Feeding my cat / kitten
We agree with you that your cat deserves to live their very best life and we can help choose a diet that you can confidently feed your best friend for the rest of their life.
We believe that a natural, fresh diet is best for a healthy, happy cat. Then as your cat develops and grows, they will only benefit from the best proteins, nutrients, and a complete and balanced meal plan.
We understand that all of us can be time poor and we are not here to judge. We only want to assist you to give your cat the best that you can afford and provide quality products for the health and wellbeing of your cat through all stages of their life.
Why a Natural / Raw Diet?
A raw food diet for cats typically consists of uncooked animal products such as ground up bones, flesh, organs and muscle meat. Generally called a BARF Diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) it is an effective way to control what’s in their food while satisfying their intrinsic needs as obligate carnivores (their bodies require nutrients that are only found in meat).
While it may not sound very appetising to you, a raw food diet is highly beneficial for cats. A healthy cat can easily digest raw foods because their digestive tract is short and more acidic. For this reason, cats very seldom have any health problems directly associated with this diet.
The following are generally the most noticeable benefits of a BARF / Raw diet for cats:
- Better Digestion
- Less stool odour and volume
- Healthier coats (less shedding and fewer hairballs)
- Increased energy
- Improved urinary health
- Better weight control
- Improved dental health
The lack of heat processing in a raw diet offers better quality and higher levels of proteins and nutrients. Hydration levels are greatly improved. Unlike dogs, cats do not have a natural thirst drive because their bodies are designed to get moisture from their prey – this is why many modern cats develop kidney and urinary issues. As raw meat is completely natural, much of the moisture remains, which promotes urinary health and assists the kidneys process waste more efficiently.
However, if your cat has an immune disease or some other medical problem, discuss giving him a raw food diet with your veterinarian before switching from his current diet.
Once you make the final decision to switch to a raw food diet, you will have to prepare your cat for the transition.
Transition to Natural / Raw Diet
You are probably taking your kitten home at the age of 8 weeks (appropriate age). A cat is generally able to progress from their mum’s milk to more solid food. A lot of breeders will already be feeding a natural diet before you take your cat home. It is recommended that a cat be transitioned to a natural diet as soon as their digestive system can cope. You may get some soft poo happening; however, this will disappear once their little tummy becomes adjusted.
It’s not difficult to transition, however it will take time to get them ready so the transition will go smoothly.
If your cat is on dry food, start transition slowly then increase gradually over 2 – 3 weeks. They will adapt at their own pace. Your cat is also very smart and may resist the change. Be patient and watch their poos. Slow down the transition if necessary. Introduce proteins one at a time. If your cat has diarrhea for more than 3 days switch back to a food you know agrees with them. If they are lethargic, refuse to eat or show other signs of ill health, consult, and seek advice from your vet.
You can introduce another protein once their tummy has adjusted and then slowly add in further proteins. It’s important to give your cat a complete and balanced diet to ensure you support their immune system and growing bodies.
Our experienced staff can provide advice on how to give your growing cat a balanced and complete meal for all their life stages.
Tips for Transition:
- Regular Schedule: Cats on a raw diet need to be fed on a regular schedule, so get them used to eating a specific times before making a complete switch. If not all the food is eaten, remove it until next feeding, otherwise it will be difficult to maintain a schedule.
- Grain Free Kibble: If not already feeding a grain-free dry food, make the switch now. This will help their tummy and digestive system prepare for high amounts of protein they will get on a raw meat diet.
- Rejecting the Raw Food: Try a different protein until you find something they like. If you are still having problems, try feeding when they are the hungriest, like first thing in the morning.
- Fussy Eater: If you cat is picky or fussy, try adding some of our Broth or our ‘Fishy, Fishy’ Meal Topper to encourage them to eat – just a little over their food. Most cats like the smell and taste so will eat it.
- Uneaten Raw Food: If your cat doesn’t eat all of his food in a reasonable amount of time, put back into a container and refrigerate to keep it fresh. Raw meat will begin growing bacteria very quickly if not kept cool.
- Change the foods your kitten / cat eats regularly to help avoid creating a finicky cat and being stuck on one diet.
HOW MUCH TO FEED GUIDE
Kittens:
Kittens can be curious, playful, and energetic. They need more food and nutrients than adult cats so they can keep up with their energy levels and their thirst for adventure. They can’t eat as much as adult cats at any one time so it may be best to feed smaller meals more often instead of fewer larger meals.
This is a general guide for feeding raw food to your kitten:
2 – 4 months old: 10% – 13% of their current body weight per day
4 – 8 months old: 6% – 10% of their current body weight per day
8 – 12 months old: 3% – 6% of their current body weight per day
Adult Cats:
As they become adults, a cats’ metabolism will slow down. Your cat may be spending more time sleeping and only getting up to eat and occasionally play. Some cats will retain their energy, however, others tend to turn into sun chasers and catnappers as they get older.
This is a general guide for feeding adult cats:
Cats at their ideal weight: 2% – 2.5% of their current body weight per day
Less active, senior, overweight cats: 1.5% of their current body weight per day
Active, underweight cats: 3% of their current body weight per day
GET STARTED
You’re ready to start your feeding journey with your cat. Here at ‘For Your Paws Only’ we are advocates for raw feeding; however, we understand the concerns that many pawrents may have and our
great staff are here to help you choose the best options for you and your cat. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Please email us at [email protected] or use live chat on Facebook.
Relax and enjoy your cat.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Information extracted from)
RSPCA.org.au
Ragdollove.com
Rawznaturalpetfood.com
Ironwillrawdogfood.com
NATURAL, RAW, HEALTHY
FOOD FOR YOUR FUR FAMILY
