How To Choose The Right Cat Food - Purina Tips

Cat food - how to choose it properly

Each cat is unique. Everyone has their own unique character, likes and dislikes and needs. And just like humans, cats also have specific nutritional requirements. Did you know that a cat only needs to obtain 41 different specific nutrients from food? Much may depend on age, lifestyle and health. So it's no surprise that a growing, active kitten needs a different proportion of ingredients in its diet than a less active, older cat. Most of the pet foods we produce are available in an expanding range of special formulas designed to meet the precise and varied needs of different cats. So you can be sure that you are getting a feed that is balanced according to your cat's needs.

Kittens

Kittens have to grow a lot! Their organisms must develop muscles, bones, hair, teeth and a fully developed immune system extremely quickly. Usually they will get up to 20 times bigger in just 5 to 6 months. Plus, of course, with all their curiosity and energy, they consume three times more calories per day than an adult cat.

Specially formulated kitten food will contain extra protein to support the proper development of tissues and organs, and a higher content of essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron to support the development of strong bones and teeth.

Specially formulated kitten food will contain extra protein to support the proper development of tissues and organs, and a higher content of essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron to support the development of strong bones and teeth.

Kittens also have smaller mouths than adult cats. The smaller pellet size of most kitten foods makes chewing and releasing all the essential nutrients easier.

Kitten food from PURINA

Adult cats

If adult cats were to eat intuitively, you would feed them 13 to 16 times a day in small portions, each providing the number of calories equivalent to one mouse! But to feed your cat properly, you need to achieve the right balance of water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Industrial cat food is designed to achieve optimal balance and as part of regular feeding should provide everything your cat needs throughout her adult life. Whether you feed him wet or dry food, or a combination of the two, is a matter of personal preference - for you and your cat. Remember about the difference between "complete " and "complementary ". Complete foods do not require any supplements. Complementary foods, such as treats and snacks, do not provide an effective nutritional balance on their own. If you are feeding your cat complementary food, always reduce the size of the main meal proportionally to avoid overfeeding. Always read the feed recommendations on the back of the pack carefully, but remember that different cats may require slightly different amounts of food to stay in shape.

Adult Cat Food from PURINA

Older cats

Older cats tend to be relaxed, resting more and running less. As their lifestyle becomes calmer, their metabolism also slows down. They consume less energy, and therefore need half the calories in food. However, high-quality, easily digestible protein is becoming more important than ever to help keep you in overall shape.

A good food for a mature senior cat provides concentrated, high-quality protein, is low in fat and contains easily digestible carbohydrates for energy. Lowered phosphorus to reduce the burden on the kidneys, calcium to support aging joints, and vitamins to help fight infections with a weakening immune system.

As you age, your cat's senses of smell and taste deteriorate slightly, along with the ability to chew food effectively. The smaller size of the granules in the dry foods and the higher meat content in the moist foods support a healthy appetite.

Food for Senior Cats from PURINA

Indoor cats

Many less active breeds are happy to lead the life of a indoor cat. However, any cat living in a confined space will have fewer opportunities to be physically active. Such a more relaxed lifestyle means that it is much more difficult to maintain a correct body shape in indoor cats than in outdoor cats. So maintaining a healthy body shape and weight can be a major problem for indoor cats.

Specially formulated food for indoor cats is rich in protein and low in fat. They also contain additional, less digestible, fermenting fiber to help counteract the formation of hair balls (and reduce the intensity of odors from the litter box).

PURINA Foods for Indoor Cats

Pregnant and lactating cats

It's no surprise that a good, balanced diet is vital during pregnancy. After all, the expectant mother can eat even for seven! Pregnancy can cause periods of decreased appetite, excessive appetite, or anorexia. However, all pregnant or lactating cats need extra protein and energy to help them survive a period of physical stress.

Standard adult cat food simply will not provide all the required nutrients. Some specialty brands produce specially formulated diets designed with pregnancy in mind, but if these are hard to come by, it is generally advisable to switch to a kitten formula during pregnancy. The extra calories and higher content of other key nutrients are what a pregnant female cat needs during this period.

PURINA diets for pregnant cats

Overweight cats

Adult cats are naturally prone to gaining unwanted pounds, especially those who stay indoors or mature (after the age of seven). And weight problems can quickly lead to much more serious health problems, including diabetes, heart and respiratory disease, bladder stones, and arthritis.

Of course, if your cat becomes overweight, the most important step is to reduce the amount of treats, snacks and toppings. Industrial recipes of 'light' food can also help. They contain significantly less fat, providing all the necessary vitamins and minerals, so you can cut down on calories without reducing portion sizes or nutrients. Light diets not only help overweight cats regain their normal weight, they can also help older, less active cats stay in good condition later in life.

PURINA diets for Overweight and Obese Cats

Sensitive Cats

Food hypersensitivity can occur at any time in your cat's life, potentially leading to diarrhea and vomiting. In most cases, treatment is initiated only after gastrointestinal or skin symptoms have been observed. Allergies and hypersensitivity are most often caused by protein found in dairy, beef, fish and chicken (depending on how much you eat).

The most effective method of testing for hypersensitivity (allergy) is a 12-week trial in which the food is withdrawn from the diet and then re-introduced to see if it causes symptoms to come back. Since most of the nutrient sources in pet foods come from beef, chicken, dairy, corn, and wheat, it's helpful to switch to foods your cat hasn't eaten yet, such as turkey or salmon with rice.

Elimination diet trials should be carried out according to veterinary standards, so if you suspect your cat is allergic, your first step should be to contact your veterinarian.

PURINA diets for Sensitive Cats