Common dietary questions for young cats.
You want to do right by your kitten, and that includes providing them with the best cat food you can find.Can my young cat be vegetarian or vegan?
It’s common for vegetarian or vegan pet owners to wonder if they can follow their ethical code when choosing food for their cats. While vegetarianism or veganism can work fine for you and for a dog, it’s not a good option for cats. Cats are considered obligate carnivores, which means they require meat in their diet. Cats have higher protein requirements than omnivorous animals. They also need to get certain nutrients form meat, such as taurine and arachidonic acid.Should my young cat eat grain-free food?
There isn’t any evidence that grain-free diets are beneficial for your cat’s health, unless your cat has specific food allergies or intolerances as determined by your veterinarian. Grains are cost-effective and digestible sources of energy and vitamins for your cat.Should I provide raw foods for my young cat?
Raw foods, especially meats, present the risk of foodborne illness to both your cat and you. You can also disrupt the balance of your cat’s well-balanced and AAFCO-approved food by feeding raw ingredients in addition to the usual cat food. If you want to try a couple of raw vegetables or fruits, make sure they’re washed prior to feeding and that they’re safe for consumption by cats. Keep in mind that at least 90% of your cat’s calories need to come from their well-balanced cat food.Why is taurine important?
Cats require taurine in their diet, and they get this from meat sources. Taurine is an amino acid that’s important for a cat’s vision and the function of their heart. A cat without enough taurine can develop blindness (feline central retinal degeneration) and weakening of the heart muscles, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy.How do I know how much to feed my young cat?
Most commercial foods have a general guideline on the packaging for how much to feed your cat, but they don’t take into consideration your cat’s activity level, body condition score or underlying health conditions. It’s a great idea to speak with your VCA care team about how much to feed your cat. They can calculate an individualized daily caloric recommendation for your pet.How do I change my young cat’s diet?
Diet changes should occur slowly over the course of around 7 to 10 days. For a couple of days, feed 75% of the old food and 25% of the new food. Then, feed 50% of each for several days. After that, feed 25% old food and 75% new food for a few days before transitioning entirely to the new food. A slow transition helps reduce the gastrointestinal upset that can occur with dietary changes.Are there any other foods I can give my young cat?
If you’ll be feeding something besides commercial cat food and treats, you should get the item approved by your veterinarian. Keep in mind that treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. If your cat has underlying health conditions like food allergies, get all food items approved by your veterinarian.Can my cat eat my dog’s food?
Unless your cat has food allergies, it’s okay if they sometimes sneak a couple of kibbles from your dog’s food bag. However, you should not feed dog food to your cat. Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements, and their commercial diets are balanced for the specific species.Is canned food or dry food better for cats?
Either canned or dry food can be a good option for cats. Canned food has a higher moisture and lower carbohydrate content compared to dry kibble. It may be a good option for cats prone to dehydration or who have health concerns like chronic kidney disease or lower urinary tract conditions. Dry food is generally more cost-effective, and the food can be left out for longer if your cat is more of a grazer. Dry food can also be used in puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys, which is beneficial for enrichment and exercise.What should I look for in a good cat food?
When choosing a food, you’ll want to see that the food has been approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for your cat’s life stage. These foods can either be formulated to meet nutritional requirements or they can undergo feeding trials. Although either can be appropriate, a food that has undergone a feeding trial has been tested with actual cats and found to be palatable and nutritious. Check with your veterinarian if your young cat has specific health conditions that may impact their nutritional needs, such as food allergies or pregnancy.Find out more about taurine, an essential amino acid that cats must get from the meat sources in their diet.
