Nutrition is the single most
important factor when it
comes to cat health. Cats of all
ages need high levels of protein in
their diet. They also need certain
amino acids such as taurine and
arginine, and fatty acids such as
arachidonic acid and linoleic acid.
Cats require a preformed Vitamin
A, which is present only in foods
of animal origin, and may be listed
in cat foods as retinyl palmitate
or acetate. However, your cat will
have certain special
nutritional
requirements depending on which
life stage she is in (kitten, adult,
or senior).
Kittens (birth-12 months)
A kitten's diet is the foundation of her
health throughout her life. To keep up
with their rapid growth, kittens require an
extremely high amount of energy, protein,
fats and minerals compared to older cats
so feeding a
diet high in these nutrients
is necessary. Calcium and phosphorus are
also important in order to promote healthy
tooth and bone growth through kittenhood
and into adult life.
Adults (1-6 years)
Adult cats require a nutritious and balanced
diet to help maintain their health and
weight. A high-protein, wholesome diet
containing real meat is important to ensure
that she is well proportioned, and has
an observable ribcage with only a slight
amount of fat covering the ribs. A well-balanced
diet with natural antioxidants,
such as those found in fruits and vegetables,
is highly beneficial in order to promote a
healthy immune system and body function.
Senior (7+ years)
Senior cats, even if they slow down a bit,
usually require the same number of calories
as younger cats. Aging cats often have a difficult
time absorbing vitamins, minerals, and
fats so it is important that your
cat food contain
a sufficient amount of highly-digestible
ingredients. As with kittens and adult cats, a
diet made with high quality meat, along with
vitamins and natural antioxidants from fruits
and vegetables, is highly beneficial.
Choosing the Right Food
When you're shopping for a healthy food
for your cat, the ingredient list on the back
of the bag is a good place to start. Use label
recommendations as a portion guideline to
avoid overfeeding, but be willing to adjust
according to your cat's body condition and
activity level. Also, it is important to choose
a food that fits your cat's health conditions.
For example, if your cat has medical conditions
such as diabetes, allergies, or digestive
difficulties, her diet requirements will need
adjusting.
When it comes to
good nutrition,
your cat depends
upon you. Make
well-informed decisions
regarding
your cat's diet, and
talk to your veterinarian
if you need
assistance.
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LIMIT OR ELIMINATE
TREATS AND TABLE SCRAPS |
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The extra calories and decreased nutritional
value of treats and table scraps are often the
biggest offenders when it comes to weight
control.
Treats are generally better than table
scraps, and have their use, as when training
cats to 'come'. But giving too many treats can
have serious consequences. Most cats, when
it comes right down to it, would rather have
your attention than a treat. Spending extra time
playing or grooming your cat will probably
give you both much more satisfaction than the
treat, which is gobbled up in
three seconds and then
forgotten. Many times
table scraps are high
in fat and/or sugar,
providing nothing more
than empty calories:
definitely the wrong food
for a trim waistline.
Overweight pets,
besides not looking
their best, have
a higher risk of
many health
problems. |
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