In ancient times, cats were worshipped as deities by the Egyptians, and centuries later, they still seem to feel the same. No matter how playful or friendly they might be, cats also have a certain level of independence that can make them the perfect pets. However, even though they may not seem to need as much attention as dogs, proper care is vital to ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Unlike dogs, cats are carnivores, meaning that the food they receive must primarily contain animal-based protein. Another essential ingredient in cat food is taurine, an amino acid crucial for the proper development of felines. Lastly, you should make sure their food includes a few vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and water.
The presence of carbohydrates in cat food is a more delicate topic, and opinions are divided. Some experts argue that cats do not need carbohydrates for proper development, while others advocate for the inclusion of carbs, especially in the diet of particularly active cats. These differing opinions highlight the importance of specialized advice tailored to each cat. So, when you want to choose the best food option for your cat, be sure to consult a specialist who can offer personalized advice.
Dry or wet food? A veterinarian can give you precise information about the amount and composition of food your cat needs. However, the final decision regarding the type of food – dry or wet – is up to you, and to make an informed choice, it's essential to understand the pros and cons of each.
The main advantage of dry food is that it can be left in the bowl without issue, so the cat can eat whenever it feels the need. If your cat spends a lot of time alone at home, this is an important factor. In comparison, wet food must be refrigerated after being opened, or it risks losing its nutritional value.
The benefit of wet food, however, lies in its high water content, which is essential for keeping your cat hydrated. You might think, "But the cat can drink water independently of its food." You're right, but not all cats do this successfully, and if you only offer dry food, they might risk becoming dehydrated.
Allergies, dependencies, and boredom
What you might not know (yet) about cats is that they have some personality traits very similar to humans. For example, just like humans, cats can develop allergies if they eat the same type of food from the same producer for an extended period of time.
Another unique situation is when they develop dependencies, only accepting a specific type of food. A fascinating case was reported in the October 2001 issue of The Whole Cat Journal: a cat became dependent on a particular type of food from a specific batch produced by a certain factory. This is definitely not something you'd want to deal with. Lastly, cats can get bored with the same type of food and may simply refuse to eat it.
To avoid all these situations, variety is key. Offer your cat different brands and types of food, of course, considering their specific needs (age, breed, living environment, whether they are spayed or neutered, etc.).
How can you supplement your cat's diet?
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to buy the most expensive cat food on the market to ensure your furry friend enjoys the most delicious and nutritious meals. It's enough to add an element that can turn ordinary kibble into a real feast.
For example, you'll make your cat very happy if you occasionally offer a canned sardine in water or if you add a little salmon oil over the kibble. Another option is raw meat, either fresh or taken from the freezer.
What you want to avoid is being too generous with human food. No matter how much you'd like to share everything with your furry friend, there are foods that will do more harm than good. These include chocolate, milk (yes, Tom and Jerry lied to us), avocado, onions, garlic, grapes, raw eggs and fish, and tomatoes.
Think long-term
We know that food represents one of the biggest expenses when you're the proud parent of a cat, but there's an even bigger cost you can avoid by choosing the right food: vet visits. So, if you want a long and peaceful life with your cat, don't skimp on quality when it comes to food. Provide the best option based on your budget and tasty supplements for an extra boost of nutrients.
References:
https://scollar.com/blogs/homepage-blog/how-to-choose-the-best-food-for-cats
https://www.thesprucepets.com/choosing-cat-food-551958
https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/nutrition-center/choosing-best-cat-food#slide-10