Cats and dogs of all ages have different nutritional requirements. When shopping for a cat food, make sure it is specifically formulated for your pet’s age group and stage in life.
The AAFCO nutrient profile for all life stages can help you make the best choice for your pet’s nutritional needs. However, other factors such as their lifestyle and any existing medical issues should also be taken into account when selecting a pet food.
Contents
Kittens
Kittens require a diet high in nutrients and protein, yet low in calories. Furthermore, they should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy.
They must be fed every two hours for the first few weeks, then twice a day as they grow older. If your pups aren’t gaining weight, there could be an underlying issue that requires veterinary assistance.
In the early weeks after birth, kittens will cry repeatedly for food. This is completely normal as they need to grow and adjust to life outside of their mother’s womb.
By the third week, they’ll start interacting with their littermates and be able to walk fairly well. By week five, they should be able to right themselves, run, place their feet accurately, avoid obstacles, stalk and pounce, catch prey using their eyesight, as well as groom themselves and others.
Adults
Cats are obligate carnivores and must eat high-quality protein sources to stay healthy. Furthermore, they require a range of vitamins and minerals like taurine, arginine, preformed vitamin A and niacin (vitamin B3) for optimal wellbeing.
Adult cats may have fewer nutritional needs than kittens and puppies, but they still require a balanced diet with all essential nutrients to stay healthy, energetic, and contented.
When selecting a food for your cat, check the label to make sure it meets the basic nutrient profiles set forth by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These profiles cover all three life stages recognized by AAFCO: growth (puppies), gestation and lactation, as well as maintenance.
If you’re searching for a high-quality food that can meet your cat’s nutritional needs throughout their entire lifetime, an all life stages formula is an ideal option. These foods meet all the necessary nutrient requirements for growth and reproduction as well as adults in maintenance mode – perfect for feeding throughout all stages of your pet’s development.
Seniors
Senior cats require a diet that’s lower in calories and higher in protein than their younger counterparts. This helps them maintain an ideal weight, decreasing the risk of obesity which increases diabetes, heart disease and organ failure.
Additionally, added nutrients can provide additional support for their health as they age, such as omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Vitamins A, C and E plus selenium all act as powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals that cause cellular damage caused by free radicals.
A diet rich in glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate helps keep joints healthy and strong. Other components that support a strong immune system include rosemary, yucca and zinc as well as calcium and phosphorus for strong bones.
Transitioning
Sometimes, a change in diet is necessary, whether your cat has an illness that necessitates special food or just wants something different. Either way, it’s essential to make the transition gradually and gradually so as not to cause digestive distress.
It’s essential that the amount of new food you give your cat is proportionate to their weight and age, so follow the feeding guide on the packaging unless your vet advises otherwise.
Be sure to monitor your cat’s behaviour during this period and, if they begin to lose appetite, vomit or exhibit signs of diarrhoea, then temporarily cease the transition until these symptoms have resolved.
It’s best to introduce the new food slowly over a seven-day period, starting with just a small amount mixed into their current diet at first. Gradually increase the percentage of new food until they’re completely fed on it alone.
