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FEEDING YOUR CAT………

 

When you go to your local supermarket or pet shop you will be faced by an aisle full of cat food. The selection can be overwhelming so what do you buy to feed your cat? (and will your cat eat it this week?)

 

Just like humans, cats need a balanced diet with a good supply of nutrients to keep them fit and healthy. Commercial cat food is either classified as complete or complementary.

 

A complete food will provide all the necessary nutrients and in the right balance so that no other food needs to be added.

 

A complementary food must be combined with other foods to give the right amount of nutrients.

 

 

Whichever food you decide on you must still supply your cat with a supply of water to drink which must be changed daily.

 

If you have adopted your cat it is wise to give it the same food that it has been used to as a change of diet could lead to an upset stomach which would be stressful to the cat and also to you! New foods can be slowly introduced over a period of 3 - 5 days.

 

Your cat is a carnivore and must have certain amino acids that can only be found in meat. It cannot be fed on dog food as a cat needs higher protein levels than dogs and the balance is not suitable for a cats' digestive system, nor will it provide your cat with all the nutrients it needs.

 

You can feed your cat on wet or dry food or a mixture of both. Wet food is available in tins or pouches and in a variety of flavours so if your cat is a fussy eater this may be the preferred choice.