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Nutrition for your Cat

Cats are true carnivores and so require a high percentage of their diet as raw meat on the bone. Raw chicken wings, rabbit pieces or chunks of various meats provide a wholesome diet similar to their natural diet whilst keeping their teeth clean and fresh smelling! Premium dry foods diets are a convenient addition to the diet and some are designed to enhance dental health as well. Canned foods are not essential and sometimes detract from an ideal diet by replacing healthier alternatives.
Prescription diets are available for cats diagnosed with urinary, kidney and intestinal problems as well as for diabetic, allergic and overweight cats.
Beware of allowing addictions to develop to single foods eg supermarket dry foods, liver or fish, as there are associated health risks. Breaking such habits can be difficult. Feeding your kitten pieces of raw meat on the bone best prevents fussy eating habits. Kittens require a complete diet and can develop a serious weakness of the bones if fed a meat only diet. Meaty bones or a balanced premium kitten food, will supply the minerals they need for healthy development. Never feed bones that have been cooked. It is not necessary to cook your cat’s meat, in fact raw meat is nutritionally superior for cats.
Cats’ requirement for the amino acid taurine means they cannot live on dog food alone.
Fish should be restricted to less than 10% of the diet.
Milk should be restricted and preferably lactose–free.
Kittens under 12 weeks need to be fed 3-4 times daily. From 3-6 months, feed 2-3 times daily. Thereafter, 1-2 meals a day is sufficient. Ad-lib feeding or overfeeding can result in obesity and increased risk of diabetes and arthritis.

Next: Grooming your cat



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Disclaimer: The information on this website is of a general nature only and in no way should replace a visit to the vet with your animal.
If your animal is unwell, please phone us for an appointment.

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