Kerri WaldronEnsuring your cat’s mealtimes are both delicious and nutritious is key to their long-term health and happiness.
High quality shop-bought cat food includes your pet’s essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, but many cat owners like to tailor their cat’s mealtime routine, for added benefits. Here’s everything you need to know.
Hydration hacks: encourage more water intake
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Cats are notoriously fussy drinkers, but hydration is crucial for kidney health and digestion.
To encourage your cat to drink more, try:
- Adding a small dash of water from a tin of tuna in spring water (not brine) to their water bowl for extra appeal
- Using a shallow, wide dish instead of a deep bowl, as some cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides
- Introducing a cat water fountain, as many felines prefer running water over still
The benefits of a raised feeding station
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A simple change like elevating your cat’s food bowl can make a big difference, especially for older cats or those prone to digestive issues. A raised feeding station can:
- Encourage a more natural eating posture, reducing strain on the neck and joints
- Help prevent regurgitation
- Keep food cleaner and away from floor-level dust and debris
Ensure the feeding station is at a comfortable height, around chest level, to support ease of eating.
Portion control – the key to a healthy weight
Obesity is a growing issue in pet cats, leading to health problems such as diabetes and joint issues. All commercially produced cat foods will have feeding information on the pack and many feeding calculators can also be found online.
Three ways to help maintain a healthy weight include:
- Measure portions according to your cat’s size, age, and activity level
- Stick to regular mealtimes rather than ‘free feeding’ where the food bowl is available all the time, to prevent overeating
- Choose smaller, more frequent meals, as this mimics their natural hunting patterns and can aid digestion
Slow down speedy eaters
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If your cat bolts their food, they may be more prone to vomiting or digestive discomfort.
To slow them down:
- Use a puzzle feeder or slow-feeding bowl to make meals more engaging
- Try spreading food across a larger dish or a flat surface to encourage slower eating
- Offer smaller portions at a time, particularly if your cat has a history of regurgitation
Make mealtimes stress-free
Cats are sensitive creatures, and their eating environment can impact their appetite.
To create a calm mealtime space:
- Place food and water bowls in a quiet, low-traffic area away from noisy appliances
- Avoid placing food too close to the litter tray, as cats prefer separation between eating and toileting areas
- Keep feeding stations separate in multi-cat households to reduce competition and stress
With a little thought, you can create a calm and comfortable dining space that helps your cat enjoy their meals stress-free.
Why FELIX is irresistibly tasty
Clever cats know what they like – and that’s the taste of FELIX. With a range of textures and flavours, FELIX is packed with essential nutrients, offering complete and balanced meals for your feline friend. Whether your cat prefers juicy chunks in jelly, delicate flakes in gravy, or hearty pâté, Felix ensures every meal is deliciously satisfying.
Try FELIX’s new As Good As It Looks packs and see just how irresistibly tasty your cat finds it. Request your free sample here.
Or if your cat has already cleaned the bowl and told you how much they love FELIX, use the coupon provided with your sample to order more, then discover the full range at purina.co.uk/brands/felix to see why it’s Great to Be a Cat!
This article was developed with veterinary guidance from the Purina team.
Source: bing.com
