Feeding your cat well can be tricky, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even the most careful cat owners sometimes encounter small challenges when it comes to nutrition. The good news is that small adjustments can make a big difference for your cat’s health and happiness.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top five nutrition challenges cat owners often make and provide practical, actionable tips to help your cat thrive with the right feeding habits.
Overfeeding And Portion Control
It’s easy to offer a little extra or let your cat graze whenever they like, but feeding too much or leaving food out all day can lead to gradual weight gain. Over time, that can affect their joints, mobility, and energy levels. Keeping portions balanced helps maintain a healthy weight and keeps your cat feeling energetic.
To help your cat stay at a healthy weight, try to measure their portions rather than guessing, and follow the feeding guide on your food packaging as a starting point. You can then adjust slightly depending on their activity level.
For cats that could use a little extra support with maintaining a healthy weight, try feeding them a weight management cat food that offers balanced nutrients and ingredients.
A few small habits can also make a big difference:
- Stick to regular mealtimes rather than free feeding throughout the day.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate portioning.
- Limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Not Prioritising High-Quality Protein
Cats need protein from animal sources for energy, muscle health, and overall well-being. Protein supports muscle strength, tissue repair, and immune health. Low-quality protein diets or even plant-heavy diets may meet calorie needs but can leave gaps in their nutrition.
When choosing a cat food, look for a named animal protein such as chicken, salmon, or duck as the first ingredient. It’s a good indicator for foods that use high-quality protein sources rather than fillers of by-products.
For cats that may need more targeted nutrition, such as those recovering from an illness or living with digestive sensitivities, Calibra veterinary cat food provides different high-protein formulas with easily digestible ingredients to support ongoing health and recovery.
A protein-rich diet helps your cat maintain lean muscle mass, stay active, and feel full between meals.
Tips For Feeding Cats Enough Protein:
- Look for foods where high-quality protein is the main ingredient.
- Rotate protein type occasionally for variety.
- Consider veterinary cat food such as hypoallergenic ranges or hydrolysed diets for cats with dietary needs or sensitivities.
Overlooking Dietary Needs
Just like people, some cats have sensitive digestion or mild allergies. A “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t always work, especially for cats with sensitive digestion, skin irritation, or urinary tract issues.
Feeding your cat a diet that doesn’t align with their individual needs can lead to discomfort and poor appetite. Even small tweaks can improve comfort and enjoyment at mealtimes.
Supportive Habits:
- Look out for upset in digestion or urinary issues.
- Trial sensitive cat food for cats showing reactions to certain ingredients.
- Talk to your vet to see if a veterinary diet is needed.
If you suspect sensitivities, Calibra sensitive cat food is formulated with limited ingredients to support gentle digestion and reduce the risk of reactions. For cats with diagnosed medical conditions, your vet may recommend a diet they think will work best.
Irregular Feeding Routines
Cats love consistency and thrive on routine. Feeding them at erratic times or free feeding can lead to overeating, boredom, and upset digestion. Structured feeding helps to control their appetite, support healthy digestion, and build a reassuring daily rhythm.
Try to feed your cat at set times each day, ideally two to three smaller meals. Kittens or cats with health conditions may benefit more from more frequent feeding.
Try establishing a regular feeding routine to spot changes in appetite early, which can be a sign of underlying health issues.
Routines To Add:
- Feed at roughly the same times each day.
- Offer measured out portions instead of leaving food out constantly.
- Smaller, frequent meals can help sensitive cats.
Relying On Only One Type Of Food
Many cat owners stick to either wet or dry food, usually for convenience, preference, or just out of habit. While both of these types of food have benefits, relying solely on one type can sometimes limit hydration, dental support, or adding texture and nutrients.
Wet food is high in moisture, which helps cats to stay hydrated and also supports urinary health. It’s often a top choice for picky eaters, making mealtimes more enjoyable. Dry food is a convenient option, it’s easy to portion and can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Only using one type can sometimes mean missing out on these complementary benefits.
Including balanced meals can often work out best. You might serve wet food for one meal to provide extra hydration and flavour, and then dry food for another meal to support their dental health.
Final Thoughts
Good nutrition is one of the most effective ways to support your cat’s health and wellbeing at each stage of their life. Whether your goal is to maintain a healthy weight, help their digestion, or manage a medical condition, the right diet makes all the difference.
Here are a few key habits to keep your cat’s diet balanced:
- Transition to new foods gradually.
- Monitor your cat’s weight regularly.
- Keep partition sizes as consistent as possible.
- Speak to your vet if you notice any sudden changes in appetite or behaviour.
Small changes really do make all the difference. By avoiding these common nutritional mistakes, you’re not just improving your cat’s diet. You're supporting their comfort and happiness.
Explore Calibra’s full range of super premium cat food to find the right option for you. For more information, please feel free to contact us with any questions.
