There’s so much information out there about what to feed your cat, what not to feed your cat, and how to feed your cat that it can get pretty confusing. Here’s a short guide on how best to feed your kitty for a long, healthy, and happy life!
What Do Cats Eat?
A good place to start! Cat are natural carnivores (you can tell my their teeth!) so a source of animal protein is essential. Please never put your cat on a vegan diet. They must eat meat to survive and thrive, and putting your kitty on a vegan diet may harm their health.
You’ll probably want to feed your cat a high-quality commercial cat food. You can also offer a variety of cooked or raw, fresh meat to your cat’s diet, like fish! Just keep in mind that feed your kitty fish every day isn’t ideal as fish contain high levels of fatty acids. Those can lead to a vitamin E deficiency in cats.
So a high-quality commercial cat food…does that mean dry or wet? Is one better than the other? We’re glad you asked!
Wet vs. Dry Food
Sorry folks, there isn’t one definitive answer to this one! In fact, it actually all comes down to your kitty’s tastes. There are some pros and cons to each though.
Wet Food
These usually are found in cans but can come in pouches too. That makes it easy to control portions and provides many different flavors. Wet food also:
- Is easier for cats to chew
- Increases variety in your cat’s diet
- Has textures and ingredient your cat loves
- Helps increase your cat’s water intake
Dry Food
Dry food is a very popular choice among cat owners. And also has quite a few pros as well:
- It comes in larger bags and has a longer shelf life, which means it’s more cost-effective
- There’s less of a risk for bacteria growth
- Crunchy kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up
So which one do you pick? Don’t, pick both! You can mix wet and dry food, and this will ensure they’re getting plenty of moisture in their diet while also getting the dental benefits of kibble. And it’ll provide a nice variety in your kitty’s diet!
How Much Do I Feed My Cat?
One of the most common feeding mistakes is feeding your cat too much. Although a chunky kitty is pretty cute looking, obesity is associated with health issues including diabetes, arthritis, and urinary tract disease. So determining how much food to give your cat is essential.
The amount of food will mainly depend on your cat’s weight, size, and age, so don’t follow what your friend is doing to feed your cat! Your cat might be a grazer, so leaving food out in their bowl all-day maybe your best option. Or if they’re a food fiend, then feeding a controlled portion twice a day and dusk and dawn will be your way to go.
However, when in doubt, always ask your vet for their advice!
What Not to Feed Your Cat
The last thing you should know about feeding your is what not to feed them. This way you can these foods in mind when you’re putting food in their bowl or scraps have fallen from the table since these foods could cause your kitty to become very ill:
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Coffee or caffeinated products like sodas, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks
- Bread dough
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Fruit stones, like mango seeds or apricot pits
- Fruit seeds
- Garlic
- Corncobs
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Cooked bones
- Milk and dairy products – this may seem odd since we’ve all probably seen a cat drinking a bowl of milk in the movies but don’t be fooled, cats are often lactose intolerant!
Being careful with your kitty’s diet is essential for their overall health. And a healthy kitty is a happy kitty!
Show us your healthy and happy kitty by tagging us in your photos on Instagram. We may even feature your cute fluff ball on ours!
Don’t forget to browse our Car Cuties to add personality to your daily commute!
One Comment