Baby food in the diet for cats. Is it possible to give baby food to cats?

Basic principles at home

Veterinarians have developed the basic principles of healthy feeding for domestic cats, which ensure the supply of all the substances necessary for the body and at the same time prevent overload of the digestive system. It is necessary to take into account what pets can and cannot digest and assimilate and what substances they need most.

A person and a cat are fundamentally different biological species, so treats from the owner’s table for a pet are prohibited. He may love them, but instead of benefiting from such a delicacy, he will only receive harm.

By adhering to the principles listed below, even a beginner will be able to choose the right nutrition for their cats of any age.

1. Accurate initial choice between natural and prepared food. These two types of food should not be mixed together, and if you periodically feed one or the other, it will be difficult for the cat’s body to adjust.
2. Diet according to age. Depending on age, nutritional needs vary. Kittens, young and older cats do not require the same nutrition also due to changes in the dental apparatus.
3. Compliance with feeding standards. It is impossible for a cat to remain hungry after eating, but it is also important that it does not overeat and become obese. Because of this, the cat must receive food strictly in the quantity that it requires according to the norms.
4. Feed balance. It should contain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals depending on the age of the pet. There are special medicinal foods that are prescribed by a veterinarian for a certain period or permanently for cats with a number of health problems.
5. Keeping dishes clean. Cats are demanding about the cleanliness of dishes and may refuse to eat from dirty ones. At least once a day, the cat's bowl should be thoroughly washed with hot water. When dishes are very greasy, they are washed with soda.
6. Wet food should not sit in the bowl for long. When giving natural food or ready-made wet food, you should not leave it in the plate for more than 1 hour, as it spoils quite quickly. If left too long, they are harmful to digestion and can even cause poisoning.
7. Use only high-quality and fresh food.
8. Portioning. Overeating is harmful to cats and therefore food should be given in small portions, several times a day. It is wrong to feed your pet by giving it the entire daily amount of food at once.
9. Pure water. If there is a lack of fluid, the cat develops urolithiasis. If the water is dirty or stale, your pet may refuse it. Fresh water must be poured into the drinking bowl every day, and if it becomes dirty, it must be changed, sometimes several times a day.

If your cat has chronic health problems, you should consult your veterinarian when choosing a diet. She may need a special diet to help improve her condition.

Cats drink a lot, and they should have clean water in their drinking bowl at all times.

Cats prefer clean dishes

Two ways to ensure a healthy diet

Owners who decide to switch their cats to natural food often wonder: how to prepare such food? There are two approaches: you can prepare food yourself, or you can buy ready-made frozen food. There are owners who combine these options.

Prepare your own food

This option seems more complicated than buying ready-made food. To simplify the task, carefully study the recipes for preparing homemade natural food. Based on the principles of preventative nutrition. Next step: find trusted suppliers. The meat must be of high quality, then you will reduce the risk of infection with pathogens, such as salmonella.

There are benefits to making homemade food: Manufacturers follow similar recipes, so you can compare both options. Some cats find it easier to switch to a healthy diet with food prepared by their owner. This is because they prefer fresh food. If your cat refuses to try store-bought food, try giving it homemade food.

Buy ready-made food

If you want to try ready-made food, but are afraid that it may be unsafe, study the information about the manufacturer before purchasing. Check if it has certificates that confirm the quality of the products and compliance with all necessary sanitary rules. Ask the manufacturer questions about how production control occurs.

SUPERPET offers high-quality natural cat food that meets all quality standards.

Natural food contains everything for pet health

Benefits of SUPERPET

Each batch of meat from suppliers is checked at the sanitary and epidemiological station. All food has passed tests and received certificates, which the company is always ready to provide to customers. SUPERPET food contains everything necessary for the health of cats.

To make feeding your pets convenient and not take up much time, the food is packaged in 100 g packages: you can feed your pet right away. You just need to take the package of food out of the refrigerator, heat it in warm water and put a standard portion of the cat in a bowl.

How many times a day and at what time

Feeding schedule is important to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent your cat from becoming obese or malnourished. Domestic pets, unlike their wild relatives, cannot eat in reserve without negative consequences.

Therefore, it is unacceptable to think that you can give your cat a lot of food at once and forget about feeding for a day or two. How many times a day to feed your pet depends on its age: the younger it is, the more often it needs to eat. When to feed a cat depends on the rhythm of life of the owner.

1. At the age of 1 month, it is not recommended to adopt a kitten, primarily because of the difficulties with feeding such a baby.
2. From the age of 2 to 6 months. During this period, the most active growth occurs. A kitten needs a lot of energy, and its stomach can only absorb small portions at once. Feed should be given 6 times a day, at regular intervals.
3. From 6 to 8 months. Feeding is reduced to 3 times a day, and portions are increased. However, it is too early to give your pet adult food. He needs his own nutrition, designed specifically for this age.
4. From 8 months. The feeding frequency is the same as for one-year-old or completely adult cats, 2-3 times a day. Gradually they begin to switch to adult food. They are added little by little; a complete replacement will take 2-3 weeks. You should not change your diet suddenly.

To prevent the cat from looking into its owner's plate, the pet should be given food first. This will make both of you more comfortable.

If for some reason you need to leave your cat alone for more than 12 hours, you need to give her some dry food during this time so that her body does not suffer from a long break without food. However, this method is not suitable for pets who receive natural food. They will need to slightly increase the portion of food given before the break.

If there is always uneaten food left on your cat’s plate, this means that the portions for her are large and therefore they need to be reduced.

You need to remove the dishes after giving food after 20 minutes. During this time, the cat will have time to eat its portion and be satisfied, so you should not leave a bowl with leftovers if something is uneaten.

In hot weather, a decrease in appetite is normal. Cats spend most of their time sleeping. During this period, in order for her to continue to eat properly, it is necessary to give food early in the morning and late in the evening, when it gets cooler. When the temperature drops, the cat’s appetite will be restored and feeding can be carried out at the usual hours, convenient for the owner.

Ragdoll cat breed, description of colors and photos, as well as their character, standards and sizes

The diet for pregnant and lactating cats should be selected together with a veterinarian, since during these periods they need an increased amount of calories, but not excessive. The more kittens a cat bears and feeds, the more food she needs. It is difficult to calculate portions on your own without proper experience. Usually the pet is fed 5 times a day, enriching its diet with additional vitamins and minerals. At the same time, the volume of portions remains the same as it was before pregnancy, and the amount of feed distributed increases.

Acceptable grains for cats' diets

We have come to cereals that can be called acceptable. In order not to mislead you, we will outline some points from the physiology of cats. A healthy cat that receives adequate nutrition does not need cereal a priori. The animal’s body synthesizes a small amount of slow carbohydrates, which are enough to nourish the brain. Otherwise, the cat’s body only needs proteins, fats, amino acids, vitamins and microelements. The cat receives a small amount of carbohydrates by consuming coarse fiber - grass, the contents of the stomach and intestines of game, vegetables, roots, insects.

Oatmeal, flakes and Hercules can be recommended for inclusion in the diet of kittens, older animals and very active cats. Oatmeal has a positive effect on intestinal function and has a calming and enveloping effect. Unlike most cereals, oatmeal is quite easy to digest and is not contraindicated for cats with a sensitive digestive system. In addition to carbohydrates, porridge contains B vitamins, vitamin E and H

Please note that vitamin H is considered deficient as it is only found in small amounts and in some foods

Phytic acid, which this cereal is rich in, accumulates in the body. At a certain concentration, the acid reacts with vitamins, binds them and removes them from the body. In addition, oatmeal contains a significant amount of gluten.

If your cat has been recommended a diet with oatmeal, it is better to choose flakes rather than cereal; many people know them by the name oatmeal porridge. Flakes are crushed, steamed grains. When cooked, the flakes release a little mucus, which is good for the intestines.

Buckwheat and rice cereals are two products for which there are no categorical prohibitions. It is useless to compare these cereals; they are mutually unique and useful in their own way. Buckwheat is a rich source of vitamins and microelements. In addition, this porridge is a leader in protein content, saturation and overall benefits. Rice is neutral and suitable for feeding allergy sufferers, which is a big plus. Rice porridge is also one of the available gluten-free products.

Is it possible to have dry and wet dog food?

The nutritional needs of dogs and cats differ significantly. Because of this, you should not use ready-made dog food to feed cats. Their need for protein is much higher than that of dogs, which is why if they regularly eat the wrong food, the cat’s health will worsen. The cat's liver works with increased enzyme activity, which is aimed at digesting large amounts of proteins. With their deficiency, the activity of this gland does not decrease, which is why it is quickly damaged and pathologies develop.

The main differences between dog food and cat food are as follows:

• less protein;
• significant content of plant substances that are necessary for dogs and are almost not absorbed by cats;
• a small amount of vitamin A – for cats this substance is vital in significant quantities;
• lack of taurine - without this amino acid, the cat’s body cannot fully function. The substance is involved in many processes in the body and is necessary for all organs and systems;
• caloric content – ​​cat food contains a higher fat content and contains more calories. For dogs, a higher carbohydrate content is necessary;
• kibble size – dry dog ​​food is larger than cat food. This is especially true for food for large breed dogs. For cats, eating large granules negatively affects the dentofacial apparatus. Also, large pieces slow down the gastrointestinal tract and cause fermentation.

A cat will never refuse dog food
Dry dog ​​food often attracts cats. They usually like it because of its unusual smell, unlike cat food. However, these hard pieces, in addition to harming the liver, can also cause injury to gums and teeth if intended for large breed dogs.

Nothing bad will happen to a cat that sometimes only eats from a dog’s bowl, but you can’t constantly feed it the same food as the dog.

Wet dog food also differs in nutritional content from cat food and cannot be used as a long-term replacement. They are allowed as a one-time snack, but not often. Unlike dry food, soft food, even for large dogs, does not injure cats’ gums and teeth.

Giving kittens dog food is strictly not recommended. As a last resort, you can feed your pet puppy food once.

What will happen in this case

If you regularly feed your cat dog food, this will have an extremely negative impact on his health. Feeding your dog cat food can also be harmful. The main consequences of a cat eating dog food will be the following:

• decrease in muscle mass and the development of obesity - muscle fibers atrophy and are gradually replaced by fatty deposits, which is associated with protein deficiency;
• decreased vision due to taurine deficiency;
• heart failure due to taurine deficiency;
• digestive problems - caused by a high content of plant fibers;
• skin problems due to fat deficiency;
• general unsatisfactory condition of the coat due to lack of fat;
• anemia due to a deficiency of a number of amino acids, since dog food does not contain eggs;
• asphyxia – develops if a cat chokes while swallowing large granules;
• disturbances in the functioning of the reproductive system - occur due to a lack of arachidonic acid in the diet;
• urolithiasis – dog food contains a high percentage of minerals, which is dangerous for a cat and provokes the formation of sand and stones;
• dental pathologies – cats’ teeth are not designed for eating large pieces of food. With regular feeding of dog food, deformation of the dentofacial apparatus will occur;
• chronic diseases - improper unbalanced nutrition will lead to the fact that all the organs and systems of the cat will suffer, which is why there is a high probability of the appearance of chronic pathologies.

Also, a cat with poor nutrition experiences a constant loss of strength and general apathy. The dangerous consequences of improper feeding do not appear immediately, and it is not uncommon for symptoms to indicate irreversible changes in the pet’s body.

Meat baby food is allowed for cats

The best vitamins for healthy skin and coat of cats

The condition of the skin and coat are the first indicators of a pet’s overall health. But sometimes they don’t look good due to an unbalanced diet. Special vitamins can shorten the shedding period, add shine to a cat's coat and reduce tangling, which is especially important for long-haired breeds.

AniVital Fel >

Vitamins from the famous German brand are suitable not only for improving the appearance of your pet, but also for combating allergic dermatitis and other diseases of the skin and coat. The recommended dosage for a pet weighing 5 kg is 3-4 tablets per day. AniVital is sold in dark plastic packages with a hermetically sealed lid of 140 and 260 tablets. The duration of treatment is usually 4-6 weeks.

The composition of the drug is very rich and gives a complex effect. Amino acid zinc chelate heals skin cracks. Biotin accelerates the synthesis of keratin - the main component of the epithelium, wool and claws. It reduces dryness, brittleness and hair loss, and helps treat dandruff and infections. Yeast is known for its high content of B vitamins and beneficial microelements.

In addition, FeliDerm contains fish oil as a source of fatty acids for shiny coat, as well as meat, poultry liver and herring to give vitamins a pleasant taste and aroma.

• rich natural composition;
• taste and smell attractive to cats;
• low consumption;
• hypoallergenic;
• convenient packing and packing.

• for 140 tablets you will have to pay at least 1.5 thousand.

AniVital FeliDerm quickly eliminates skin irritation and itching - the main symptoms of allergic reactions.

source

Human baby food

Often, owners start giving their pets baby food, considering it a good option for a healthy diet. They especially like to feed it to kittens and old cats that have serious problems with their teeth and stomach.

It is impossible to say that this is bad food, but when choosing it, you should take into account a number of features.

1. Percentage in the diet. Baby food should not be used as the main food. It can make up no more than 20% of the entire diet. The exception is when the pet is seriously ill and cannot, due to its condition, consume anything else.
2. Compound. Cats are not able to fully digest plant foods. Because of this, when choosing baby food for them, you need to purchase only meat puree without vegetable additives. A high-quality product is usually expensive, and therefore there is no point in replacing cat food with it unless absolutely necessary.
3. Age of the cat. For an adult pet that has no health or dental problems, baby food is just a treat, not a necessity. For kittens, such an addition to the diet, if it is planned to keep them on natural food in the future, will facilitate the transition from mother's milk to adult food. For old animals with a number of pathologies, baby food is the only option.

Fermented milk products are good for cats. Children's curds without added sugar are a good option for them at any age. They are balanced in fat content and do not contain preservatives. Adult cats, with a normal state of the digestive system, can eat regular cottage cheese, but for kittens, children's cottage cheese is more suitable.

It is not advisable to dilute dry baby food with water for your pet. A cat is a predator by nature, so it requires substances other than those contained in it.

Grains in a cat's diet

Questions often arise on forums about how to cook cereal for a cat. “Experienced” people intervene in the topic and tear inexperienced owners to smithereens. Everyone, vying with each other, writes that cats should not be given porridge, but why this is not allowed is rarely explained. Both sides are understandable, newbies are confused, and experienced owners are tired of explaining the same thing. Let's understand the basics.

Cats can be given porridge. This product is not poisonous and will not cause immediate harm. The question is different - is it necessary? Porridge is a cereal, a source of carbohydrates, and they are slow and take a long time to digest. A cat is a predator that does not eat porridge in the wild, firstly, there is nowhere to get it, and secondly, there is no need for it. Owners who claim that their pets love porridge probably don’t know that most grains are not digestible by the cat’s body. Simply put, your pet has no choice but to love porridge, otherwise he will remain hungry.

Let's return to statements from childhood: porridge is healthy, we were told. Eat porridge, you will grow up big and strong... smart, brave. A spoonful of porridge for mom, dad and the rest of the family. Don't you think this is a blatant imposition? Modern doctors openly declare that specific cereals are useful when consumed in certain combinations, at certain times of the day, year... but not every day throughout life, and especially not in large quantities.

Experienced dog owners who have never owned cats are especially misled. Dogs really benefit from porridge along with meat and vegetables. However, no one will claim that dogs and cats are similar. Dogs walk outside every day, regardless of the weather and external factors, they get exercise... and by temperament, they are more emotional and active. Cats sleep up to 80% of the day. Is it possible to equal the needs of these animals?

The next moment is a mess! We are not talking about different types of cereals, but about the method of processing them. For example - Fig. Everyone considers rice healthy, versatile, unique. Rice is almost harmless, serves as a natural absorbent, cleanses the intestines, helps in the fight against excess weight, and does not contain gluten. That's all true, but there are several types of processing for this cereal. The healthiest variety is wild brown rice, the most useless is white, polished and parboiled rice. You can guess that the most useless type of cereal is the most delicious and preferred by people...and their pets.

If she needs to gain weight

Excessive thinness has a negative impact on a cat's health. If there is a lack of weight, and the veterinarian has not identified any pathologies, then you need to reconsider your pet’s diet. Non-pathological causes of excessive thinness in cats include:

• lack of nutrition for any reason;
• feeding a large number of kittens;
• consequences of improper feeding;
• recovery period after illness.

Free-roaming, non-castrated cats can lose significant weight after a long period of cat weddings, when, under the influence of hormones, the pet is able to not return home or eat for a long time.

The diet for a castrated cat with reduced weight should be selected based on the following three rules:

• taste preferences - if you like the food, then there will be no difficulties with feeding;
• high calorie content of food - it is important to increase the protein content in the cat’s diet, which will allow it to build muscle mass rather than fat;
• Determine the daily calorie content of a serving with a veterinarian.

Meat is the main ingredient
Until the cat regains normal weight, you should give food in small portions, dividing the daily amount of food into 5-6 times. This way, absorption will go better, and the risk of fat deposits appearing instead of restoring muscle mass will be minimized.

If a cat eats ready-made industrial food, then in order to gain weight it should be given the diet that the manufacturer offers for this purpose. In this case, all recommendations for feeding this particular product line will be additionally indicated on the product packaging.

For pets who are on a natural diet, the following products will be useful:

• lean beef and chicken - this meat should be the basis of the diet, as it contains a lot of protein necessary for gaining muscle mass;
• bran and oatmeal are sources of coarse fiber, which improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• buckwheat and rice - add vitamins and minerals to the diet;
• boiled vegetables - zucchini, pumpkin, carrots and green beans. They are boiled and, after grinding into puree, added to meat to fortify the diet;
• hard-boiled chicken or quail egg - given 2 times a week;
• heart, liver, kidneys - you can give chicken, beef and turkey, scalded with boiling water or boiled;
• sea ​​fish – lean, boiled, pitted;
• baby food;
• low-fat cheese.

If the cat is in poor condition and cannot eat normally on its own, it can be given mash made from baby food and baby milk. How to feed your pet in such a situation should be discussed with your veterinarian.

If, with proper nutrition, the cat remains excessively thin and has no pathologies, then most likely she suffers from worms, due to which she does not receive enough nutrients.

Healthy cereals

Porridge is useful for cats because it is easily and quickly digested without overloading the digestive system. These include the following types of cereals:

Oatmeal

This is the healthiest product of all cereals, containing many vitamins and mineral salts. Fiber from oat bran is easily absorbed by the body and acts as a “brush” for the intestines, so it should be included in your cat’s diet. In addition, oatmeal is the only porridge that is equally beneficial for both small kittens and adult pets.

Some owners mix oatmeal with ready-made food to improve the taste, but experienced breeders advise combining porridge cooked in water with pieces of boiled meat, such as chicken, and vegetables. If you cook it with milk, you get the perfect porridge for a small kitten who needs more calories. For a child with a gluten allergy, prepare rolled oats - it contains less of this component.

Rice

Can domestic cats have rice? This question is quite relevant, since it is believed that digesting rice takes a lot of time. In fact, rice cereal is very healthy for cats.

They stabilize digestion, contain many vitamins and carbohydrates, and are not too high in calories. Experts recommend giving cats unpolished rice, which contains more nutrients. It is better to cook it in meat broth and mix it with meat or vegetables when serving.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is considered one of the most popular and healthy cereals in a cat’s diet. It contains a lot of carbohydrates, proteins, which are easily converted into energy, and fiber.

In addition, cereal contains a lot of calcium and iron, which is important for the full development of kittens. For a small pet, porridge can be prepared with milk with the addition of butter; for an adult, a dish with broth is more suitable

Pearl barley

Barley is no less useful for cats. It does not cause allergies, does an excellent job of cleansing the intestines and contains many useful substances: vitamins (D, A, group B), microelements and essential amino acids. It is better to cook pearl barley porridge in broth and serve it with pieces of meat, fish or vegetables. The only inconvenience is that the barley needs to be soaked before cooking, but even after that it takes quite a long time to cook.

To lose weight

Obesity is a fairly common pathology in pets that requires mandatory treatment. Excess weight has an extremely negative impact on the condition of internal organs and provokes the development of a number of severe pathologies that pose a direct threat to life.

Obesity is common among modern cats

When using a ready-made diet, as in the case of underweight, it is enough to simply choose a line of food intended for cats suffering from obesity.

The main manufacturers of premium and super-premium food have diets for overweight cats.

When an obese pet is on natural feeding, the situation with the selection of food for getting rid of excess weight is somewhat different. First, it is better to consult a veterinarian and evaluate the diet together with a specialist. It is often necessary to take tests from the cat to determine whether there are hormonal imbalances or whether the disease is caused by an excess of calories entering the body due to poor diet or too large portions.

General recommendations for natural feeding of overweight cats include reducing portion sizes and increasing the amount of cereal in the diet. It is useful to give low-fat, but not low-fat kefir and cottage cheese.

If a cat eats a balanced diet and does not receive treats from the owner’s table, but gains weight, then this is a symptom of pathology and requires contacting a veterinarian.

How to tell if your cat needs to lose weight

In most cases, obesity develops gradually: if you see your pet every day, you may not notice changes in its appearance or behavior. The main signs indicating the need to lose excess weight include:

1. Decreased pet activity. If your cat used to constantly play with a ball or jump on the highest cabinets and shelves, now he prefers to spend most of his time on the sofa or bed. Refusal from active play may be associated with joint pain or the development of shortness of breath, which occurs in an obese animal even with minor exertion.
2. External changes. In healthy cats, bony protrusions (ribs, spine) can be easily felt and they have developed dense muscles. With obesity, the animal's waist flattens out, and a hanging belly and fat folds may appear. It is almost impossible to palpate bony landmarks.
3. Increased appetite. If you previously fed your furry friend 3-4 times a day, then gradually the number of feedings increases. The animal greedily eats a portion of food and returns for more: there is no satiety due to a distended stomach.

Photo gallery: what obese cats look like

It is more difficult for an overweight cat to move around

Obesity causes sagging of the lower abdomen

Obesity is characterized by a flattened waist or its complete absence

The main factors for gaining excess weight in cats

In most cases, the cause of cat obesity is improper nutrition. The owner overfeeds the pet or adds too much fat and fast carbohydrates to the diet. However, there are other factors that influence excess weight gain:

• sedentary lifestyle: lazy cats are much more prone to obesity;
• castration or sterilization (changes in hormonal levels create the preconditions for gaining excess weight);
• stressful situations (change of residence, appearance of a new pet);
• pregnancy in a cat;
• availability of food in free access;
• abuse of treats;
• consequences of the operation (long-term immobility);
• diseases of the endocrine system requiring medication;
• belonging to some breeds (British cat, Scottish fold, Persian).

Video: veterinarian talks about obesity in animals

How to support the old one

The average lifespan of cats is 12 years. At the age of 8 years, the pet is already called senior. The cat's body begins to age early, and irreversible changes occur in it, leading to the need to reconsider its diet. Food manufacturers have special product lines for older and elderly cats. They include everything necessary to maintain health and prevent the appearance of many age-related disorders.

Natural feeding should be adjusted for cats entering old age. The basis of their diet is beef, and chicken is given occasionally. The meat is first boiled or scalded. To speed up digestion and prevent constipation, you need to add a little bran to meat or porridge once a day. To avoid age-related problems with bones, it is necessary to increase the calcium content in the diet, for which low-fat cottage cheese is given 3 times a week. Vegetables continue to be included in meals as before. Boiled offal is given in ground form.

Fish is contraindicated for older cats, as it leads to the development of urolithiasis in them.

For older pets, certain feeding requirements must be observed. With age, the digestive system of cats begins to work weaker, and it is necessary to treat it more delicately. Because of this, the daily amount of feed should be divided into at least 4 feedings. It is important to work with your veterinarian to select vitamin and mineral supplements that will support the body. Due to dental problems, an older cat may begin to refuse solid food. In this case, you will need to replace it with a soft one or grind it.

Cat without teeth

Recipes for meat and fish porridges for cats

A dish for a cat will be much tastier and healthier if it combines grains and protein products. This rule especially applies to adult animals. It is not recommended to cook cereal dishes every day; it is enough to cook them 3-4 times a week.

For cooking cereals, it is better to use the broth left after cooking fish, beef, chicken, and offal. When preparing a dish, you need to follow the proportions: 50% of meat or fish should account for no more than 35% of cereals. You can add vegetables to the mixture: zucchini, cauliflower, carrots. Breeders often turn to the following recipes for healthy cereals:

• Rice porridge with salmon. You need to prepare the dish no more than 2 times a week. The salmon is cooked in water, then rice is added to the broth and cooked for at least 35 minutes. Boiled fish is de-stoned, mashed with a fork and mixed with the finished porridge.
• Mixed porridge with vegetables and meat. Take 1 kg of beef, chicken or rabbit. Boil, remove from broth, cool. Immerse 0.5 kg of vegetables that your pet prefers in it, and add 50 g of a cereal mixture (rice, buckwheat and oatmeal). Cook the porridge with vegetables, drain off excess water, mix with chopped meat. This porridge is cooked for future use; it can be divided into portions, placed in the freezer and defrosted within a week.

• Buckwheat porridge with meat. It is recommended to add chicken or chicken hearts, veal, turkey or rabbit to the side dish. A glass of cereal must first be sorted out, cleared of debris, then heated in a hot frying pan for several minutes. After this, rinse and place in a saucepan with 3 cups of water or broth. Simmer the porridge over low heat for half an hour, stirring occasionally. At the end of cooking, add a tablespoon of olive oil and add pieces of meat. The porridge can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
• Rice porridge with Chinese cabbage and green onions. Pour 2 cups of water into a small saucepan, boil, and add the cereal. While the porridge is cooking, chop the cabbage thoroughly and fry in a frying pan with the addition of vegetable oil. Add green onions and chicken fillet pieces. Put it out. Mix the finished porridge with the contents of the frying pan and simmer the mixture for another 10 minutes.

Barley with vegetables and meat. This porridge is very healthy and tasty. It can be cooked several times a week, alternating types of meat. Before cooking, the cereal should be washed and soaked for 4–5 hours. Separately prepare boiled liver or meat. Pour 2 cups of meat broth into a saucepan, boil, add 100 g of cereal, cook for 15 minutes, add pieces of carrots or cauliflower. Keep on fire for another quarter of an hour. Then drain the water and mix the porridge with meat pieces.

Than toothless

Not only people have problems with teeth, but also cats. Age-related changes in the body can even lead to their complete loss. In this case, difficulties arise with feeding the pet, which can no longer fully consume much of its usual food.

First of all, solid foods should be excluded from the diet of a cat that has lost teeth.

The hard ones will need to be crushed. Dry food will have to be completely removed from the diet, since if a pet has no teeth, swallowing pieces of it can easily choke, which is life-threatening. Solid foods are replaced with special pates for older cats, which help to avoid digestive problems that develop when switching to only a soft diet.

With natural feeding, there is no need to give up foods provided to older cats. In order for your pet to eat properly, you will need to grind the food. For very old cats without teeth who have a severe decrease in appetite, you should put all food through a blender.

Suitable Ingredients

The question of what kind of porridge to cook for a cat is usually decided by the assortment of the pantry (refrigerator). An unpretentious pet will eat any cereal cooked in meat or fish broth. But it is better to choose the right product. A cat, indoor or outdoor, deserves healthy food. Many suitable and harmful cereals cost about the same.

Cereals

Affordable, useful solution. The answer to the question whether cats can have oatmeal is positive for all mousecatchers. Breed or age affect the amount of grain in the diet. An illness that impairs digestion, impedes the ability to chew, or weakens appetite may require you to give it up. But, in general, oatmeal is good for cats and is a source of:

• fiber;

antioxidants;

vitamins (B, E);

amino acids;

microelements (zinc, selenium, iron).

The cereal does not contain gluten - another factor in favor of the statement whether cats can have oatmeal porridge. Proteins in this group (specifically, gliadin) can cause allergies in cats, manifested by diarrhea and skin problems. Oats are a crop that is rarely subject to genetic modification. Boiled flakes acquire a soft, easy-to-eat texture. Broth-based porridge with meat (at least 50% of the serving) will replace store-bought wet food.

Rice

Another answer to what kind of porridge can you feed cats. Rice is easily digestible, has a neutral taste, and contains a large amount of nutrients. Cereal helps normalize stomach function. The kitten can become accustomed to solid food, starting with rice boiled in milk or broth.

It is important to give your animal only cooked grains. Raw rice is dangerous

It is harder to digest and may contain pesticides that can cause vomiting or stomach upset. The share of cereal in a serving should not exceed 25-30%. Some consider rice to be a useless filler. But it helps the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and animals like it because of its neutral taste.

Legumes

Limited quantities allowed. When figuring out what kind of cereal cats like, peas are often the answer. Many animals love this Olivier ingredient, drinking the brine and begging for the fruit. Pea porridge added to meat will evoke similar sympathy. Small amounts of legumes, including lentils, are safe for cats. With them the pet receives:

• vegetable protein;

fiber;

vitamins (B, C, K);

minerals (iron, manganese, potassium, copper).

Young peas can be given raw as a treat. Be sure to cook the beans completely. The half-raw product contains toxic substances. Cats like the soft texture and specific taste of ready-made legumes. They are easy to grind, discreetly introducing them into the diet.

The main thing is not to overdo it. An abundance of beans will cause indigestion and increased gas formation. It is worth limiting their share to 15-20%.

Corn

"Queen of the Fields" received mixed reviews. Western sources classify polenta as an acceptable solution to the question of what kind of porridge to cook for a cat. Russian-language sources call corn an unsuitable food that causes constipation and gas. Culture should be considered a compromise. Many cats love boiled (canned) corn and porridge made from it. The product should be given as a treat.

Pumpkin

A healthy vegetable for people and cats. A low-calorie, fiber-rich product helps cope with indigestion and has a positive effect on the functioning of other internal organs. Boiled pumpkin has a relatively neutral taste.

Buckwheat

A cereal rich in nutrients. Includes vitamins B, PP and E, an abundance of microelements:

• iodine;

potassium;

selenium;

calcium;

iron.

The main problem is the specific taste and smell. The pet refuses food even with a small amount of buckwheat.

Unwanted cereals

The category includes all wheat derivatives. No - the answer to the question, can cats have semolina porridge? The reason is the abundance of gluten, which can cause allergies and digestive problems. Wheat is rich in carbohydrates, which promote fat storage.

It is not advisable to feed cats millet. It causes constipation and worsens the condition of patients with diseases of the large intestine. Mixtures of cereals should be avoided. While useful individually, together they can create an indigestible cocktail.

No - the words of a veterinarian to a client wondering if a cat can have semolina porridge. Wheat is difficult for the animal to digest. But you can’t completely exclude grains and other crops from your diet.

When asked if cats can have oatmeal, the answer is yes. Rice and buckwheat (up to 30-50%) are suitable for pets. Corn and legumes are acceptable in small quantities (up to 20%).

Which food is better - dry or natural?

Both types of nutrition have pros and cons. If we talk about an industrial diet for cats, then your pet should be fed premium or super-premium food. Economy class food, such as Whiskas or Kitty Ket, will do nothing but harm to the cat, although at first glance it seems profitable and cheap. The advantage of a ready-made diet is its balance and convenience in the country. Its disadvantage is the high price compared to natural food, and also the fact that it is almost impossible to purchase food of such a high category in a regular supermarket.

Natural feeding for a cat is cheaper and tastier, but for the owner it will be an unnecessary concern. You will need to constantly monitor a balanced diet, regularly prepare fresh food and give it only at room temperature. The main disadvantages of this feeding are:

• the need to strictly observe the proportions of components in the diet;
• the need to regularly enrich the diet with vitamin and mineral complexes;
• difficulties when giving vegetables - many cats refuse them, even when vegetables are added to meat;
• the need to pit fish and boil it if it is river fish;
• searching for dairy products with the required fat content of at least 10-15%.

Any mistakes when choosing products to feed your cat will negatively affect its health.

Which feeding to choose depends on the personal wishes of the cat's owner. The exception is cases when the pet needs to be given therapeutic food, and then only a ready-made industrial diet can be used.

Food from our table is undesirable

Why not from the table?

Not all foods can be given to cats. Some of them are strictly prohibited for pets, although they really love some. The owner should not assume that the cat himself knows what he can and cannot do.

The natural ability to determine what is edible and not edible for oneself has long been absent from any domestic animals. There is no need to risk their well-being. The following treats are harmful to your pet’s health, even as a treat:

• chocolate and any products containing cocoa - cocoa contains theobromine, a substance that is deadly for cats, which is not decomposed by the body and is not eliminated from it, being deposited and accumulating in the liver;
• alcohol and drinks containing hops are also unable to be excreted from the body and are dangerous to the health of the pet;
• tea and coffee - high doses of caffeine that are present in these drinks lead to severe disturbances in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
• mushrooms – cause severe intoxication and can cause instant death;
• potatoes and tomatoes - the alkaloid in their composition provokes severe intestinal damage in cats if the vegetables are given in large quantities;
• avocado - the fruit contains persin, which is dangerous for your pet and can lead to death;
• onions and garlic - provoke anemia, since disulfite from their composition causes premature death of red blood cells;
• sorrel and rhubarb - oxalic acid is poisonous to cats and can cause kidney failure;
• stone fruits - they contain hydrocyanic acid, which causes an attack of suffocation;
• grapes (raisins), persimmons and citrus fruits - they cause diarrhea and vomiting (moderate to severe);
• fish, poultry and meat bones can damage the intestines up to the point of rupture, when even with urgent veterinary care it is not always possible to save the injured pet.

It is also undesirable to give legumes to cats, as they lead to bloating.

You should not feed your pet from your table, as salt, spices and excess fats negatively affect the cat’s health. Also, not all substances from certain products are acceptable for use by a cat. Because of this, food for her must be prepared separately. Treats from the master's table only bring harm to the pet.

Cereals prohibited for cats

Cats should not eat cereals made from cereals such as semolina, millet, and corn. The reasons for the prohibitions for each cereal are different:

• Semolina
  is high in calories, but at the same time the amount of nutrients in it is small. If consumed frequently, this millet grain can cause obesity, vitamin and mineral deficiency, and even diabetes in a cat.
• Millet
  grains contain too much coarse fiber; millet porridge takes a very long time to digest, so it can lead to problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The disadvantages of this type of cereal also include its high content of gluten (gluten), to which the cat’s body often reacts with persistent digestive disorders: bloating, flatulence, and dyspepsia.
• Corn porridge
  is very poorly digestible. While creating a long-term feeling of satiety, it supplies virtually no nutrients to the cat’s body. This product should only be given to cats on the recommendation of a veterinarian if the animal’s intestines need to be thoroughly cleansed.

Veterinarians do not recommend giving cats cereal porridge at the same time as dry or wet ready-made food. This overloads the animal’s digestive system and leads to an imbalance of vitamins and microelements in its body. It is recommended to take at least a six-hour break between meals of prepared and homemade food.

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Norms

Dry food should be given according to certain standards.

Wet food contains water, and therefore their daily consumption rate will be different.

With natural feeding, norms are calculated for all types of products the cat needs, depending on its weight.

All feeding rates are average and usually require some minor individual adjustments for a particular cat, depending on the characteristics of its living conditions and general condition.

Purina food

Is it worth having diversity?

By nature, cats love consistency. This also applies to food. Therefore, not all pets react positively to changes in diet and the introduction of new foods. When food with different tastes from the same manufacturer and from the same category is used, problems should not arise. If the manufacturer changes, then the cat may go on a hunger strike. This is due to the fact that the smell and taste of the new product will be significantly different from the usual ones.

It is highly undesirable to use feed from different categories, especially if their quality decreases. In this case, there is a high risk of intestinal problems.

It is permissible to mix soft food and dry food only if the cat receives such food constantly. When mixing occurs once, the intestines may not be able to cope with a sharp change in the consistency of food and react with both diarrhea and severe inflammation.

You cannot mix natural and ready-made, industrial feeds. A cat's stomach cannot accept both types of food at the same time, since the speed of their digestion and absorption varies significantly.

If left without food as punishment

You cannot punish a cat by refusing to feed it. This will not only not bring the expected result, but will also have an extremely negative impact on health. First of all, such punishment will lead to the fact that the pet will experience severe stress, since he will not be able to connect his wrong action with the lack of food, but will perceive it only as the onset of a period of hunger. As a result, a depressive state develops, which can lead to disturbances in the cat’s behavior.

Lack of food will also negatively impact your physical health. Cats are not designed to go long without food, and due to hunger their liver and stomach are quickly damaged. As a result of punishment by hunger, the owner will not only not achieve what he wants, but will also be faced with the need to treat the pet.

Plastic bowl

Which bowl do we recommend?

Feeding utensils are of great importance. It must be of high quality and intended specifically for food. If you wish, you can use dishes for people, but it is still better to buy your pet your own utensils, which are designed for the cat and will be more convenient for her.

Varieties

Cat bowls, like dog bowls, can be made from metal, plastic and ceramic. All these dishes have their pros and cons. When choosing bowls for your pet, it is worth finding out the differences between those made from different materials.

1. Metal bowls. Such dishes are hygienic, since the material is not porous. It is also durable and has enough weight to prevent your cat from tipping it over. This dish does not accumulate static electricity, which causes discomfort in cats. It is only important that the bowl is made of stainless steel, otherwise it will oxidize from contact with food, and this is unacceptable. The disadvantage of such bowls is that if the cat moves them while eating, this is accompanied by noise. Also, this cookware is quite expensive.
2. Plastic bowls. The cheapest option, but undesirable for cats, as it is porous and does not provide sufficient hygiene. It is also not uncommon for cats to be allergic to plastic. The advantages of such bowls are their low price.
3. Ceramic bowls. Ceramics are the most versatile and hygienic. Also, these bowls do not make noise like metal ones. When choosing such dishes, you need to make sure that the glaze does not contain lead. The disadvantage of ceramics is that they break easily.

You should not use a double bowl for food and water. The water must be constantly clean, but with such dishes this is impossible - pieces of food will fall into the drinking bowl. Because of this, you need to buy separate bowls for water and food, which will stand at a distance from each other. Better yet, purchase a special automatic waterer for cats that has a built-in filter. It is he who will retain any dirt and unwanted impurities.

Special bowl for slow feeding

For slow feeding

Slow feeding bowls are special utensils. They are needed if the pet has an eating disorder, in which food is swallowed too quickly, which causes vomiting.

They are also used as a toy. These bowls are made of plastic and have grooves at the bottom from which the cat has to choose food. This feeder is best suited for dry food.

It should not be used for natural feeding, since due to the texture of the bottom it will be more difficult to wash than a regular one.

The advantage of these bowls is that they not only slow down the absorption of food, since getting it out of the slots takes time, but they also turn eating into a game. For lazy pets prone to obesity, this is also a way to reduce portions and at the same time ensure that the cat does not suffer. Feeding will stretch out over time and the food will begin to be absorbed, eliminating the feeling of hunger by the time the dishes are empty.

Other accessories

Mats for cat bowls are often purchased. They are only necessary if the dishes move across the floor due to their low weight, or if the cat itself displaces the bowl when eating due to individual habits. The rug is also convenient because when a cat is nocturnal, there will be no noise when eating or drinking water, even if it moves the dishes. Additionally, the mat helps keep the floor clean in the feeding area. Not many pets eat carefully, without taking some of the food out of the bowl. The high water resistance of this mat protects the floors from getting wet if the cat has a tendency to splash the contents of the drinking bowl.

Such mats are made from non-slip material of increased strength, most often latex or rubber are used. Mats come in a variety of sizes and can be made to fit one or more bowls.

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The manufacturer of the rug must be reliable, otherwise there is a risk that a product will be purchased that does not meet sanitary requirements. The item should not have an unpleasant odor.

Automatic cat feeders are convenient if the owner cannot give the pet food on time because he spends a long time outside the home. This feeder dispenses food in portions at a certain time. Using such a device for feeding a cat will also allow you not to worry that your pet will wake you up on a weekend morning, since it is used to receiving food early on weekdays. The disadvantage of such a device is its high cost. The most inexpensive model will cost about 2 thousand.

Veterinarian advice

1. Cat food must be of high quality. Natural food is prepared for a maximum of 2 days. After opening, canned food is stored in glass in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Dry food is kept hermetically sealed. It is convenient to pour them from a bag into a jar.
2. You can evaluate how suitable a cat’s diet is by looking at how its intestines work. Diarrhea and constipation indicate the need to reconsider your pet's diet.
3. The amount of water a cat drinks increases when feeding dry food. The water in the drinking bowl should be changed 2 times a day.
4. Chronic pathologies and food allergies require the selection of a diet together with a veterinarian.
5. The cat's nutrition should vary depending on the age and characteristics of its current condition.
6. Economy class food is dangerous for pets' health. They are not balanced in composition and have low quality components. They also contain a high percentage of plant products, which disrupts the cat’s condition.