Feeding Your Cat

It is very important for your kitten or cat to develop good eating habits at a young age. The kitten is separated from its mother at 7-8 weeks of age when it is able to feed independently. The weaning process starts from as young as 4-5 weeks of age when the kitten becomes accustomed to new tastes and textures of food. This time of weaning is a gradual process to avoid digestive upsets. Dairy products are not recommended (milk, cheese, chocolate, ice cream, etc.) as they may cause diarrhea and skin itch in some kittens and cats. We recommend 80% commercial canned food and 20% finely cut meat scraps be given to the kitten until it is 3 months old, then larger meat chunks can be added to the entice the kitten to use its teeth and exercise its jaw muscles.

Cats don't drink much water and get most of their requirements from the canned food they eat. They, however, favor very fresh or even running water, which of course must be available at all times.

It is difficult to recommend a volume of food to feed since it would vary depending upon the amount of exercise, metabolism and desexed status of each cat. However, we do recommend twice a day feeding with uneaten food taken away after 10 minutes. This is called ration feeding and fosters a very good feeding routine which is essential for the control of outdoor activities of cats and fussy eating habits.

A cat's digestive system works best when it receives the same food each day. Although humans crave variety in their diet, cats do not. Feeding different cat foods can turn a cat into a finicky eater. Avoid feeding table scraps, as they can upset the nutrient balance provided by the cat's regular food, and may lead to obesity. The best way to feed a cat is to feed only one cat food exclusively.

Your cat also be given healthy treats, such as those offered from Sassy Treats. Sassy Treats was conceived in August 2001 as a result of a lack in the Australian market place of tasty treats and truly nutritious meals for cats. All Sassy Treats are hand-made organic and natural with no preservatives and no artificial flavours. Sassy Treats are 100% delectable. If your cat suffers from skin allergies and is sensitive to preservatives, Sassy Treats are what you're looking for. They even have a gluten-free selection. Sassy Treats come in different flavours and sizes, because, like us, cats have unique tastes. Even the fussiest pet will find a Sassy Treat just right for them. If you have any enquiries or would to like to place an order for Sassy Treats, please call 02 9356 2509 or visit their website at http://www.sassytreats.com.au.

Introducing New Foods
Serve foods at room temperature, as this is closer to what they would get without human interference. Many cats have become addicted to pet foods given as kittens; other cats do not accept a new diet purely because they are not hungry; some cats go crazy just hearing the can opening. Under such circumstances, the body's natural instinct for selecting a healthy, balanced diet is diminished.

When changing your cat's food, it is best to do so over a 7-10 day period. Mix the new food at a gradually increasing amount in with the current food at a gradually decreasing amount. This not only gives your cat time to get used to the new taste, but also gives its digestive system time to adjust.

Nutrition
A complete and balanced diet is crucial for the development of a healthy and happy cat. Kittens and adult cats require a diet made up of meat proteins, vegetables and cereals to obtain all the essential nutrients. There is no need for vitamin or mineral supplements if your cat is receiving the right diet.

Many cats in the community are overweight, which can lead to other health problems, so try not to overfeed your cat. You should be able to easily feel your cat's ribs with light pressure. If not, then your cat is overweight!

Teeth problems are common with cats fed solely on canned foods, which do not exercise the teeth and gums adequately. Dry food or larger pieces of fresh meat to chew are added together with Turbobooster mixed into the canned food

Copyright © 2002 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved.