Does your feline buddy have you trained to feed her whenever she meows? Many cats have their humans more or less wrapped around their paws, especially when it comes to food. However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding cats. A local Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses kitty nutrition below.
Basics
Choosing cat food is more complicated than one may think, especially with every brand trying to promote their product as the best. Get into the habit of reading labels. Opt for brands that use mostly whole products, and list meat, fish, or poultry first and most frequently. It’s also important to choose a proper life-stage diet. A kitten has very different needs than a senior cat!
Dishes
Does your cat sometimes take her food out of her bowl and drop it on the floor? It’s very possible that Fluffy hates the feeling of her super-sensitive whiskers touching the sides of her dish. Offer your cat a wide dish that won’t irritate her whiskers.
Tastes
Has your cat ever begged for dinner, only to turn her nose up at what you offered her? We wouldn’t exactly be shocked if the answer to that question was a yes. There actually is a reason for this. In the wild, kitties always eat their prey fresh, and will turn their noses up at anything that smells even a little bit off.
Treats
Treats are purrfectly fine for cats to enjoy. Just don’t go overboard. Treats should only make up about 5 percent of your kitty’s daily caloric intake. Be sure to stick to safe options, like plain, cooked, boneless fish or poultry.
Unsafe Foods
Be careful not to give your pet anything that isn’t safe for her. While many cats will stay away from food that aren’t good for them, they will sometimes eat things if coaxed to. This is something to be careful of with little children, as they may try to share their snacks with their feline pals, not realizing that Fluffy can’t eat everything we can. Some dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives, meat on the bone; raw meat, dough, or yeast; dairy products; chocolate; caffeine; grapes, currants, and raisins; and anything containing xylitol.
Please contact us, your Cherry Hill, NJ vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your cat’s diet or care. We’re here to help!
