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Tips for Feeding Your Adult Cat

At about 12 months, your cat no longer requires the high levels of minerals, protein, and energy needed while he was a quickly growing kitten. So switch him to a high-quality food, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, which is specifically balanced for the nutritional needs of adult cats. When choosing food, follow these steps.

Read the nutritional claims on food packages. Check the label to make sure the food is appropriate for the stage of your cat's life (kitten, adult, or senior). Also, look for a statement saying that the food meets the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If your cat's food doesn't have the AAFCO’s nutritional claim on its label, there is no guarantee that your cat will get a complete and balanced diet.
Choose premium food. Premium cat foods, which generally use higher-quality, more easily digestible ingredients, are more nutrient-dense than the less expensive brands. So, your cat will get the calories he needs by eating less food. As a result, the difference in actual cost of feeding him premium food instead of generic may be only a couple of cents a day.
Consult your veterinarian. Because your cat's nutritional needs change as he grows older and certain medical conditions require a special diet, always talk with your vet about cat feeding specifics, including what–and how much–to feed your cat.

Once you've selected a food, establish healthy feeding habits.

Always measure the food you feed your cat. Start with the portion recommended on the package, even though the serving size may not be ideal to keep your cat healthy. If he doesn't eat all of the food or starts to gain too much weight, cut back the portions; if he begins to look thin, increase the amount until he's maintaining a healthy weight.
Create a cat feeding schedule. Nutritionally, one meal a day is OK for adult cats. If your cat seems hungry more often, try multiple smaller meals at established times. Remember, more mealtimes shouldn't mean more food. Split up the recommended serving size to create several meals.
Consider free-feeding for fit and trim pets. Leaving dry food available all day so your cat can nibble whenever he likes will work if he's at a healthy weight. If he's overweight or overeats, or you can't gauge how much he's eating because other pets share his food, it's best not to leave food out.
Ban table scraps and limit treats. Not only are they high in fat and calories, but they also can interfere with the correct—and complete—nutrition your cat is getting from his food.
Introduce new food gradually. Whenever you want to begin your cat on a new food, mix it in with the old. Start with a small amount of new food and increase the percentage over several days. Cats are more likely to accept change if it happens slowly, and their digestive systems are less likely to be upset.
Keep fresh water in a clean bowl available at all times. Cats need water to help regulate their body temperature, digest their food, and eliminate waste, among other things. Providing plenty of fresh water is especially important if your cat eats only dry food or is prone to urinary tract blockages.

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Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health

Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health-mob

The Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Kitten: How to Take Care of Your Feline Friend

A newborn cat brings endless love and laughter to any household. However, as a new kitten parent, it is important to understand that caring for a kitten is not just about feeding and playing with them. Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it is important to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Regular grooming, vaccination, and preventive care are essential in keeping your kitten healthy and free from diseases. This guide will give you all the information you need to raise a healthy kitten and ensure that it grows into a happy and healthy adult cat.

Requirements for keeping your kitten in good health

Keep your kitten clean: Regular grooming and bathing will help keep your kitten's coat shiny and free of parasites. Use a mild shampoo and do not forget to dry its coat thoroughly after a bath. This will help remove dirt and debris from the coat and prevent skin infections.
Provide adequate nutrients: Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it's essential to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Kitten food is formulated to give them the essential cat nutrients they need during their growth stage.
Provide socialization: Kittens are social creatures, and it's important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to interact with other cats and humans. This will help them develop their social skills and prevent any behavioural issues in the future.
Take preventive measures against diseases: Regular visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventative care will help keep your kitten healthy and free from diseases. By staying up to date with your kitty’s vaccinations, you can keep serious and fatal diseases at bay.

Kitten development milestones

Check out the below table to understand how a cat develops with time:

Age	Milestone
5 to 6 months old	Sexual maturity
8 months old	Full set of adult teeth
9 months old	Comparable digestion ability to adult
12 months old (female) and 18 months old (male)	Reach adult body weight
Between 10 to 12 months of age	Energy requirements go down to adult levels

Want to know how old your cat is in human years? Check out the below table and find out:

Life stage	Cat age	Cat age in human years
Kitten	0 to 1 month old	0 to 1 years old
2 months old	2 years old
3 months old	4 years old
4 months old	6 years old
5 months old	8 years old
6 months old	10 years old
Junior	7 months old	12 years old
12 months old	15 years old
18 months old	21 years old
2 years old	24 years old
Adult	3 years old	28 years old
4 years old	32 years old
5 years old	36 years old
6 years old	40 years old
Mature	7 years old	44 years old
8 years old	48 years old
9 years old	52 years old
10 years old	56 years old
Senior	11 years old	60 years old
12 years old	64 years old
13 years old	68 years old
14 years old	72 years old
Super senior	15 years old	76 years old
16 years old	80 years old
17 years old	84 years old
18 years old	88 years old
19 years old	92 years old
20 years old	96 years old
21 years old	100 years old
22 years old	104 years old
23 years old	108 years old
24 years old	112 years old
25 years old	116 years old

Checklist for your kitten's body conditions

Ears: Check for any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge
Eyes: Look for any signs of discharge or cloudiness
Nose: Check for any signs of discharge or congestion
Mouth: Look for any signs of inflammation or infection
Skin and Coat: Check for any signs of parasites, such as fleas or ticks
Nails: Check for any signs of overgrowth or cracking
Attitude: Look for any signs of lethargy or depression
Digestion: Watch for any signs of constipation or diarrhoea
Thirst: Make sure your kitten is drinking enough water

In conclusion, raising a healthy kitten requires a lot of care and attention, but with the right knowledge and commitment, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a happy and healthy adult cat. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions or concerns, and don't hesitate to seek advice or guidance. With the right care and love, your kitten will bring you years of joy and companionship.