We are living in those happy times when the selection of flavors is still developing and new information about the manner of feeding or nutrients are becoming available. So if we no longer have to feed our kitty with the same pet food for its entire life, how can we enrich its diet? Where should we start? What ingredients should we pay attention to when choosing new treats?
Juggling with flavors and texture – how to introduce novelties into your cat’s diet?
When a kitten appears at your house, you obviously have its interests at heart and are ready to put a lot of effort to give it the maximum comfort. At the beginning it is good to focus on choosing appropriate food – it is best to consult your choice with a veterinarian who will help you find adequate pet food. They will focus on ingredients which the cat needs to grow. You can also read articles about feeding on specialist websites – there is an abundance of them and they cover all types of diets, depending on the pet’s breed or potential ingredients to be eliminated.
There is a huge selection of dry and wet food for kittens available on the market, so focus on its quality – it should contain substances that your cat needs: protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. If possible, avoid fillers which are most often wheat, oats, barley or rice.
Each cat has a different taste and different experiences can pique its curiosity. You can start with experimenting with treats made of different types of meat. In this way you can learn what type of meat your pet adores and what you can avoid in the future. You should also observe your kitten against possible symptoms of allergy to any of the ingredients. If you notice that you cat keeps scratching, the condition of its skin deteriorates and its fur is no longer shiny, take it to the vet, as these may be first symptoms of food intolerance.
Raw food – can a kitten be interested in fresh products?
Cats often observe with curiosity our activities in the kitchen and they can even try to sneak something for themselves. You can offer your cat a fresh piece of raw or boiled meat without seasoning. When experimenting with different types of meat you can create a mental list of your cat’s top favorites to easily make it happy in the future.
Although it may seem unprecedented, some cats even take a bite of fruits and vegetables. Allow your pet to freely explore new flavors and textures, offering it a piece of boiled carrot, pumpkin or apple. If your pet shows no interest in food, do not force it to eat.
Giving the food – how to diversify your cat’s path to food?
Of course, you can simply pour pet food into a bowel, but if your cat eats to fast or you want it to go crazy once in a while, there are several ways to do it. You can buy a special slow-feeder bowl. They have various protruding or movable elements thanks to which our pet can focus not only on eating but also on playing. Sniffing tasty snacks strongly stimulates the cat’s brain and positively impacts its well-being, by defusing stress and frustration.
Dried treats or other snacks are perfect accessories to be used with such slow-feeder bowls. Also dry food can be easily hidden inside the toy, so it will work well in exercising a cat’s nose. It is best to use strong smelling treats which will automatically convince your cat to engage in the play. You can also use its favorite snacks – it will keenly put more effort to get them.
Supplements – what to administer in the case of deficiencies?
When you decide to introduce supplements in your cat’s diet, follow its needs. It is good to do some medical tests and have its overall health checked to exclude e.g. minerals deficiencies. In case of a deficiency, a veterinarian can recommend specific supplements for your kitten which will eliminate the problem. Similarly as with pet food, you should carefully read the list of ingredients of supplements. You do not want to give your furry friend another snack full of rubbish fillers, so check whether the list of ingredients is simple and concise.
Conclusion
When looking after a furry friend, we try to do everything so that each day is a new, exciting adventure for them. We can experiment with food – its texture, flavor and the way of serving it – and observe how our cat reacts to those changes. However, when introducing new ingredients in your cat’s diet, you should carefully observe it in case it is allergic to something or its stomach is upset. Regular vet visits will also help to ease your anxiety and let the cat avoid developing a condition or experiencing unpleasant symptoms of intolerance.
