How to Feed Your Cat

When choosing food for your cat, it’s important to consider its age, physical condition, activity level, and medical history. By selecting the right food, you can prevent many health issues, such as urinary tract infections and obesity, by following appropriate feeding guidelines. Therefore, it's recommended to research the pros and cons of each type of cat food and how to establish feeding habits. You should purchase food certified by AAFCO and consult your veterinarian about feeding methods if you have any concerns or doubts.

Understand the basic nutritional needs of your cat. An average-sized adult cat requires 250 calories a day with a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The exact calorie needs of your cat depend on its size, weight, and activity level.

• Cats are 'obligate carnivores.' They must consume animal fats and proteins to get sufficient nutrients. Ensure the food you choose meets your cat's nutritional requirements.
• Don’t overlook water. Water is crucial in a cat’s diet, and cats eating dry food need to drink more since they don’t get enough moisture from their food. Clean your cat’s bowl regularly and change the water often. You might also consider providing a water fountain or a drip system to encourage water intake by making it more fun for your cat.

Think about incorporating canned or dry food into your cat's diet. Both types provide benefits for your cat. In many cases, dry food can offer enough nourishment while encouraging your cat to drink plenty of water. If you're unsure about your cat's needs, consider consulting a veterinarian for advice on the best food options for your pet.

• If your cat suffers from urinary tract issues, diabetes, or kidney problems, the higher moisture content in canned food can help them stay hydrated. Canned food for cats contains up to 78% water.
• Dry food tends to be richer in nutrients because it has lower water content.
• The protein and carbohydrate levels in both dry and wet foods vary based on the formula. Dry food generally has more calories since it lacks the high moisture content of wet food.

Consider offering both canned and dry food to your cat. A combination of wet and dry food ensures your cat consumes enough water, rather than only relying on dry food. Cats with picky appetites often prefer a varied diet.

• If you decide to provide multiple food options, be cautious not to overfeed your cat. Also, ensure the food you offer meets the necessary calorie and nutritional requirements.

Choose high-quality food for your cat. Just like human food, high-quality cat food is generally well-balanced, containing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It's important to choose products that feature animal-derived proteins and fats. Cats need nutrients from animal sources for essentials like taurine and unsaturated fatty acids, which are absent in plant-based foods.

• Look for the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the packaging. This ensures the food will meet your cat's nutritional needs.
• Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, or harmful chemicals.

Analyze food labels carefully. Understanding the ingredients in your cat's food can be tricky. When shopping for cat food, it's important to look out for specific details:

• If the product name includes terms like 'tuna' or 'chicken' before 'cat food,' it means the product contains at least 95% of that ingredient. For example, 'Chicken Cat Food' should contain 95% chicken.
• The word 'with' in the product name indicates the food contains about 3% of the accompanying ingredient. 'Cat Food with Chicken' might contain only 3% chicken, whereas 'Chicken Cat Food' contains at least 95% chicken.
• Cat food labeled as 'dinner' or 'snack' contains less than 95% meat but more than 25%. These products often use grains or other protein sources as fillers.
• There’s a distinction between 'meat,' 'meat by-products,' and 'meat meal.' 'Meat' refers to muscle and fat from animals and is considered a high-quality protein source. 'Meat by-products' are non-meat parts, such as organs, bones, and blood, which provide lower-quality protein but are still safe for cats. 'Meat meal' is made from ground animal parts and is regarded as the lowest-quality protein.

Consider making homemade food for your cat. Many cat owners now prefer preparing fresh meals for their pets, offering nutritious ingredients free from preservatives or additives found in most commercial cat food. However, making homemade food can be time-consuming and expensive, and it requires careful preparation to prevent contamination.

• If you choose to prepare homemade meals, ensure you're following reliable recipes. Additionally, verify that the recipes provide nutritional details, including calorie content and the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus.
• Think about investing in a meat grinder or food processor to make meal preparation easier.
• Keep in mind that cats need meat, but they also require other foods to maintain a balanced diet. Small amounts of carbohydrates, such as rice or corn, can be included. The food should also provide fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Determine if your cat is overweight. One in every five cats is obese. Being overweight can lead to health issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and circulatory problems. To check if your cat needs to lose weight, feel around its belly. If you can’t feel the ribs on the sides and top of the abdomen, your cat might be obese.

• A veterinarian can help you determine what constitutes a healthy weight for your cat.

Assess the body fat percentage. A cat's calorie needs can vary from the recommended amounts listed on the food packaging. The best way to track weight changes is by evaluating the body fat percentage. This test assesses your cat's body shape and how much fat is covering its bones.

• Most fat assessment tests use a scale from 0-5 or 0-10, with 0 indicating malnutrition (underweight) and 5-10 indicating obesity. A healthy weight falls between 3 on the 0-5 scale and 5 on the 0-10 scale.
• You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs by placing your fingers on their belly and chest, but your fingers shouldn't get stuck between the ribs. If the ribs protrude noticeably, your cat is underweight. If you can't feel the ribs or there's fat covering them, your cat is likely overweight.
• When viewing your cat from the side or front, you should see a clear waistline. If the body is more oval-shaped with no defined waist, your cat is likely obese. If the waistline tapers in (like a greyhound), your cat is underweight.
• Your cat's belly shouldn't sag; if it does, it indicates excessive fat in the stomach area.

Adjust feeding based on your cat's needs. If your cat is overweight (or underweight), adjust its food intake by 10%. After two weeks, reassess the fat percentage. Adjust again according to any changes in body shape.

• Avoid drastic changes to your cat’s diet. Cats have a unique metabolism, and severe calorie restrictions can negatively impact their liver function.

Feed your cat a weight management diet. Many veterinarians recommend specialized diets that provide balanced nutrition while promoting weight loss. There are various types of prescribed diets, so consult your vet to find the best fit for your cat.

• A high-fiber, low-calorie diet includes more fiber to keep your cat feeling full. Cats will gradually lose weight over several months. Examples include Purina OM (Obesity Management) and Hills RD.
• A high-protein diet is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates to align with your cat's natural digestive abilities. Feeding your cat animal-based proteins can help it lose weight. Hills MD is one such example.
• A metabolic diet is designed to stimulate your cat's metabolism. An example of this is the Hills Metabolic Diet (for cats).

Consider the "Life Stage" Diet Plan. A cat's dietary needs change as it ages, and it's important to provide the right food for each stage of their life. Generally, there are three stages that should be considered when tailoring a cat's diet: kitten, adult, and senior.

• Kitten refers to the stage from weaning up to 12 months old. Kittens need more protein and calories as they are still growing. Kitten food is specially formulated with a balanced mineral mix to support the nutritional demands of developing cats.
• Adult cat ranges from 1 to 7 years old. Food for adult cats is balanced to effectively maintain a healthy weight.
• Senior cat refers to cats aged 8 years and older. Senior cats often experience health issues or decreased mobility. They require additional nutrients like glucosamine and fatty acids. Senior cat food typically has lower protein content to prevent kidney strain in older cats.
• Additionally, there are “lifestyle” diets for neutered or indoor cats. These foods generally have fewer calories compared to standard cat food, but this is the primary distinction.

Consult a veterinarian about prescription diets for specific health conditions. If your cat has a health issue, such as diabetes, urinary tract problems, joint issues, or kidney disease, it's advisable to consult your vet for the best food recommendations. Each condition requires a specialized diet, although opinions on their effectiveness may vary among experts.

• Diabetic cats often need food that excludes moisture and certain carbohydrates to help stabilize their blood sugar levels. Additionally, insulin therapy is required. Consult your vet for advice on your cat's specific needs.
• Cats with weak stomachs or gastrointestinal ulcers might benefit from limited-ingredient diets or specific prescription foods like Hills i/d, Purina EN, or Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal.
• Cats with urinary tract issues generally need a diet that controls minerals and prevents build-up in the cat’s body. Examples of such diets include Purina UR, Hills CD, Hills XD, and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO.

Set a consistent feeding schedule. When selecting your cat's food, it’s important to establish a regular feeding time and stick to it. Consistency in feeding helps ensure your cat is happy and comfortable.

• Disrupting your cat’s feeding routine can cause stress and lead to digestive issues, as well as other potential health problems for your cat.

Control the amount of food. When feeding your cat, measure out the appropriate portion to monitor its eating habits and quickly identify any changes.

• There is no one-size-fits-all guideline for the ideal amount of food, as it depends on factors like size, age, activity level, and weight. For example, a 4kg cat typically requires 250 calories per day to maintain proper nutrition. This equates to about 4/5 of a cup of dry food or under 180 ml of wet food.
• Follow the feeding instructions on the food packaging or the manufacturer's website as a starting point. Then, adjust the portion size based on your cat’s weight and response to the food.

Preparing food in advance for some cats. While regular feeding schedules typically work best for most cats, having food prepared in advance can be beneficial for some. This approach allows cats to eat whenever they're hungry, mimicking their natural behavior of eating small meals. Additionally, it can be useful if your schedule doesn't allow for multiple meals throughout the day. Cats that are nursing often have food available to them freely because their nutritional needs are greater than other cats'.

• One downside to free feeding is that you can't monitor changes in eating behavior as closely, and some cats may overeat when food is freely available. You need to keep an eye on their weight and adjust accordingly.

Provide separate food and water for each cat. Cats are known for their possessiveness, especially when they are confused about which bowl is theirs.

• Opt for small stainless steel bowls, as they are durable and easy to clean.
• Make sure to clean the bowls after each feeding and always provide fresh water for your cat.

Consider your cat’s age. As cats grow older, their nutritional needs change. In addition to adjusting their diet according to life stages, you should feed them in a manner suited to their age.

• Kittens should get all their nutrients from their mother's milk for the first 4 to 6 weeks. When they’re ready to be weaned, they should start on specialized food. Feed them 5-6 times a day as kittens need frequent meals and can’t eat much at once.
• Adult cats should be fed twice daily, using the recommended portions and adjusting their food intake as they get older and less active.
• Senior cats only need one meal per day. You should follow your vet's advice for special dietary needs.

Avoid overfeeding your cat with treats. You can give your cat snacks, such as canned salmon or tuna, but only in moderation. Treats should not make up more than 5% of your cat’s total food intake.

• Feeding your cat too many treats can lead to obesity and digestive issues.
• Overindulging in treats means your cat may eat less of its regular food, leading to a nutritional imbalance.
• Occasionally offering tuna to your cat is fine, but this type of fish doesn’t provide the necessary nutrients, so it shouldn't replace regular meals entirely.

Avoid foods that are harmful to cats. Some foods can seriously harm your cat’s health. Be sure to avoid the following:

• Milk and dairy products: Cats cannot digest lactose, and milk (other than mother’s milk) can cause diarrhea and digestive issues. Expired dairy products can also contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are especially dangerous for cats.
• Grapes and raisins: Though the exact cause isn't known, both are harmful to both cats and dogs. They can affect kidney function and cause vomiting in cats.
• Raw bread dough: The yeast in raw dough can be dangerous to cats and may affect their stomach.
• Chocolate: Although cats typically don’t like it, keep chocolate out of their reach to avoid potential danger.
• Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks: These vegetables and similar plants can cause anemia and serious issues with red blood cells.

• The FDA does not regulate terms like 'high-quality' when it comes to pet food. 'High-quality' pet food doesn’t necessarily contain better ingredients or nutrients than regular food. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging to ensure you know exactly what your cat is eating.
• It’s important to recognize that environmental factors like the number of animals, temperature, and climate can influence a cat’s eating habits. A change in their eating routine is not necessarily a sign of a serious issue. Monitor their eating habits, activity levels, coat shine, and eye clarity to determine if there are any underlying problems. However, if your cat hasn’t eaten in 24 hours, take them to the vet immediately.

• Never replace water with milk for your cat. Milk isn’t necessary in a cat’s diet, and some cats cannot digest the lactose in cow's milk.
• Do not feed your cat any food not specifically made for them. Cats have a metabolism that differs greatly from humans or even dogs, and they should only consume food intended for cats to avoid serious nutritional and health problems.