As a loving pet parent, it’s only natural that you want to provide your feline friend with the best of everything, including food. A balanced diet for your kitten is essential to their health and wellbeing, but are you all clued up on cat nutrition? Here’s a look at some FAQ about a cat’s diet and how to optimize it.
All your cat nutrition questions answered
Why do I need to invest in top quality cat food?
A specially-formulated cat food provides your cat with the right nutrients it needs to fuel its body and allow for optimal function, not to mention keep its weight in check. Top-quality foods can help prevent conditions like joint disease, diabetes, dental problems, UTIs and skin, and coat concerns. Awesome brands like Royal Canin (who developed breed-specific cat food to cater to specific needs) and Acana (that uses fresh regional ingredients and meat-based proteins) are two of your best options.
What ingredients should I look for when considering cat nutrition?
The most important ingredient in any brand of cat food is the protein. Protein is a cat’s main source of energy, which is why animal protein is always the best option since a cat’s body doesn’t use plant-based proteins very well. Another important energy source is fat. You want to invest in something that contains the least amount of carbohydrates (I the form of grains or maize) because your kitty really doesn’t need it.
How much and how often should I feed my cat?
In general, you should feed your cat twice a da. The amount really depends on your cat’s weight (and ideal weight) and the kind of food you’ve invested in. always check the feeding guideline of the food to ensure you’re not over-feeding your cat. Your vet should also be able to give you some pointers with regards to this matter.
Can my cat still eat his kitten food at old age?
Most brands offer various options for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. As your cat ages, their nutritional needs evolve. Kittens need enough nutrients to help them grow, but a senior cat who isn’t as active anymore needs a diet that supports their joints and coat and keeps their weight under control. Cats that are a year old should be on adult food and should transition to senior food when they’re around seven years old.
Should I be giving my cat cow’s milk?
It’s not ideal to give your cat the same milk you drink. Once kittens are weaned, the enzymes needed for them to digest milk are lost, so milk can’t be digested very well anymore. Milk is also high in lactose and fat, which means it can cause digestive issues and even obesity. Cats do not need milk to survive. Water is always the better choice.
Can cats eat human food?
Although some human foods are fine, you should keep a close eye in this since there are quite a lot of human food items that just don’t sit well with the digestive system of a cat. Things like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, raw meat, raw eggs and raw fish can cause illness in cats.
