Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 04:00 pm
Cats are great. They are entertaining, independent and great companions. They’re low-maintenance compared to dogs, who require training, more frequent grooming, as well as more attention. If you don’t fancy the idea of taking a pet out for a walk after returning home from work, a cat is the ideal solution. And since they have long lifespans, you can spend much time with them by your side.
However, to ensure their life is healthy and comfortable, you must be careful with their diets. Like all pets, you are in charge of their well-being and must be knowledgeable about what they can and cannot eat. While it’s difficult to always have perfect meals, being aware of the rules means that healthier options that support health and well-being will be more frequent.
Obligate carnivores
Cats fit into the obligate carnivores category, meaning they absolutely need meat to survive. Feeding them a vegan or vegetarian diet is unsuitable at best and abusive at worst, as it causes severe health problems. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports digestion, vision and healthy immune function for cats. Without it, your cat can develop a wide range of health issues, including blindness.
This doesn’t mean that you should give your cat large cuts of meat on a daily basis, but you must make sure that their diet is made up of mainly meat products, such as kibble or canned food. To make sure that the food you choose for your pet is premium-quality, look into the pet food processing procedures. With a growing number of people choosing to bring pets into their homes, the standard of care has become more elevated, and most people are ready to pay a little more if they know they’re getting a wholesome, healthful product.
Age considerations
Just like in the case of human beings, your cat’s age will determine what kind of food they need and how much of it they should eat. Different life stages equate to different nutritional needs because of the shifts in activity and development levels. Kittens are typically far more active, and since they’re growing, they need to eat more frequently. That means that the food they eat should support this process. Although some cat food brands might advertise their products as appropriate for all ages, it’s better to be safe and choose age-appropriate food.
When they’re very young, focus on wet kitten food. Since a kitten’s teeth are tiny, dry food can be challenging to chew. If you’re not sure about which option would be best, it’s better to talk to your veterinarian. After around one year, you can make the switch to adult cat food. To avoid digestive problems, keep the transition gradual, over seven or ten days. Later, from seven years onward, the cat should start transitioning to a mature adult diet.
Specific needs
The animal feed industry has been constantly developing over the past few years. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, and brands want to keep up with each other. That means there’s also a wider range of food options available for cats with special dietary requirements. For instance, your cat might struggle with allergies or sensitivities for which she’ll require a different diet.
Mother cats that nurse their kittens need a higher caloric intake in order to support both themselves and their babies. Some cats are also picky eaters. If they’ve been accustomed to a certain kind of food, it can be challenging to make the switch, and they might even refuse to eat altogether. For cases such as this, you should talk to the vet and decide which are the best options.
Toxic foods
When you have a cat in your home, you know how intelligent and affectionate they are. It can be easy sometimes to forget that they are still animals, and therefore, some human foods are unsuitable for them. Like dogs, chocolate is also toxic for cats and can cause vomiting, tremors and even death. Cocoa powder is the most dangerous, while white chocolate is the least, but should still be avoided.
Coffee also harms cats and can create the same symptoms if ingested. This is due to the presence of a substance called methylxanthine. Citrus in higher quantities can create digestive issues as well, as well as problems with the central nervous system. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats just like they do in dogs. Since cats are primarily carnivorous, they likely won’t consume vegetables anyways, but you should still be careful when cooking with onions, garlic, shallots, leeks or chives.
If anything drops from your chopping board to the floor, make sure to get it before your cat can eat it. These vegetables can cause severe damage to your cat’s red blood cells. Xylitol, a common sweetener found in candy and chewing gum, can lead to liver failure and lethargy in pets.
Human foods
So, what human foods can your cat eat? After all, you’ll want to give them a little treat every now and then. Fish, particularly of the oily variety such as mackerel and tuna, is an excellent option that promotes brain and joint health. Poultry, beef and other meats could also become your cat’s favorites.
You can also share some scrambled eggs with your cat since they’re full of protein and can be well integrated into their diets. Cats can eat a raw diet as well since their digestive tracts are highly acidic, and many pathogens will usually cause no issues for them. However, if your cat has any health conditions that make it more vulnerable to disease, you should probably avoid this meal plan.
Some treats should be served only on special occasions and in very small amounts. Salami is one of them. Due to the high salt content, it can be bad for your cat’s health. Too much of it can also put your pet at risk of weight-related issues.
When you have a cat, you want to take care of it and make sure it lives a long and healthy life. There’s no better way to guarantee this than a good, wholesome diet.
