A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Kitten : Choose a complete growth food, rich in animal proteins, divided into several small meals.
Adult : Adjust the ration to activity and sterilization while regularly monitoring body condition.
Senior : Have the weight, dentition and kidney function checked, then adapt the food to age and any possible pathologies.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
An appropriate industrial diet, in the form of kibble or wet food, can meet its needs when it provides enough energy.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The ration must compensate for heat expenditure without causing weight gain. An adult of 4 to 6 kg often receives 55 to 80 g of energy-rich kibble per day, to be adjusted according to the food and the season.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 3 - 4 kg | 50 - 65 g | 2 |
| 4 - 6 kg | 60 - 80 g | 2 |
| 6 - 7 kg | 75 - 95 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be gradual over about a week, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food to limit digestive upsets.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh water must remain available at all times.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and represent less than 10% of the daily energy intake. They should be deducted from the ration in order to avoid weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Choose a sufficiently energy-rich diet to compensate for the expenditure related to thermoregulation.
- Leave fresh water available at all times.
Never give
Chocolate, onion, garlic, leek, grapes, alcohol, caffeine, xylitol, cooked bones, very fatty leftovers and many human medications are toxic or dangerous for the cat. In case of doubtful ingestion, contact a veterinarian quickly.
