Cat Diets: Help Your Kitty Stay Fit And Trim

Cats are known for nibbling on their dry food all day, and lounging around in their favorite spot – living the good life. While this is a life we humans are secretly envious of, it is not the healthiest option for your cat. Like humans, cats need a healthy diet and plenty of exercises in order to stay fit and healthy. When learning about your cat is it important to also know about cat diets.

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The kind of diet you set for your cat, as well as how much exercise she’s getting on a regular basis will set the tone for your cat’s happy life. It’s definitely worth taking the time to research cat diets to help your kitty stay fit, trim, and healthy.

 

Cat Diets: Help Your Kitty Stay Fit and Trim

Animal-Based Protein

While it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, most cats will benefit from a diet that is high in protein and moisture. Cats have evolved as meat-eating creatures, and they need the nutrients and amino acids that animal-based protein provides.

Cats will need around 30% of their daily calories to come from protein in order for their bodies to feel fueled, their hair to grow, and for their immune systems to function accordingly. 

Consider Their Age 

The age of your cat is one of the most important things you should consider when buying its food. 

Kittens, for example, are a lot more active than older cats and will need extra nutrition in order to help them thrive as they grow.

While some foods will state that it is appropriate for cats of all ages, it is best to find food that is specific to the age of your cat. If you are unsure, your local veterinarian will be able to advise you on what foods are best for your pet.

Wet Food Over Dry Food

When it comes to choosing between wet food and dry food, high-quality wet food is the better option. 

Wet food will ensure your cat is also keeping hydrated, and the best quality brands are made with the animal proteins your cat needs in order to thrive. They are filled with nutrients and minerals that are essential to their diets. 

Don’t Feed Them Too Many Carbs

As mentioned in this article, cats need a good amount of animal-based protein above all else. Grains and carbohydrates should only be consumed in small amounts, and should not be used as a cat’s main energy source. 

If a cat has too many grains and too many carbohydrates in their diet, it could lead to obesity, malnutrition, and organ problems. 

Keep An Eye-Out For The AAFCO Statement 

In order to make your decision easier, rather than continuously reading through every additive on the ingredient list, you can simply look out for the AAFCO statement. 

This is a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials that states that the food is balanced and complete. This means the food has all the required nutrients your pet needs. 

Some Human Food Is Acceptable

It can be very hard to resist the look on their eyes when cats catch a whiff of the food you are eating. 

While they should stick to eating the food that has been formulated specifically for them, it’s completely fine for them to be fed a little treat from human plates. 

Some yummy treats that won’t cause them any harm are cooked eggs, cantaloupe, and sweet potato. However, there are many foods that should be avoided, so you should always look this up before feeding it to your cat.

Exercise! 

A healthy diet is an important part of keeping your cat fit and healthy, but exercise is also just as important. 

Engaging in regular exercise will ensure that your cat burns off what they eat. If you own an outdoor cat, then they are likely burning calories as they are out exploring. However, when it comes to indoor cats, you may need to help them with their exercise. 

The best way to get them to exercise is by playing with them. This not only stimulates them physically and mentally, but it also strengthens the bond between you both. 

Cats are natural hunters, and toys that mimic this are the best way to go. For example, laser pointers are a great, inexpensive option. They can provide your cat with hours of stimulation and exercise, as they chase the little red light around. 

You can also use treat puzzles. These are little games where a treat is placed inside, and your cat needs to try and retrieve the treat. This is great for mental stimulation, as well as physical! 

Final Thoughts 

In order to keep your cat fit and trim, you must ensure you are feeding them a diet that is high in animal-based protein and moisture, and relatively low in carbohydrates. 

They must also engage in regular exercise in order to burn off what they are eating, to avoid unnecessary weight gain. If your cat in an indoor cat, then you should ensure they are physically and mentally stimulated.

 

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