Feeding Guidelines for Cats
Cats have unique nutritional needs and will quickly reject food that is sub-standard or not served incorrectly, therefore the following rules are important.
Cats need a high protein meat and fish diet. Choose any premium tinned or packaged proprietary cat food from a reputable manufacturer.(NEVER feed your cat dog food)
Always ensure their dishes are scrupulously clean
Do not feed your cat on a diet of solely dry cat food.
Never serve food straight from the fridge – cats like their food warm or at least at room temperature
Do not leave fresh fish or meat out for your cat for more than 30 minutes. Dispose of all uneaten food.
Ensure that all bones are removed from meat or fish treats
Cats should be fed small meals 2 or 3 times daily, sticking to an established time schedule.
Ensure that a cat has access to clean fresh water at all times
It is not a good idea to feed cows milk to cats as many develop allergies as a result.
Ensure that a cat even if it lives indoors, has access to grass to chew
Whatever medication you choose for your cat's needs is simply to administer. Simply pull one capsule apart and add to your cats meal, some treatments are continuos (such as nutritional supplements) and others only as needed to treat a condition that arises.
Please remember we offer a free advice service which you can access at vet@pethealthdirect.co.uk or you can write to us. If we consider the condition is serious or difficult for you to treat we will refer you to your local vet.
Vet's Tips
Do not let your cat stay out overnight, as this is the most common time for cats to be involved in road traffic accidents.
Always pick up a cat using both hands to support its total weight with one hand under the chest and the other under it's rear end.
Never let anyone ( especially young children ) hold a cat against its will.
Play with your cat to provide mental stimulus, a ping pong ball, feather on a string, ball of wool will provide hours of fun ( never leave these objects with your cat when alone.
Ensure that your cat has a dedicated scratching post ( sold in all pet shops) and rub in some catnip. This will protec your furniture.
Ensure that your cat if it goes outside is fitted with a flea collar or apply drops to protect against ticks, which can transmit Lymes disease, a serious illness, to both cats and humans.