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Cats are carnivorous by nature which means that, if you want them to grow up healthy and strong, you need to provide them with the nutrients that they need, including protein and animal fats and taurine, an essential amino acid.
Cats are very demanding with regard to their food, and they will reject it unless they are clean, at the right temperature and healthy. If you suddenly change a product, it’s possible that they won’t try it. But be careful! Cats don’t eat what is best for them, but what they like the most. This is why their owner must manage their diet.
TYPES
OF FOOD
There are several kinds of cat food, suited to the circumstances of each individual; special food for neutered cats, for kittens, for cats with kidney problems or other health issues… Look for the most appropriate for your companion, and if you have any doubts, ask in a specialist retailer or at the vet’s.
PREPARED FOOD
FOR CATS
The best thing to do is to choose food that has been carefully prepared to provide your cat with all the required nutrients according to age, weight management, hairball management, avoiding kidney problems… Choose the one that most closely meets their needs and follow the vet’s advice. Brands include a list of ingredients and nutrients on the packaging. An adult cat needs a diet containing 30-45% protein and 10-30% fats, although this does vary according to weight and age.
Cats don’t eat what is best for them but what they like the most. This is why their owner must manage their diet.
DRY, SEMI-DRY AND WET
DRY FOOD
Dry food is the most common; it is usually the most complete but it does always need a bowl of water beside it. Also, its crunchy texture helps to eliminate dental tartar.
SEMI-DRY FOOD
Semi-dry food contains between 20-40% water, but it is not usually the most appetising for the cat and it is not terribly common.
WET FOOD
Wet food is gelatinous and tasty and can be a good treat for your cat every so often, but it is not ideal to base their diet on this kind of food, because your cat will have very bad breath.
HOME-MADE
DIET
Be careful giving your cat leftovers: it’s possible that you’re not only failing to give them the right mix of nutrients, but that you’re also making them get fatter or giving them too much salt, which could end up making them ill. It is also quite likely that this kind of food would cause them to be deficient in something.
Working out all the nutrients that a cat needs in the right balance is not easy. This is why it is better to avoid home-made food and stick to that which is specially formulated for them.