Diet can be defined as the brick and motor of all living things, not just for humans but also for your pets. By putting some thought in what you feed your cat you can avoid serious and painful illnesses in the future. Feeding your cat a balanced and well prepared meal means that they get all the natural nutrition they need to life a full and healthy life. To ensure that you feed your cat the necessary nutrients it is important that you understand his or her dietary needs.
An obligate carnivore’s nutritional needs
Cats are quite different from dogs and humans in their nutritional needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, this means that cats are strict carnivores that usually rely on nutrients found in animal tissue so as to meet their nutritional needs. When in their natural habitats they are hunters and they consume prey that has high protein content with moderate amounts of fat and very little carbohydrates. They also require other nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids that are essential to their body. When it comes nutrients it is important to note that your cat needs just the correct amount. This means that you do not really need to feed your cat supplements because they have a unique metabolism.
Water
One thing that cat owners forget is that water is an important nutrient in the overall health of your cat. Water helps him or her regulate their body temperature, digest food as well as eliminate waste. Water is also essential in lubricating tissue and also allowing electrolytes to pass through the body. It is therefore essential that you ensure your cat has access to clean and fresh water at all times of the day.
Create an eating environment fit for your cat
While this does not mean that you have good music and candles lit it means that you cats require a relaxing dining environment. You should place the cat’s bowl in a quite area of the house that is away from the hustle in the house. If you have several cats it would be wise to have plenty feeding locations that ease the tension of the cats. If your cat is a choosy eater you can try different high quality feeds until you find one that she really likes.
Feeding an overweight cat
Obesity in cats is a very common problem especially in in cats just as it is in humans and it can be a detriment to the health of your cat. The excess weight adds stress on the body of the cat it increases the risk of diabetes, joint problem and liver problems. Obesity will develop when the energy intake exceeds the requirements and the excess is stores as fat. In most cases obesity will result from over feeding and lack of exercise. If your cat is obese, you should work with your veterinarian to determine the caloric intake requirements. They are professionals and they will assist you choose suitable food and also calculate how much to feed him or her.
While on the topic of feeding, remember that not eating can lead to serious medical problems. See a veterinarian near you to examine the cat if he refuses to eat or starts losing weight.