Cat Feeding Guidelines

Owning a cat can be a rewarding experience. Most cat owners are concerned about their cat's health and want to be sure they feed their cats a diet that will keep them healthy and happy for a long time. There are many choices when it comes to picking a cat's food. Wet food, dry food, treats, table scraps and raw foods are just a few of the options available when choosing a cat's diet. The location of the dish and the environment around it have to be considered as well. But no matter what, where or how a cat owner chooses to feed his pet, ultimately the goal is to get the cat to eat to stay healthy.

  1. Wet Is Better

    • Although many people feed their cats dry cat food, wet food is believed to be better for a cat's overall health. According to cats.com, feline nutritionists recommend that only 20 percent of a cat's diet consist of dry cat food. Feeding a cat wet food provides the liquid that a cat needs, and a well-balanced cat food will also provide all the nutrients a cat needs.

    Don't Overdo the Supplements

    • Cat owners can overdose their cats on vitamins, especially vitamins A and D, in an attempt to balance their diet. If a cat is fed a high-quality cat food, vitamin supplements are not required.

    Take Care When Placing the Food Dish

    • Cats are not just finicky eaters, they are picky about where their food dish is located. Cats prefer quiet, solitary locations in which to enjoy their food. The presence of other animals or too much activity will affect a cat's diet and the amount he will eat. Also keep the cat dish far away from the litter box.

    Don't Feed a Cat Dog Food

    • Cats require twice the amount of fat and Vitamin B than a dog. Feeding a cat dog food will cause a nutritional imbalance that could lead to night blindness, kidney failure, brain damage and other life-threatening conditions.