Feeding Recommendations
Tree House has learned a lot from our 30 plus years of cat care and provides these recommendations as a general guideline. Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice regarding your animal companion.
Good nutrition is essential to your cat’s overall health. The best diet for your cat is one that replicates what he/she would eat in the wild—a moisture-rich, meat-filled diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, and therefore require more quality-source protein in their diets than most other animals. We suggest feeding your cat a diet consisting mostly of quality canned foods.
Why canned food? Cats usually rely on their diet for moisture and don’t drink as much water as they might need. Canned foods have much more moisture than dry or “semi-moist” foods. Canned foods are also lower in carbohydrates and can be especially beneficial for cats with urinary issues, diabetes and other illnesses. Although there has been concern in the past that feeding only canned food could result in dental disease, we now know that most dry diets do not significantly improve dental health. In fact, only specific dry dental diets with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal have been shown to reduce tartar and plaque formation and gingivitis.
How often and how much should I feed? We recommend meal-feeding over free-feeding. Meal-feeding means that you feed a specified amount of food, as opposed to leaving out a large quantity of dry food for your cat to graze on throughout the day. You can start by feeding twice daily, using the food label as a guideline. Then review that amount with your veterinarian during your cat’s annual or semi-annual examination. The amount to feed may vary depending on your cat’s ideal weight and activity level. Meal-feeding also gives you an opportunity to monitor your cat’s appetite and helps you notice any loss in your cat’s appetite, one of the first signs of stress or illness. Depending on your cat’s specific situation, it might be best to consult with your vet before implementing any diet regimen.
What flavors should I choose? Of course, every cat will have his/her own preferences so it’s important to test many flavors and brands to discover what food your cat prefers. It is important, however, to avoid feeding too many fish flavors as fish is high in magnesium, thiaminase and heavy metals, all of which may be detrimental to your cat’s health, if fed in excess.
This food is cheaper. Is it the same? If you are unsure about the quality of your cat food, check the first ingredient. If the first ingredient is meat or fish, it’s most likely a good brand. If the first ingredient is not meat (corn, rice, soy, or grain derivatives such as gluten or meal), we would not recommend it. Check for the AAFCO certification for some assurance the food has met minimal nutrient criteria. You should let your vet know what type and brand of food you are feeding. It may be best to feed foods that contain muscle meat (such as chicken or turkey) in addition to or instead of organ meats (such as liver) and byproducts (items not suitable for human consumption).
What about “semi-moist” cat food? These highly-processed foods come in sealed pouches or canisters and are usually high in magnesium and carbohydrates. Too much magnesium may be linked to urinary problems in cats. There is generally little nutritional value, and the dyes, preservatives and other additives can cause allergic reactions in some cats.
What about dry cat food? Many cats tolerate dry food, and it may be fed in combination with canned food, if desired. Some cats develop health problems such as diabetes, obesity, urinary or kidney problems, diarrhea or vomiting, which may make feeding exclusively dry food undesirable. Quality ‘fixed formula’ dry foods are properly balanced for mineral content and available in pet supply stores, feed stores and through veterinarians. Prescription dry and canned foods are also available through veterinarians for cats with health problems and special dietary needs.
What about raw food? Many argue raw food is the most natural and nutritionally complete feeding regimen, if prepared and fed properly. There are, however, some risks involved and careful preparation and hygiene standards need to be followed in order to feed it successfully. If this feeding option is something you’re interested in, we advise that you discuss it with your veterinarian. Whether you feed a commercial product or you make your own, make sure it is nutritionally complete for cats. Cats, although they need to eat meat, cannot live on meat alone; they require nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, specific amino acids and even carbohydrates.
Are table scraps okay? We don’t recommend feeding them in excess; nutritionists suggest keeping table snacks to less than 10 percent of their daily food intake. Occasional treats of meat won’t hurt, as long as you feed them in small doses. Don’t feed dairy (for cats who are lactose intolerant), fried foods or sweets as they can contribute to problems such as obesity, diabetes and stomach upset. Never feed cooked bones as they are sharp and brittle and can cause severe injury. Also, never feed onions or chocolate to cats – both are toxic.
My cat is overweight. Should I be concerned? An overweight cat is more vulnerable to many chronic and lifespan-shortening health problems, such as diabetes and arthritis. Also, fat cats are often unable to groom themselves so their coats become dull and oily and they develop dandruff and mats. In addition, cats who cannot groom themselves may become clinically depressed. Often fat cats cannot reach their own rear end, which means that fecal matter and urine build up can cause discomfort and infection, even if you clean your cat on a regular basis. Although fat cats may be cute, you are doing your cat a disservice by allowing him/her to gain too much weight. You can control your cat’s weight by going to your vet and working out a diet plan that will ensure very gradual weight loss (be sure to consider an all wet-food diet). Never place your cat on a crash diet; it is very dangerous for a cat to lose weight too fast and could lead to life-threatening liver issues. A safe way of promoting weight loss on your own is to encourage your cat to be more active through play. Once your fat cat has become a slimmer and more active cat, you can be sure their overall health and therefore quality and length of life has improved.
What should my cat drink? Water! Keep plenty of fresh water available at all times. Also, using a pet water fountain encourages cats to drink more and keeps them away from your toilet and faucets.
What about dishes? Plastic feeding dishes can cause skin irritations in some cats. A shallow stainless steel or crockery bowl is your best bet as cats prefer to keep their whiskers and faces out of their food. Don’t use chemical disinfectants or strong detergents to clean your cat’s food dishes. Not only can they be poisonous, but cats are easily put off by harsh odors.
Sidebar: A Note on Coats
Feeding your cat a proper diet will help keep your cat’s coat healthy but it doesn’t stop there. Keeping your cat’s coat healthy and mat-free is your responsibility. Cats keep themselves clean by licking so baths are generally unnecessary. Regular grooming (with a long-tooth stainless steel cat comb for longhairs, or short-tooth steel cat comb or slicker brush for shorthairs) helps control shedding and prevents cats from swallowing too much hair. “Hairballs” form in the stomach and are usually passed or coughed up without trouble. But in extreme cases, large hairballs can be life-threatening and require surgery. Regular grooming – especially of longhaired cats and particularly in hot weather – is the best prevention.
One of the most important rules when it comes to grooming your cat’s coat is to never use scissors to cut out a mat, regardless of how careful you are. Cats have thin skin that can easily be nicked or cut without you realizing it, and the resulting wound could get infected and form an abscess. If your cat has a mat that cannot be removed by combing or brushing, buy a mat splitter or a seam ripper. Work out the mat by tearing it through the middle up towards the end of the mat, away from the cat’s body. If your cat has too many mats and is not amenable to the grooming process, he/she should be shaved occasionally by a vet or a reputable groomer. And remember – the best defense against mats and the surest way to help your cat learn to tolerate or even enjoy grooming is to brush him or her regularly.
If you have any questions about your cat’s diet, nutrition, or behavior, feel free to call our clinic at (773)-784-5488 ext. 232 from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
