Why My Cat Stopped Playing
Maya and her cat, Oliver
Maya lived in a quiet apartment, curled up with her beloved black and white cat named Oliver. As a cute little kitten, Oliver used to playfully roll around the house, jump on the kitchen chairs and even chase paper balls around the room. But as the little guy grew up, his playful times grew shorter, and he started spending most of his days laying on the sofa. His fur had become dry and coarse and he would constantly cough up hairballs on the carpet. The sight of his favorite food made him simply turn around and walk away.
Maya thought nothing of it – perhaps, Oliver was simply getting old. But the vet told her as he palpated the cat’s stomach that he had gained a noticeable amount of weight around the belly, while his legs and back had become weaker.
‘What brand of food are you feeding him?’ the vet asked.
Maya showed him the picture of the bright package she bought at the corner store. It depicted roasted chicken wings and fresh vegetables.
The vet cleared his throat. ‘It may look delicious to you, but the ingredients say otherwise. The main component of this food is not meat, but rather corn and grain. In fact, your cat is malnourished – he is not receiving the proper diet that his body needs.
What Your Cat Needs to Be Healthy
‘The most fundamental characteristic of a cat is that it is a carnivore,’ the vet told Maya while handing her a leaflet. ‘Unlike humans and even dogs, cats cannot survive on a diet of grains, vegetables, and legumes. Their bodies can only break down and assimilate animal proteins. That is why it is so important to feed them a high-quality food that contains real meat.
When choosing the best cat food, you should always make sure that the ingredients contain real meat as the main component
Healthy oils and fat in the food will keep your cat’s skin supple and his coat shiny.
A diet high in water content (wet cat food) is essential to maintain the health of the kidneys.
And last but not least, make sure that the amount of grain and carbons is not more than 20% – a high-carb diet is unhealthy for cats of any age.
Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food
Maya stood in the pet store looking at the long rows of cat food. It was hard to decide which one to choose: the canned or the dry kibble? Actually, the differences between the two types were explained clearly, making it easy for Maya to make a choice.
Pros of Wet Cat Food
Wet cat foods have high amounts of natural water content
which is essential for the healthy functioning of the feline urinary tract.
They also have fewer carbs and more meat than dry foods, meaning a healthier and more balanced diet for your cat. Plus, they taste amazing! The soft consistency and delicate flavor of wet cat food are perfect for finicky cats.
Pros of Dry Cat Food
Dry cat foods are usually more cost-effective
and can be left out for your cat to eat at any time of the day.
They provide a good source of energy for a more active feline lifestyle.
The best cat food for healthy cats
Many pet owners choose to feed their cats a combination of both, wet and dry cat foods. Try giving your cat a can of wet food in the morning and evening, and a small portion of dry kibble in between – it is the perfect balance of nutrition and convenience!
Healthy Cat Food According to Age
Your cat, just like humans, requires different types of nutrition at different life stages.
The Best Cat Food for Kittens (0 – 12 months)
Cats are born tiny but grow incredibly fast during the first year of their lives. To support their development and energy needs, kitten food provides a high amount of calories and essential minerals and vitamins such as milk proteins and calcium.
The Best Cat Food for Adult Cats (1 – 7 years)
As kittens reach maturity, they require a balanced diet to maintain their body weight and keep their muscles firm and strong.
The Best Cat Food for Senior Cats (7+ years)
Senior cat foods are specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of aging cats. They contain easily digestible proteins and fibers and have a high joint-supporting content to reduce stiffness and discomfort in older cats.
How Maya Fed Her Cat a Better Diet
Maya bought a new pack of a high-quality cat food with real chicken meat as the main ingredient. But she knew that it was unwise to suddenly change a cat’s diet, so she decided to gradually replace the old food with the new one over ten days.
Days 1 – 3: add a teaspoon of the new food to a bowl of old food.
Days 4 – 6: mix equal parts of new and old food.
Days 7 – 9: add more of the new food and less of the old one.
Day 10: use only new food!
The Happy Outcome
Three weeks later, the switch paid off! Oliver started rushing to the kitchen at the sound of the can opener. One month later, his fur had turned silky smooth, and he hardly coughed up any hairballs. His legs had also regained their strength, and he was back to his old self, running all over the flat!
Words of Wisdom by Dr. RK Bloch
‘Remember that the best way to keep your cat healthy is to feed them the best pet food. Many diseases in cats are the result of poor diet and lack of water.
Invest in your pet’s wellbeing by choosing the best cat food with high-quality meat and water content so that your kitty can live a long and happy life with you.’
Simple Q&As
Can cats be fed a vegetarian diet?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they cannot survive on a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet. A meat-free diet will cause serious health issues and even blindness in cats.
How much should I feed my cat per day?
Always follow the simple instruction on the back of the food packaging or use a measuring cup to calculate the right amount of food for your cat.
Is grain-free cat food the best option?
Grain-free cat foods are not necessarily better than those with grains. Make sure to choose cat foods with real chicken or fish as the primary ingredient.