Cats are wonderful animals. Odd and wild and prone to assaulting their loved ones without provocation, yet magnificent, nevertheless. Feeding cats is one of the most crucial ways you can maintain your feline princess healthy, happy and active.
But when you are presented with the hundreds of options with food, it is easy to become overwhelmed by what cat food you should purchase and simply choose the cheapest, nicest, outdoorsiest, reviewedest food you find. We’ve all done it.
Once kittens are weaned off milk by their mothers, they start to enjoy a more diversified diet. If you’re wondering what to feed kittens or what kittens eat, it’s important to seek for goods that are carefully created for young cats and to choose for high-quality feeds that are filled with necessary nutrients.
Kittens require a balanced diet rich in protein for growth and development and raising energy levels, calcium to produce healthy, strong teeth and bones and DHA to enhance brain development and eyesight.
HOW DO KITTENS NUTRITION NEEDS DIFFER FROM THOSE OF ADULT CATS?
A kitten’s weight may double or even quadruple within the first few weeks of life. To maintain this quick development — as well as high activity levels — your kitten may have quadruple the energy demands of an adult cat.
Basic Cat Nutrition Information
All pets need proper nutrition, but cats in particular need it because of their distinct dietary requirements compared to other domestic animals. Given that they are obligate carnivores, their bodies have evolved to function best on a carnivorous (all meat) diet.
A cat’s usual diet can include vegetables and carbohydrates, however cats can only take small amounts of carbohydrates. The consumption of particular nutrients, which are primarily present in meat, is crucial for your cat’s health. These consist of:
- Protein
- Arginine and taurine are two amino acids.
- Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid
- additional vitamins and minerals, such as A (retinyl palmitate)
- Water
TIPS TO CHOOSE RIGHT FOOD FOR CAT
- Because they are unable to create enough taurine on their own, cats need certain nutrients that should be added in their diet. Their heart and eye health may suffer greatly from a range of problems caused by taurine insufficiency.
- Cats need more protein: Compared to adult dogs, adult cats need around 44% more protein. The cat will begin to break down its own protein to fulfil its energy needs if its protein intake is insufficient. The necessary amino acids, vital fatty acids, and vitamins A and D must be consumed along with this high protein intake.
- Cats are fussy eaters, so it’s important to provide them a fun eating experience. While providing sufficient nourishment is crucial for cats, it’s also crucial to stimulate their senses with interestingly shaped kibbles and enticing odours.
- Cats eat little meals often throughout the day. Unlike dogs, cats are nibblers. Therefore, it’s crucial that the diet is balanced nutritionally and provide the proper nutrients in sufficient proportions.
- Cats cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet: Since cats are obligate carnivores, a vegetarian diet cannot provide for all of their needs. Cat food developed by nutritionists meets these specific demands since cats also have diverse nutritional needs and various methods that their bodies ingest nutrients.
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Age difference matters
Your cat’s age is one of the most crucial things to take into account when choosing cat food. Different life phases correspond to various levels of activity and dietary requirements.
For instance, kittens require more nutrients since they develop quickly and are often much more active than their elder counterparts. This premium kitten chow is created without grains, has natural foods like chicken and fish, is moisturising, and has extra vitamins and amino acids added for a strong immune system as the kittens develop.
Cat’s nutritional needs can vary over time:
In addition to choosing food for your cat’s life phases, take into account any possible illnesses or allergies they may develop in the future. The VCA notes that some cats end up requiring more simple diets owing to allergies, while mother cats feeding their kittens need a considerably higher calorie diet.
Senior cats need a diet low in fat and calories to avoid weight gain, which may have negative health effects, and rich in protein and hydration to maintain their renal systems.
Wet food might be better:
Despite the fact that quality is ultimately more important, wet food is generally better for cats when compared to dry kibble. Just be sure to completely clean your cat’s dish in between each time you give it wet food, since this might serve as a breeding ground for germs, which is one reason it can be making your cat ill.
Some human foods are OK occasionally:
Cats should consume packaged cat food mostly since it is tailored to their nutritional requirements, but you may sometimes offer them a wonderful treat, such a few scrumptious human food morsels. Cantaloupe, mashed sweet potato, and boiled eggs are some more delectable delicacies.
Cats really shouldn’t eat dog food:
Since they seem to be quite similar, you may have sometimes wondered whether cats might eat dog food. However, the answer is no. Dogs need a whole distinct set of dietary requirements, thus their food is prepared to satisfy their nutritional demands. Find out more about the ideal canine diet.
The right way to feed your cat involves more than just picking out some cat food and placing it in their dish. Find a meal that your cat enjoys, is compatible with their digestive system, and provides the right nutrients. It could take some time to get it right, but with a little diligence, you can discover how to feed your cat correctly and keep them happy and healthy.