Nutrition and health for cats

We know you care enormously about your pets' well being, but we also want to help you care for your pets so you'll enjoy their company for many years ahead. Even the smallest variations in your care can have a tremendous influence on how your pet looks, feels and acts!

We are continually telling you about the positive effects of balanced nutrition on your cat's health. In this area of our Web site, we'll explain more about why we're so adamant about your pet's food. And there's a lot more to learn about caring for your pet -- from the youngest kitten to the oldest cat.

Special needs of adult cats

A cat between the ages of one and six years is considered an adult cat. These cats need controlled levels of magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and energy to help maintain their health. Additionally they need adequate taurine to help maintain normal heart function, eye structure and reproduction.

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease of cats. Obesity is due in large part to the increased palatability and popularity of dry cat food, and the common practice of leaving cat food in the bowl for cats to eat at any time. Obese cats may also be at risk for lower-urinary tract disease. Urinary tract disease is caused in many cases by over-consumption of minerals, such as magnesium, which must then be excreted through the kidneys creating a nutritional risk factor. A cat prone to obesity requires a low-fat, moderate-fiber food to help keep the cat trim and feeling full without reducing their volume of food intake.

Another important health concern for adult cats is kidney disease. While kidney disease is the second leading cause of non-accidental death in dogs, it's the primary cause of non-accidental death in cats. To help promote healthy kidneys, avoid excessive amounts of phosphorus, protein and salt. Other common risk factors for kidney disease are age, severe dehydration, heart failure, liver failure, kidney infections, some antibiotics, antifreeze, high blood pressure, certain cancers and obstructions of the urinary tract.

The special needs of kittens

You may have already recognised your kitten's unique personality, but you may not realise that your kitten has unique nutritional needs, too.

We tend to think of the early years as the "healthy years" and therefore may not give enough consideration to feeding practices. But because of factors like size, breed, age, environment, exercise, heredity and many others, a "one size fits all" approach to nutrition is not appropriate. Improper feeding can increase your kitten's risk of obesity, poor muscle and bone development and poor immune response.

The kitten life stage can be the most important time to ensure the health of your new cat. Not only should kittens (from weaning to about 12 months of age) be fed a food specially formulated to meet their needs for growth and development, so should adult cats during pregnancy and nursing to ensure that their kittens are receiving the optimal amounts of nutrients. Kittens need precise levels of taurine to help maintain normal heart function, retinal structure, reproduction and proper development. Additionally, they require the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus to help build strong bones and teeth.

The special needs of older cats

As cats reach the age of seven, they tend to have more health problems, especially with respect to metabolism, kidneys and eyes. To meet the changing needs of the older cat, it's important to feed a food low in fat and calories to help maintain the proper weight. Additionally, the food must have balanced levels of fibre to help gastrointestinal health, and reduced amounts of magnesium and phosphorus to help promote healthy urinary tract and kidneys. Lastly, it helps the older cat to have a food that's easy to digest.

How much and how often to feed your adult cat

It's important to feed your cat the right amount of food at proper intervals, but that can be tricky -- feeding requirements vary greatly from one cat to another. Feeding guides on the food can or bag are just a starting point. It's critical to your cat's health that his physical condition be monitored regularly and the feeding amount be adjusted as needed.

We suggest that you or your vet evaluate your cat's physical condition every few months. For some cats, your vet may suggest more frequent evaluations.