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Feeding raw food to cats is potentially dangerous - not only to the cat eating the raw food, but also to other pets and humans in the environment, due to the high likelihood of bacterial contamination. Raw food may also not be complete and balanced and could lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. Consuming raw food with bones can lead to life-threatening foreign body obstruction.
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Senior cats should be assessed by a veterinarian at least every six months. A nutritional assessment can help the veterinarian identify changing energy or nutrient requirements, which may warrant a diet change. Senior diets vary widely in nutrient profiles as there are no established standards. It remains vital that older cats stay well hydrated. Recommendations for senior cat diets need to be based on regular evaluations and discussion between veterinarian and owner.
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Interactive feeders that require a pet to think and work for their food call upon pets’ natural instincts to hunt or forage. Besides being fun, these food puzzles may help both physical and behavioral problems in cats and dogs. When used correctly, interactive feeders may benefit pets that eat too quickly, become bored when alone, or suffer from separation anxiety.
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Special attention must be given to a cat's nutrition during her pregnancy to ensure the birth of healthy puppies. It is important to maintain a good body condition throughout pregnancy; this is achieved with regular monitoring. This handout outlines a pregnant cat’s unique nutritional needs and how to meet them, ensuring a healthy mother and kittens.
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Each cat is an individual and one standard feeding plan may not work for every pet, but following a set schedule can be beneficial for several reasons. For most cats, two meals per day is best. The use of food toys or interactive feeders can add interest to your cat’s mealtime. Routines help your cat adjust to changes that may occur in your home and allow you to monitor her health.
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With all cancer management strategies, providing optimal nutrition for your cat is essential. The metabolic effects of cancer will persist after treatment but with your veterinarian’s guidance, you can adjust your cat's nutrient profile and potentially avoid some of these negative side effects. Carbohydrates promote cancer cell growth, while cancer cells have a difficult time using fat as an energy source, so foods that are relatively high in fat and low in carbohydrate may benefit cats with cancer. The effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy will be considered when your veterinarian advises a nutrient profile, formulation, quantity, and delivery method for your cat.
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Selecting your cat's food is a choice you make to support their health and well-being for each of their life stages. Complete and balanced commercial cat foods are designed to have specific nutrient profiles, and different diet types are available for healthy cats or those with a medical condition. Your veterinarian is always ready to help you make the best nutritional choices for your cat.
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Once your cat has reached adulthood, their nutrient profile will change from when they were a kitten. Your veterinarian can help you determine what proportion of each nutrient is needed based on your cat's lifestyle and current body condition. It is important to lay a good nutritional foundation to maximize the health and longevity for your cat and reduce the potential for developing obesity.
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Food allergies can be problematic for many cats, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected cats. An 8 to 12-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.
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Gastrostomy tubes are placed percutaneously through the skin directly into the stomach and may be needed for cats who are unable to chew or swallow their food, or for cats with diseases causing anorexia. Special liquid diets or canned diets blended with water are recommended to be given in multiple feedings throughout the day, dependent on the cat’s reason for the tube. Instructions are provided by your veterinarian for tube feeding and tube maintenance. The tube can be removed as early as 14 days after placement once the cat is eating well. Your veterinarian will remove the tube.