There is a lot of information about what to feed your cat and what not to feed it online. There is so much information that it can be hard to understand. This guide tells you what you need to know about how to feed your cat.
The food cats eat
Cats eat meat, so they need a source of protein from animals to be in good health. You will need to find a high-quality commercial best cat food that is right for your cat’s age and health. If you need to, you should talk to your vet before deciding what to feed your cat. They can check their health and make sure you’re giving them the right food.
Cats can’t live or do well on a plant-based diet. They can’t get the nutrients they need unless they eat meat.
It’s fine to feed your cat commercial dry or wet food, but you can also give it fresh, cooked, or raw meat to add variety to its diet.
Fish is a favorite food of many cats, but it shouldn’t be fed to them every day. Fish has a lot of fatty acids, which can make cats not get enough vitamin E and cause painful conditions. 1
What your cat needs to eat
Your cat’s food needs will depend on how much it weighs, how big it is, and how old it is, so don’t always go by how much your neighbor feeds their cat. Cats often get too fat, which can shorten their lives, so make sure you always give your pet the right amount of food. 2
If you’re not sure what to do, always ask your vet. No matter how old your cat is, always make sure it has clean water to drink.
Food for your cat based on how old it is
Kittens
At this age, it’s very important to feed your kitten the right food because its bones and joints are still growing.
The main part of your kitten’s diet should be high-quality, well-balanced, premium commercial kitten food. For variety, you can also give your kitten cooked or raw meats.
Don’t give a kitten raw meat until it’s at least 20 weeks old, because its immune system isn’t strong enough to handle potential pathogens. Plaque can build up in a kitten’s mouth or an older cat’s mouth.
Importantly, you should never give cooked bones to your kitten. These can break apart and cause damage inside the body or block the digestive tract.
It’s also a good idea to feed your kitten some foods that are moist. Wet food in a can or cooked meat are good places to start. It has been found that moist food helps keep the urinary tract healthy. 4
How much food your kitten needs depends on its size, weight, breed, and overall health, so you should always check with your vet. Most of the time, kittens should be fed at least four times a day. 3 They might not want to eat all of this, but they should always have the option.
Adult cats
The main part of your adult cat’s or senior cat’s diet should be high-quality, premium commercial cat food, just like with kittens. Check the label to see what age the food is good for when you go shopping. If you ever have a question or need help, your vet will be able to help.
As with kittens, you can give your cat a wide range of foods, like raw or cooked meat or fish. Fresh meat or meaty bones are great sources of protein, but make sure they are made for humans. Some pet meat and bone products may contain preservatives that are bad for your cat. 4
Senior cats
Always remember that older cats may have health problems that a bad diet can make worse. Many people benefit from a wet, canned, fresh, or cooked diet that helps them drink more water. If your cat is sick, you should always talk to your vet about what it should eat.
How many servings you give your cat will depend on its size and age, but you should always be careful not to overfeed or underfeed it. Most adult cats like to eat smaller meals more often, so feed it at least three or four times a day. Eating smaller meals more often has been linked to better health of the urinary tract. 4
Talk to the experts when you’re not sure. Your vet will be able to answer any questions you may have about what kind of food to give your cat and how much to give it.
Things you shouldn’t feed your cat
This is not even all of the things your cat shouldn’t eat. But keep these common foods in mind when you put food in your cat’s bowl or give it table scraps because some of them are very dangerous for your cat friend. you also can order online one of the best cat food in India
Some foods to avoid are:
- Raisins/sultanas
- Grapes
- Chocolate
- Onions
Caffeine isn’t just in tea and coffee; it’s also in cocoa, chocolate, cola, and other drinks that give you a boost. It is also in some cold medicines and painkillers, so you should never leave them out.
- Bread batter
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Stones from fruit, such as mango seeds or apricot pits
- Fruit seeds
- Corncobs
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
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