Feeding
Equipment
Your cat or kitten will require its own feeding bowl and water bowl. The best ones are the sturdy, non-spill type, made of glazed ceramic or heavy-duty plastic and must be kept scrupulously clean. Knives, forks and/or spoons used to serve feline meals should be kept separate from those used by the family and/or other animals.
Nutritional requirements
The development from kitten to elderly cat consists of hour life stages. Recognize these and you will be halfway to providing the right food for your feline friend.
Kitten: From birth to nine months old, when a kitten is officially regarded as an adult.
Nutrition needs: Nutritious, high-energy foods to build strong bones and maintain good health. Special "kitten" formulas are available.
Young adult: After the age of nine months and until breeding comments.
Nutrition needs: An average balanced diet containing calcium and minerals, generally available from proprietary quality canned foods.
Pregnant/lactating mother and/or the male stud: From one year or sooner to around eight to ten years. Fertile years can differ from cat to cat; from pedigree to non-pedigree cats.
Nutrition needs: Highly nutritious foods complete with balanced amounts of carbohydrates, calcium/phosphorus and other minerals, fats and oils. Vitamin supplements should only be given on the advice of your vet.
The older cat: The cat, neutered or spayed and/or no lonnger breeding.
Nutrition needs: Low-carbohydrate, good-quality, nutrition ally balanced canned food with a fish oil suppliment. Specially formulated diets are available.
