Cats are naturally carnivorous, and their diet is based on meat. A balanced mix of wet and dry cat food provides essential nutrients for a healthy diet.
Wet cat food (canned food) is reconstituted meat or fish in jelly or gravy. It is available in cans, portion cans or portioned sachets. Dry food is pellets that can be mixed with meat or served separately. Some dry foods contain all the nutrients that are needed, and the cat does not need to add wet food when eating dry food.
- Keep the area where your cat eats clean. Place the feeders on a plastic mat or ceramic tile. Treat the area every day with an antibacterial agent. Wash your food and water bowls every day to avoid the growth of bacteria.
- Feed your cat a small amount of food 2-3 times a day. Cats love to eat small meals and come up to their bowl regularly throughout the day. The amount of food you need depends on the age, size and activity level of your cat. Follow the instructions on the food packaging to avoid overfeeding it.
- Make sure the food you choose is complete. A cat needs 41 different vitamins and minerals to maintain health, and ready-to-eat foods contain many of them. The premium class feeds are more balanced than the economy and medium class feeds, because they contain higher quality ingredients.
- Give your cat clean water and change it every day. This is especially important if the cat is eating dry food. Cow's milk is not suitable for cats because it is high in fat and lactose.
- Don't leave wet food in the bowl until it's dry. It is best to put in a little so that the cat eats everything while it is fresh. During warmer months, it is better to feed the cat more often, but the portions should be smaller.
- Give your cat healthy treats once or twice a week. Choose treats with vitamins or those that help clean your teeth.
