Cat Food 101

Whether you’ve just brought a new cat to your home or just want to make sure you’re feeding your feline friend correctly, here are some rules!

 

Cats require a much stricter diet that dogs. They are carnivores, they and need to eat a lot of meat for protein and for fat.

 

Check that the label says it meets the standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). That ensures that the food meets at least the minimum nutritional needs of your cat.

 

You can ask your vet what type of food (wet or dry) they recommend for your cat.

 

Once you’ve made your choice, let your cat do a taste test. If your cat likes the food and doesn’t have any gastrointestinal upsets (such as diarrhea) afterward, you’ve chosen well.

 

If your cat doesn’t like the food, find other options. Cats will go on hunger strikes if they dislike their food, and this is extremely unhealthy.

 

If you need to switch from one cat food to another, do it gradually, to avoid your cat rejecting it outright.

 

The amount of food your cat should eat is dependent on a few factors, including indoor versus outdoor, spayed or neutered? Your best bet is to seek advice from your vet, who will determine your cat’s ideal weight and daily calorie count.

 

Once you know how much food your cat needs, stick to it. It may seem like too little to you, but it will keep your cat at a healthy weight.

 

Develop a food plan and commit to it to keep your kitty healthy. And congrats on your new cat!