Whether you've recently adopted a kitten or have an older cat, you have probably gone online to learn about cat nutrition. Here at North Powers Animal Hospital, we know that nutrition is a cornerstone to keeping your cat healthy. We want you to have the facts about your cat's nutritional needs. We're glad you found us, and we hope this resource contains the information you need.
If your cat needs a highly trained and compassionate veterinarian in Colorado Springs, CO, you've come to the right place. From getting your cat on a healthy diet to ensuring their ever-evolving nutritional needs are met throughout their life, we'll be by your side every step of the way. Call us today at (719) 212-1857 to schedule an appointment.
How does nutrition impact the health and well-being of my cat?
Nutrition impacts all aspects of your cat's health. Without the proper vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and proteins, your cat's health will suffer. Some diseases can even be prevented by ensuring that your cat eats a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Think about how you feel when you don't eat right. It's the same for your feline friend — even though cats are masters of hiding when they don't feel well. High-quality nutrition is the foundation for overall good health. An occasional treat is fine, but otherwise, your cat's diet should consist of high-quality cat food.
What are the nutritional requirements for a cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require specific nutrients that can only be found in animal tissues. Because they cannot produce it themselves, they need an amino acid called taurine. This nutrient is vital for heart health. Their nutritional requirements include a diet high in protein, essential amino acids, fats, vitamins, minerals, and proper hydration. Protein should be the primary source of daily calories, while essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 must also be provided through the diet. Carbohydrates should only be given in small amounts as cats primarily utilize protein and fats for energy, but are necessary for proper function of muscles and the brain. Vitamins and minerals are also essential for their health and must be provided through their diet.
As your cat's veterinarian, we strongly recommend feeding them high-quality commercial cat food. Homemade and raw cat food diets often do not meet feline nutritional needs. The best cat food manufacturers follow the standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and work with veterinary nutritionists to ensure their products are safe and nutritionally complete.
In addition to healthy cat food, your feline friend needs water. Unfortunately, cats naturally do not drink much water, even though they need it for urinary tract health and to remain hydrated. You can encourage your cat to drink more by setting up a water fountain and adding water to their wet food.
Will my cat's nutritional requirements change throughout their life as a kitten, adult, and senior cat?
Cats go through different life stages, and their dietary requirements change as they age. In order to provide them with the best possible nutrition, it is important to understand these changes and adjust their diets accordingly. Kittens require high-protein diets with essential amino acids for growth and development. Junior cats still have high energy levels and require a balanced diet to maintain their growth. Senior cats may experience changes in metabolism, activity level, and energy requirements. As your pet ages, they may require special diets to address age-related health issues, such as kidney disease or weight management.
Adult cat food comes in many different formulas to address things like:
- Kidney disease
- Hairballs
- Sensitive stomachs
- Food allergies
As your cat's veterinarian, we can advise you on which formula best suits their needs.
Cats' nutritional needs change again when they enter their senior years. They may need more protein or omega-3 fatty acids as they get older. However, calorie needs tend to decrease as senior and geriatric cats are usually less active than their younger counterparts. You may also need to increase or decrease their intake of certain vitamins and minerals in response to health issues. Again, we are here to help you make sure your cat is getting the proper nutrition at all life stages.
What are some signs and symptoms of poor cat nutrition in my cat?
The quality of your cat's coat tells you a lot about their health. If it's dull, dry, greasy, or appears unkempt, it could be a sign of poor nutrition.
Other signs of poor nutrition in cats include:
- Urinary issues
- Diarrhea
- Dry, hard stool or constipation
- Frequent vomiting
- Skin disorders
- Hair loss
- Muscle loss
- Abnormal skin pigmentation
These symptoms are also associated with a range of other health problems. For this reason, it's crucial to have your cat evaluated if they display any concerning symptoms that do not clear up on their own within a day or so.
What are some common food allergies in cats, and how can I tell if my cat is suffering from one?
Food allergies in cats occur when their immune system reacts adversely to a particular protein found in their food, even if it is the same food they have eaten for years. The most common food allergens associated with cat allergies are to the protein source in their foods, including beef, fish, chicken, and dairy products.
Cats who have food allergies experience symptoms like:
- Vomiting shortly after eating
- Chronic diarrhea
- Skin problems
- Itchiness
- Hair loss
- Ear infections
The best way to determine whether your cat is allergic to an ingredient is with a vet-supervised food trial using a prescription hydrolyzed diet. Designed to be hypoallergenic, a hydrolyzed diet trial can help identify food allergies, and can even be used to evaluate for specific allergens. Hydrolyzed diets may also be helpful in treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, by calming down the reactivity of the GI tract.
When it comes to cat food, what and how much should I be feeding them?
Your cat's caloric needs vary depending on their life stage, activity level, and current weight, as well as their individual metabolism. We are here to help you calculate how much food your cat needs each day based on these factors. As experienced veterinarians, we are also familiar with the best commercial cat food brands and can assist you in choosing the right one for your pet.
Dry cat food should make up the majority of your cat's diet. We also recommend including some wet cat food in their diet since it has higher moisture content and helps cats stay hydrated. Because cats evolved from desert animals, they lack a strong thirst drive. Keeping canned cat food in your feline friend's diet is an excellent way to help them stay hydrated and prevent kidney problems.
In the wild, cats eat 10 to 20 small meals throughout the day. This is pretty tough for the average pet parent to keep up with, but there are ways to enrich feeding time for your cat.
Make mealtime more enjoyable for your cat by:
- Feeding them several small meals throughout the day using an auto-feeder
- Placing food in hunter or feeder toys
- Hiding small portions of food in various places
- Using food puzzles
Though it's convenient to do, we recommend not leaving an unlimited bowl of food out for your cat to graze on as they please. Having free access to food is a common cause of obesity and makes it nearly impossible to monitor how much your cat is eating each day. Cats tend to have a drive to want to eat when they pass by the food bowl, as it is a visual reminder cue for mealtime. Putting their food bowls in a less highly traveled area of your house can reduce begging behaviors, and also may help to reduce the urge to over-graze throughout the day. Encouraging your cat to "hunt" for their food after a short play session also helps fulfill their needs to catch and kill their prey, providing mental stimulation and can decrease boredom related behavior issues.
If you would like more information, the Cornell Feline Health Center is also an excellent resource for learning more about cat nutrition.
At North Powers Animal Hospital, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (719) 212-1857, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!