Lifestyle

Cat Care Guide – How to Choose the Right Cat Food?

“Perhaps one reason we are fascinated by cats is that such a small animal can contain so much independence, dignity, and freedom of spirit. Unlike the dog, the cat’s personality is never bet on a human’s. He demands acceptance on his own terms.”

  • Lloyd Alexander

Statista has revealed that the overall count of cats has crossed 370 million globally. So far, the researchers have found up to 38 unique cats residing in different corners of the world. Some of the most common and prevalent cat breeds are – Maine Coon, British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Bengal Cat, Persian Cat, Birman, Japanese Bobtail, Exotic Shorthair, and much more. 

No matter how much you preserve, cats often get in touch with some deadly health issues that often take their lives. Some of the most common health problems witnessed in cats include – fleas, consistent vomiting, eye problems, tapeworms, diarrhea, and FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease).

What is the major reason behind most health problems seen in cats?

Let’s face the truth; the market is overloaded with many harmful processed foods. However, a cat owner must intentionally go for the wrong product, but the false marketing tactics often make people choose the worse. Recently, a lot of research on the cat’s health and overall well-being revealed that wrong dietary changes and poor cat food selection have ended up as a major cause for several health problems in cats. 

Feeding cats with a well-balanced diet is correlated with regenerating their body tissues, strengthening muscles, and keeping their fur and claws healthy for years to come. This raises the need to choose the right food type for cats. And if you are a new cat owner, it becomes mandatory for you to surf through the process of buying and feeding your adequate cat food. 

Choosing cat’s food – 

Choosing the healthiest cat food can be challenging until you don’t understand the nutrient values a cat’s body requires. You need to be so concerned about your cat’s health because a cat requires the same kind of attention and care as a human infant does. 

Start this journey with learning some quick facts about cats like – they are carnivores which means their primary nutrient requirement is animal proteins. Cats experiencing wildlife (living in forests) often consume fishes, rodents, and birds. But when talking about a pet cat, they become more prone and habitual of nutritional diets. 

Understand what your cat requires the most – 

There are times when newbie cat owners feed cats the same food as they feed their children. Here, it is essential to understand that the nutrient requirements of a human kid and cats are different. If you are clueless about what they require the most, go for canned cat food containing fiber, protein, and enough fats for them to stay healthy. Here are some nutrient needs of a cat – 

Fats – Similar to a human body needs, cats require a good amount of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. With this, keep a check on fat consumption as too many fats can lead to excessive weight gain inviting many health problems. 

Proteins – Cats with muscle growth and weakness issues are recommended to go for high-quality protein consumption regularly. Good amounts of proteins encourage lean muscle growth in cats, making them stronger and much more active in physical activities. 

Water – You must have been listening about the importance of consuming water to remain healthy and fit. The same is the case with cats. They require plenty of clean and fresh water to stay in good shape. This is why the cat product supplies market is flooded with many automatic refilling machines making it easier for newbie cat owners to ensure sufficient water intake. 

Fiber – Cats do demand an adequate amount of fiber intake, which is often found in brown rice. It promotes good digestive health while helping to eliminate gastrointestinal issues in cats. Initially, cat owners may not find digestive issues as a major problem in cats, but it leads to many serious health concerns with time. 

When do the nutrient needs vary?

The nutrient intake and requirements of a cat’s body change with time and stages in their lives. For instance – the nutrient requirements of kitten and mom cats vary to a considerable extent. Kittens require more fat and proteins, whereas pregnant cats need omega-3 fats to deliver a healthy kitten. A good amount of fat intake helps to strengthen their lean muscles and supports them for kitten growth. 

What are the most common cat feeding problems?

The overall health and well-being of the cat depend on the food chosen and how you feed them. Cats tend to remain problematic when there is something wrong with the feeding pattern. Here, it’s necessary to be familiar with the feeding concerns at their best. Some of the most common feeding problems with cats are – 

  1. The overfeeding issues 
  2. Not enough water 
  3. Wrong milk intake 
  4. Food causing obesity 
  5. Not sticking to a type of cat food 

Besides these, there are many other cat dietary issues. Therefore, whenever you witness a usual response or activity in your cat’s behavior, consult a veterinarian immediately. 

When to see a veterinarian?

There are times when your cat may not respond even to the quality cat food. In such cases, it is important to see a veterinarian immediately. At times, cats find it difficult to adjust to the suddenly changed diet regime, which tends to create issues in pets. Therefore, it is essential to get their exact nutrient requirements checked and make necessary dietary adjustments accordingly.

Summing up – 

Cats are adorable pets who deserve your care and concern. The way they act adorably towards their master’s actions makes them a lovable option to have for a lifetime. Where many cat owners pay special attention to their lifestyle, some tend to neglect their dietary needs. This ends up in rising health issues, often taking away cat’s lives. Therefore, seeking details about selecting the cat’s food is mandatory to keep your notorious little kitten hail and hearty. 

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