to vaccinate your cat against diseases like feline panleukopenia (typhus) and follow deworming schedules.
What About Milk?
In the collective imagination, a happy cat laps up milk from its bowl, and there is some truth to this because cats enjoy the taste. However, lactose intolerance is a common issue among cats, especially in adulthood. In contrast, kittens consume their mother's milk until weaning, as it contains essential amino acids, lipids, and minerals for their growth. If weaning wasn't done properly for specific reasons, you can feed your kitten with a bottle.
Some adult cats can digest cow's milk easily and enjoy it, but the health recommendation is to prioritize a simpler drink: water, along with kibble and wet food!
In conclusion: What should you feed your cat?
Your companion is a complex being that has retained its hunting instincts. Highly sensitive to hygiene, they primarily consume kibble, wet food, and occasional treats. A healthy behavior should reassure you: in this regard, felines eat reasonable quantities and do not fall into obesity or anorexia. To keep them content with this diet, you should ensure an organized meal routine tailored to their profile. Finally, the advice of a veterinarian will help you guide them toward a balanced diet.
Does your cat have preferences? Is yours more inclined towards kibble, wet food, or both?