Creating a Feeding Schedule for Your Cat

 Understanding Your Cat's Nutritional Requirements

Since they are obligate carnivores by nature, meat should be the primary constituent of their diet. They need high protein in their diets which comes from certain amino acids such as taurine, found in animal tissues. Hence ensuring your cat gets the nutrients in the right proportions is very important.

It is advisable to seek the opinion of your veterinarian as they will help in understanding the exact nutritive needs that your cat may have, in case of a health concern or diet restrictions. An adequate diet should offer proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

How to Set the Right Feeding Times for Your Cat

Having set feeding times helps improve your cat's digestive system and prevent overfeeding. Most cats may not have a problem having two meals in twelve hours. Kittens on the other hand eat three to four times a day since they require more frequent feeding.

It is advisable to feed your cat at the same time every day for every meal. Setting these times will also improve your cat's behavior as it will wait for the meal time rather than requesting food between the hours.

The Basic Needs of a Cat

Cat food comes in three general types, namely dry, wet, canned, and raw. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Dry food allows for easy storage and has a beneficial effect on the teeth, while wet food has a better effect on the urinary system due to higher moisture content.

Food also depends on the age of the cat and its activity level as well as on the health issues. It is advisable to seek commercially manufactured and packaged food with good quality that passed the AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Implementing Changes for Cats of Different Ages

One change that your cat is going to be experiencing is that their nutritional requirements are going to grow with time. Young kittens need to eat about 5 times a day with all their meals being rich in calories to enable them to grow normally. However, adult cats require a nutritious diet that would prevent them from becoming overweight.

Older cats may need specialized food to prevent health complications related to old age. Seeing the vet frequently allows you to keep up with the feeding routine and food changes as the life cycle of the cat alters.

Watching over the health and weight of your Cat

You must keep an eye on your cat’s weight and health when they are fed to ensure that they eat just the appropriate food and nothing less or more. If they are provided with too much food, it will cause obesity, and if not enough food, it will cause malnutrition.

Watch for your cat's weight, their fur, and how active they are as well. If you see some changes, it is time to call the vet to determine whether it is necessary to change feeding times or the kind of food being given.

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