Contents:

1. Why is proper nutrition for your cat so important?

2. Dry or wet food – which is better for your cat?

   • Benefits of wet food

   • Benefits of dry food

3. How often to feed a cat depending on age?

4. The best cat food – how to choose it?

5. Homemade cat food – is it a good idea?

6. What a cat should not eat - a list of prohibited products

7. Diet for a cat after sterilization – what to pay attention to?

8. BARF diet for cats - raw meat in a bowl

9. Feeding a Cat with Health Problems and Allergies

10. How to support your cat's health with supplements and vitamins?

Why is proper nutrition for your cat so important?

Feeding your cat isn’t just about filling their bowl—it’s a fundamental pillar of their physical and mental health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies need specific nutrients that are only found in animal products.

Consequences of a poor diet:

• kidney and liver diseases,

• skin problems and brittle coat,

• obesity, diabetes,

• weakened immunity and apathy.

Proper nutrition supports the cat's natural defense mechanisms and helps avoid many diseases.

Dry or wet food – which is better for your cat?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among caregivers. Both forms of feeding have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best solution is often to combine them wisely .

Advantages of wet food:

• contains about 70–80% water – hydrates the cat,

• more similar to the natural diet of a predator,

• usually contains less carbohydrates,

• is better tolerated by sensitive stomachs.

Advantages of dry food:

• convenient to store and serve,

• good for teeth (although it is a myth that it "cleans teeth"),

• economical,

• available in various specialized variants.

Best practices suggest that your cat should have a diet based primarily on wet food, with dry food being provided as a supplement – ​​for example, in interactive toys or when the caregiver is away.

How often to feed a cat depending on age?

A cat's nutritional needs change with age:

Kittens (up to 1 year old):

• intensive growth, high energy demand,

• feeding 4–5 times a day ,

• It is best to use "kitten" food, rich in calories, fat and calcium.

Adult cats (1–7 years):

• feeding 2–3 times a day ,

• keeping regular meal times helps maintain weight,

• Portion control is key – most cats tend to overeat.

Seniors (over 7 years old):

• smaller portions, but more often – 3–4 times a day,

• an easily digestible diet that supports kidney and joint functions,

• it is worth choosing food for older cats, enriched with glucosamine and antioxidants.

The best cat food – how to choose it?

Choosing the right food is often a challenge. Advertisements can be misleading – not every “food with chicken” contains valuable meat. Here’s what to look for:

Composition:

• meat or offal should come first (not "animal products"),

• no grains and artificial colors,

• added taurine, vitamins and minerals.

Energy value:

• too high-calorie food leads to obesity,

• good foods provide information about their energy value (kcal/100g).

Certificates and opinions:

• check whether the manufacturer complies with FEDIAF nutritional standards,

• Online caregivers' opinions and veterinarian recommendations are a valuable source of knowledge.

Homemade cat food – is it a good idea?

Some owners choose to prepare their own meals for their cat. While this may seem like a more natural solution, it comes with a lot of responsibility .

What does a cat need in a home diet?

• muscle meat (e.g. turkey, rabbit, beef),

• offal (liver, hearts, stomachs),

• animal fat,

• appropriate supplements (taurine, calcium, vitamins, oils).

Without supplements, the diet will be deficient , which can lead to deficiencies after just a few weeks. Example: lack of taurine leads to blindness and heart disease.

It is always a good idea to consult a veterinary dietitian before switching to home feeding.

What a cat should not eat - a list of prohibited products

Some products from our kitchen are extremely dangerous for cats. Even a small amount can cause severe symptoms or lead to death.

List of prohibited products:

• onions (onion, garlic, chives) – cause anemia,

• chocolate and cocoa – contain theobromine, which is toxic to cats,

• grapes and raisins – toxic to the kidneys,

• alcohol and caffeine – strong toxins for the nervous system,

• poultry bones – break easily, may damage the esophagus or intestines,

• cow's milk – most cats are lactose intolerant,

• leftovers from dinner – spices, salt and fats are not suitable for animals.

It is worth educating household members, especially children, not to feed your cat "human food".

Diet for a cat after sterilization – what to pay attention to?

Sterilization is an important step, but also a time when you need to change your approach to diet . Caloric demand decreases, and the risk of overweight and urinary problems increases.

What should good food for a sterilized cat contain?

• lower fat content,

• a higher proportion of fiber – gives a feeling of satiety,

• supplements supporting the urinary tract (e.g. cranberry, DL-methionine).

It is also good to increase your cat’s activity – for example, through interactive toys, climbing and obstacle courses.

BARF diet for cats - raw meat in a bowl

The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet involves feeding your cat raw meat, offal, and bones, similar to the diet of a wild predator. Although controversial, it has many supporters.

Benefits of the BARF diet:

• full control over the quality of ingredients,

• no preservatives, fillers and artificial additives,

• improving the condition of coat, teeth and overall health.

Disadvantages and risks:

• risk of bacterial infections (e.g. Salmonella),

• difficulty in balancing trace elements,

• the need for regular supplementation.

The BARF diet should only be implemented under the supervision of a specialist , and the meat must come from a reliable source.

Feeding a Cat with Health Problems and Allergies

Cats, like humans, can suffer from food intolerances and chronic diseases that require a specialized diet.

Food allergies:

• most often caused by protein (e.g. chicken, beef),

• symptoms: itching, diarrhea, vomiting, hair loss,

• solution: elimination diet , mono-protein food or hydrolysates.

Chronic diseases:

• kidney disease – low protein food, limited in phosphorus,

• diabetes - low-carbohydrate food,

• liver diseases – easily digestible diet with the addition of hepatoprotectors.

Any dietary changes should be consulted with your veterinarian . Some medicated foods are available only by prescription.

How to support your cat's health with supplements and vitamins?

Supplements can help balance your cat's diet, especially if it is homemade, raw, or veterinary.

Most popular supplements:

• taurine – absolutely essential in a cat's diet,

• omega-3 (e.g. salmon oil) – supports skin, coat and brain,

• probiotics and prebiotics – for healthy intestinal microflora,

• calcium and phosphorus – especially in the BARF diet,

• vitamins A, D, E and B-complex – support the nervous system and immunity.

However, you should not overdo it – an excess of vitamins (hypervitaminosis) can be just as dangerous as a lack of them. Supplements should be selected individually to the health condition and diet of the cat.

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