One of the most common confusions every cat parent will encounter is whether your cat’s eating enough and how much you should feed them.
The difficulty with this stems from the fact that almost every cat is different and unique, requiring a specific amount of food and its calories and nutrients.
To figure out the right quantities for your cat’s diet, considering some of the factors below can be a great way to start.
Age
Size
Breed
Energy / activity level
Calculating Calorie Requirements
When it comes to humans, we require a certain amount of calories that provide us with the energy that we need to function daily. It is the same case for cats and other animals. The great news is that your veterinarian can calculate the amount of calorie consumption per day specific to your cat’s diet needs by using a formula.
Through the calculation, the veterinarian can then determine the daily energy consumption of your cat depending on the stage of life your cat is at. This energy consumption is directly related to the number of calories your cat needs in a single day, thus helping gauge whether your cat’s eating enough and the right amount for your cat’s diet.
Other Ways to Determine the Quality of Your Cat’s Diet
With that being said, there is more just one way to help you determine your cat’s eating enough and getting a proper cat’s diet. Although a proper and nutritional cat’s diet is a key factor affecting your cat’s health and behavior, feeding a high-quality meal is one of the best ways to ensure that your cat feels healthy and looks the part.
Furthermore, the way your cat behaves and its appearance can indicate the amount of food they consume and the nutrients it provides. Here are some of the signs that can be used as evidence that your cat’s diet is not an issue.
· A healthy weight
If your cat’s belly is grown out of proportion to their body and sways left to right when they walk, you might need to reevaluate the amount of food you feed your cat. This is one of the most obvious things to consider.
According to many veterinarians, judging if your cat is overweight can be done simply by feeling for their ribs, which you should be able to as long as they are not too prominent and sticking out. If your cat has a belly hanging from its body, your veterinarian should recommend cat foods specially made for controlling weight.
· Shiny coat
Another way to distinguish whether your cat’s diet is on the right track is by judging the appearance of your cat’s coat. A shiny and neat coat indicates that your cat’s diet includes the right amount of protein that your cat needs. If there is a lack of that essential nutrient, expect your cat’s coat to become flaky and matte. Hence a healthy coat means that your cat is eating the right amount.
· Strong immune system
To ensure that your cat is healthy, you must feed a rich diet containing many vitamin E and antioxidants. Studies have shown a correlation between a healthy and robust immune system and antioxidants in humans and cats. Therefore, if your cat rarely becomes subject to illnesses, it’s a good sign that its diet is balanced and nutritional.
· Healthy teeth and gums
Your cat’s teeth and the condition of its gums can also be checked to ensure that your cat’s diet is perfect for your feline friend. An excellent example of a healthy diet includes white and shiny teeth and bright pink gums essential in protecting the root of those teeth. As many experts say, dry food is typically the more suitable for keeping your cat’s teeth clean. Lift the edge of your cat’s lips every month to examine its dental health.
· Hydration and waste conditions
You can gauge a lot just by judging the state of your cat’s poop. To guarantee that your cat’s diet provides plenty of water and hydration to your cat, look for moist and long-shaped waste that does not smell too sour yet is still pungent. If your cat poops bullet-sized poop, it is a clear indicator of poor hydration.
Thus, you are advised to switch your cat’s current food to canned cat food and provide a fresh source of water, perhaps a water fountain just for your cat. Furthermore, loose and scattered poop is also a potential sign that your cat has digestion problems such as infection or inflammation, which must be addressed immediately. Therefore, you should visit a veterinarian to help your cat get hydrated and may also identify other problems and their solutions.
· Healthy bones
Good quality and nutritious cat’s diet will also include the appropriate amount of calcium essential for your cat to have strong and healthy bones. If you suddenly notice your cat limping, it can be a sign of either your cat not eating enough or a food that is an inadequate source of calcium.
Lastly!!
If you are still uncertain about your cat receiving enough calories despite following all the suggested guidelines for your cat’s diet, the next best thing to do would be to consult with your veterinarian for the most competent advice.
You can find the answers to questions such as what type of food you should feed your cat, how often and in what quantities, etc. Nevertheless, if your cat is playful, active, and appears healthy in all the signs mentioned above, rest assured that your cat’s diet is not a problem and is well balanced and provides the right nutrition value.
