Even the most domesticated cat is also a hunter and so, a carnivore. Cats must have some animal tissue in their diet to remain healthy. Make sure you provide your cat with a food that contains properly balanced amountsof all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients for optimum cat health and cat nutrition. For example, taurine, preformed vitamin A, and arachidonic acid are essential nutrients that the cat must have and that are not found in significant quantities in plant foods.
A balanced diet
Like their owners, cats need a well-balanced diet to stay in peak condition. Your cat's food must contain a full complement of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals., all in the right proportions.
In the wild, cats naturally consume the whole body of their prey - not just the flesh - but also the bones, internal organs, intestinal contents, skin, and hair of the prey. These provide the cat with vitamins, minerals, and roughage, otherwise missing from a purely meat diet.
Energy in your cat's diet comes from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Your cat does require a relatively high level of protein; in fact, she is unable to adapt to a diet that is extremely low in protein. Animal fats are also essential for cats, not only for the energy they provide, but also because they are a source of the fatty acids such as areachidonic acid, as well as the fat soluble vitamins.
Choosing a diet for your cat
Nutritionally speaking, your cat is a very complex animal. Because of this, most cat owners prefer to use one of the commercially prepared brands of cat food. They are nutritionally balanced and complete, as well as convenient for the owner. There are generally two types of prepared cat food available, distinguished by their water content - wet and dry.
Be sure to provide plenty of drinking water for your cat, particularly if you feed her dry food, because of the significantly reduced moisture level. And remember to clean the water bowl and food bowl frequently.
Fussy eaters
Cats are notoriously fastidious eaters and can be overly fussy about their food - even to the point of starving themselves if they don't like what is being offered. Obviously, this should and can be discouraged, by introducing a variety of different flavors and textures to the cat's diet.
Cats don't like food served straight from the refrigerator. If you keep canned food in the refrigerator, let it reach room temperature, or warm it before you serve it - your cat will prefer it that way. If you microwave the food, stir it before serving to distribute the heat, and always ensure that it's not too hot.
Although many cats do seek variety, there are times when they prefer a familiar diet. If you need to feed your cat a different diet, possibly on the advice of your veterinarian, introduce it gradually over several days. Repeated exposure to fresh supplies of the new food should encourage your cat to overcome her initial reluctance to eat.
How much and how often
How much food your cat needs depend on her size, age, activity, and condition. Most cats regulate their food intake well and, if the food contains the right dietary balance, they will usually eat the right amount. Unless your cat is overweight, don't worry about the amount you give her at any one meal. However, you need to ensure she stays the right weight by regularly checking her weight.
When allowed continuous access to food, cats tend to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. They are easily adaptable, however, to more regular feeding schedules. Many cats are fed two meals per day.
Overeating in cats
While most cats regulate their eating well; a number of cats will overeat.
Cats who overeat tend to be the ones who are kept indoors all the time and don't get much exercise. If your cat overeats, offer her less food at each meal, and stop giving her any between-meal treats.
If your cat is overweight, talk to your veterinarian. Never put your cat on a severely restricted diet without consulting your veterinarian, as severe calorie restrictions can be harmful and even fatal to some cats.
Mother and kittens
If you think your cat is pregnant, consult your veterinarian for advice. During pregnancy, your cat will need more food to allow for the growth of her unborn kittens. She'll need a special energy and nutrient-rich food.
Pregnant dogs tend to gain their weight in the final stage of pregnancy, but the pregnant cat is different. She begins to eat more and her weight steadily increases within a week of a successful mating. She starts early, laying down extra energy stores in her body which can be used later in pregnancy and in lactation, when she may not be able to eat as much as she wants. During lactation, in particular, make food also available through the night. Be sure the diet is designed for pregnant and/or nursing cats.
General Care
A healthy, well-cared-for cat presents no health risk to you and your family, but it is a good idea to take common sense precautions.
Give your cat her own feeding bowls and utensils. Keep them clean and wash them separately from the family's dishes.
Provide your cat with her own sleeping quarters and wash her bedding regularly.
Train your cat to use a litter box, or allow her free outdoor access.
Remove soiled litter from the box at least once a day. Replace the litter and clean the box at least once a week. Remember to wear gloves and to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Don't allow your cat to walk over surfaces used during the preparation or consumption of food.
Cover children's sand boxes when not in use.
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