Cat owners, especially those new to the sometimes-complicated world of cat-care, may struggle with knowing what to feed their cat and when. This can be made even more confusing with the needs of a cat constantly changing over the course of its life – what a kitten needs to eat every day will always be different from what an older cat needs. To make matters even more confusing, there are things cats, like dogs, are never allowed to eat, and these food items are not as well known as you might think. To help new and prospective cat owners prepare to serve up their feline friend the healthiest food possible, read on to learn a few simple and versatile tips. Kate Barrington Recommends these Best Cat Foods
Balance is key
Just like humans, cats need a wide variety of nutrients in order to be the healthiest they can be. This means that you can’t feed your cat something like tinned tuna every day (despite the cat likely loving it). Being the carnivores they are, cats require regular animal protein in order to remain healthy. Faddy pet-based vegan diets for your cat is a sure way to make your cat sick and if it’s a kitten, impede its development. Without the required animal protein, you’d better find the best cat insurance in Australia to manage all of the health problems likely to occur. High quality commercial diets usually contain all of the nutrients necessary to offer your cat a complete diet. Because all of the nutrients are covered by these diets, you’re then able to treat your cat to little treats all felines love, such as cooked or raw meat and fresh fish. Just keep in mind that with raw bones there is always a potential for bones to splinter and damage the insides of your poor cat.
What cats shouldn’t be eating
Unknown to some pet owners, there are some foods that humans love that are toxic to cats. These include chocolate, caffeinated beverages, avocado, bread dough, mushrooms, stone fruit, corncobs and sultanas and raisins. Contrary to popular culture, cats are lactose intolerant and should never be fed cows milk; instead, pet milk is the best milk for your cat. Apart from the toxic foods, there are certain things to avoid feeding your cat depending on its size, weight and age. Improper diets for indoor cats in particular can lead to obesity, which can shorten its life considerably. Cat treats should also be monitored, as these will cause your cat to balloon if not properly kept in check – this means guests shouldn’t go too crazy feeding them either! Your cat will also want to drink the cleanest water possible, so remember to clean its bowl regularly.
Take good culinary care of your cat
Remember, feeding your pet the right foods at the right age will ensure proper development and a longer life (so you can love it for as long as possible!). If you’re wanting your kitten to grow up big and strong, it’s important to maintain a good diet from the very beginning in order for them to develop strong bones and joints. If you’re unsure whether you should be adding or subtracting things to your cat’s diet, talking to your veterinarian is also a good place to start, as they’ll be able to recommend personalised advice.
0 Comments