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Food
Dry food has long been recommended as a staple diet for cats, but it is important to understand its drawbacks. While convenient, dry food is not a natural food source and often contains additives and unnatural ingredients. Cats tend to eat until they are full, and dry food, with its higher calorie and carbohydrate content, can lead to overeating. Cats are obligate carnivores, deriving their nutrients from animal sources, and while they can handle some plant matter, they should not be turned into omnivores. Supplementing their diet with small amounts of carbohydrates is acceptable.
The belief that dry food is better for cats has been propagated by manufacturers, who often add corn and grains to the products, suggesting that these ingredients are essential for cats. However, excessive amounts of these additives can be detrimental to a cat's health.
Kidney disease is a leading cause of mortality in cats, often stemming from a lack of water intake. Cats have a low thirst drive, and although they may drink when consuming dry food, they typically do not consume enough liquid for their health. A cat's natural prey consists of approximately 75% water, while canned and raw foods have similar water content. On the other hand, dry foods generally contain only around 10% water. It is evident that canned or raw foods are crucial for maintaining a healthy cat.
Cats require a high level of animal protein in their diet. Plant protein differs from meat protein and cannot be substituted.
Taurine, an essential amino acid for cats, can only be found in meat products. Canned foods should contain a recommended level of 2000mg/kg or 0.2%. Other vitamins and minerals should also be included. Preservatives, coloring, and additional flavors in cat food serve the preferences of the consumer rather than the cat. If it smells and tastes good to humans, they are more likely to purchase it.
Finding cat foods that have an ideal balance of nutrients is challenging. Many diets focus on high protein and moisture content with low carbohydrates but may lack sufficient taurine or vitamin B complex. In such cases, it is advisable to provide other canned foods that are higher in these areas. Varying the meats, such as beef, chicken, and fish, can also provide different amounts of vitamins, minerals, and oils.
When it comes to cat food, it is essential to prioritize quality over quantity. Cheap cat foods often contain undesirable ingredients such as "meat," "by-products," "bone meal," or "animal digest." Chemical preservatives like "BHA," "BHT," "ethoxyquin," and "propyl gallate" should be avoided as they have raised concerns regarding their impact on cats' health. Canned foods are necessary for increasing the intake of essential minerals like calcium, vital for building healthy bones and teeth.
High-energy food is suitable for cats with high energy levels. However, it may not be beneficial for a sedentary cat. It is important to match the cat's energy requirements with its food.
Contrary to popular belief, neither dry food nor canned food is particularly beneficial for a cat's dental health. Dry food is hard and crisp, which goes against a cat's natural teeth-cleaning behavior of tearing at meat. Regular brushing and rinsing of a cat's teeth are recommended.
There are two methods of feeding cats: leaving food out all the time or having scheduled meal times. Leaving dry food out constantly is not appropriate, so scheduled meal times are preferable. Feeding cats two to four times a day, depending on the owner's availability, allows for better portion control. Automatic feeders with timers can also be a convenient option.
Treats
Treats are often given to cats for various reasons, but it is important to be cautious. Overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets, as treats can be used as a substitute for attention and exercise. Spending quality time with the cat through interactive play or grooming is a more rewarding alternative. Treats should not be used to compensate for a perceived lack of appetite during meal times.
Sterilization
Sterilization or neutering does not directly cause weight gain in cats. However, the decrease in roaming behavior and activity level in altered cats can lead to slower metabolism. Altered cats require approximately 20-25% fewer calories.
Breed
Some cat breeds naturally have slimmer body types, such as Siamese and Domestic Shorthair cats, which are better at maintaining healthy body conditions compared to larger breeds. Pedigree cats tend to be fitter than non-pedigree cats.
Age
Cats are more likely to become overweight between the ages of two and twelve years. Younger cats have higher metabolism and energy levels, while older cats tend to eat less and may become leaner.
Indoor/ Outdoor cat
Indoor cats face several factors that contribute to weight gain. Lack of stimulation and reduced exercise opportunities indoors can lead to a slower metabolism. Providing engaging toys and spending interactive time with the cat can help mitigate these challenges. Indoor cats are also more prone to receiving excessive treats.
People in the house
The number of people in a house can affect a cat's weight. More people often result in more treat offerings and potential confusion about whether the cat has been fed. It is important to communicate with other household members to ensure the cat's feeding routine remains consistent.
Disabilities
Disabilities in either humans or pets can impact exercise and playtime. It is crucial to find alternative ways to keep disabled cats mentally stimulated and physically active.
Neighbors
Cat-friendly neighbors may unintentionally contribute to a cat's weight gain by providing treats or extra meals. To prevent this, it may be helpful to attach a visible tag to the cat, requesting neighbors not to feed it or indicating that the cat has specific dietary needs.
In conclusion, being mindful of these factors can help cat owners maintain a healthy weight for their feline companions, promoting their overall well-being and longevity.
