Proper nutrition is extremely important to the health of your cat. For expert nutrition information on your particular cat, please see your veterinarian.
If you have any specific questions regarding
the care and feeding of your cat, be sure to
consult your veterinarian.
Choosing what to feed your cat is one of the
most important decisions you will ever make
as a pet owner. Proper nutrition will help your
cat lead an active, healthy and happy life,
while improper nutrition can lead to obesity
and other problems.
Your cat’s age is probably the most important
factor governing the type of food it should
be fed.
Kittens require more protein and calories than
adult cats and typically need to be fed three
to four times a day. When choosing kitten food,
make sure you select a name-brand food that
is specifically labeled for kittens.
Adult cats need to be fed according to their
lifestyles. Active cats will need a higher caloric
intake than sedentary cats. Adult cats typically
need to be fed twice a day. Measured feeding,
rather than “free” feeding, is typically
recommended. Free feeding can lead to obesity
and indigestion. Observe your pet—if it
seems to be overweight or underweight, you should
consult your veterinarian and consider a change
in its diet.
Aging cats often need special nutritional attention.
Your vet may suggest certain supplements to
combat age-related issues. Additionally, if
your cat suffers from hairballs, skin irritations
or other nutrition-related issues, you can choose
food that is specifically formulated to combat
these problems.
Read the label. Pet food manufacturers are
required by law to list their ingredients in
order of quantity, from high to low. If it sounds
suspicious, it probably is.
When considering how much to feed your cat,
first read the cat food label and follow its
suggestions. But remember—this is only
a guideline. Observe your cat’s weight
and make adjustments accordingly.
Don’t forget—as is the case with
all animals, your cat needs access to clean,
fresh water at all times!
