| Are you trying to determine what type of food you | | | | cats are those who are nine or more years old |
| should feed your cat and how much it should be fed | | | | When purchasing cat food from the store, use these |
| each day? The reality is that a balanced and nutritious | | | | ages as a guideline when selecting food that is |
| diet is essential for helping your feline friend live a | | | | specifically formulated for that particular age group. |
| long and healthy life. As such, it is important for you | | | | Knowing Your Cat's Activity Level and Fitness Level |
| to be certain to feed your cat plenty of fresh water | | | | Your cat's activity level should also be taken into |
| as well as quality food that will meet its energy | | | | consideration when determining how much and what |
| requirements. | | | | type of food you will feed. If you have an outside |
| Comparing Types of Cat Foods | | | | cat that is quite active, it may require more food or |
| There are three basic types of cat foods that you | | | | a higher-calorie food than a cat that tends to just sit |
| can choose to feed your cat: dry, canned and | | | | around the house all day. Again, you will find various |
| semi-moist. Dry cat food has a greater caloric density | | | | formulations available, so choose one that suits your |
| than the other types of food, mostly because there | | | | cat's activity level and personal weight management |
| is less water in dry food than there in the other two | | | | needs. Keep the following fitness level guidelines in |
| options. While the type of food you feed your cat is | | | | mind when planning your cat's diet:o Underweight - |
| largely up to personal preference, most cats enjoy | | | | feed about 1 ½ times the recommended |
| eating a combination of these types of foods. As | | | | amount and look into foods with a higher fat and |
| such, many cat owners choose to feed primarily dry | | | | protein contento Lean - increase caloric intake by |
| cat food and to supplement with semi-moist or | | | | about 25%o Slightly Overweight - cut treats and |
| canned food as well. | | | | reduce caloric intake by about 25%o Obese - cut out |
| Considering Your Cat's Age | | | | all treats and reduce caloric intake by about 40% |
| When deciding what type of food you should feed | | | | If your cat is overweight, you should also try to |
| your cat, you also need to consider the age of your | | | | increase the amount of exercise it gets each day in |
| feline friend. The types of nutrients your cat needs | | | | order to bring its weight down to a healthier level. |
| will vary if it is a kitten, an adult or a senior. Pregnant | | | | If you still aren't certain how much or what type of |
| cats and nursing kittens will also have different | | | | food you should be feeding your cat, or if your cat |
| nutritional needs. In general, you will want to keep | | | | has special medical circumstances, be sure to talk |
| the following guidelines in mind:o Kittens are cats who | | | | with your veterinarian to make certain your cat is on |
| are up to about eight to nine months oldo Adults are | | | | the right path to good health. |
| cats who are nine months to nine years oldo Senior | | | | |