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Feeding:
- Ideally cats should get a few small meals throughout the
day.
- Some cats may gobble their food, so if they get one or two large meals,
they may eat too much.
- The amount of food a cat needs depends upon its age, size, and activity
level.
- Your veterinarian can advise you about the proper quanitity of food for
your cat. A rough estimate for an adult cat is 30 calories per
pound. An 8 pound cat only needs 240 calories per day.
- Watch out for obesity as it can start at an early age.
- Changes in food should be gradual; otherwise, the cat may suffer from
diarrhea.
- Cats must have fresh water daily. Some tap water, however, may contain
chemicals that may cause the cat to refuse the water. In
this situation, let the tap water stand for a 24 hours, or use filtered
water.
- Cats also like fresh food and may refuse canned food that is starting
to dry out.
- Most veterinarians recommend dry food because it has a better energy
balance than canned foods.
- Dry food can also prevent some dental problems and urinary tract
infections.
- Don't feed your cat people food or dog food -- a cat's dietary needs
cannot be met with dog food and often not with human food either.
- If a cat does not eat for 48 hours, contact your vet!
- Cats do not chew their food, but swallow it down in lumps, relying upon
its strong gastric juices to break the food down.
Source: The Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of
Cats, The Reader's Digest Association (Canada) Ltd.,
Montreal, 1992, p. 198.
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