Cat is a carnivorous animal that needs a balanced diet that includes proteins, fibers and fats. The cats must eat animal tissues to keep it in good health in the long run. Proper diet for the cat can be planned by consulting a vet. There are many options available like, homemade food, canned food and diet supplements that fulfill the nutritional needs of a cat.
Most of the times, it is observed that the pet cats are overweight, because of which they have many diseases like diabetes, heart problems and arthritis. So a cat diet is a very crucial factor as far as cat care is concerned.
Dietary Needs of Cat
cat diet > should consist of proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and water. A proper diet accelerates total body development of a cat throughout its lifecycle. Vegetarian diet cannot fulfill the dietary needs of the cat.
Various Types of Cat Foods
Bones, intestine and other organs of prey: Cat receives proteins from the muscles of the prey and vitamins, minerals from the bones of the prey. Cat loves to eat meat. The meat is rich with Taurine and Arginine, the amino acids. The cats who are deficient to these amino acids suffer from reproductive problems, blindness, heart troubles and toxicosis.
Eggs, Meat and Fish: Egg, meat and fish are great source of protein. Protein is one of the main ingredients that help to produce antibodies, enzymes, tissues and hormones. Meat contains fatty acids, Linoleic and Arachidonic. Minerals are necessary for bone and muscle development of a cat. Minerals are important to achieve proper reflexes. Meat, fish and eggs are rich with minerals like Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc etc.
How to Select a Cat Food
As explained earlier, a cat needs a balanced diet. Most of the cat foods available in the market carry large percentage of carbohydrates too. Cats need very less carbohydrates. Consult a vet to choose the right cat food.
Homemade Food: You can feed your cat with homemade food. It turns out as one of the best solutions to reduce obesity in cats. Incorporate essential ingredients in proper proportion. Restrict the amount of carbohydrates.
Dry Food: Dry food helps to prevent dental problems in cats. The protein content in dry food is plant-based and not animal-based. So do not completely depend on dry food. As said earlier, put some dry food in the canned food to take care of dental health.
Canned Food: Canned food contains fewer calories and water in large quantity. So cat consumes less food and still gets the feeling of stomach fullness.
Tips about Feeding the Cat
Feed the cat with small quantities of food at various intervals
After every meal, water intake is essential
Cat prefers to eat the food that matches its own body temperature.
Do not feed junk, fried food, table wastes to the cat
Clean up the feces and vomits immediately, so that the cat wouldnt be a victim of cat illnesses like internal parasites.
Selecting proper, balanced cat food is a bit difficult. You have to revise the diet if your cat suffers from illnesses like obesity, internal parasites, kidney trouble etc.
Proper cat diet, exercise and grooming keep the cat healthy.
