Feeding your cat
It’s important to feed your cat a suitable diet - some foods for humans such as onion and garlic can be toxic to cats and so should be avoided. A wide variety of cat food brands are available in supermarkets and online, specially tailored for a feline diet. If you wish to feed your cat foods that are not specially designed for felines, make sure you check the ingredients carefully and research online if you are still unsure of their suitability.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to survive. If you would rather have a pet you can keep on a vegetarian diet, a rabbit would be a better choice of pet than a cat. Cats need an amino acid called taurine in their diet, and taurine can only be found in animal-based products - without meat, cats can develop problems with their hearts, vision, reproductive abilities, and general overall health.
Cats need water available at all times, just like any other mammal, so it is vital to have a source of water that your cat can easily access - a water bowl or dish that is regularly refilled throughout the day will help keep your cat hydrated. Despite it being a favourite drink for many cartoon cats, you should not give your cat milk - cats are lactose intolerant and it will make them sick.
Kittens require different foods to adult cats - young kittens will need to eat more liquid and wet food than their older counterparts as they require a diet that is 30% protein for healthy development.
Most cats with “normal” activity levels - a balanced mix of sleeping and playing - will require a diet at maintenance level, which gives them enough energy to function without gaining weight. A cat who sleeps a lot may require 10% below maintenance, while a cat who spends all day hunting and playing may require maintenance plus 20 to 40%.
Giving your cats too many treats between meals can cause unwanted weight gain, so it is best to limit these. Kittens should be given fewer treats than adult cats, as plenty of nutritious food is vital for their development.