As a cat parent, you want to ensure your furry friend is well taken care of; that includes feeding them. There are some things you should do and some things you should avoid when it comes to feeding a cat. Here are some of the most important things you need to know about your kitty’s diet.
Feeding A Cat 101: The Right Ways To Feeding Your Feline Friend
Focus on providing them with a protein diet.
Your cat’s sharp teeth are meant to eat meat, not plants. When looking for cat food, read the label carefully. Protein should be the primary ingredient, not rice, grains, corn or soy, which are common fillers for pet foods. Choose canned meat as they are low in fillers. You can also opt to add fresh, raw meat, but consult your vets first as raw meat may have bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria or E. coli.,
Stick with cat food.
Whilst cats and dogs are both predominantly carnivores, they do, in fact, have different dietary and nutritional needs. Cats have a higher requirement for dietary protein than dogs. They also need taurine from amino acids. Insufficient taurine can lead to the development of various conditions such as reproductive failure, retinal degeneration and dilated cardiomyopathy (heart condition). Meat and fish are excellent sources of taurine.
Avoid giving human food or table scraps.
Compared to dogs that can tolerate small amounts of human food, cats do best with a meat diet. Carbohydrates and sugar, usually present in considerable quantities in many human foods, can cause various cat health issues.
Here are a few human foods that you need to avoid giving your feline friend:
- Milk or other dairy products
- Chocolates
- Raw eggs
- Onions
- Garlic
- Coffee
- Tea
- Alcoholic drinks
Don’t overfeed your cat.
Feline obesity is a serious problem; 32% of pet cats in Australia are either overweight or obese. Overfeeding your cat can result in obesity, eventually leading to them to face health problems such as joint pain, diabetes, and even heart and kidney failure.
Give them small portions and avoid giving them too many treats. Talk to your vet about the right amount of food to maintain your furbaby’s healthy weight.
Give them access to enough clean drinking water.
Though cats usually don’t drink much water, they should have fresh, clean water available at all times, especially during hotter months. Even if your cat’s diet is predominantly wet food, they should still have plenty of water that they can drink.
Ensure they have their own bowls and space.
One of the tips in feeding a cat is to give them a quiet, peaceful area where they can eat. They also prefer to have their own clean bowls for food and water. No sharing!
Put leftover cat food in the fridge.
Do not leave leftover wet cat food in their bowls for more than an hour, as bacteria can build up. Instead, store it inside the fridge. Take it out several minutes before feeding time to ensure the cat food is at room temperature.
Feeding A Cat The Right Way Leads To Healthier, Happier Kitties
As a responsible cat parent, it’s up to you to feed them the right way. It is vital for their overall health and well-being. Following these simple tips for feeding cat cremation services and consulting your trusted veterinarian for expert advice can help ensure that your cat lives a long, healthy and happy life.
