As a cat owner, you might be curious to know if you are actually feeding your cat the right amount of food. Feeding your cat is based on a lot of variables: age, size and weight, activity, and food options such as wet or dry. Read on to find out more!
Cat Age
A cat’s age is a factor to consider when feeding your cat. It determines how much or how little it should be fed.
Senior Cats
Older cats are commonly facing health issues. Incorrect diet can negatively affect their health. Senior cats prefer eating smaller meals throughout the day. It is best to offer them food in smaller portions at least three or four times a day. Smaller and more frequent meals are believed to help in the digestion of food and maintain urinary tract health. Though an old cat can benefit from a wet diet, it is still best to consult the vet to determine the right type of food.
Adult Cats
An adult cat should be fed with high-quality commercial cat food. Checking the packaging label will help determine the appropriate portion for the specific age range. You can also opt for cooked or raw fish or meat. Fresh meat and meaty bones are good sources of protein. As long as it is human-grade without added preservatives, it will not be harmful to the cat.
Kittens
The kittens’ joints and bones are still developing, therefore, a proper diet is essential at this stage. A high-quality commercial kitten food is recommended for young kittens. Wet food is recommended to promote urinary tract health.
Feeding the kitten with raw meat can be done when they are at least twenty weeks old when their immune system is strong enough to fight off potential pathogens. Avoid giving cooked bones because it may cause internal damages.
Wet or Dry Food?
Cat owners are divided when it comes to choosing between wet cat food and dry cat food. Ultimately, the choice should be based on proper cat nutrition. As long as the cats are getting the right among of nutrients, either choice should be acceptable.
Wet Food
Photo Credit: Purina
This type of food will make your cat eat more in just one sitting. Some cats would prefer this type of food for its texture and smell. Although wet food is more expensive than dry food, wet food has a lot of health benefits. Since it has more water content, it can be better for cats with kidney problems because it can help them stay hydrated. In addition, wet food can also reduce the risk of urinary tract diseases.
Dry Foods
Dry foods are cheaper than wet food and they have a longer shelf life. This type of food is easier to measure. Some cats also prefer the crunchy texture of the dry food. In terms of health benefits, dry food can help promote healthy cat teeth.
Testing both to see what your cat prefers would be the best way to determine which type of food you should feed them.
When should you feed your cat?
Cats are sensitive to change. When bringing a new cat at home, you have to be wary of its feelings and condition. A new cat is going to be dealing with new-environment stress once it enters a new home. It is recommended to adjust to her previous feeding schedule before switching to a new one to keep your cat from getting an upset stomach.
“How much should I feed my cat?”
A healthy and active eight-pound adult cat needs about 30 calories per pound per day, according to the Animal Medical Centre in New York. That means, 240 calories per day is required for an eight-pound cat. Adjusting the proportions based on the weight of the cat is ideal. However, consulting a vet for a more precise amount of food to give your cat is recommended.
Another tip is to check the label for the recommended serving based on the cat’s weight. Following the recommended serving of cat food will prevent your cat from overeating and avoid becoming obese.
Check out this article to know what you should NOT feed your cats!
Are you raring to bring a new pet home? Take a look at these cats for adoption or sale!
