Cat Food Types
and Feeding Tips

As cat owners the most responsible thing we can do is to provide our cat with the best cat food you can afford.

Our feline friends are carnivores which means they need a feline diet rich in animal-based nutrients. To gain a better understanding of this, visit our extensive information on cat nutrition that provides details on feline diet and the nutritional requirements for cats.

Types of Feline Foods

Life Stage Feline Diet

The nutritional demands of kittens are very different to that of the geriatric cat. For example the geriatric cat will have a less efficient digestive system, their sense of taste and smell may have decreased, their immune system may be weaker and they may suffer from arthritic and urinary tract problems.

Lifestyle Feline Diet

Indoor cat vs Outdoor cats - cats living outdoors will probably need a diet higher in proteins and calories

Cat Breed Type

Today commercial cat food manufacturers produce breed specific diets. e.g. Longhaired cat breeds like Persian Cats need a diet that will control hairball and a uniquely shaped pellet to assist these flat-faced cats to eat their kibbles.

Health Specific or Special Feline Diet

If your cat requires a special diet as a result of a health condition there are diets that have been specifically formulated for cats suffering from food allergies (hypoallergenic diets); diets for hairball, sensitive digestive systems, cardiac (heart) ; renal (kidney) ; diabetic feline food and low calorie diets for obese cats.

Commercial Cat foods are available in different forms. For ultimate cat nutrition give careful consideration to the one you elect to feed your cat:

Tips on Feeding Your Cat

Cat feeding begins with appropriate cat bowls and water bowls. To be sure that you select the right cat food bowls, visit our comprehensive pages on cat bowls. If you have a multiple cat household, provide each cat with its own feeding bowl.

• Select the food most appropriate to your cat
• Find an appropriate area to place your cat's food and water bowls. Once you have decided on the area, be sure not to change the location.
• Never place the food bowls in the vicinity of the cat litter box
• Never place the food bowls in a high traffic area
• Choose an appropriate time to feed your cat and establish a routine. The age of the cat will determine the frequency and daily ration:
  • Kittens: 05 - 12 weeks - 5 small meals a day
  • Kittens: 12 - 20 weeks - 4 small meals a day
  • Kittens: 20 - 30 weeks - 3 meals a day
  • Kittens: 30 - 12 months - 2 meals a day
  • Adult cats need 1 - 2 meals a day
  • Pregnant and lactating mothers need to be fed 3 times a day
  • Follow the guidelines on the packaging for the quantity and frequency.

• Dry kibbles can be left out for those who free-feed their cats.
• Moist food spoils in a couple of hours and must be replaced.
• Cat treats can be fed to your cat but do follow these important cat treats guidelines.
• Water is an essential part of cat nutrition. Your cat must have access to clean and fresh water daily.
• If possible, train your cat early on to eat a wide selection of different cat foods. This will be assist greatly if their favorite food is taken off the market.
• Unless there is a medical indication, it is undesirable to change your cat's food. If your cat is content and thriving on their diet, we would suggest that you not change their food. If circumstances dictate a change, do the change gradually. Mixing the old and new food together may make the transition less traumatic.
• Do remember that cats feed differently to dogs. Our feline companions are 'nibblers'. They elect to eat several small meals a day (10 - 15) and each of their meal sittings lasts only a few minutes (3 - 4 minutes).
• Cats are fussy eaters, they prefer their food at room temperature. If their food is stored in the refrigerator, be sure to warm it up.
• Cats generally do not chew their food. They may bite the food once before sending it down the digestive tract.

Should you have any questions regarding your cat's health or nutritional needs, always consult with your veterinarian.