How does nutrition impact the health and well-being of my cat?
Nutrition is crucial for cats as it affects most of their body systems. Ensuring your cat is on the right diet and receives proper nutrition is vital for their long-term health.
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What are the nutritional requirements for a cat?
Cats have numerous nutritional requirements. The most essential ones include meat and a high protein diet (or at least moderate protein diets), as long as they don't meet any restrictions. Hence, feeding them an appropriate life stage cat food is important for their long-term health.
Will my cat's nutritional requirements change throughout their life as a kitten, adult, or senior cat?
Yes, kittens, adult cats, and senior cats all have different nutritional requirements. As cats age, their diets need to adjust to accommodate restrictions on minerals, proteins, and other elements their kidneys can't handle anymore. Changing their diet according to their life stage ensures they remain healthy and have a good quality of life as long as possible.
What are some signs and symptoms of poor cat nutrition?
Poor cat nutrition can manifest in several ways such as lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, poor hair coat, and behavioral changes or changes to their weight. It's sometimes difficult to tell if a cat is losing weight, so it's important to regularly monitor your cat’s weight.
What are some common food allergies in cats and how can I tell if my cat is suffering from them?
Food allergies in cats can be challenging to diagnose. However, since most cat food is chicken, fish, or poultry-based, cats may develop a hypersensitivity to poultry or fish. These allergies can result in ear infections, chronic skin infections, and gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea.
When it comes to cat food, what and how should I be feeding them?
Ideally, cats should be on a feeding schedule so that you're aware of how much and when they're eating. You can leave dry food out all the time. Since cats are hunters, they enjoy hunting for their food. Hence, hiding their kibble in toys or giving them lick mats can be beneficial. However, it's important to monitor their diet and ensure they're eating everything you put out for them.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Nutrition - FAQs 1
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
How do I know what foods are toxic to cats?
a wide range of things can be toxic to cats, most of which are human foods. The ASPCA Poison Control has a comprehensive list of toxic substances for cats.
Can I feed my cat human food?
Yes, you can, but in moderate quantities. Human food or treats should not make up more than 10% of their diet. Always consult with your veterinarian or check the Pet Poison Control website to ensure the food is safe for your cat.
How do I know if the food I'm giving my cat is making him sick?
If your cat is vomiting, has diarrhea, a poor hair coat, or exhibits behavioral changes after a food change, it's essential to get them examined by a vet. Cats can easily hide disease, and sometimes a food problem can reveal an unrelated health issue.
Can changing my cat's diet suddenly cause harm?
Sudden diet changes can sometimes be tolerated by cats, but not always. If a diet change results in diarrhea, the transition should be stretched out over seven days. Gradually replace the old food with the new one to minimize potential issues.
How does an elimination diet work?
An elimination diet is used to determine if your cat has a hypersensitivity to a particular diet. We feed them a hypoallergenic prescription diet until they're perfectly healthy, then gradually reintroduce potential allergens like chicken or fish. If they react negatively to any of these foods, we'll know what they're allergic to.
How do I know if my cat has eaten something toxic to him?
Cats are quite good at indicating when they've eaten something harmful, often through vomiting. We also look for diarrhea and neurological signs. Any abnormal behavior, dietary changes, or changes in appetite should be checked out by a vet to rule out toxicity.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Nutrition - FAQs 2
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
Can my cat live on a vegetarian diet?
No, cats cannot live on a vegetarian diet. They are obligate carnivores, which means they require the protein found in meat for survival.
Is wet food more nutritious than dry cat food?
Most cats don't drink a lot of water, which can lead to dehydration. Wet cat food helps maintain hydration. A combination of wet and dry food is usually the best option, unless your cat requires a specific diet.
Are prescription diets better for my cat?
If your cat has a medical issue, your vet may prescribe a diet specific to that condition. However, if your cat doesn't need a prescription diet, these can be restrictive in certain nutrients. Always consult your vet about your cat's diet.
If my outdoor cat hunts, does that mean he's missing something in his diet?
No, hunting is part of a cat's natural behavior, whether they are indoor or outdoor cats. It doesn't indicate a deficiency in their diet, it's simply a part of being a cat.
Will human food make my cat overweight?
Cats tend to become overweight due to lack of exercise and overfeeding, not necessarily because of the type of food they eat. It's the amount of food and lack of a feeding schedule that often leads to weight gain.
Will free choice feeding my cat make them overweight?
Free choice feeding can cause issues depending on the type of cat food. Scheduled feeding is more ideal as it allows for portion control and ensures the cat is eating the right food.
What are some other myths about cat nutrition that you hear as a veterinarian?
A common myth is that cats can eat raw meat or survive on a vegetarian diet, which they cannot. Another misconception is that cats need a high protein diet throughout their lives. In reality, kittens need high protein, adult cats need moderate protein, and senior cats need lower proteins. Feeding a high protein diet throughout a cat's life can put stress on their kidneys.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Nutrition - FAQs 3
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What is the best type of food to offer kittens?
Kittens should be provided with a well-balanced, good quality kitten food. A combination of canned and dry food is recommended to ensure they have a variety in their diet. However, the emphasis should be on the quality of the kitten food.
What about adult cats?
For healthy adult cats without any medical conditions, a regular maintenance adult cat diet is suitable. This applies whether they're indoor or outdoor cats, or prone to hairball situations. However, if there are any dietary restrictions or a need for a specific prescription diet, it's crucial to prioritize a balanced, good quality adult cat food.
What about senior cats?
Senior cats do have specific requirements. As they age, their dietary needs may change and they may require a prescription diet. There are senior maintenance diets available that are more restricted in some elements that senior cats don't require. Regular blood work is also vital to monitor for any potential kidney problems or other age-related issues. This will help determine if a prescription diet is needed.
Between dry food, wet food, or a combination of both, which one is the best for cats?
I'd recommend a combination. Cats don't usually drink a lot of water and they tend to be on the edge of dehydration most of the time. Including wet food in their diet can help them get the extra moisture they're missing from their other meals. For cats with urinary problems or kidney issues, an all-wet food diet may be more beneficial.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram