Practical information about the nutritional needs of cats and dogs at each life stage, including growth, maintenance, reproduction and aging.
Adult Cat
Giving cats what they need for a long, healthy life starts with nutrition. But if you want your cat to thrive, you will want to provide more than just food and water. As long-time feline fanciers know, many cats are quite social and enjoy daily attention from their owners, no matter how self-reliant they may seem.
Here’s an overview of the essentials — with an emphasis on nutrition — so you can help your cat thrive.
Food and water
Cats, like people, have complex nutritional needs. While it may be challenging to understand every facet and nuance of your cat’s dietary requirements, you don’t need to look far beyond your cat’s food bowl.
That’s because most commercial cat foods provide nutritionally complete and balanced diets for cats.
To better understand how nutrition supports and promotes overall cat health, let’s look at how key nutrients from food influence those body systems most associated with outward signs of health.
Attention and love
Cats may have a reputation for being independent, low-maintenance pets, but they still bond with their owners and enjoy ꟷ even crave ꟷ their owners’ company, attention and affection. Be sure to spend plenty of time with your cat so that your pet becomes properly socialized. Without enough stimulation or contact with their owners or other pets, cats can become bored, depressed and even develop problem behaviors.
Exercise — disguised as play
While cats are fond of sleeping, they also benefit from moving every day. Cats are naturally curious and need some type of activity every day. Activities that allow cats to exercise their natural instincts, such as stalking, pouncing and running, help keep cats’ minds alert and active. Playtime also keeps muscles toned and strong, helps maintain a healthy body condition and even lowers kitty stress levels.
A comfortable living space
Make sure your home is comfortable and stimulating for your cat. From providing opportunities to climb and explore safely to making sure your cat feels secure and comfortable while eating or napping, there is a lot you can do to make sure your cat feels at home.
Tags and identification
If allowed outdoors, make sure your cat can always find his or her way home. A collar with an identification tag that includes your cat’s name and your phone number can make it simple for anyone who finds your cat to contact you. For additional reassurance, have your veterinarian implant a microchip under your cat’s skin, which will help shelters and other organizations find you. You may want to consider a collar and tag or microchip even if your cat is an indoor cat, since it is possible for your cat to inadvertently escape from your home.
Supplies
Make sure you have sturdy food and water bowls, an accessible litter box that is frequently cleaned, somewhere for your cat to scratch and climb, and a comfortable place for your cat to sleep.
Veterinary health care
Cats, even those that spend most of their time indoors, need routine preventive veterinary care to help them live a long, healthy life. Regular check-ups can help avoid medical emergencies by detecting health conditions or problems before they become significant, painful or more difficult or costly to treat. Veterinary consults are also a good time to ask the veterinary health care team any questions you may have about your cat’s health and behavior.