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?
High-quality kibble or a complete wet diet may be suitable, provided they properly cover the needs of the adult cat or the kitten. A mixed ration can also be interesting to support hydration while maintaining good feeding comfort.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily quantity must be adjusted according to actual weight, sterilization, activity and the type of food chosen. It is preferable to base it on the energy actually consumed rather than on a standard portion identical for all subjects.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 - 3 kg | 38 - 57 g | 2 |
| 3 - 3 kg | 46 - 68 g | 2 |
| 3 - 4 kg | 54 - 78 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets and promote good acceptance of the new food. A slower transition may be useful for sensitive or very routine-oriented cats.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Like many indoor cats, the LaPerm benefits from good daily hydration, made easier by several water points or a partial wet diet.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and represent a small part of the daily energy intake. They are useful for play, keeping busy or as a reward, but excess promotes 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 certain sweeteners such as xylitol should be avoided, as they can cause digestive, neurological, renal or hematological disorders that are sometimes serious in cats.
