What to feed your cat

Cats' diets are very different from those of dogs, primarily because they don't have a day-night cycle like other animals and can consume up to twenty meals, spread across day and night. These meals are small portions, as happens in nature, where cats eat frequently and consume small prey.

Index of topics

The bowls to prepare

It is not possible to prepare twenty bowls a day, but you can provide 4-5 meals a day (never less than 3) leaving the food ready for the night.

Choose the wet one

This is another important difference from dog food: there's no point wasting money on dry food. And again, the reason lies in the laws of nature. Cats evolved in water-poor environments, and as a result, they acquired the ability to produce highly concentrated urine, but also the increased risk of diseases like cystitis and stone formation. Cats drink less water than dogs and even humans, and in fact their true source of fluids is food: wet food is definitely preferable, not dry food like kibble, which can cause urine to become even more concentrated. Wet food contains more water and can help keep cats hydrated.

Fresh or cooked meat?

You can feed fresh meat, such as chicken, turkey, or beef, but always cooked and unseasoned. Never feed chicken or fish bones, which could splinter and cause choking. Chicken or beef liver is an excellent source of nutrients, but should be given in moderation, as too much can cause health problems.

Homemade recipes

There are homemade recipes specifically for cats that combine meat, vegetables, and supplements. Consult a veterinarian for advice on preparing homemade meals.

The importance of fresh water

The cat must always have access to fresh water to keep it hydrated.

Foods that cats cannot eat

It's not true that cats can eat anything. In fact, there are foods that are very dangerous for felines and should absolutely be excluded from their diet.

Chocolate: contains theobromine, which is poisonous to cats and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and, in severe cases, death.
Onions, garlic and leeks: These foods contain compounds that can damage cats' red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Grapes and raisins: can cause acute kidney failure in cats, although it is not yet clear what the toxic compound is.
AlcolEven small amounts of alcohol can be lethal to cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma, and death.
Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, found in many sugar-free products, can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver damage in cats.
Milk and dairy products: Many cats are lactose intolerant, and milk consumption can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Coffee and tea: Caffeine is toxic to cats and can cause hyperactivity, tremors, rapid heartbeat, excessive salivation, and, in severe cases, death.
Raw fish: Raw fish may contain bacteria or parasites that can be harmful to cats. Additionally, some fish varieties contain a substance that can destroy vitamin B1 (thiamine), causing neurological damage.
Fish bones and fishbones: They can splinter and cause choking or damage to the digestive tract.
Fatty or fried foods: can cause digestive problems, pancreatitis, or obesity.