Cats are playful creatures. They are odd and crazy sometimes and can attack their pet owners without provocation. Feeding cats is no less than a challenge. You need to pay attention to your feline diet to keep them happy and active. Hundreds of choices in cat food can confuse you. While buying money-saving pet food may be your first choice, it may not go well with your cat’s nutritional needs.
Just like you are finicky with your family diet, you must similarly choose cat food. Our furry partners also need the correct quantity of protein, vitamins, minerals besides water and grains in their life cycle. You must also know the foods to avoid feeding your feline friends. Read on to know the five best ways to feed your house cat.
Pick Cat Food Based On Type
Novice cat owners may get confused on figuring Whats the Best Cat Food is. Cat food falls into three categories: dry (also known as kibble), wet and canned. These food variations differ in water content, calories, digestibility, and deliciousness. Ease of use and timesaving benefits also affect their price and shopping frequency.
Dry cat food is a popular choice since it is more convenient than wet food. It is also odorless and has a longer storage value. But it is rich in carbohydrates that get converted into fat and may not be suitable for cats with dental issues. Wet cat food requires a bit more effort–it is to be refrigerated when opened, but it may help your feline animal get more water in their diet. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and is suitable for cats of various ages and lifestyles. Frozen raw meat is a workable option in cat food.
It is high in proteins and needs minimal processing time. But it is more expensive than other commercial cat foods.
Know Your Cat’s Weight And Activity Level
As cats grow, their diet guidelines change accordingly. Kittens need high-quality protein, fat, and folic acid diets like beef, lamb, tuna, or turkey. Adult cats are less active and need less protein, fat, and “timed” feeding. Senior cats of 7 years or older do better with foods lower in fat and protein to avoid becoming overweight. Instead, they need more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to boost their immunity.
If your cat is overactive and burns calories faster, they will need a high protein diet than a less active cat. If your kitty needs to shed weight, keep a tab on the calorie content. Read the nutritional information and calorie count per serving listed on each pack or container.
Read The Cat Food Label
Browse through the ingredients mentioned on the cat food container or pouch for signs of allergens that may cause food allergies in your feline friend. Avoid picking food with chicken in it if your cat is allergic to poultry. Some cat foods contain chicken ingredients, even though not listed as a food flavor, while some salmon-flavored foods contain poultry. So, check the ingredients list.
Avoid buying kitten food for a cat and vice versa. The nutritional statement will either specify it as cat food or kitten food. Focus on nutrients mentioned. This is where cat food labels saying ‘Guaranteed Analysis’ help, as it lists nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and water found in cat food. Find out the significance of ‘premium’ or ‘ultra-premium’ terms mentioned on the cat food label.
Look For Correct Nutrients
When feeding your cat, ensure they get the precise nutrient mix to stay healthy. Follow the guidelines laid down by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) on the best cat diet:
- Water: Fresh, clean water is an essential nutritional requirement in cats. It maintains hydration levels in them.
- Protein: Protein diet keeps your cat’s muscles, tissues, and organs functional. That’s why most cat foods have proteins in them.
- Carbohydrates: Carbs are an essential energy source in cats. They play a vital role in cat food digestion and intestinal health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The vitamins are ideal for your cat’s metabolic functioning. Minerals are structural constituents for a cat’s bones and teeth.
- Fat: Fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help ensure a cat’s skin, joints, and kidney health.
- Amino Acids: Amino acids like taurine are essential for promoting muscle function, healthy vision, and heart health in cats.
-
Avoid Foods Toxic To Cats
You may want to treat your cat with some foods from your plate without realizing they can be toxic to your furry friend. Avoid feeding your harmful cat foods like avocado, chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, dairy products, yeast dough.
Talk to your vet if you aren’t sure about the cat food you picked. Although raw meat is rich in nutrients, it is a potential vehicle for cat infections. Milk is not a suggested diet option as most cats are lactose-intolerant and can develop gastrointestinal problems. Homemade diets may not be cat-compatible either, as they may not contain the proper nutritional proportion and quantity for your furry friend.
Wrapping Up
Consult a vet to develop the best diet plan for your cat. Aim for the best quality cat food and also look for budget-friendly options.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
