A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Kitten : A growth diet rich in animal proteins and well balanced supports the development of the skeleton, muscles and immune system.
Adult : In adulthood, the ration must preserve muscle mass, support activity and avoid excess calories.
Senior : In seniors, a highly digestible, palatable diet adapted to the veterinary assessment helps maintain overall comfort.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A premium diet for an active cat generally suits the Somali well, with digestible proteins and controlled nutritional density. Depending on the cat’s profile, a combination of quality kibble and wet foods can help support hydration while improving satiety.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be adjusted according to weight, age, neutering and the actual activity level. In this lively but greedy breed, it is useful to weigh the portions and to reassess them regularly if the silhouette changes.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 3 - 4 kg | 50 - 73 g | 2 |
| 4 - 4 kg | 58 - 84 g | 2 |
| 4 - 5 kg | 66 - 94 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets and encourage good acceptance. A transition that is too rapid can disrupt appetite or bowel movements, even in a not very picky cat.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh, clean water must remain available at all times. A water fountain and the introduction of a portion of wet food can be of interest to encourage good hydration and support urinary and kidney comfort.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and be included in the total ration. They can be used to enrich the environment, to reward a behavior or to strengthen interaction, but an excess quickly promotes weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the portions to avoid excess.
- Offer a portion of wet food to support hydration.
- Use food puzzles to keep this active and food-motivated cat occupied.
Never give
As with all cats, you should avoid in particular chocolate, onion, garlic, leek, alcohol, grapes, xylitol, cooked bones and very salty or very fatty foods, as they can cause digestive, neurological, blood or kidney disorders that are sometimes serious.
