You have welcomed your new kitten (yay!), Started feeding it (frequently), changed the litter box (a lot) and wondering what is the next step (sleep)? Start by checking my blog on essential eating instructions. Then, in addition to a parade of visits to the veterinarian, vaccinations, toys and training; There is a whole world of feline nuances and subtleties to discover. To help you in your journey, here are seven of my tips and tricks for healthy eating out of the favorite feline bowl that you may not hear often, or often enough.
One of my veterinary passions is the reduction of obesity in pets (and in children). One of my best tips to prevent overeating is to use small food bowls, especially for kittens and cats. The theory is simple: Humans like to fill bowls of food, theirs and those of their pets. If you use smaller plates and bowls, you will have less to fill. My favorite bowls are soy sauce bowls, espresso cups / plates or any other tray less than ¼ cup
Try new flavors
The tastes and preferences of your kitten are largely established during his first months. Too many cats are not exposed to enough flavors, especially at the training stage. Let your cat taste fresh and fatty fish (especially salmon and tuna, anchovies or wild sardines), poultry, turkey and beef. If your kitten seems interested in something you eat, put a piece in his bowl to explore [Editor's note: check first with your vet to make sure he is safe]. If you have chosen a kitten food, ask your veterinarian if it is acceptable to try other varieties with a similar nutritional profile. Variety is the spice of life; it's also healthy for your kitten.
Food is the love for many of us. The problem is that when we "love" too much, we accumulate extra pounds. A kilo of extra fat is enough for a cat to put him at increased risk for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and some cancers. Some pet food companies take advantage of our desire to please pets and offer them a multitude of delicious, calorie-rich and useless treats. Be smarter When you want to treat your cat, try some flakes of salmon or tuna in convenient pouches. Close, refrigerate and reuse within three to four days. Very nutritious, healthy and low in calories. Whatever treatment you choose, use it consciously and sparingly.
Feeding up-down
Cats are predators. They walk around, ambush and hunt for food. Exploit this inner predator by moving the bowls to dinner, even if it is only a few feet. It works especially well when you feed your cats separately. I love to alternate meals on a raised surface such as a counter or a table on the floor, every day. A high meal, the next down. Jumping and climbing also makes use of the larger muscles of the body, maximizing exercise and fitness.
If you have one or two cats, try playing "Find Food". Simply place some kibbles in several small bowls or plates and place them throughout the house in your absence. It gives your cats something to do, helps them enrich their day and encourages them to leave the window sill or sofa. In general, I do not reserve more than a third of the food of the day for this game in case a cat is a senior researcher.
It is important to understand how sterilization affects your kitten's metabolism. In general, removing the reproductive tract from the cat reduces its daily caloric requirements by 20 to 30%. It is essential that you talk with your vet after sterilization to recalculate your kitten's calories. Remember that pet food guides are formulated for intact animals and will be too high for sterilized and neutered animals.
Track the weight of your kitten
The speed with which your kitten grows is important. Weighting too fast or too long can create problems for life. Not getting enough weight or feeding the proper nutrients is also a problem. A healthy habit is to weigh your cat regularly. Your veterinarian will weigh your kitten at each visit. Ask how the growth curve of your kitten is changing. A steep curve can lead to obesity, while a flat apartment can mean unhealthy development. After about nine to twelve months, weigh your cat at home at least every six months and record it. Just weigh yourself, then hold your cat and take the difference. It will not be as accurate as the cat-specific scales, but you will be able to spot a trend in terms of weight gain or, less likely, loss. If your cat adds an extra pound, call your vet for advice on diet. It's a lot easier to lose a pound or two than ten pounds extra.
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