Top 6 Cat Feeding Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know

1. Neglecting to Control Your Cat's Diet

How do you all go about feeding your feline companions? Do you opt for fixed meal times or precise portion control?

Both feeding methods have their pros and cons. Cats naturally tend to eat small, frequent meals, mimicking their natural hunting instincts. Domesticated cats, with little to no vigorous exercise and no hunting, can easily become overweight if they are allowed to eat freely. However, if your cat is highly active and capable of selfregulating its food intake, it can be fine to offer freefeeding. It's also crucial to monitor the calories your cat consumes daily. You'll notice that cat food and canned products often come with calorie labels.

The daily basic calorie requirement is calculated as 30 times the cat's weight in kilograms plus 70, measured in kilocalories (kCal). The multiplier for neutered adult cats is 1.0, for kittens under 4 months, it's 3.0, and for cats between 4 months and 1 year, it's 2.0.

2. Skipping the Transition and Switching Food Immediately

Cats need time to adjust to new food, typically around a week. A sudden switch can irritate their digestive system, potentially leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Therefore, it's advisable to transition to new food gradually using the "7Day Transition Method." This method is often suggested on cat food packaging.

【7Day Transition Method】:

Days 12: 90% old food, 10% new food

Days 34: 60% old food, 40% new food

Days 56: 30% old food, 70% new food

Day 7 and beyond: 100% new food

3. Overindulging in Treats

Overfeeding treats can lead to picky eating habits in cats. Treats should be given as rewards, not out of indulgence. Avoid feeding highstarch snacks like cat cookies and candies, as they can put a strain on your cat's kidneys.

4. Feeding Cats a Vegetarian Diet

It's wellknown that cats are obligate carnivores, and their digestive systems are not suited for a vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet cannot provide the necessary nutrients for a cat's growth and development.

Moreover, never feed your cat human leftovers, as sugar and salt can be harmful to their kidneys.

5. Overfeeding on Liver

While a small amount of liver can meet a cat's nutritional needs, excessive consumption can have adverse health effects and lead to calcium deficiency.

6. Leaving Leftovers in the Bowl for Too Long and Adding New Food on Top

Cat food left in the bowl for an extended period can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms, potentially causing diarrhea. It's essential to dispose of uneaten food promptly, especially canned food, and to clean and dry the feeding bowls before reuse.