Taking care of your cat is a responsibility that cannot be carried out half-heartedly if you are truly concerned about your furry companion’s wellbeing.
Providing it with basic needs like food and shelter requires an adequate amount of research to make sure you’re going about things the right way. It’s important to take note of your cat’s particular needs when it comes to improving its quality of life.
Some healthy and nutritious ways to treat your cat include:
Vitamin supplement chews and bites
Like any other pet, cats love being treated to morsels of delicious treats every now and then to go with their daily diet. Giving them health-based chews and bites can kill two birds with one stone, boosting their immune system while offering an enjoyable treat in the process. Nutritious treats by Scruffy Paws come with a variety of benefits, including vitamin supplements, liver revitalization, and dental care.
It’s important to make sure that you don’t overdo it with the amount of treats offered. Cats can be picky with what they eat, and if they get too used to the treats, they could start refusing their regular cat food.
As good as nutrient-rich treats are, they cannot act as a direct replacement for regular meals. One or two bites a day is more than enough for the supplements to take effect.
Don’t try to force foreign diets
Humans are omnivores, meaning we can survive on a sole diet of fruits and vegetables if we prefer. Cats are not the same, and have a delicate system that requires various nutrients to stay healthy. Trying to place them on a strictly vegan meal, for example, can have a severe impact on their health because they need meat to survive.
Some foods are also toxic to cats and should be avoided. Despite the stereotype, giving your cat milk and other dairy products is a no-no as they’re lactose intolerant. You should also avoid food with onions and garlic, and any meat provided should be cooked to stay on the safe side.
Canned foods vs. kibble
There are two primary options available when it comes to commercial cat diets, canned foods and kibble. As mentioned earlier, cats have delicate dietary needs, and it’s difficult to sufficiently meet those requirements on a regime of kibble. Dry cat foods are generally low in water and excessive in carbohydrates. Wet foods offer a more nutritious option in terms of a balanced diet.
The quality of the brand chosen can also play a significant role in the nutritious value of the meals provided. Cheaper options are unlikely to use quality ingredients or even ensure a proper balanced diet is maintained. High quality canned food will help you save money on vet bills in the long run, as well as enhance your cat’s quality of life.
A good way to identify quality brands is by looking for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on a pet food label.
The statement approves that the food contains a healthy and balanced diet in accordance with your cat’s nutritional needs. Learning how to understand the information on a label also helps you judge whether a certain brand meets your cat’s particular dietary requirements.
Manage the amount provided
It’s essential to ensure that you don’t overfeed your cat during meals to avoid health complications connected to obesity. Fat cats are prone to several diseases that can impact their overall quality of life. You need to manage the amount you feed your cat on a daily basis and not just choose a bowl and fill it to the brim.
Feeding your cat twice a day is sufficient to maintain its dietary needs. Anything more than that can be considered excessive. The amount of food required will also depend on various issues like your cat’s age, size, weight, and whether she is pregnant or nursing a litter. High-quality foods require lesser amounts per serving to meet your furry friend’s dietary needs.
Encourage hydration
Water is a vital element of any balanced diet and it’s crucial that your pawed companion drinks enough water to cater to their dietary needs.
If your cat is on the main diet of dry foods, then it’s even more important to ensure that they drink lots of water to make up for its absence in their meals. Keeping a bowl of water next to its eating bowl will offer a lasting source of hydration to cater to its needs.
It’s also important to ensure that the water provided is clean to avoid your cat from potentially suffering from an upset stomach. The water provided should be changed regularly, at least twice a day on a minimum.
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