Cats are picky about a lot of things: when they want to be petted, what toys they want to play with, and just about all details concerning them. Likewise, it is undoubtedly important for cat parents to be picky while choosing food for them. There are many considerations to make while choosing the best food for your cat. Here are some critical choices to consider.
Wet or dry?
The aversion that felines have to water does not include wet food. Most wet foods get your kitten licking their whiskers as they smell delicious and also resemble the natural foods in the wild. Felines are carnivores by nature; hence the texture of canned cat food is naturally alluring to their palettes. Another advantage is that canned food contains about 75% moisture compared to the 12% in dry foods. Cats depend mainly on food for their hydration and are unlikely to drink still water from feeding bowls very often. Keeping your cat hydrated and making sure they lick the bowl clean is achievable with wet food. On the other hand, dry food is comparatively nutritionally dense and often contains extra cat-superfoods that promote their health and well-being.
Variety
Like humans, cats get bored of the same food. So while canned food has its advantages, rotating it with pocket-friendly dry food could go a long way in ensuring it is affordable for you and interesting for your kitties. Also, exposure to the same ingredients over a period of time can cause the development of allergies. While food allergies are more common in dogs, to be on the safe side, hold on to a few different flavors and brands of food to keep your feline healthy and, at the very least, excited for each meal. Finally, variety prevents food addictions in cats. Some cats get so used to the same brand and flavor that they refuse to try other foods. Providing a range limits such dependencies.
Nutritional value
Cat nutrition is very different from human beings. Being natural carnivores, they do not need carbohydrates like grains and often have difficulty digesting them. Look out for filler carbs in your cat’s food. Protein is by far the most essential ingredient for cats. A minimum of 25% of their plate must be meat. Taurine is a critical amino acid that cats require, so look for ingredients like chicken, lamb, salmon, turkey, and tuna. Fat is also important. While obesity is a problem in felines, a large chunk (20-24%) of the cat meal needs to be healthy fats. Also, ensure there are vitamin and mineral supplements, prebiotics and probiotics, and necessary fiber in your brand of choice.
Allergies
While the above advice is rather general, it is necessary to respect each cat as an individual. It is crucial to consider the probability allergies, preferences, and intolerances. Speak to the vet about doing an allergy test. Also, note that grain-free food is not necessarily carbohydrate-free, and make sure there are no preservatives or artificial flavors. Try looking for grain-fed meat sources to be on the safer side. A lot of chemicals and fillers can trigger allergies in your furry friends.
Age-appropriate
Make sure the brand of cat food you choose has several foods for different age groups. Typically, there are three groups: kittens (4 months to 1 year), adults (1 year to 7 years), and advanced (over 7 years). Kitten food is soft so that the transition from mother’s milk is easy. It is, quite naturally, energetically dense and has higher proportions of calcium and phosphorus needed for healthy growth. At advanced ages, cats are prone to certain health conditions like obesity, arthritis, and heart disease and they can also develop food sensitivities.
Choosing the right kind of cat food will require some research and discussion with an animal nutritionist, but once the perfect choice is made, your kitten is sure to content for a long time.