Feeding Cats Properly

Cats are carnivores, but unlike dogs and humans, cats are not flexible in terms of nutritional needs. It is not uncommon to see pet owners treat cats like they do dogs, but this is entirely wrong. A dog can eat a variety of foods with different nutritional values regardless of life stage, yet it stays healthy. But a cat requires more careful attentions in terms of diet. Here are some considerations to put into account when feeding your cat.

Basic nutritional needs

An average size adult cat requires about 250 calories every day taken from a balanced combination of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. Besides size, cat’s calorie needs will also depend on weight and activity level. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they have to eat animal fats and proteins; in other words, they need meat to fulfill their biological necessity.

Hydration

Water is important to cat in the same way water is important to human. Cats that eat dry food do not get additional moisture from it, so you must not forget to provide fresh water. Also, clean the water bowl regularly. Some pet owners use dripping water source or water fountain to keep the cat entertained and make sure of proper hydration at the same time.

Dry and canned food

Canned foods can contain almost 80% of water. They are good for hydration, and helpful in case you cat has urinary tract problems. Dry food is actually fine, but there is the need to supply your pet with plenty of clean water. Using a combination of dry and canned foods is also possible; for cats that are picky eaters, the combination can be good for their diets.

Food quality

Quality food contains balanced nutrients of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Another important thing is that cats need to get essential nutrients such as arachidonic and taurine from animal sources. When purchasing cat food, please look for statement or label of AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials). This organization helps to make sure that all pet foods in the market meet the basic nutritional needs of animals. Preservatives are probably common, but try to avoid cat foods that contain artificial colors and flavors or any harmful chemicals.

Life Stage

In the food packaging, pay attention to the age information. A cat’s life stage can be divided into three major phases including:

Kitten : from the time a cat is weaned to about 12 months old
Adult : a cat aged 1 – 7 years
Senior : a cat aged 8 years or older

Weight management

Obesity is not uncommon in cats. If your cat has the same problem, you may want to consult a veterinarian and ask for specific prescription for weight loss program. Do not simply try to reduce the amount of food or frequency of feeding. It can be dangerous and put your cat to unnecessary risk of diseases.