A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Kitten : Complete growth food, divided into several small meals.
Adult : Controlled ration, adapted to sterilization and indoor life.
Senior : Highly digestible food, while monitoring kidneys, teeth and appetite.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A complete, high-quality diet, formulated for the cat’s life stage and activity level, is generally very suitable. Kibble can be combined with wet food to improve hydration and satiety.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The ration is adjusted to the ideal weight, age and activity. A neutered indoor cat can quickly end up receiving too much energy if the quantities are not weighed.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 5 - 6 kg | 78 - 110 g | 2 |
| 6 - 8 kg | 94 - 132 g | 2 |
| 8 - 9 kg | 109 - 153 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary change must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets and to observe the cat's tolerance. A slow transition is particularly useful in sensitive individuals or those very attached to their habits.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. As cats sometimes drink little spontaneously, the use of wet food and several water points can help support good hydration.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and included in the total ration. They can be useful for training and games, provided that you choose simple products and do not encourage weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration to avoid indoor overweight.
- Offer water in several places, possibly a fountain.
- Include treats in the day's total calorie intake.
Never give
Chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, alcohol, caffeine, cooked bones and many very salty or fatty foods should be avoided, as they can cause digestive, neurological, urinary disorders or sometimes serious poisoning in cats.
