Everyone knows that proper diet is important to keep us healthy and happy – but do you realize that the same applies to your cats? But what’s best? Should you feed them commercial products such as Royal Canin cat food, or homemade choices? Age targeted meals, or cover-all options.
Felines are ‘obligate carnivores’ and must have meat and fish in their diet, and lots of it, to stay in top shape. And while they can digest carbohydrates, there’s no real need for them to be included in their food.
But cats have different needs and requirements, depending on their age, underlying health and lifestyle. Older cats will usually need less food than a young cat – and, just like us, if your cat likes to lie in front of the TV instead of running around the garden, the amount of sustenance they need varies. You must keep this in mind when selecting cat food.
Commercially prepared cat food is scientifically tested to ensure it contains the right mix of nutrients, which is difficult in homemade food. Brands usually have a wide range of choices, including those aimed at different age brackets.
In terms of those added vitamins, the most important are B-group vitamins for the central nervous system, vitamin A to keep cells working properly, vitamin D and phosphorous for health bones and teeth and vitamin E to protect against cell damage.
Check the back of the label to ensure that these are all included in your chosen product, as this will make sure you’re giving your pet what you need.
Dry and wet foods have different benefits. With dry foods, it’s easy to measure and use, easier to store and have a long shelf life, as well as helping to keep a cat’s teeth healthy by removing plaque. However, some cats prefer wet food’s smell and texture. It also allows them to eat more in one sitting and requires them to drink less water. Many owners choose a mixture of these two options.
Grass is useful for cats to induce vomiting, which helps them to empty their body of potentially harmful parasites and hairballs. The vegetation contains high levels of folic acid, which will react with a cat’s digestion. “Cat grass” from pet shops is free of pesticides and weed killer, so is therefore a good option.
Follow this simple guide and you’ll be able to keep your cat at the top of its game – and, for more intricate enquiries, always ask your vet for advice.
This guest post comes courtesy of Pets at Home, the UK’s leading pet supplies retailer. The company offers a wide range of cat supplies as well as specialist insurance, to ensure your pet’s long-term health and to make sure that any trips to the vet don’t prove too costly.
5 Comments
I used to feed my cat home made food and she ended up losing a lot of hair. A switch to dry food was not at all easy. She kept refusing to eat and running to sniff my food every time I ate. I think cats do not find dry food delicious and feel about it the way we feel about salad. Healthy but not that delicious. She started eating the dry food after she realized there was no other choice and then I started using wet food as a treat.
Cats can be affectionate companions, though they may require a bit of time to adjust to being in your home. Always provide a clean litter box, and never use negative reinforcement to discipline your cat. Understanding how to take care of a cat also involves feeding your cat a proper diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need a diet that is primarily meat-based. Avoid a diet that is grain-heavy, or is high in carbohydrates. Thanks for sharing an informative topic. I’m looking forward to read more of your post. thanks a lot…
Proper nutrition in the appropriate amounts so that your cat is not under or overweight is very important. However, also don’t forget vaccinations and to keep your cat away from poisons-both inside and outside.
Branded Dry Cat Foods come with good nutritional value. But I prefer wet foods fresh instead of packed ones. The news about grass (the vomit inducer) is really good.
My cat prefers dry food to canned. I will try giving her some fresh grass.