Cat Nutrition: Healthy Tips and Tricks

Every cat owner wants their four-legged friend to live a long and healthy life. But finding the right diet for our furry companions can often be a challenge.

A balanced diet rich in proteins, fats and carbohydrates is essential for cats of all ages.

In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of cat nutrition, from the basics of a balanced diet to special tips for kittens and older cats, giving you all the information you need to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

The Basics of a Balanced Cat Diet

A balanced diet is essential for cats of all ages to live a long and healthy life. It's important that the food you feed your cat contains all the necessary nutrients to boost their immune system, prevent disease, and maintain an ideal weight. However, feeding your cat properly can be challenging, as each cat has unique needs that depend on various factors such as age, weight, and health status.

The basics of a balanced cat diet include a combination of high-quality food, fresh water and regular exercise. The ingredients of the food should be carefully selected to meet the specific nutritional needs of cats. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the most important ingredients in cat food, the advantages and disadvantages of dry and wet food and the principles of species-appropriate nutrition.

Ingredients in cat food: What’s in it?

Cat food should contain a variety of important ingredients to meet the specific nutritional needs of cats. These include animal protein for building muscle and repairing tissue, fats as an energy source, small amounts of carbohydrates to support intestinal health, and vitamins and minerals for the immune system and metabolism. A particularly important ingredient is the amino acid taurine, which is essential for heart health and vision.

Dry food vs. wet food: Which is better for my cat?

The decision between dry food and wet food depends on various factors and should take into account your cat's individual needs. Dry food is convenient because it has a long shelf life and generates less packaging waste. However, it can lead to an increased risk of dehydration and related health problems if you don't ensure your cat drinks enough.

Wet food, on the other hand, contains a higher moisture content, which supports the cat's hydration needs and can be beneficial for cats with certain health conditions. However, it is often more expensive and generates more packaging waste. A balanced mixed feeding that combines both types of food can be a good solution to enjoy the benefits of dry and wet food while ensuring a varied diet.

Species-appropriate nutrition for cats: A must for health

A species-appropriate diet that meets the natural needs of cats is essential for their health. Cats are carnivores and therefore need high-quality food that is rich in animal protein and fat . Carbohydrates should only be present in small quantities. It is important to pay attention to complete feeds whose composition covers the cat's daily energy and nutrient requirements in order to avoid deficiencies or oversupply.

How to calculate your cat's basic nutritional needs

In order to correctly calculate your cat's basic nutritional needs, it is important to know its individual calorie needs. These depend on various factors, such as your cat's weight, activity level and age. A simple method of determining daily calorie needs is to use special formulas developed by experts. For example, for normal-weight, neutered indoor cats, there is the formula: body weight^0.67 x 75 kcal. Outdoor cats and non-neutered cats, on the other hand, need up to 30% more calories.

After you have calculated your cat's calorie needs, the next step is to determine the appropriate amount of food. The energy density of the food plays an important role here. Many manufacturers state how many kilocalories are contained in 100 grams of their food. With this information, you can easily calculate the daily amount of food by dividing your cat's daily energy needs by the calories per 100 grams of food. It is important to choose high-quality food in order to optimally meet your cat's nutritional needs and avoid obesity.

Feeding Kittens: Basics for a Healthy Start in Life

Kittens have particularly high nutritional needs to support their rapid growth. A balanced diet is therefore essential to provide them with sufficient energy and all the necessary nutrients. Special kitten food is tailored to these needs and usually contains a higher proportion of proteins and fats than food for adult cats. It is important to offer kittens many small meals throughout the day because their stomachs are still small.

The transition from mother's milk to solid food usually begins between the fourth and eighth week of life. During this phase, the kitten food should initially be moistened with water or special rearing milk to make the transition easier. Kittens should be given several small portions until they are about four months old . After that, the number of meals can be gradually reduced while the portions become larger accordingly. Make sure to check your kitten's weight and development regularly to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.

Nutritional tips for older cats: What changes?

In older cats, metabolism changes and energy requirements can decrease. It is therefore important to adapt the diet to the age and individual needs in order to avoid obesity and related health problems. High-quality proteins and easily digestible ingredients should be included in the food of older cats to relieve the kidneys and support digestion. In addition, special nutritional supplements agreed with the veterinarian can support health.

Another important aspect of the diet of older cats is the consistency of the food. As cats get older, dental problems can arise that make it difficult to chew hard food. In such cases, switching to softer meals or wet food may be necessary. It is advisable to have regular health checks carried out in order to be able to optimally adjust your older cat's diet plan and keep an eye on its needs.

Make your own cat food: Simple and healthy recipes

Homemade cat food is a great way to ensure your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts. It allows you to use fresh, high-quality ingredients while catering to your cat's individual needs and preferences. It also allows you to avoid unwanted additives and preservatives found in some commercial foods.

Cooking for your cat doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple recipes that consist of just a few ingredients can already provide a complete meal for your furry friend. It is important that you inform yourself about the nutritional needs of cats and make sure that the homemade food contains all the important nutrients, such as taurine. A balanced ratio of proteins, fats and few carbohydrates should be aimed for.

BARF for Cats: Everything You Need to Know

BARF, which stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food," is a feeding method in which cats are fed raw meat. This diet aims to mimic cats' natural diet and can offer benefits such as improved dental health and a shiny coat. However, it is important to do your research beforehand and make sure that meals are balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. Consultation with your vet is recommended to minimize risks such as infections from raw meat.

Healthy Treats for Cats: Ideas and Tips

Healthy treats are a great way to pamper your cat and enrich their diet at the same time. Make sure that the snacks:

• are unseasoned.
• masses to avoid obesity.
• serve as a supplement to the main feed.

Some ideas for healthy treats are freeze-dried meat or small pieces of fresh chicken . These provide a good source of protein and are eaten with great pleasure by most cats. Dried vegetable chips can also offer an interesting change. It is important that these snacks do not replace a main meal, but only serve as a small reward between meals.

Feeding Types for Cats: A Comparison

Choosing the right feeding method is crucial to your cat's health and well-being. There are several different ways you can feed your cat, including dry food, wet food, homemade food, or even a combination of these. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider to make the best decision for your pet.

It is important that you ensure that your cat has a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients. You should not only consider the quality of the food, but also the needs of your cat. Whether you choose dry or wet food, cook it yourself or use BARF, make sure that your cat's diet is species-appropriate and tailored to its individual needs.

Vegan or vegetarian? Nutritional trends for cats under the microscope

A vegan or vegetarian diet for cats is controversial and can pose health risks. Cats are carnivores by nature and require certain nutrients that are only found in animal products. A purely plant-based diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies if careful attention is not paid to ensuring a balanced nutrient intake. It is therefore important to obtain detailed information before making a change and, if necessary, seek veterinary advice.

What cats love: Top favorite foods and their benefits

Cats have their own preferences when it comes to food. Top favorite foods usually include fresh meat and fish, which provide important proteins and fats. However, these should always be prepared properly to avoid health risks.

Variety in the bowl can be achieved by adding small amounts of cooked vegetables or fruit, which provide additional vitamins and fiber. It is important to avoid certain foods that are toxic to cats and to ensure that the main diet contains sufficient protein to meet your cat's needs.

Caution: Poisonous: These foods are taboo for cats

There are some foods that are absolutely taboo for cats because they can be toxic. These include onions and garlic, for example, which are found in many of our meals. Even though we like to share, cats should not eat these foods under any circumstances because they destroy red blood cells and can lead to serious health problems.

Besides onions and garlic, there are other foods you should not give your cat:

• Raw pork : It can contain dangerous viruses.
• Chocolate and caffeinated drinks : They contain theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats.
• Alcohol and raw dough : These can cause poisoning and, in the case of dough, stomach problems.

It is important that you educate yourself about these and other dangerous foods to protect your cat's health.

Cat milk: useful or not?

Cat milk is a topic that often leads to debate. Many believe that milk is a must in a cat's diet, but this is not necessarily the case. Cat milk that is made specifically for cats has a lower lactose content than regular cow's milk to avoid digestive problems. Despite this, it is not a necessary part of the cat's diet, but rather a treat. Important points are:

• Cat milk should be considered a supplementary food , not a substitute for water.
• It can be especially useful for nursing or weakened cats .
• When feeding, the extra calories should be taken into account to avoid obesity.

Generally speaking, cat milk can be given in moderation , but fresh water should always be available and make up the majority of fluid intake.

Drinking habits in cats: How to make sure your cat drinks enough

Encouraging cats to drink more is an important part of their health care. Many cats naturally drink too little, which can lead to health problems. A simple way to improve your cat's drinking habits is to have several water sources around the house. Make sure the water is always fresh and change it regularly. Cats prefer to drink in different places, far away from their feeding area.

There are other tricks to encourage your cat to drink:

• Add an ice cube to the water : Cats are curious and playing with the ice cube can entice them to drink more.
• Flavoring the water : A little chicken broth (salt-free) or tuna water can make the water more palatable for your cat.
• Avoid dry food : If possible, reduce dry food or moisten it as it will further dehydrate. These simple changes can make a big difference and help ensure your cat stays hydrated.

Cat nutrition myths: What's really true?

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding cat nutrition. For example, one of the most common myths is that cats love milk and it is good for them. In reality, regular cow's milk can cause digestive problems because many cats cannot digest lactose well. It is important to question such myths and rely on scientifically based information to ensure the well-being of our cats.

Another common myth is that cats, as carnivores, do not need carbohydrates. Although cats do indeed need protein , small amounts of carbohydrates can have their place in a balanced diet. Important points are:

• Cats need a diet rich in protein , but a small amount of carbohydrates is not harmful.
• Fresh water should always be available as it is the best thirst quencher for cats.
• Special cat milk with reduced lactose content can serve as a treat, but should not be the main source of fluid.

Cat food declaration: How to read it correctly

When you stand in front of the cat food shelf, the amount of information on the packaging can be overwhelming. But don't worry, it's easier than you think to read the label correctly. First, it's important to pay attention to the order of the ingredients . The ingredient that is present in the largest quantity is always listed first. This will help you to see what is mainly contained in your cat's food.

In addition to the order of the ingredients, you should also pay attention to the information on animal by-products . These can vary from high-quality to low-quality, so it is important to know exactly what is meant by this. Other important points are:

• Complete feed or complementary feed : This indicates whether the feed contains all the necessary nutrients or should be given in addition to other feed.
• Specific information for age groups : Some foods are specially formulated for kittens or older cats.

With this information you can make an informed decision and choose the best food for your cat.

With Flappie to a healthy cat diet and more safety

The Flappie cat flap not only provides a clean home, but also supports a healthy diet for your cat. By preventing your cat from bringing home prey such as mice or birds, it helps ensure that your cat only eats what you give it. This means:

• You have control over the quality and composition of the food.
• You can ensure that your cat is fed a balanced diet according to your wishes.
• The risk of diseases that can be transmitted through the consumption of prey is minimized.

In addition to selective access control, the Flappie cat flap offers the possibility of better understanding and monitoring your cat's eating habits through the associated app. You get insights into your cat's behavior that help you adapt and optimize its eating habits. Important functions of the app are :

• Notifications when your cat tries to come home with prey.
• Statistics and videos that show you what your cat is doing outside the house.

With this information, you can not only increase your cat's safety, but also make a valuable contribution to its healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you feed cats?

Cats should be fed a balanced diet that is rich in proteins, fats and, in small amounts, carbohydrates. It is important to have high-quality food that contains animal protein for building muscle and repairing tissue, fats as an energy source, carbohydrates to support intestinal health and vitamins and minerals for the immune system and metabolism. A particularly important component is the amino acid taurine, which is essential for heart health and vision.

How do I feed my cat properly?

To feed your cat properly, you should ensure that it has a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients. The food should be of high quality and meet the specific nutritional needs of cats. You can choose between dry food and wet food, or use a mixed diet. It is important to respond to your cat's individual needs, which depend on its age, weight and health. Regular exercise and fresh water are also essential.

How often do you have to feed a cat per day?

The frequency of feeding can vary depending on the cat's age and individual needs. Kittens should be fed many small meals throughout the day as their stomachs are still small. For adult cats, the number of meals can be adjusted depending on the feeding method and the cat's preferences. It is important to determine the daily calorie requirement and the appropriate amount of food to avoid over- or underfeeding.

What can you feed cats?

Cats should be fed high-quality food that is specifically tailored to their nutritional needs. This includes animal protein, fats, small amounts of carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. Healthy treats such as freeze-dried meat or small pieces of fresh chicken can be given as a supplement. It is important to avoid certain foods such as onions, garlic, raw pork, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and raw dough as they can be toxic to cats.

What is the right diet for cats?

The right diet for cats is a balanced and species-appropriate diet that meets the natural needs of cats. They should be given high-quality food that is rich in animal protein and fat and contains only small amounts of carbohydrates. It is important to pay attention to complete feeds whose composition covers the cat's daily energy and nutrient requirements in order to avoid deficiencies or oversupply.

What is the best food for cats?

The best food for cats is high-quality food that is tailored to their individual needs and contains all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts. The decision between dry food and wet food or a combination of both should take into account the individual needs of the cat. It is important that the food is rich in animal protein and fat and contains only small amounts of carbohydrates. Special kitten food or food for older cats can meet the different nutritional needs at different stages of life.