Feeding a Cat Correctly Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

For anyone who is new to owning a cat, you may think that feeding a cat and keeping the right balance in their diet is a pretty complicated affair. However, the cat nutrition industry has come a long way and, the experts behind the commercial foods you find on the market have done a wonderful job with respect to well balanced foods that will give your furry little friend all he needs in terms of vitamins and minerals.

Feeding a Kitten

Once a kitten is 3 weeks old, he should start to show an interest in solid food however, he won’t be fully weaned away from his mother’s milk until about 8 weeks. Once he is on solid food all the time, it’s recommended you feed him at least 4 to 5 times per day and when he reaches 6 months old, twice a day is perfectly acceptable.

Cats 6 Months and Older

Whilst you can feed your cat in the morning and at nights, they are slightly different to dogs in that some prefer to eat small amounts at just about anytime of day and others are quite happy just to be fed in the morning and evening. This shouldn’t be too much of a headache for you because your kitty will let you know when they like to eat.

However, you should ALWAYS make sure you don’t over feed a cat. It’s actually a myth that most cats will stop eating when they’re full. They can be just as greedy as a dog, which is why obesity in these pets is on the rise. If you’re unsure about what sort of food to give your cat, speak to your vet.

Every reliable brand of food on the market will have detailed instructions on how much you should feed your pet each day and, it’s generally based on age and weight. One of the best things to do is to measure out the correct amount of food each morning and don’t give them anymore than stated.

Different Stages in Life

You will notice when you’re shopping for a nutritional food for your cat that there are different brands for different ages. This is because the needs your pet has changes as they get older so make sure you stick to the foods that suit the age of your animal. This will ensure they’re getting the best from their food.

Treats

Any cat owner has been there! You walk into the kitchen and suddenly one cat seems like many. They wind around your legs and give you loving looks that are pretty hard to resist. It’s not taboo to give your cat a treat from time to time but, do bear in mind this adds to the amount of calories they’re consuming during the day so, you may want to reduce their normal meals a little bit.

If you’re still unsure, as said the best thing you can do is speak to your vet. If you follow any professional advice you’re given correctly, you and your cat will enjoy each others company for many years to come. Want to know more about our product range then take a look at our website.

Tags: Animal Health, Cat Care, Cat Health, Cats, Pet Care, Pet Health, Tips n Tricks

About the Author

Debbie Martin Debbie Martin has worked at Beeston Animal Health for over five years, having previously worked as a nurse in equine and small animal practice. Although generally involved with aspects of marketing these days and putting her psychology degree to good use, she still has a great depth of up to date knowledge in all creatures great and small. Debbie lives at home with her partner and two children and spends much of her spare time looking after her horses, dogs and cats or at the home farm with the cows, sheep and turkeys.