What should you be feeding your cat

By Charlotte Vincent
22 Jun 2023
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Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to survive. Their diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. A balanced diet will provide your cat with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Protein: Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, as well as for other bodily functions such as blood clotting and hormone production.
Fat: Fat is a source of energy and essential fatty acids, which are important for the skin, coat, and immune system.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy, but cats do not need as many carbohydrates as humans do.
Vitamins and minerals: Cats need a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, and some of the most important nutrients for cats include taurine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and iron.

Where can you source these ingredients?

Protein

Cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or fish
Eggs
Cottage cheese
Yogurt
Tuna or salmon (in moderation)

Carbohydrates

Brown rice
Oatmeal
Lentils
Peas

Fats

Fish oil
Flaxseed oil
Olive oil
Peanut butter

Maintaining a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet will help your cat significantly when it comes to their general health and aid in the prevention of any further health-related problems. Here are some of the reasons why your cat needs a balanced diet:

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a major health problem in cats, and it can lead to several other health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
To prevent health problems such as obesity, kidney disease, and heart disease.
A healthy diet is essential for a shiny coat, as the nutrients they need to keep their coat healthy and looking its best will be provided.
To help your cat have the energy they need to play and explore.

What food do you choose?

When choosing food for your feline friend, it is a good idea to look for food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. You should also avoid foods that contain artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. Feed your cat a variety of foods to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need and make sure they always have access to clean and fresh drinking water at all times. However, you must remember to not overfeed your cat or provide human foods as obesity is a major health problem and can lead to further risks later on.

What food to avoid!

It is important to avoid giving your cat any of the following foods, as they can be harmful:

Raw meat or fish
Cooked bones
Avocado
Grapes or raisins
Chocolate
Onions or garlic
Milk or dairy products (Many cats are lactose intolerant)
Caffeine
Sugar

If you are unsure about what to feed your cat, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you create a diet that is tailored to your cat's individual needs. For more information on feeding your cat, visit Cats Protection.