A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Kitten : A growth diet rich in proteins and energy is recommended, with several small meals per day to support development.
Adult : The food must cover maintenance, muscle mass and the actual activity level, with an adjusted ration to avoid overweight.
Senior : A more digestible formula adapted to aging helps preserve weight, hydration and overall comfort, under veterinary supervision if needed.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Good-quality kibble can be suitable, ideally complemented by a portion of wet food to support hydration. The choice must remain consistent with its age, any possible sterilization, and its daily activity.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily ration must be calculated according to weight, actual activity and the energy density of the food. A cat living mostly indoors does not have the same needs as a very active subject with access to the outdoors.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 3 - 4 kg | 52 - 76 g | 2 |
| 4 - 5 kg | 64 - 92 g | 2 |
| 5 - 6 kg | 76 - 108 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be done gradually over 7 to 10 days to limit digestive upsets. The proportion of the new food is increased little by little while observing appetite, stools and overall comfort.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. A fountain, several water points and the addition of wet food can help cats who do not drink much spontaneously.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and represent a small part of the daily energy intake. They are useful for rewarding or enriching the environment, but not for compensating for boredom or replacing play.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weighing the ration regularly helps to avoid excess.
- Favor complete foods rich in animal proteins.
- Splitting meals can improve satiety in greedy cats.
- Brushing more during shedding periods limits the ingestion of hair.
Never give
As with other cats, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, alcohol, caffeine, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods, as they can cause digestive, neurological or renal disorders that are sometimes serious.
