For most pet parents, our furry companions are family, and we’d like to give them as long and as healthy a life as possible. A good diet is crucial for feline health, and the nutritional requirements will change throughout your cat’s lifetime.
Most cat food is aimed at specific life stages, so you can be confident your pet is getting all the nutrients they need. Cats need a diet rich in protein, taurine, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, so it’s sensible to choose a nutritionally complete option.
Of course, just like humans, certain cats can pile on the pounds more easily, so it’s important to keep your cat at a healthy weight. Most moggies aren’t shy about letting you know if they don’t like something. With a very fussy cat, it can just be a case of trial and error until they find something they like. As ever, good habits should be laid down during kitten-hood, so let’s start there.
Kittens versus adult cats
With their tiny tummies, kittens need feeding little and often. It’s best to start with wet food as this is more easily digestible. Look to continue with the same food that the breeder or previous owner fed your kitten to help them settle into their new environment.
Adult cats are less active than very young cats, and indoor cats can be even less so. Premium commercial cat food should cover all the bases. However, senior cats or cats with health issues may need a specific, vet recommended diet.
Make sure your cat has a source of fresh water at all times.
Wet diet versus dry diet
Just a look at those tiny fangs and talons should tell you that your cat is a predator and an excellent hunter (put a bell on their collar to warn unsuspecting birds!).
Some cats have an appetite for meat and fish, but don’t feed them raw fish and avoid any small bones that they may choke on. Canned or cooked fish can make an occasional treat.
Dairy can upset their stomachs, so avoid giving your cat any cheese or milk. Wet food can help maintain a healthy urinary tract, so you will need to offer your cat plenty of water if it prefers a diet of mainly dry food.
Demand feeding versus set times
Demand feeding allows your cat to self-moderate and eat whenever it’s hungry. By keeping a bowl of dry food (wet food will spoil) available all day, it can choose to feed itself. This avoids set mealtimes, and the chances of being rudely awoken at 5am by a hungry kitty, and can be helpful if you work late.
When the bowl runs low, simply top up. This is great for cats who can control their appetite, and crucially, stop eating when they are full. However, it might be better to stick to feeding times for a cat who tends to hoover up the contents of the bowl in one go, or weigh the amount first, so you can be sure you’re not overfeeding.
Good toileting is essential
What goes in, must come out! Make sure your cat has access to a clean, healthy litter tray that’s well ventilated and in a quiet part of the home.
To prevent unwanted smells and make cleaning a breeze, Natusan has 40% better odour control than the average litter, and superior ‘clump-ability’ making it easy to sift out the lumps.
Try your paw at insect-based
For the environmentally conscious cat parents amongst us who want to do their bit to help the planet, a new and nutritionally complete insect-based cat food is on the prowl in the form of Lovebug™.
Developed by leading pet nutritionists and vet approved by resident veterinarian, Rory Cowlam, Lovebug™ is made with insect protein, which is not only great for the planet, but it’s also a super source of amino acids and micronutrients for our adult feline friends.
Lovebug™ makes for a delicious moggy meal which cats love, and it’s also easy to digest, whilst helping to keep teeth and gums healthy. Happy cat, happy planet.
Get 50% off your first order of Lovebug™ with code LOVEBUG50
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15/09/2021 by NatuTeam