Pet Care

Proper nutrition is extremely important to the health of your cat. For expert nutrition information on your particular cat, please see your veterinarian.

Feeding Your Feline Friend

If you have any specific questions regarding the care and feeding of your cat, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

Choosing what to feed your cat is one of the most important decisions you will ever make as a pet owner. Proper nutrition will help your cat lead an active, healthy and happy life, while improper nutrition can lead to obesity and other problems.

Your cat’s age is probably the most important factor governing the type of food it should be fed.

Kittens require more protein and calories than adult cats and typically need to be fed three to four times a day. When choosing kitten food, make sure you select a name-brand food that is specifically labeled for kittens.

Adult cats need to be fed according to their lifestyles. Active cats will need a higher caloric intake than sedentary cats. Adult cats typically need to be fed twice a day. Measured feeding, rather than “free” feeding, is typically recommended. Free feeding can lead to obesity and indigestion. Observe your pet—if it seems to be overweight or underweight, you should consult your veterinarian and consider a change in its diet.

Aging cats often need special nutritional attention. Your vet may suggest certain supplements to combat age-related issues. Additionally, if your cat suffers from hairballs, skin irritations or other nutrition-related issues, you can choose food that is specifically formulated to combat these problems.

Read the label. Pet food manufacturers are required by law to list their ingredients in order of quantity, from high to low. If it sounds suspicious, it probably is.

When considering how much to feed your cat, first read the cat food label and follow its suggestions. But remember—this is only a guideline. Observe your cat’s weight and make adjustments accordingly.

Don’t forget—as is the case with all animals, your cat needs access to clean, fresh water at all times!