Things You'll Need
- Dry cat food
- Kitten cat food
- Senior cat food
- Low-cal cat food
- Diabetic food
- Canned cat food
- Wet cat food
Instructions
Decide what your cat's nutritional goals are. If your cat is very young, you will need a food that is high in protein. Geriatric cats may need a food that is specially formulated for the aging feline. Cats who have trouble with hairballs may benefit from a food that has ingredients that will help ease the passage of food and reduce dietary obstructions. There are also cat foods that are easy to digest for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Read the ingredients on the back of the can or bag of cat food. The label will tell you what is in the food and in what quantity. Understanding your ingredient ratios will also tell you what, if any, supplements or preservatives have been added to the food. Cats require protein, taurine and fatty acids in their diet. Be sure that the food you choose has these ingredients before you make a purchase.
Compare the ingredient compositions of different brands. The ratio of ingredients in each container can vary widely, which is why it's a good idea to read the labels first. Some store brands have excessive fillers in them and should be avoided.
Decide on your monthly budget for cat food and make sure the cost will allow you to stay within your budget. Some stores sell cat food in bulk, which can save money. Watch for frequent-purchaser incentives and in-store promotions to help stretch your dollar. Ask for coupons at the register where they keep store circulars; they often have instant money-saving offers available during check-out.
Discuss the prospective cat food you chose with your veterinarian. Since such clinics deal with many pet owners, they may have valuable insight or feedback regarding brands of cat food. There may also be some food brands offered by the vet's office that are not available in regular pet supply stores or supermarkets.
Observe your cat during his meals. If he appears to enjoy the new food and eats it readily, you might have chosen a good cat food. If your cat seems excessively finicky or refuses to eat, you may need to try another type of cat food. Consider that texture may be just as important as taste, and that often, cats love anything with gravy over it. Cats also tend to act indignant around food they don't like; note behavior such as digging alongside the food as if they are covering up litter droppings. That's a clear sign of dislike. Through trial and error, you will eventually find the best choice.
Examine your cat approximately one month after the switch to the new food. If he looks the same or better than before the change, you have succeeded. If your cat looks unwell or lethargic, you should discontinue the new food and see your veterinarian immediately.