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How can you make sure you’re feeding your cat the right food at the right time and in the right quantities? If you’re choosing new cat food, deciding on a feeding schedule, concerned about a food-related health condition, or wondering about supplements or treats, check out our feeding guidelines for cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, and this means that they cannot survive solely on a plant-based diet as they won’t get all the required nutrients from it. To stay healthy and survive, cats require at least 70% of the nutrients found in animal meat. So, your cat’s diet and choice of food should be prepared accordingly. To start off, you can begin by making a feeding plan for your cats to ensure they get the nutrition they require.
You can divide your cat’s daily diet into two main meals which are spaced no more than 12 hours apart. Alternatively, you can divide the food into multiple meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, do ensure that these meals provide the cat with enough calories and other nutrients - not more or less than recommended.
Once your cats are set on a regular feeding schedule, you will slowly begin noticing their usual feeding habits. Habits such as playing with their food, eating alone, and hoarding food are quite normal for cats. So, if you notice any of these, you don’t have to be worried. A few habits that you may have to be mindful of are:
If you notice your cat showing either of these habits, book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Before making a meal plan for your cat, it is important to understand which pet food is right for them. This is because there are a few factors upon which your cat’s basic calorie and nutrient intake depend. While a vet can help you with a detailed cat feeding guide, here is a quick look at factors that you need to keep in mind.
A practical guideline to follow is that kittens should be fed three times a day from weaning (three to six weeks) right up to four months of age. After four months, they should be fed twice a day. Most cats should continue to be fed twice a day throughout their life, although some pets do well with one feeding.
The amount to feed your cat depends on your pet’s age, size and activity level. Feeding guidelines, which list the daily-recommended portion, are included on all IAMS™ packages. Start feeding with this amount and adjust according to your pet’s needs. Remember to divide the portion accordingly if you feed more than once a day.
When changing your cat’s diet, it’s important to introduce the new food slowly. Start by offering your cat’s daily portion in a ratio of 25% new food to 75% old food. During the next three days, gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old.
Once you have understood your own cats’ feeding guide based on age and other factors, it is important to figure out what kind of food to pick - wet or dry. Both these types of foods have their unique benefits, and each one can prove necessary for different stages of a cat’s life to fulfil nutritional requirements. Since each of these types of food finds its place in a cat’s feeding guidelines, let’s take a closer look.
Wet food is an excellent treat that can be fed alone or mixed with dry food. Wet food is good for cats for the following reasons:
Dry food comprises kibbles made with ingredients that are generally preferred by cats. Dry food is easier to use to feed cats and can be given with a food dispenser. This type of food also has a longer shelf life. Here are some more benefits of dry food for your feline friend.
The crunchy texture of dry food also promotes healthy teeth and gums and provides overall good oral hygiene
Although our wet cat foods are nutritionally complete and balanced for a cat’s diet, it is not necessary to offer wet food at every feeding. Our dry foods are formulated with high-quality protein sources such as chicken, lamb or fish and contain all the essential nutrients pets need.
You can also consult your vet regarding your cat’s feeding guidelines, and they will make changes if necessary. Also, it is best to consult your vet before making any major changes in your cat’s meals, like adding or switching to raw food diet for cats. Your vet may conduct a nutritional evaluation of your cat to determine what food they require.
No — boredom with food is a human trait. Cats are creatures of habit and usually are content with just one food. Cats generally eat to meet their energy or nutritional needs. They have very short digestive systems, and if their diet is abruptly or constantly changed, digestive disturbances can occur. Also, constant changes can make your pet a finicky eater.
Adding water will not change the nutritional value of dry cat food. However, once moisture is added the food should be eaten relatively soon, and any uneaten portion should be discarded to avoid spoilage. Feeding your cat dry food is usually encouraged because of the benefit to your cat’s dental health.
Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements and should not eat each other’s food. For example, cats require a much higher level of taurine in their diet. An occasional venture into each other’s bowls will not be harmful but is not recommended on a regular basis.
Our foods are nutritionally complete and balanced. Adding vitamins, minerals or oils can offset the balance the food provides. One of the benefits of feeding a high-quality product is that it has been carefully balanced in proper ratios to provide optimal nutrition, so nothing needs to be added.
Contact the IAMS Pet Care and Nutrition Specialists toll-free at 1-800-675-3849.
A cat should be fed at least two meals a day. However, do ensure that you don’t wait for more than 12 hours to feed your cat, or they might suffer from acid reflux and hunger.
Since most feline creatures do not like water, bathing a kitten can seem to be a daunting task. Yet, as a cat parent, you cannot give up. You must bathe your kitty, especially to desensitize them to the experience and prevent skin problems. However, most first-time cat parents do not know how to get started with bathing their kittens. If you are one of them, fret not! With patience and a gentle approach, you can turn bathing time into a positive experience for your feline friend. So, read on! This article takes a deep dive into how to bathe a kitten.
Before you go on to bathing your kitten, do not forget to trim its nails. Feline creatures do not hesitate from clawing anyone or anything that triggers discomfort in them. Not even their own caregivers. Similarly, there are multiple other things you must ensure while bathing your kitten. Let's explore them in brief:
Brush your kitten's fur
Kittens shed all year long. Like humans, they might shed in excess while bathing, and that might clog your draining system. Hence, it's best to brush your kitty's fur thoroughly to get rid of the loose fur before you place it in the bathtub.
Pick the right time
Your kitten is going to oppose the bathing time with full force when it is highly energetic. However, when it is tired and exhausted, your pet might just let you do your thing. So, bathe your newborn kitty after tiresome activities like playtime, exercise, etc.
Use a kitten-specific shampoo
When bathing your kitty, go for a bottle of shampoo that is specifically developed for cats. And avoid shampoos used by humans at all costs. As cats groom themselves, chances are that they may ingest some shampoo residue left on their fur.
Rinse thoroughly
Use a cup or small container to rinse off the shampoo from your kitten’s fur, ensuring that water doesn’t get into its ears, nose, or eyes. Since you want your kitty to feel comfortable during the bathing session, avoid using extremely hot or cold water. Instead, go for a few degrees above lukewarm. Moreover, run your fingers through its coat to evenly distribute the water.
Shower your kitten with treats
When you are done bathing your kitten, reward it with treats immediately. Playtime and treats can help your feline friend resonate bathing time with fun moments. Treats can also come in handy to distract your pet if it starts to get anxious.
Every time you bathe your kitty, you must dry it thoroughly. In fact, it is one of the most important aspects of learning how to wash a kitten as damp fur can lead to skin problems. However, you do not want to vigorously rub a towel on your pet’s fur. It will only cause discomfort and irritation. Since bathing is a stressful experience for most kitties, you need to be extra careful while drying their fur up. So, here’s a step-by-step guide on drying your kitten’s coat:
Step 1: Place your kitten on a clean and dry towel.
Step 2: Wrap your kitty in the aforesaid towel.
Step 3: Sit on a chair with your pet on your lap and allow it to calm down.
Step 4: Press the towel gently against your kitten’s fur to get rid of excess water.
Step 5: Continue to press dry your kitty’s fur until its damp and not soaking wet.
Cats and kittens have an aversion to water due to their ancestral history. These feline creatures were once desert-dwelling animals, which means they rarely encountered rains, lakes, or rivers. Hence, all types of water – except drinking water – is alien to them. And that’s probably why your fur baby tries to resist the bathing session. However, being gentle with your little kitty can prevent issues and make the whole experience a little comfortable for it. Moreover, do not submerge your furry friend under running water and keep its bath time as short as possible.
Note: If your kitten continues to show extreme distress during bath time, consult a veterinarian.
Now that you know how to bathe a kitten, go on and help your pet groom. The time spent bathing your kitty provides you two with an opportunity to establish an unbreakable bond. Moreover, it will familiarize your kitten with your touch, fostering trust and strong cat-owner relationship.
