Feeding & Nutrition

When it comes to cat food, there are so many options. Loving cat owners must choose from a variety of different flavours, decide between wet and dry, among many other considerations. If you’ve wondered whether wet or dry cat food is better – good news, they’re both excellent choices! While some cats (and cat owners) prefer one over the other, the best option may be to feed your cat both – just make sure the food you select is 100 percent complete and balanced for your cat’s age and life stage. Wet vs Dry Cat Food Wet Cat Food You’re probably familiar with wet food in cans, but wet food is also found in pouches. Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Dr Dorothy Laflamme said that both come in small sizes, making it easy to provide a variety of different flavours. “For some, smaller sizes may make portion control easier,” Laflamme said. Wet cat food has at least 65 percent or more moisture content. As a result, “wet food should not be left out for more than 30 to 60 minutes at a time to prevent bacterial growth,” according to Laflamme. Wet cat food offers many benefits, including: • Textures and ingredients cats love • Easier for cats to chew • More variety in diet • Helps increase total water intake Although feeding wet food to your cat seems special or indulgent, it’s more than a snack or treat. Wet cat food is 100 percent complete and balanced and can be an essential part of any cat’s diet. Dry Cat Food Dry kibble is popular among many cat owners because it’s convenient. It comes in larger bags, and because its moisture content is less than 20 percent, it has a longer shelf life, even after opening. This makes it more cost effective. There’s less risk of bacterial growth with dry food, so you can leave it out all day for your cat to graze on while you’re at work. While dry cat food may be harder for older cats to chew, crunchy kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up on cats’ teeth/ Is wet or dry food better for cats? While your cat may ultimately prefer dry or wet food, Purina nutritionists recommend feeding a combination of both. This helps ensure she gets plenty of moisture in her diet, the dental benefits of dry food, and the variety to keep her interested. Cats are neophiliacs, meaning they appreciate trying new things, and may get bored eating the same food the same way day in and day out. Mixing wet and dry cat food for a meal or feeding them at separate meals is a good way to give your cat the variety she not only wants, but needs. Catering to your cat’s needs and desires also strengthens your emotional connection. One reviewer wrote: “My kitties love Fancy Feast already and they quickly gobbled up the Creamy Delights! Received extra kitty lovin’ after this awesome treat!” Shop wet cat food If you’ve never tried feeding wet cat food, explore the wide variety of options Purina offers. You may need to try several brands until you find a couple your cat likes. Fortunately, Laflamme reminds, “there are hundreds—if not thousands—of good quality cat foods available at grocery stores, pet specialty stores, online and through veterinarians.” Try some different serving methods too: some cats prefer their wet food “fluffed” and served on a flat plate or wide, low-edged bowl, while others will eat from the can. Once you find a food and serving method your cat loves, she’ll enjoy eating a mix of wet and dry cat food on a regular basis. Check out our cat food range here.

Different cats can have different nutritional needs, even if they live together. Here’s how to handle mealtime in a multiple cat home. If you have more than one cat, you may need more than one type of feeding routine. Just as the age, lifestyle, and health of each cat can vary, so too can their dietary needs, in terms of the types and amounts of food they should receive. Varying Diets in a Multiple Cat Home For example, if you have an older cat, she may benefit from a senior diet that has high protein levels to maintain lean body mass, while a kitten will need a very specific diet to help her grow and thrive in her first year of life. On the other hand, an overweight adult cat may benefit from a weight-management diet that still provides the nutrients she will need, while having fewer calories and/or more fibre than a standard formula. How to Feed Multiple Cats If your home has different cats with different dietary needs, you’ll need them to eat from different bowls — which will require some adjustment if they typically dine together from the same bowl. You may want to try feeding them at the same time but in different rooms. If you feed them at the same time in the same place, be prepared to prevent them from straying and eating from each other’s bowls. After a period of time, however, they should adjust to their new eating routine with less policing from you.

To maintain an optimal body condition, your cat’s diet needs to achieve the right balance of the six major nutrient groups: proteins, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and water. A good quality manufactured cat food has all the nutrients required as well as a satisfying taste. Unless your pet is pregnant or nursing, there is no reason to change their diet until they approach their senior years. Unlike dogs, cats are carnivores. They need meat in their diet and can become quite ill without it. Your cat needs higher levels of protein because they are unable to manufacture taurine, an essential amino acid that is associated with a healthy heart and good vision. Good protein levels will help your cat maintain flexibility and muscle mobility. PROTEIN Protein is a vital nutritional building-block, responsible for releasing energy and forming muscle, skin, hair, antibodies, enzymes, haemoglobin and hormones. Cats require larger quantities of protein than dogs. Good sources of protein include beef, chicken and salmon. FATS Fats are an excellent source of energy, providing more than the amount of proteins or carbohydrates. Fats also improve the palatability of food. CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates are split between simple sugars, which release energy and complex carbohydrates, which release energy more slowly. Sources of carbohydrate include cereals, rice and starchy vegetables. MINERALS Minerals are important for the structure of bones and teeth, maintaining the body fluid balance and vital metabolic processes. An excess of one mineral can lead to a deficiency of another, so make sure minerals are provided in a careful balance. VITAMINS Like minerals, vitamins are vital for overall healthy growth. An excess or deficiency of vitamins can lead to health problems. Fat soluble vitamins, (A, D, E and K) are stored in your cat’s fatty tissues, whereas water soluble vitamins (B complex and C) are excreted in the urine. MILK AND WATER Cats don’t need milk after weaning. In fact, many cats are intolerant to the lactose (milk sugar) in milk, which can cause diarrhoea. Specially made ‘cats milk’ with a low lactose content is becoming more common – but remember that milk is not a substitute for water. It’s important your cat has access to fresh clean water at all times. Water regulates body temperature, transports nutrients, is involved in chemical reactions and digestion and removes waste. It also keeps their kidneys healthy and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. MOIST OR ‘WET’ FOODS Keep opened cans covered and refrigerated for a maximum of 24 hours. Always serve the contents at room temperature to make food more palatable and easier to digest. Never serve your cat dog food. COMPLETE DRY FOODS With high-quality protein, the right balance of nutrients, and a crunchy texture to keep your cat’s teeth healthy, dried foods are very popular with cats. They are more concentrated than moist foods, so only small servings are needed. Make sure the food is described as ‘complete’ rather than ‘complementary’ otherwise you might be buying a snack treat instead of a balanced meal. If you are switching from a canned to dried diet, introduce the food gradually over a seven to ten-day period. Always provide lots of fresh water, as dried foods only contain 10 per cent moisture. It’s a good idea to feed your cat a mixed diet of both canned and dry food. For example, you could feed wet food in the morning and dry food in the evening to introduce some variety. FRESH MEAT AND OTHER FOODS Be aware that raw meats may contain parasites, whilst cooked meats can be high in fat and do not contain a proper balance of nutrients. If you feed fresh meat or fish, always remove the bones, as sharp fragments could stick in your cat’s throat. Never give small soft bones, such as chicken bones to cats, as they may splinter and lodge in their mouth or throat. Avoid giving liver as a treat as it can become quite addictive. Too much can lead to severe diseases due to the high levels of vitamin A it contains. Some cats like cheese, yoghurt and scrambled eggs – but remember that human foods are nutritionally unbalanced and should not be fed too frequently. Repeatedly adding raw eggs to a cat’s diet can cause a deficiency of the vitamin biotin, which can lead to dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), loss of hair, and poor growth. FOOD SUPPLEMENTS Supplements are not usually necessary when a normal, healthy cat is being fed a complete and balanced diet, unless your cat has special nutritional needs. Some pet owners believe that extra calcium should be added to the diets of kittens and pregnant females. Whilst it is true that more minerals are needed at these times, they should be obtained through a high quality, nutritionally balanced diet. Adding them out of proportion to other nutrients may contribute to skeletal deformities and other problems. If you would like more information contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

At some point in your cat’s life, you may need to change the brand of their food to better suit their needs. The smoother the transition, the happier your cat will be. CHANGING A FOOD BRAND SUCCESSFULLY There are a host of reasons why you may need to change your cat’s food. For example, as your cat gets older or in case they need a special diet for a health issue. Occasionally cats get fussy and just go off their usual brand. A slow and smooth transition process will help your cat adjust to the new brand, by naturally adjusting the enzymes in the digestive tract. Start by mixing the new food with your usual brand, gradually increasing the proportion over one week to 10 days until your cat is only eating the new food. Don’t be surprised if your cat has an upset tummy to begin with. This is quite normal. Day 1:Add 1 part of the new food to 9 parts of your cat’s usual food. Day 2:Add 2 parts new to 8 parts of the old food. Day 3:Add 3 parts to 7 and so on until… Day 7 - 10:You are only feeding the new food. CHANGING FROM CANNED FOOD TO DRY Cats are not natural drinkers so provide plenty of drinking water as there is far less moisture in dry food. CHANGING FROM DRY FOOD TO CANNED Consider mixing in a few biscuits for texture. You may also notice your cat drinks less water. CHANGING FROM KITTEN TO ADULT FORMULAS Transition kittens to an adult formula at approximately 12 months. Don’t be tempted to change too soon. CHANGING FROM ADULT TO SENIOR Cats of seven years and older should be fed a specially formulated senior food, designed to provide the optimum balance of key nutrients. If you want more information contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FEEDING YOUR KITTEN Kittens grow rapidly in the first six months of their life, developing 75 per cent of their adult body weight. It’s vital your kitten is fed the right food to nourish a growing body. The best food for kittens in their first three weeks is their mother’s milk. This provides all the required nutrients and passes on vital antibodies to protect against various diseases. By seven weeks, kittens should be completely weaned from their mothers and it becomes your job to provide a complete and balanced diet. The best source of nutrition comes from commercially produced kitten food, like PRO PLAN®OPTISTART for kittens, is specifically designed to meet the needs of growing kittens. Kittens need the right balance of the six major nutrient groups: proteins, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and water. If you decide to feed your kitten human food, make sure you avoid onions, chocolate and dairy products, as these can be harmful or even poisonous to kittens. By six months, the rate of development begins to slow down and your kitten’s nutritional requirements begin to diminish. You should watch how much you feed your pet around this time, as they could begin to develop weight problems. You only really need to feed them twice a day. Remember that most cats like to ‘snack’, returning to their food dish regularly for small meals. By 12 months, kittens are ready for adult food. If you want more information on feeding your kitten contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

THE STEPS INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING PET FOOD Your cat depends on you for a good diet and the right nutrition. It’s also important that you pay special attention to the quality and freshness of the food you provide to avoid food poisoning. Food poisoning is usually caused by eating raw or inadequately cooked food or from foraging for waste in rubbish bins. Illness from manufactured pet food, however, is very rare thanks to stringent quality assurance and safety checks. However, it’s always best to check the use by date to ensure maximum freshness. From the selection of raw ingredients to warehousing and delivery, the manufacture of pet food is closely monitored every step of the way. Processes, additives, ingredients and product safety are all under strict regulations. COOKING The cooking process prevents the appearance of bacteria or moulds. Canned foods and pouches are cooked by sealed-in pressure cooking. Dry foods are extruded (flash cooking dough at high pressure) or baked. Finished products are segregated from the incoming raw materials to prevent cross-contamination. PACKAGING Canned foods are sealed to prevent any further contact with external micro-organisms or exposure to oxygen which causes spoilage. Lacquered linings for cans and the foil of pouches protect the food and metal from interacting. Damaged cans are at risk because the protection seal may have been broken. Avoid swollen cans or pouches. Dry foods remain fresh over many months because bacteria can’t grow and spoil food when moisture levels are low. Dry food packaging and the fatty coating of biscuits help prevent the entry of moisture and oxygen that can cause food spoilage during storage. Once opened, cover dry foods and store in a cool dry place. Do not store moistened dry foods as moulds may grow, which can harm your pet. INGREDIENT SELECTION AND QUALITY Every ingredient used in commercially-produced food must have a specification sheet requiring suppliers to meet established levels of quality. Suppliers must ensure ingredients are free of or meet the minimal safe levels of toxins and metals while also providing the correct nutrient content. Meats are delivered to factories frozen or chilled to ensure quality. For more information on Cat food safety contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

Cats have four main protective systems that work together to protect, support and promote health and wellbeing. These are the skin and coat, digestive system (gastrointestinal tract), immune system and urinary system. The performance of each is interlinked to the other. Less-than-optimal performance in one will lead to adverse effects in the other systems. The skin and coat system is the largest organ in the body. The skin is the main organ through which the body interacts with the outside environment. The skin and coat have a variety of protective functions. These include providing a physical barrier for the rest of the body against the external environment. The digestive system works to protect the cat in two ways. The first is by digesting and absorbing essential nutrients that can be utilised by it and the other protective systems to promote overall health and wellbeing. Secondly, the digestive system plays an immunologic role to defend against bacteria and toxins that have entered the body from the outside world. In fact, the digestive system is the primary site for the body’s immune system response, containing as much as 70% of the body’s immune cells. The immune system is central to all the cat’s protective systems. It is a complex network in the body designed to provide the host animal with protection against foreign invaders that can trigger disease, negatively impact heath, or affect overall wellbeing. It is the role of the immune system to recognise invading agents and then repel or destroy them. The urinary system is integral to the wellbeing and overall health of the cat. Strong, healthy kidneys and optimal urinary p H can help prevent stone formation. Fatty acids help regulate kidneys, which are the body’s essential filtration system, flushing out potentially harmful substances from the body as urine, ensuring optimal urinary tract health and performance. Each of these four systems operates at its peak efficiently only when supplied with vital nutrients at an appropriate level from the cat’s diet. That’s why PRO PLAN® OPTINUTRITION provides high quality food, made with high quality ingredients, that will help ensure constant replenishment of the vital nutrients necessary for the protective systems to function at peak performance. For more information contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

FUSSY EATERS Cats have a bit of a reputation for being rather particular about what’s in their bowl. Most have their favourite textures and flavours – and can be quick to turn up their nose at anything out of the ordinary. But fussy eaters are made, not born, so the best way to avoid finicky eating habits is to nip them in the bud! DON’T TEACH BAD HABITS Cats may have a mind of their own, but they still learn from how we treat them. A sure way to create fussy eaters is to chop and change their routines, or panic at the first sign of rejection by tempting them back to the bowl with tidbits from your table. They’ll quickly learn how to manipulate you to feed them tasty ‘owner’ food rather than a healthy balanced diet. Think about it from your cat’s point of view: what would you do if you were ‘rewarded’ with a treat every time you didn’t eat? To avoid fussy tendencies, your best bet is to pick a routine and stick to it. IS YOUR CAT REALLY BEING FUSSY? Sometimes, fussiness is more down to the way you serve food rather than the food itself. Cats generally prefer to be left in peace to eat and don’t enjoy an audience. Create a bit of privacy at mealtimes and switch feeding time until after the rest of household has eaten, keeping your cat away from the family eating area during meals. Make sure your cat’s bowl is clean. Many cats won’t eat out of a bowl that has bits of old food in it. Would you? Get into the habit of washing out food and water bowls after each use, since leftovers and bacteria are no better for cats than for humans. If your cat normally enjoys dry food but has suddenly become fussy, you may need to replace the food. Dry food absorbs moisture and becomes stale, especially in warmer weather. If canned food is the problem, it may be because you just took it out of the fridge. Cold wet food doesn’t have much of an aroma and cats won’t eat what they can’t smell. You can make wet food more appealing by heating it until it’s warm to the touch, releasing the food’s aroma and stimulating the appetite. If your cat spends time outdoors, remember there are plenty of opportunities for an unscheduled snack the other side of the cat flap. By dinnertime, your cat just might not be hungry. Like humans, cats react to the weather. Hot summer days suppress the appetite and your cat can’t opt for a light salad as an alternative like we can. Unlike humans, cats don’t have psychological eating disorders and most will give in when they get really hungry. When your cat does eventually eat, offer lots of praise and affection as soon as the bowl has been removed. IF THE STUBBORNNESS CONTINUES If your cat’s fussiness continues, think about trying an alternative high quality cat food. Stick with the previous preference, whether dry or wet. Sometimes a simple change of recipe will get the taste buds working again. You should also check your cat’s teeth. A dental problem or abscess could make eating difficult or painful. If your cat’s gums are red or swollen, or the breath is unpleasant, ask your vet for a dental check-up. REFUSAL TO EAT FOR 24 HOURS OR LONGER If your cat refuses all food for 24 hours or more, consult your vet. Refusal to eat can indicate a developing allergy, or be a sign of a more serious complaint. It may just be fussiness, but it’s always best to be safe and check with an expert.

Prevention is always better than cure – and your cat’s health is no exception. That means understanding what to look out for and conducting regular home check-ups. Every month you should examine your cat carefully for early signs of illness. Just remember that some cats are very good at hiding illness or pain, so you need to be vigilant. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet. HEALTH CHECK LIST Body condition– you should just be able to feel, but not see, your cat’s ribs. Your cat should have a recognisable waistline and a distinct tummy tuck. Watch for signs of unusual weight loss or gain. Ears– these should be clear of any thick brown or black wax and have no smell. For thinly-haired cats or cats with white-tipped ears, consider using sunscreen lotion to prevent sunburn (which in turn can lead to skin cancer). Eyes– should be bright and clear, with no redness, discharge or apparent soreness. Your cat should not shy away from light as if it hurts the eyes. Nose– your cat’s nose is usually soft and damp to the touch. Nostrils should be free of discharge or crusting. Mouth– teeth should be white with no excess tartar, with pale pink or black gums. Look out for dropping food, excess salivation, clawing at the mouth or bad breath as a sign of dental problems. Skin and coat– skin can be pink or black, depending on the pigments normally found in your cat’s skin. There should be no dandruff, fleas, bald patches or sores, and the coat should be thick and shiny, with no broken hairs. Nails– should be smooth and, if you have an indoor cat, clipped regularly to prevent ingrowing. Digestion– occasional vomiting of hair or grass can be normal. But persistent sickness or choking when eating should be checked out. Make sure your cat’s stools are normal in colour and consistency, with no diarrhoea or constipation. If you have any concerns contact your vet. Thirst– healthy cats don’t appear to drink that much, particularly when they eat wet food due to its high moisture content. Outdoor cats will often find liquids away from home. But always have a large bowl of fresh, clean water available, and, in the case of any sharp increase in water intake, consult your vet. Attitude– cats that feel unwell often shy away from human contact, or act aggressively. Keep a close eye on things, as cats are very good at hiding illness. If you want more information contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

How to Feed Your Cat Whether your cat is a finicky or overzealous eater, their instincts may shape their preferences in ways you’ve never thought of. You’ll ultimately have the best handle on your cat’s preferences for taste, smell and texture, but here are a few other factors to consider in making feeding time more effective and enjoyable. Bowl vs. Plate Your cat’s whiskers help them navigate their surroundings, determine if they can fit through openings, and communicate their mood. Here are tips for choosing a dish that works with their whiskers, not against them. Tip 1: Use a shallow bowl that your cat can grab food from without impeding their whiskers. Tip 2: Choose a dish large enough to hold a day’s worth of food, with a lip just tall enough to keep the food contained while letting them easily observe the room. Tip 3: If you constantly find yourself cleaning up after your cat, consider a wide plate large enough to catch stray kibble or canned food. Proper Placement In the wild, cats like to have a clear view of their surroundings in order to detect the approach of rivals or predators. This means that where you place your cat’s dish plays an important role in their level of comfort at feeding time. Tip 1: Placing a cat’s dish in the corner of a room may put them both on edge and on guard because they can’t see what’s around them. This is especially true in homes with multiple cats or a dog. Tip 2: To lessen the tension, try positioning their dish in the open to maximize their sight lines.

Our Global Nutrition Philosophy We’re pet lovers ourselves, and we believe that all pets deserve nutrition that goes beyond industry standards. From advancing the way kibble is made to employing over 400 scientists and nutritionists today, we work hard to push pet nutrition forward for cats everywhere. Learn more about Our Global Nutrition Philosophy OUR GLOBAL NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY What Do Cats Need to Thrive? Cats, just like humans, have complex nutritional needs. Purina complete pet foods provide a 100% complete and balanced diet for pets. At Purina, we study closely what cats eat in the wild, and reflect their natural needs using our quality ingredients. To understand your cat’s needs, let’s look at her physiology: IMMUNE SYSTEM Protein, antioxidants and Omega-6 fatty acids help support your cat’s immune system. SKIN AND COAT Specific amino acids (the building blocks of protein), Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E help maintain your cat’s shiny coat. DIGESTION Wholesome grains and high-quality protein sources make it easier for your cat to digest the nutrients in her food. BONES AND TEETH To help support strong bones, your cat needs calcium and phosphorous. VISION Vitamin A and taurine help keep your cat’s vision sharp.

Choosing the Right Cat Food When choosing a food for your pet, it’s important to consider many factors, from your cat’s age to her size to any special dietary needs she might have – and that’s just the beginning. Consider Your Cat's Life Stage KITTEN At this key developmental stage in a cat’s life, your kitten needs special nutritional requirements that include DHA to support proper vision and brain development. ADULT Our foods contain nutrient and energy levels designed to help keep your cat in ideal body condition when fed properly, with a glossy coat and plenty of energy. SENIOR Choosing a quality senior cat food can help your feline companion continue to live her best life well into her golden years. Weaning Kittens Weaning kittens is a gradual process. If you find that you have a young kitten that is not with its mother due to an accident or is found alone then you may need to help with the weaning process. Whether you choose canned or dry food, adding moisture will help your pet to adjust. How to wean kittens Kittens can usually be started on the weaning process at three weeks of age and should be fully weaned by six to eight weeks. If you serve your kitten canned food, mash it up and mix it with water to form gruel. You can even smear this on your kitten’s lips to encourage her to lick it off. Some kittens will take the food as a mash but make sure there are no big chunks. Dry food can also be soaked and used to make gruel. Feed a little, regularly. As the kitten gets older, add less water to the mixture. Many kittens will eat dry food without it being soaked by 10-12 weeks of age, while most will manage a canned kitten food at six to eight weeks.