OVERVIEW: FEEDING TIPS FOR HEALTHIER CATS

Although cancer is less common in cats, they are still at risk of disease. Taking preventative measures with your cat is particularly important, as cancer progression can be fast upon onset. One often overlooked risk factor is diet. Therefore, managing your cat’s nutrition is a great way to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. The following factors will help you navigate your cat’s diet:
 

• Age – At birth and up to five weeks old, the kitten will get all the required nutrients from the mother’s milk. After weaning and up to six months, kittens need more food per pound of body weight and may have to eat more frequently to ensure healthy growth. Once the cat becomes an adult (one year to six years), feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. You can continue the same feeding pattern in senior cats (seven years and above) unless your vet suggests otherwise.
• Weight – Weight is an important indicator of whether there should be any change to your cat’s diet. For instance, a lean cat requires more calories to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. If your cat is overweight or obese, you feed it according to its ideal weight, not its actual weight.
• Activity level – Activity level considers your cat’s overall lifestyle and energy expenditure during the day. Kittens are naturally more active and playful, requiring about twice as many calories per body weight as adult cats. For less active adult cats, you can feed them a diet with fewer calories than a diet for an active and energetic cat.
• Pregnant or nursing cats – Your pregnant cat’s food consumption varies because she requires an increased supply of calories that can be approximately two to three times higher than her regular diet. Food should be readily available for a pregnant or nursing cat. Feeding more often or having food available all the time is ideal.
• Wet (canned) food or dry food – While dry food may have a slightly higher carbohydrate content, both canned and dry foods are nutritionally complete. The main difference between the two forms is the water content, where canned food has a higher moisture level. Lack of water in dry food may lead to poor digestion. In contrast, the high-water content in canned food can prevent dehydration, kidney disease, diabetes, and lower urinary tract disease. You can consult your vet to make feeding decisions regarding wet or dry food.

 

Understanding your cat’s risk factors and how diet can influence their chances of developing cancer are great steps towards providing a healthy and happy life for your pet. Discuss with your vet what diet is most appropriate for your cat and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your furry friend, so you can enjoy each other’s company for years to come.