Feeding Your Cat
Cats are predatory animals in nature, they use their skills to catch
their prey. Mice, young rats, birds, fish and amphibians are part of
their diet.
They usually lie and wait for their victim, or they stalk it up to
the moment of the final pounce. Their usual style is to bring down the
prey with their paws and deliver the death blow using their teeth.
The cat's hunting ability is actually hereditary, but there are some
cats that are more notorious than others. Those which are well fed and
in peak condition are likely to be better hunters. Only cats in prime
condition able to tackle a rat.
Housed cats usually require regular diet. Being creatures of habit,
cats appreciate regular routines. An adult cat needs about 50
kilocalories per 450g of body weight per day. A very active cat may
require a little more, and the lactating female require at least 125-150
kilocalories per 450g of her body weight.
Most cats prefer to thrive in two regular daily meals, but old cats
may need smaller meals at more frequent intervals. You may know if you
feed your cat correctly through his general appearance. Like humans,
obese cats are obviously having too much food while a thin cat is is
either having too less food or is suffering from internal parasites.
Some signs may appear if the cat's diet is lacking in certain
nutrients such as dry, scurfy coat, dry nose, flacking claws, dull eyes
and bad breath.
Nutritional requirements for a healthy cat
- Proteins - adult cats should have at least 25% of protein
in their diet, while 35-40% if it is a breeding pedigree.
- Fats - 25% fat is recommended for young growing cats.
- Carbohydrates - this may not be necessary for a cat's
well-being but this is often part of their diet.
- Vitamins and minerals - should be given with the advice
of a veterinarian.
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