9 Cat feeding facts
Among the pets, cats are the most difficult to feed. They tend to become fussy in their eating habits and lack exercise unlike dogs. Understanding cats' eating habits becomes a challenge for the cat owners. It is, however, not difficult to inculcate a healthy eating habit in your cat, if you know certain nutritional requirements and its likes and dislikes. This article extensively deals with every aspect of a cat's food feeding habits.
1. The label says it all
The first and foremost thing to take care of, while feeding a cat, is to properly read the label of the food items for ingredients. The labels are pretty comprehensive and precise in details of key nutrients. Please make sure that the label mentions the correct percentage of fat, protein, fiber, and moisture. It is important to go through each and every detail available on the label, ranging from whether the cat food is for growing cats or kittens, adult cats, or cats of all ages.
2. The feeding routine
The most essential aspect of feeding a cat is establishing a routine. Make sure you feed your cat at the same time every day. Call the cat by its name while feeding him. This makes the cat happy and it is in good mood to eat its food. If you are a working cat parent, then feeding your cat with dry food is the best option. You can put the whole day’s supply in the morning. You can also choose for half in the morning and half in the night diet. Dry food has been found to be very good for cat’s teeth and gums. The placement of the food bowl is also very crucial; make sure the bowl is placed in a quiet and comfortable part of the house, where there is no minimal noise. Also make sure that clean and fresh water is available to the cat at all times.
3. Belly alarm bells
Cat parents should be on a lookout for any signs of increased weight in their cats. Cats have a tendency to put on weight especially in the later years. There are several ways to find out if your cat is gaining more weight than required.
a. Cats accumulate fat around their ribs, so if you can no longer feel your cat’s ribs while holding or lifting it, you can be sure that your cat is overweight.
b. Like humans the second most visible sign of a fat cat is a hanging belly.
c. The third most common sign is a loose double chin. Cats tend to put on extra flab around their neck and jowls.
4. Exercise
We seldom see cats moving their bodies actively. They rather prefer to doze off comfortably. This makes them gain extra weight. By following some simple techniques and exercises your cat can easily loose those extra pounds. First of all, it is important to wake your cat up in the morning at exactly the same time. Make sure there is at least a few feet distance between where your cat sleeps and eats. Little games around the house involving jumping and playing with toys is good for cats.
5. Diet change
Cats are generally fussy in their eating regime. They do not easily adapt to change of food. A sudden change in your cat’s diet can upset its stomach. So it is advisable to maintain exclusivity in a cat’s diet as far as possible. But if you really wish to change your cat’s diet, then make sure the process is gradual. A diet shift from dry to moist food should be very carefully done. On day-to-day basis, increase the amount of the new cat food while simultaneously decreasing the one being replaced.
6. Kitten years
It is needless to say that a kitten is just like an infant. Especially during the first three weeks, kittens have the tendency of putting on weight. The added complication is the fact that kittens have smaller stomach and needs to be fed throughout the day. The solution to this is dry cat food, which is not only good for cats but also stays fresh throughout the day. A kitten might resemble an adult cat after first six months, but his diet shouldn’t be changed till he is at least one year old. Also, kittens tend to lose their appetite between the fourth and seventh month. This should not worry you because kittens are losing their baby teeth and gaining the adult one’s, the process lasts up to seven months.
7. Pregnancy
Please consult your vet at the first sign of your cat’s pregnancy. Pregnant cats require a special diet during these months. During the final two- three months their food intake is also increased; as their body is preparing itself to feed the kittens in the future.
8. Feeding sick or unhealthy cats
Certain cats require special food supplements and specially designed diets as per their individual medical condition. In case of a urinary tract problem or other such medical ailments, it is advised to ask your vet for a specialized diet. Make sure to consult your vet before switching the diet plan back to normal.
9. Big feeding don'ts
Never feed your cat with another pet’s food as cats dietary habits are very different from other pets. Never feed table straps, chicken bones, pork, or fish to your cat. This can affect their stomach adversely or make them repulsive to their normal diet. It is a myth that milk is good for cats. Milk is not a part of a cat’s diet and can cause diarrhea. Never feed a cat with chocolate or onions as this can be toxic.
