Feeding

Cats are what are known as obligate carnivores: in other words, they depend on meat and other, similar items such as fish as a source of vital nutrients. This is not to say that cats will not eat plant matter, as they will often eat a little grass when outdoors, or if it is grown for them indoors. However, this is to aid digestion (grass is often used as an emetic for cats suffering from intestinal worms) rather than being of nutritional importance.

 

TYPES OF CAT FOOD

Good-quality proprietary foods make by far the simplest feline diet from the owner’s point of view. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how much and how often to feed, this type of food is very reliable. It will contain all the required nutrients in the correct proportions, including vitamins and minerals, which could be lacking in a diet of fresh meat or scrap foods. Cat foods are available in three forms:  moist, semi-moist and dry.

 

Moist food

Canned foods have a relatively high water content. They are available in a wide range of flavours, and are usually the preferred choice of most cats. However, these foods will deteriorate quite rapidly, and once you have opened a can you must store it in a refrigerator and use it within 24 hours (special plastic lids to fit over the top of open cans are available, and will prevent the odour from tainting other foods). After storing the food like this you should allow it to warm up a little before using, as cats generally dislike eating cold foods. Note that although dog foods may well be more economical to buy, it is dangerous to feed a cat on these for any length of time because they do not contain all the necessary ingredients for feline requirements – such as the amino acid taurine – in the correct proportions.

 

Semi-moist food

These foods are supplied in sachets and often contain some vegetable protein such as soya. They keep well in a bowl without drying out or losing texture, and they taste good to cats. Fold over an opened packet to prevent moisture loss.

 

Dry food

These foods had a bad press when they first came on to the market, as they were linked to a condition known as feline urological syndrome (FUS), in which crystals in the urine could cause a partial or total blockage of the urethra, leading from the bladder. Urination would then be very painful for an affected cat, shown by a hunched appearance. However, the formula of dry foods was altered, and today they are widely used.

 

Dry food contains very little moisture, so your cat will also need at least one large cupful of fluid (water, gravy or milk) each day. Special ‘cat milk’ (sold in pet stores and supermarkets) is better than cow’s milk, as some cats (especially Siamese and other oriental breeds) cannot digest the milk sugar called lactose, and are liable to suffer from diarrhoea after drinking cow’s milk.

 

Cats generally prefer canned food, because it closely resembles fresh meat in smell and taste. Unlike dogs – which can exist on a vegetarian regime – cats must have at least some meat in their diet to stay healthy.

 

Try to establish a routine when feeding your cat, offering food at the same times each day. Moist food will dry out quickly, so do not leave it out for long periods if uneaten.

 

If you offer dry food, check that your cat is drinking properly; always provide fresh water.

 

Other foods

Many cats appreciate fresh foods occasionally, but basing an entire, balanced diet around these will be very difficult; a vitamin-and-mineral supplement will almost certainly be needed as well. If you do give this type of food, you must cook it and then allow it to cool before using. However, if a cat has been unwell and lost its appetite, giving fresh foods may encourage it to start eating again. Items such as cooked rabbit, chicken or fish are often appreciated, although you must be sure to remove any bones.

 

HOW MUCH TO FEED

In general, very young kittens are best left to their mother’s care, and it is dangerous to interfere in any way until they are weaned. Kittens stop drinking their mother’s milk by the age of eight weeks, although they may begin the process of weaning gradually from four to five weeks.

 

From weaning to 12 weeks, kittens should have a minimum of four small meals daily, each of approximately 25 g (1 oz). From 12 to 16 weeks give three meals daily, dropping to two meals from 16 weeks. Special kitten diets make a good choice at this stage, although variety is important to introduce the kitten to the different types of food; otherwise you may have difficulty in persuading an older cat that has been fed entirely on moist food, for example, to eat dry food later in life.

 

Adult cats are generally fed twice a day; the total daily ration should be approximately 150-250g (5-8 oz). You will need to increase this daily amount for a pregnant female or for a mother suckling a litter of kittens; ask your vet for more detailed advice.

 

FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

Your cat should have its own food and water bowls, which cannot be tipped over: the earthenware type is ideal. Include a spoon and a can opener with your cat’s special equipment, and wash all these items separately from your own utensils. Certain household disinfectants and antiseptics are liable to be harmful to cats, so use only products stated to be safe for them on the packaging.

 

Provide fresh water for your cat daily; many owners find that their cats prefer this to be some distance away from the food bowl. Place the feeding bowl on a mat or on newspaper to make cleaning easier, as cats often lift the food to eat it outside the bowl. You may find an automatic cat feeder useful: this stores one or more meals and has lids that will open at pre-set times, enabling the cat to reach the food. This keeps the food fresh and protected from flies in hot weather.

 

WHEN TO FEED

Try to encourage your cat to eat its food at a single sitting rather than leaving it out all day, unless you are providing dry food which will not deteriorate significantly. Constant access may also encourage your cat to pick at its food, which could contribute to obesity unless you strictly ration the amount of food offered according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Whether you choose earthenware or plastic food and water bowls for your cat, they should have non-slip bases and be sturdy enough not to be tipped over easily.

 

RULES FOR FEEDING

·         Feed your cat at the same time and in the same place every day.

·         Place newspaper or a mat under the bowl, as many cats will drag out their food and eat it on the floor.

·         Leave the cat to eat undisturbed.

·         Leave food out for at least an hour, as most cats eat their meals slowly.

·         Avoid sudden changes to the diet.

·         Never give your cat spiced food.

·         Always remove bones from fish or chicken, as these could become stuck in the cat’s throat and cause it to choke.