Does your cat yell at you to tell you she wants her dinner right meow? Does Fluffy turn into a furry little drama queen if she spots the bottom of her food bowl? Kitties may be finicky, but they do take their meals very seriously. Here, a Lawrenceville, GA vet discusses feeding your adorable little diva.
Choosing Brands
Good pet care starts with good nutrition. Give Fluffy the best food you can afford. Of course, picking the best brand of cat food can be ‘purrplexing.’ We recommend reading the labels. Choose brands that list actual meat, fish, or poultry first and most often.
Making Changes
Fluffy’s cute tummy is very sensitive. You’ll need to make changes to your pet’s diet slowly, over the course of several days. Otherwise, your kitty may get an upset stomach.
Portion Control
Many cats have their humans wrapped around their paws, especially when it comes to food. Be careful not to overfeed Fluffy. Even giving your feline buddy a few calories too many every day can cause her to gain a pound of year. That’s a lot for a kitty! Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Snacks
There’s nothing wrong with giving your kitty the occasional snack. In fact, this is a great way to make Fluffy feel loved. Just stick to healthy snacks. Canned tuna in water is a good option. Canned crabmeat, shrimp, turkey, or salmon is also fine. Your furry pal can also enjoy some shredded deli meat; cooked, boneless meat, fish, or poultry; sodium-free broth; or, of course store-bought treats.
Dishes
Does your kitty sometimes take her food out of the bowl and eat off the floor? Your feline friend may have whisker fatigue. Cats’ whiskers are very sensitive, so it probably isn’t very pleasant for Fluffy when her whiskers rub against the side of her bowl. Get your pet a shallower bowl, or even a small plate, and see if her table manners improve.
Unsafe Foods
While some cats are finicky, others are quite opportunistic. Be careful what you give Fluffy! Don’t let your feline pal have anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; alcohol; caffeine; grapes, currants, or raisins; avocado; xylitol; or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Other unsafe foods include raw dough; meat on the bone; and dairy products.
As your Lawrenceville, GA vet clinic, we’re here to help. Call us anytime!
