4 Signs You Are Feeding the Wrong Diet to Your Cat Hereโ€™s when you should consider changing your catโ€™s food

BY | January 04 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
4 Signs You Are Feeding the Wrong Diet to Your Cat

Feeding dog food to your cat might seem like a simple solution, but you may be wrong about the dietary choices for your pet. Here are a few signs indicating that you should rethink your catโ€™s diet and ensure it gets optimal nutrition at all life stages.

Like humans, pets require optimal nutrition to stay healthy and grow at the right pace. If you bring home a feline companion, watch what you put in its feeding bowl. Whether you opt for commercial food or a homemade diet, ensure it is apt for your cat. 

Manufacturers need to follow several regulations to provide for the basic minimum nutritional requirements in their pet food products. But you can still go wrong with the choice even when sticking with a quality product.

Choosing a cat’s food is often a painstaking process, with a good chance of going wrong. Pet parents often stick with buying the same product without understanding the cat’s nutritional requirements over the years. However, the truth is that your pet may need different foods during different life stages for proper nutrition. The diet you follow today may go wrong a couple of years from now.

In this article, we will highlight a few signs that you need to rethink your cat’s diet.

Sign #1: Your Cat is Transitioning Through a Life Stage 

When it comes to cat nutrition, its age and life stage matter a lot. A kitten requires a growth-based diet with high protein and calorie levels. Its growth may be stunted if you fail to provide for its nutritional demands. Pregnant or lactating females require foods rated for reproduction, gestation, or lactation. For an adult pet, consider its weight and choose a product according to its current condition. You may need different products for obese and underweight pets.

Cat health is a concern during the later years, so seniors with medical issues may require a dietary change. Seek recommendations from your vet to decide on the right food according to your cat’s age, weight, and life stage.

Sign #2: Your Pet Has Digestive Issues

When it comes to diet, you should not consider dog foods for cats, but opt for specialized products. If a cat eats dog food for the long haul, it may suffer from digestive issues. The same may happen when you feed it an inappropriate diet. You may notice signs such as loose stool, constipation, chronic flatulence, or rumbly stomach. These symptoms indicate that you should check the quality and quantity of your cat’s diet.

Also, check for food intolerance because it may be a possible reason for poor digestion. GI upset is uncomfortable for your pet and inconvenient for you. Seek a solution by switching to a sensitive stomach diet or premium cat food. 

Sign #3: Your Cat Has Dull, Flaky Coat

A healthy cat has a shiny coat, indicating that there are no underlying issues or dietary blunders. Diets rich in essential fatty acids are vital for feline well-being. Look for products containing both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to ensure optimal nutrition for your furry companion.

Skin issues, such as excessive itching or dandruff, may also indicate an inadequate diet. You can consider a quick food switch and use an itchy skin shampoo to address the concern from the root. 

Sign #4: You Notice Behavioral Changes

Your cat’s diet may be wrong if it shows unexpected behavioral changes. For example, you may notice it showing excessive lethargy or hyperactivity. Such changes may be related to nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. Cats require a proper balance of nutrients to maintain their energy levels and overall well-being.

A change in eating habits and patterns is another sign to watch out for. Your feline companion may lose interest in its food or become finicky for no reason. Maybe, it dislikes the taste or the food is not giving it the right nutrients.

There is no one-size-fits-all product working for all pets. According to Haasan M. Rakib, a pet care specialist in the USA, the ideal cat food depends on diverse factors, such as its unique preferences, needs, and health conditions. As a cat parent, you must prioritize the essential nutrients, taste, and quality of cat food products to choose wisely. Also, consider changing them when you think they aren’t working for your pet. After all, your precious companion deserves nothing but the best. 

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