Choosing the right cat food for your kitten, adult or senior cat
Did you know that your cat is an obligate carnivore? This means that their diet must consist of at least 70% meat, because they can’t process vegetation properly. Although this nutritional need applies throughout their lifetime, it is important to adapt your cat’s diet as they grow from kitten to senior cat.
In general, cats require vitamins, fats, minerals and water over and above protein. With their high-protein, low-carbohydrate nutritional needs, this means that protein and fat contents are the most essential in their diet. A balanced diet during every lifestage will ensure a healthy coat, proper claw development, and most importantly, good cardiovascular health. Apart from your cat’s age, factors such as weight, health status, and pre-existing health conditions also impact nutritional needs.
Some signs of a malnourished cat are:
- A dull coat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lacking interest in its normal activities
- Low energy
- Refusing to eat
- Weight loss
- Muscular weakness
- Lack of grooming
- Dry, scaly skin
Best cat food for kittens
When you consider that kittens can double in size during the first weeks of their lives, it makes sense that their diet should support this accelerated growth phase. To meet their high-energy needs, you should rather feed them three to four meals a day instead of only one. These meals should consist of food that provides them with fatty acids, fat, vitamins, a good portion of protein, amino acids, and minerals.
Kitten food specially formulated for this life stage is the best solution. Scientifically formulated for growing kittens, Feline Cuisine Kitten provides the correct balance between nutrient content and energy, ensuring they receive balanced nutrition and can grow into healthy adult cats.
Some of the foods you should avoid feeding your kitten include:
- Raw meat
- Raw eggs
- Raw fish
- Milk
Cat food transition
If you have not been feeding your kitten or cat the correct diet and are wondering how to transition a cat to a new food slowly, here are some guidelines:
The earlier, the better
Kittens adapt their diet with less difficulty than adult cats, who can get too accustomed to a specific flavour or texture of food.
Mix things up
If you want to introduce a new type of food, try mixing the new food with the current food. Slowly change the quantities over time by including more of the new food and less of the other.
Be patient
Cats can accept gradual change but can react negatively if it happens abruptly, so allow for 4 – 7 days for any cat food transition.
Best cat food for adult cats
Once your kitten reaches 12 months, they become an adult cat. Similar to kittens, cats mainly obtain their energy from protein digestion. Just like kittens, cats also require vitamins, minerals and fats over and above protein.
The difference from cat to cat will largely depend on their overall health and activity levels. As a cat owner, it is important to look out for signs of cat vitamin deficiency during adulthood. If you spot any of these physical symptoms, take your cat to the veterinarian for a check-up:
- Missing patches of fur
- Dry, scaly skin
- Caved in or concaved claws
Best cat food for senior cats
From 7 years onwards, an adult cat is considered a senior cat. Because their metabolism changes, adapt their diet to ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight and good mobility.
Should you notice your cat is struggling to jump, is moving less or has a less visible waistline, dietary adjustments need to be made to their diet. With reduced fat content and fresh meat for amino acid balance to build lean muscle, Feline Cuisine Specialised Diet Weight Management provides wholesome nourishment and the correct balance of nutrients.
References:
Feeding Kittens: What, When, How Much
Choosing The Right Diet For Your Kitten
Cat Nutrition – The Role Of Nutrition In Cat Health
Symptoms of malnutrition in cats