Cats are Carnivores

 

Your kitten has the highly specialised digestive system of a true carnivore. Her tongue and teeth are designed specifically for eating meat, so it is really important to provide the correct diet to suit her growing needs. It is also important to remember that, as a kitten she needs more calcium and phosphorus than an adult cat in order to supply her growing needs; plus high levels of protein to suit her carnivore status.

Protein Requirements.

This essential component of her diet helps to maintain healthy growth, toned muscles and strong claws, hair and skin. In the wild, her ‘kill’ would provide all the protein needed.

Proteins is made up of amino acids and these come in two types -

·         Non-essential amino acids which can be manufactured by the body and

·         Essential amino acids like arginine and taurine which must be provided through her diet.

Essential Fatty Acids

These dietary components are important in keeping her coat, skin metabolism and reproductive system in good working order. We know how important her coat and skin are to her so we need to make sure that these important elements are part of her diet. Essential fatty acids and fats are a huge source of energy, plus they add a great variety of taste to a meal. Growing kittens use up huge amounts of energy in their play, so providing her with essential fatty acids will help her to stay lively, alert and playful

Vitamins

These are important for kitty as they help to maintain her vision, the strong growth of her bones and keep her metabolism functioning correctly. If kitty injures herself, vitamins will be there to help; one to stop the bleeding and another to repair the skin.

Minerals.

Just like humans, kitty needs minerals to ensure strong bones and teeth. The most important ones are calcium, sodium chloride, magnesium. Potassium and phosphorus. These can be found in exactly the right quantities in most major brands of kitten good.

Carbohydrates and Fibre

Carbohydrates are an important energy source and fibre as we all know is of benefit to the digestive system.

As you see, kitty has a complex balance of dietary needs. A good kitten food will provide a balanced diet to suit the needs of a hungry, growing carnivore. Talk to your vet and he will recommend a good brand of food for your kitten or growing cat.

Having Fun and Getting Fit

Having fun with a box.

The best way to keep your cat fit is to encourage her to play. What’s more, you’ll both have great fun at the same time.

Cats are naturally playful and they love to have fun; often they will think up games for themselves. If you take time to join in it will make it doubly enjoyable. You’ll find it easy to invent games and you don’t have to buy expensive toys; a table tennis ball; screwed up paper tied to a piece of string or a paper carrier bag are great playthings.

Don’t throw that box away.

Pet owners soon learn to value cardboard boxes. They make great toys and even sun shelters. Sometimes, cats will play hide and seek together.

Keep a careful eye open in case they begin to chew the cardboard.

String her along.

Tie something furry on the end of a piece of string and drag it along the floor and she’ll turn into a fierce hunter. This will keep her amused for a long time. Then why not try a feather for a change. Why not fill an old stacking with fabric or newspaper? Just use your imagination.

If your cat lives indoor, try to provide her with something to climb up. Scratching posts too, provide good exercise and stimulation.

Fetch it kitty!

Some cats, in a dog like fashion will actually bring toys for you to throw for them and there are ways in which you can encourage them to do this.

·         Use a small light toy that is one of her favourites.

·         Play with the toy yourself while you call your cat’s name.

·         Show her that you are having fun.

·         Now throw the toy making sure it lands near to you and allow her to play with it.

·         When she looks as though she’s getting board, call her name and retrieve the toy.

·         Do this at regular intervals during the day and she should get the idea and bring the toy to you.

Please chase me.

Ever noticed that a cat has a ‘mad half hour’ racing across the room for no particular reason; hiding perhaps behind the curtain, the repeating the process? They often do this in the evening when they are waking up

She’s actually inviting you to case her, It is a wonderful game and great exercise – just watch out for the claws.