Cat Food
Many different cat breeders recommend a large variety of
differing foods, some of which are mainstream brands such as
whiskas whilst others are only available from vets or on the
internet.
Although all cats need the same nutritants and vitamins, the
amount they require varies from breed to breed. In their
infinate wisdom, many of the cat food manufacturers have
developed different types of cat food, which varies in size,
shape, consitincy and flavours which they then target to
individual breeds. This is all well and good if your cat is a
specific breed and not a 'variety'.
Cat food is also produced differently with the cats age in mind.
Almost all cat food producers manufacture cat food designed
specifically for kittens, adult cats and mature cats. You are
now also able to purchase cat food which has been produced for
cats which suffer from allergies or for cats which are over
weight.
Cats will tend to tell you what they want to eat, being one the
most demanding and specific race of animals. Remember that they
may also get bored with the same food day in day out, so mix
their food whenever possible. Cats are natural scavengers and
hunters, so if your cat is an outdoor cat he/she may take a few
'snacks' for themselves, so what ever you feed your cat it will
probably get extra supplements.
Despite what you might think cats do like to drink alot and
indeed they should.. Milk and cream is ok for cats in small
amounts, but its high fat content can lead to heart problems in
older age. The best drink available for all tpyes of cats is
fresh water. Cats should have fresh water available to them at
all times if they are to remain fit and healthy.
Cats need to absorb minerals and vitamins from their food which
are essential to their wellbeing. In all a cat needs twelve
minerals, Calcium and Phosphorus which are crucial to maintain
and develop strong bones and teeth. Cats also need minerals such
as magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These aid nerves, muscle
contraction, and cell signaling. Many of the other minerals are
present in small amounts and include selenium, copper, and
molybdenum. These minerals act as helpers in a wide variety of
enzymatic reactions. The remaining minerals a cat needs to take
from its food are Chlorine, Iron, Zinc and Iodine.
Remember good food equals a healthy cat.