Feeding cats

First, let's define what exactly is more convenient for you. Feeding cats can be of two types: ready-made feed (dry and canned) and so-called "naturalka". Both in the first and in the second variant the food should be balanced and useful.

Feeding cats with dry food has its advantages. Firstly, it is a "all-inclusive" discharge. There is a full complex of vitamins and minerals. But the feed should only be of high quality, of the "super premium" class (in extreme cases - of the "premium" class) and with brands of producers that have proven themselves positively and conducting quality control of the products. This is "ROYAL CANIN" (producer - France), "PURINA", "IAMS", "HILS" (producer - USA).

For an adult British cat, 100 grams of dry food or 160 grams of canned food is sufficient. And here the question arises: what of the ready-made food is better - dry food or canned food? What to feed a British cat? It is difficult to answer unequivocally. The fact is that the food dry is cheaper, stored longer, and the probability that the cat will form stones on the teeth, less. But the canned food is much better absorbed. And more suitable for kittens and old cats. Here you are already determined. Just do not neglect the recommendations on the packages. Forage for kittens do not feed adult cats and vice versa. Do not buy cat food for dogs. They have completely different compositions. Never mix food of different producers (the only exception is to transfer the cat from one type of feed to another). Do not add anything to ready-made food, and especially - vitamins. Everything necessary there already is. That is why the feed is called "balanced." Do not break this balance! Access to water must be permanent.

Now about "naturalka", or about natural forages. In this case, the feeding of cats is considerably complicated. It is difficult to achieve a balance of vitamins and minerals and accurately calculate calories. Feeding cats with natural foods has its own rules, which begin with the exclusion of raw pork, ham, smoked foods, salted and marinated foods, raw river fish, spices, sweets.

The perfect choice will be a menu of:

- by-products: kidney, heart, liver, lungs;
- vegetable oil;
- fish;
- eggs;
- Hercules;
- fermented milk products.

Do not forget: the cat's food should consist mainly of meat - a product containing a large amount of protein, so necessary for a predator for normal life. It's better if it's: beef, poultry, sea fish. But fish should not be more than 15% of the total diet. Very useful: ryazhenka, kefir, cottage cheese, cheese. In the food you can mix the cereals. Food should be at room temperature. If the cat is not eaten, do not leave the food in the bowl, take the food out until the next time. Feeding cats should be done on schedule.

If the cat gained excess weight, set it to unloading days (for example, one per week) or reduce the dosage. It is useful to add vegetables (cabbage, carrots, potatoes), wheat bran, sprouted wheat to the diet. If the cat's diet is made correctly, your pet will be in great shape, with shiny hair and always in good spirits.

But a special approach to nutrition requires pregnant cats and those that have recently become moms.

Feeding cats during pregnancy in the first weeks does not differ from usual. Then increase the dose by 10-15%. The basis of the diet should be meat. In addition, it is necessary to give sour-milk products, sea fish (but a little), boiled eggs. Vitamins are added. If you feed the cat with ready-made feeds, then just increase the dose by the same 10-15%.

What to feed the cat after giving birth? After all, what mom eats, and children with her milk. During feeding, the nutrition of the cat should be rich in calcium and phosphorus. Increase the amount of cottage cheese and sea fish. If if from the use of dairy products the cat starts to breakdown, exclude them from the menu and add to the food vitamins.

But ready-made feeds are in a winning position here too: no additives are needed here. Feeds are already balanced and contain the right amount of proteins, vitamins, minerals. The only thing you should do is to follow the feeding instructions and constantly monitor that the cat has fresh water.

What kind of food to feed the cat, of course, you decide. Disputes about the types of feeding, stormy pros and cons will never abate. Several generations of our animals have grown on ready dry food and are feeling great: healthy, energetic, moderately well-fed. But the same results are observed in the breeders, who, contrary to progress, prefer "naturalka". Do not hurry to be determined. Consult with veterinarians, with breeders. Let them share their knowledge and experience with you. They always have something to tell. Your task is to listen and draw conclusions.