Eating is the most natural aspect that any creature on this Earth has incorporated into its life. It comes naturally to them. So if we talk about domestic animals like cats, anything they consider edible goes into their mouths. However, consuming anything and everything does not provide cats with the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
So, the main question arises: what and how should cats be fed to ensure that they grow and stay healthy? Here are all the details.
What to feed cats
Since cats are carnivores, they need to derive nutrition from an animal protein source. Therefore, the food must be meat-based to support the optimal health of the animal.
Now, surely you don’t want your precious pet to go out into the wild and hunt by itself, right? For this very reason, we carry several high-quality, well-balanced commercial cat foods, segregated by age and health of the feline. Also, you can incorporate a varied diet by adding raw or cooked meat and wet or dry food. Make sure not to feed only dry food as it is detrimental to your health.
Although cats love fish, it is not ideal for daily food because fish contains high levels of fatty acids. It can result in a vitamin E deficiency in felines, causing painful side effects.
Relationship between a cat’s age and food:
The food suitable for a cat based on its age is the following:
- Kittens: They require a high-quality and balanced diet, consisting mainly of wet cat food. Avoid feeding them raw meat and cooked bones.
- Adult cats: Their food should be similar to that of a kitten. However, they are free to eat all kinds of wet and dry food, fresh or cooked meat, bones and fish.
- Older cats: Since older cats can have some health problems, a canned, cooked, or fresh wet diet is ideal for them. It doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the teeth and stomach.
How much should you feed your cat??
The amount and frequency of food a cat needs depends on its size, age, and weight. Although the general recommendations mention a range of between 24 and 35 calories per day per pound for normal cat health, it is best to consult a veterinarian to obtain the precise amount.
House cats do not move their bodies much compared to stray dogs. As such, overeating can result in obesity and associated health problems like diabetes and arthritis. Similarly, be sure to avoid malnutrition by eating less.
Regardless of the age of a cat or other parameters, they must have access to abundant and even excess drinking water at all times. To do this, buy suitable feeders and drinkers and store them in a clean, dry and easily accessible place.
How often should you feed your cats??
The regularity of feeding depends predominantly on their age. Growing kittens require more food per pound of their body weight and need to be fed every 4-5 hours. Starting at six months of age, you can feed cats once or twice a day with a few extra snacks and treats.