What Should I Feed My Cat?

Cats have a unique physiology that is perfectly adapted to a strictly carnivorous diet composed primarily of rodents. For many years, scientists have been working to create diets that fulfill the cat’s needs and are convenient and economical for the owner. This is an ongoing process and existing diets are constantly being reformulated to reflect new information. Totally new diets are frequently introduced to meet the needs of our feline companions.

The average cat should be introduced to an assortment of quality diets to reduce the chances of nutritionally related disease. We recommend that cats be fed both canned and dry food. The portions should be no larger than a mouse. Unlimited portion size is one of the major causes of obesity and diabetes in cats. Most of the major commercial and specialty brands of cat food reflect the best nutritional knowledge available and the cat may be allowed to select his or her favorites. Small amounts of food prepared for the people in the house are also acceptable additions to the diet. Raw or spoiled meat should never be fed to cats. Not only can the cat become sick, but he may then spread infections to his owners.

Some cats are intolerant of some foods. The clinical signs of dietary intolerance may include facial itching, vomiting or diarrhea. These cats are not sensitive to the form of food (canned, dry or semi-moist), but to a component of the food. Some of the more common causes of food intolerance are: chicken, beef, wheat and corn. No single diet is right for all of these individuals. Since most commercial foods have multiple protein components they are not appropriate for these cats. Special foods have been developed that contain proteins not commonly found in most cat foods. The products we are currently using for these patients are: rabbit, venison and duck with green pea (canned and dry from Royal Canin) and Z/D (dry and canned from Hills Pet nutrition).

Special diets have been designed for cats suffering from various illnesses. Most of these diets are dispensed by prescription only. They are only appropriate for cats with specific needs and should not be fed to other cats without consulting a veterinarian. The most frequently used prescription diets at The Cat Clinic of Stillwater are Hill’s K/D (canned and dry) and IVD modified formula for cats with kidney disease, Hill’s C/D (canned and dry) for cats who form struvite stones, Hill’s W/D for cats with fiber responsive colitis, Purina DM (canned and dry) for cats with diabetes and Purina OM and Hill’s R/D for obesity. These foods can improve the quality of life of the individuals who are suffering from the indicated conditions.

Cats are unique creatures. Their nutritional needs are different from those of people and dogs, and they even vary from cat to cat. When you feed appropriate foods in “mouse-sized” servings you will be rewarded with a healthy, happy feline companion.