Nutrition

Cats are carnivores, so they need high quantities of animal proteins and fats to survive. It is important to feed your cat a high-quality, premium commercial food that is appropriate for his life stage and health status. He will also enjoy:

• fresh, raw meat
• raw, meaty bones

Choose human-grade raw meat and raw meaty bones, as bone products, pet meat, pet mince and pet rolls can contain preservatives that can be detrimental to your cat’s health e.g., sulphite preservative-induced thiamine deficiency, which can be fatal.

Many human foods cause illness, so avoid giving your cat:

• avocado
• chocolate
• coffee
• cooked bones
• cooked manufactured meat
• garlic
• grapes
• milk
• nuts
• onions
• sausages and sausage meat

Liver is rich in iron, but can become addictive. It can also cause disease as it contains high amounts of vitamin A. And although many cats love fish, do not feed them this exclusively, as this could induce dietary deficiencies unless supplemented with the correct fatty acids. Cats have unique dietary requirements for certain vitamins, fatty acids and also certain amino acids such as taurine, which can only be supplied by animal tissue i.e., meat. These requirements must be included to provide a balanced diet.

Adult cats tend to graze, preferring to eat several smaller meals throughout the day and night. Food that takes a while to chew, such as raw chicken wings, is a good idea.

Remember to ensure your cat always has an adequate supply of fresh, clean water.