Change their food, change their life Hints and tips on caring for your favourite feline
Change their food, change their life - A guide to your dog s well being Whether your cat prefers to explore the neighbourhood or curl up by the fire, make sure you feed them a diet to match their lifestyle. With this guide you can learn everything about changing your cat s diet - and their life - to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy at any age.
Jargon Buster: A Guide to Understanding Packaging In today s world of increased awareness of what we are eating, it s important to be just as vigilant with our pets food, to ensure they re getting only the very best. Throughout the next section we ll use the Pets at Home Advanced Nutrition label as a reference point to highlight what you should be looking out for on your pet food label. Remember that the ingredients listed on pet food labels are always in quantity order, with the most first. Nutrient Proteins Good for: Developing keen eyes; healthy coat, skin and nails; building muscle and a strong immune system. Look on the packaging for: Animal protein such as egg, chicken, lamb and fish. Try to include Taurine, which occurs naturally in animal protein. Fats Fats give your cat plenty of energy and make food taste great. Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin, coat and immune system. Animal fat, chicken fat, corn oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, fish meal and fish oils. Carbohydrates Carbohydrate are made up of Starch, Sugars and Fibre. Starch provides energy for body tissue, while certain fibres aid digestive health. Starches: cereals and grains such as barley, maize and rice. Fibres: sugar beet pulp and rice bran. Vitamins Vitamins convert food to energy and repair cells. In particular, Vitamin A promotes keen night vision while Vitamin D3 builds strong bones. Vitamins A,C, D3 and E. Minerals Strong teeth and bones. Calcium and phosphorus. Water The most critical nutrient for survival. Without it, your cat s body cannot transport nutrients, digest nutrients for energy, regulate temperature or eliminate waste. From the tap will do! Clean water should accompany your pet s meal and be available at all times. 1
Everything you need to know about your cat s dietary requirements Why is animal protein important to my cat s diet? Cats require much more protein in their diet than humans, and animal proteins from meat, fish and eggs are the best form of proteins available - not to mention the tastiest! As the most digestible of proteins, they are the most usable for your cat, promoting healthy muscle growth, as well as skin and coat condition. Animal protein can be split into several label definitions. To see what level of meat is contained in your pet s food, look out for these on the label: Fresh meat or fish Fresh meat or fish is from sources deemed suitable for human food. There are a number of advantages of fresh meat, including higher digestibility, palatability and nutritional value. Animal derivatives: This is the broad category name which encompasses all animal ingredients. The broadness of the category means that these may be products left over after most of the meat has been used, such as feather, hoof, hair, bone, blood and fatty tissue. Animal proteins also naturally provide essential amino acids to keep your cat strong and active, one of the most important being Taurine, which is necessary for a healthy heart and keen eyesight. You will only see the word Taurine on the ingredients list of a food if it has been added as a separate addition. Foods with high levels of meat, fish or egg do not need to supplement the recipe, as it occurs naturally in these proteins. Always check the label to see what level of meat is contained in your pet s food. Rendered meat or fish: Rendered meats are commonly listed as meat meal or poultry meal on the ingredient label. They are the cooked and processed remains of the leftovers in meat, fish and poultry processing. This isn t to say they are poor quality, as legally the source animal must have been deemed suitable for human consumption, but it s worth remembering that every time you process meat you run the risk of destroying essential nutrients. 2
Why is it important for cat food to contain animal fat? Found in meat, fish and plant oils, fats are packed with twice the energy of protein or carbohydrates and are what provide your cat with boundless energy. They supply all the important omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin, coat and immune system, and they improve food s palatability, making them an essential ingredient for any fussy eater. To see which fats are contained in your cat s food, look on the ingredients panel for animal fat, corn oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil and fish oils. Why are carbohydrates so useful? Carbohydrates are included in a pet s diet as a source of quick energy from the starch, and as a source of fibre. Cats are primarily carnivores, and may find foods with high cereal content less palatable and digestible, so a good balance is essential. Certain fibres promote a healthy digestive system by assisting movement through the intestine, preventing the build-up of hairballs. Look out for fibres such as beet pulp and cellulose, as these help to support optimum intestinal health. Why are vitamins and minerals important to my cat s health? Vitamins are required to convert food into energy, and for growth and repair of cells. Vitamin A performs a vital function for any midnight prowler by promoting good night vision, while vitamin D3 teams up with calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones. All our Advanced Nutrition and natural diets contain the necessary balance of essential vitamins and minerals your cat needs, but where they occur as natural parts of other ingredients they are not found separately on the ingredients panel. Why is water important? Cats have a fairly low requirement for water yet it is vital, and a supply must be available at all times. Cats fed on tinned food aren t often seen drinking, but that is due to the water content in these foods fulfilling their needs. Cats fed on dry food must quench their thirst from elsewhere. It s important to ensure there is a bowl of fresh water available for cats at all times. Why is it beneficial to have no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives in my cat s food? Artificial colours, flavours and preservatives are added to foods to improve characteristics or appearance of the food, yet provide no nutritional value. If you re looking for a more natural option, food that contains no artificial additives will say so on the label. 3
Nutrient Glossary L-Carnitine L-Carnitine increases the rate at which fats are used, reducing the storage of body fat. This nutrient is often added to Senior and Light diets to help control body weight. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate These nutrients help to promote healthy joint cartilage and support overall joint health and mobility. Senior cats benefit from the addition of these nutrients in their diet. Yucca Extract This natural probiotic has a deodorising effect and helps reduce the smell of your cat s stools, making the litter tray less unpleasant. It also supports the urinary process and is recommended for cats with urinary tract problems. Magnesium and Phosphorus Cats can be susceptible to problems with their lower urinary tract, and low levels of these nutrients help to promote a healthier urinary ph level. Taurine This important amino acid is proven to directly contribute to the health of the heart, eyesight and reproductive system. Occurring naturally in all animal proteins such as egg, fish and meat, Taurine is essential in your cat s diet. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids Occurring naturally in fats and oils, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids help to maintain a silky coat and help prevent skin from dryness or irritation. 4
Gradual progression to new foods What to look out for as you get your cat onto a new diet Cats are fussy creatures, and they can be quite sensitive to change, so when you re switching them over to a healthier cat food it s important to do so gradually to help them get used to it. This will also allow their stomachs to adjust to the new diet - eliminating the concern of a lot of pet owners about cats being unwell when trying new food. To get the best result from your cat s food, you should switch them over the course of about ten days. Here s how to get started: Start by mixing your cat s food so that it s about 25 per cent new food and 75 per cent of their regular food. Feed that for about three days, keeping an eye out to make sure that they seem happy and healthy. After three days, increase the amount so that their food is now half new and half regular, and feed for another three days. As long as everything is okay, you can increase this to 75 per cent new food for three days. Finally, you can begin feeding just the new diet, and get rid of the standard food altogether! Do keep an eye on your cat, and slow down the gradual change if you notice that they seem sick, constipated or have looser stools than usual (keep an eye on their poo!). Almost all cats switch over really easily with this kind of graduation, but if you have any concerns one of our in-store colleagues will be able to talk you through any questions you have, so you can be sure of our support every step of the way! 5
Making cat food more appealing Switching your cat over to a new diet can sometimes be difficult; cats are notoriously fussy animals and some are rather wary of change, so as well as ensuring that their switch to new food is implemented gradually you could also consider other ways of encouraging them to eat. You might find that it takes them a few days to get used to it, but with just a few small changes you can make your cat s food bowl seem more enticing and smell more familiar. While trying to get your cat to eat more, it s also worth ruling out any medical issues that might be making them more cautious about their food. If it s upsetting their stomach, they ll learn not to eat it - meaning that even if they re hungry they won t go for it. Visit a vet to check your pet for any allergies, and opt for a hypo-allergenic food if that would be more suited to your pet s digestion. They might also be struggling with a dental issue that makes the food difficult to chew. Cats tend to graze on food throughout the day, but you re still in charge of how much and often they eat, so make sure you keep their routine the same to prevent any anxiety around their food. If you re really struggling to get them to take to their new diet, a little warm water in the bowl can sometimes help - this will boost the smells and flavours of the food, making it much more tempting! 6
Signs of a poor diet Understanding the signs of a poor diet in cats is essential There are a number of symptoms to look out for which can tell you about your cat s diet, helping you to determine whether they are receiving the right amount of nutrients. Healthy food is vital to deliver everything they need to keep them happy and healthy - take a look at our guide to the signs of a poor diet in cats, and book an appointment in one of our stores to speak to one of our Nutrition Consultants about your cat s diet. Digestion Litter boxes are a good way to ensure that your cat s digestion is healthy, as you can find out whether they re having any trouble urinating or passing stools. Cats can develop urinary tract infections easily, which can be triggered by obesity and sometimes by high levels of calcium like those found in fish - so if you notice your pet having trouble it s worth taking them to a vet to learn how you can make things easier and help your cat recover. Weight Both weight gain and weight loss are major indicators of poor diet in cats - and this isn t always down to the amount of food they re eating. Carbohydrate-rich food is fattening to cats, even in small doses, while underweight cats are unlikely to be receiving the proteins and nutrients they need for healthy growth. It s advisable to weigh your cat every couple of weeks to track any changes, and speak to a vet if you re concerned. Weight change can also be an indicator of other health issues, so don t make any major changes to their diet until you ve spoken to an expert! Skin A number of pet foods contain allergens like corn and gluten, which can result in dry and itchy skin in cats. The only sure-fire way to avoid this is to aim for foods without any fillers or artificial ingredients; although you ll find that a chat with a vet will help you to understand whether your cat is particularly sensitive to certain foods and change their diet accordingly. An unbalanced diet doesn t necessarily mean that your cat is being fed too much or too little; often it s also down to the quality of the food and the contents within. If you do have any questions about your pet s diet, pop into one of our Pets at Home stores and book a free appointment with a nutrition consultant for advice on feeding your cat. 7
Obesity and the effects Obesity is an increasing problem in cats, and many pets are becoming overweight as a result of overfeeding or simply having an unbalanced diet. The excess fat caused by this weight gain can have a significant effect on a cat s body, particularly around the joints, heart and digestive system. Cats are naturally active creatures, so when they become obese and are unable to move with the same level of agility they are likely to become anxious and unhappy as a result. Joint pain and breathing problems can also make movement uncomfortable. Obesity is a serious problem, but thankfully it can be tackled with a strict diet plan and plenty of willpower! Causes It s important to recognise that obesity isn t always a result of overfeeding; sometimes a cat might be eating the same amount of food as always, but their activity levels have decreased - particularly in older cats - or the food is of a low quality, filled with carbohydrates and other fattening components. There needs to be a balance between energy consumed through a cat s diet and energy spent through exercise, to ensure they re not consuming too much energy, as this is simply transferred into fat. Signs of obesity Weight gain, which can be easily measured with weekly weigh-ins. Excess body fat, particularly around the stomach and neck. Lethargy and an unwillingness to play and explore. It may be that your cat finds it too tiring, or they may find it uncomfortable to move around. Diagnosis Obesity is simple to diagnose in cats, and is usually based on their body condition score (determined by a vet using a number of factors), as well as their age and breed. Generally speaking, cats are considered overweight if their body fat is over 25 per cent, and diagnosed as obese if this reaches over 30 per cent. A vet will take a look at a number of different factors when diagnosing a cat, including clinical history, health of vital organs, and assessment of food and feeding times - especially in homes where there is more than one pet. This will ensure that your pet s weight gain can be attributed to the correct cause, and their diet can be altered accordingly. 8
How often should you treat your cat? Treats are a great way of rewarding your pet Giving your cat treats is a wonderful way to build trust between you both - and it s a great excuse to show them a little extra love and affection! It s important not to overdo it though, as otherwise they ll end up taking the treats for granted, and too many can upset their regular diet. As relatively small animals they don t need a lot, so look for other ways of developing that bond, and only give very small treats every so often. If you do want to treat them, lean meat or speciallydesigned treats for cats are a good option - just remember to remove the same amount of food from their food bowl to ensure they re not overeating. 9
Brain food The psychological effects of a healthy diet Diet plays an important part in our everyday brainpower, as well as our moods - and cats are no different! To maintain the reflexes and the cognitive skills they need to navigate their surroundings, cats need to be kept on a diet that delivers plenty to keep their wits about them as they grow - helping them to maintain their smarts well into adult life. Just as good food is better for humans, a natural or Advanced Nutrition diet can really change your cat s life - take a look to see the difference it could make! Learning Cats require plenty of omega oils in their diet to promote brain development, which in turn increases their cognitive abilities. This not only makes it much easier for them to learn tricks and be trained to use the litter box, but will also help their spatial awareness and reflexes - allowing them to be as agile as possible to explore their surroundings! Growth Good food also has an incredibly positive effect on your pet s body. Healthy food full of the right fats, oils and nutrients contribute much more to your cat s joints and muscle development, giving them a much stronger footing and making them much more capable of looking after themselves. This improved vitality makes even indoor cats far more confident, and helps older cats stay active and inquisitive throughout their lives. Happiness One of the biggest and most noticeable benefits of a healthier diet is its impact on your cat s overall happiness. A poor diet can contribute to mood imbalance and lethargy in cats, but as long as they re getting all of the nutrients they need and they re eating a satisfying meal full of goodness and healthy ingredients, you should notice a massive improvement in their quality of life! 10
Lifestages As cats get older, it s important to make sure we balance their diet with their lifestyle - whether they re a kitten needing energy to grow strong and healthy, or an older cat that prefers relaxing indoors to tearing around the neighbourhood. Because cats are always changing, we ve made sure to provide a diet for every stage of your cat s life. This section is dedicated to your cat s requirements at each stage of their lives, giving you the knowledge and understanding to provide your cat with the very best food for their needs! 11
Lifestages: Kitten As we all know, kittens are lively bundles of fun and seem to have endless energy reserves - in fact they need over double the energy of adult cats! That means they need a quality diet to provide all the nutrients they need for healthy development, as well as the energy to play all day. The Advanced Nutrition and natural kitten diets are formulated especially for this exciting time of life. High quality ingredients Ensure optimum digestibility, meaning that all the goodness is absorbed rather than wasted. Kitten-friendly bite-sized kibbles Are easier for their little jaws and tummies. High protein levels Ensure optimum growth and calorie intake for energy. Calcium and phosphorous Both help to build strong bones, while antioxidants support developing immune systems. We have a wide range of specialist kitten food brands which we recommend. If you want to change your kitten s diet to an Advanced Nutrition or natural food, do so gradually over a period of ten days, mixing increasing proportions of the new food into the old. This will ease the transition on your kitten s sensitive digestive system. Ensure you feed the correct daily allowance, and do not overfeed. Kittens will eat little but often, so leaving their allowance out for them to graze is ideal. Your kitten will reach maturity at around 12 months, so this is the time to move from a kitten diet to adult. Again, it is sensible to do this over a few days. 12
Lifestages: Adult Adult cats might turn their noses up at certain foods, but they do not require the variety that we do in our diet, so it is advisable to stick to one food if that s what they like. As cats like to pick at their food and take their time, measure out their daily allowance and leave their bowl out for them to graze throughout the day, unless you re feeding a wet diet that may spoil. Advanced Nutrition and natural foods are specially formulated to support this prime time in your cat s life, promoting these benefits: Healthy skin and coat A strong immune system Dental health Intestinal health Healthy urinary tract Within the Advanced Nutrition range there are a number of specialist diets for cats that are expecting kittens, or cats that are overweight. Take a look below to find the right kind of diet for your cat: When cats eat more calories than they need, the excess is deposited as fat. If your cat is more inclined to curl up and snooze than be active, or if your cat is an indoor cat and exercise is limited, it is advisable to select a light complete diet, or a special indoor cat food. These foods limit the calorie intake and incorporate L-carnitine to increase the rate at which fat is burnt up, helping weight loss and optimising body condition. To combat obesity, be strict with your cat s food, feeding them only their daily allowance however much noise they make - they ll soon get used to the new amounts! Pregnancy Throughout the nine weeks of pregnancy, cats require more calories than their usual diet. To provide enough energy for her and her growing kittens during this time, a complete kitten food is ideal to provide the additional protein supply. Expectant cats will begin to gain weight from the second half of pregnancy, and in the later stages of pregnancy you should be feeding your cat up to 25% more than usual - she ll soon make noises if she s not getting enough food, and it s worth listening to her! She will need the extra strength from a kitten diet right up until they are weaned, but keep an eye on her weight gain to ensure it does not become excessive. Overweight Obesity is on the increase in cats, with overfeeding and lack of exercise as the two main contributing factors. There are several indicators that your cat is overweight - your vet will tell you if they are concerned, but you can help by looking out for the following: It may be difficult to feel the ribs The stomach may hang low The hips may not be visible The back may be broader 13
Lifestages: Senior Your cat may still act like a kitten at times, but once they reach around seven years of age they ll start to develop different requirements for nutrition. At this point it is important to gradually move your cat on to a specially-formulated senior food, to help keep them happy and healthy into retirement. Older cats are more susceptible to health problems, and they ll require fewer calories from fats as their metabolism slows down. The ideal diet consists of high-quality proteins, for muscle strength and mobility, alongside a well-balanced selection of nutrients for gentle digestion and healthy joints. Increased risk of kidney and heart disease Senior cats are more at risk of these problems, so our senior diets are lower in protein to help keep the kidneys healthy. Maintaining your cat s weight also helps to prevent heart disease. Deterioration of skin and coat Senior cats tend to develop dry skin as they age. Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids in senior foods can help rejuvenate the skin, and help maintain a healthy coat. In addition, there are certain nutrients and vitamins that will help combat the symptoms of getting older - take a look below to help you select the right food for your cat. Increased risk of joint and mobility problems As your cat grows older you may find they become less interested in physical activity; they may lose interest in playing games, instead preferring to curl up on your lap and sleep. Senior Complete foods contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate to help promote healthy joint cartilage and support overall joint mobility, keeping senior cats lively and playful for longer. 14