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A special diet is often a must for your kitty, just as it often is for humans. Your veterinarian may recommend a special diet for
a number of reasons such as needing to lose weight, a medical condition, a “senior citizen,” under the age of one or if the cat
is pregnant or nursing. These days, if your cat needs a specialized feeding program, you can either choose from the many cat food
brands at your local supermarket or pet store or buy prescription foods through a vet’s office.
If you have multiple cats and one needs a special diet, it will be necessary to find a feeding system that works. Often, you
will need to separate your cats during feeding time when one is eating a special kind of food. Here are some reasons why your
veterinarian might have your kitty on a special diet.
Pregnant And Nursing Cats
Cats that are pregnant or nursing will require a special diet. Pregnant females need more protein and vitamins than a cat that
is not expecting. Also, cats that are pregnant or nursing will eat a much larger amount of food, especially in the final stages
of pregnancy. When your pregnant cat gets larger in the last stages of pregnancy, she may not be able to eat as much at one meal.
It will be necessary to provide your pregnant cat with several small meals throughout the day. When a mother cat is producing
milk for her kittens, her nutritional requirements will increase. Remember that mother cats will nurse for at least six weeks and
it is usually recommended that they nurse their babies for eight weeks. Veterinarians often recommend feeding a pregnant or
nursing cat premium brand kitten food during this time.
Kittens
A special diet is often needed for kittens that grow and develop very quickly during their first year. Many premium brand
foods for kittens are available today. Not only do kittens eat more, they tend to eat several smaller meals in a day rather than
just one large meal. As they get older, a kitten who has not given up nursing may rely more on foods. It is a good idea -- when
helping a kitten wean from the mother -- to offer solid foods as young as four weeks. To help the kitten chew the food easier,
soak the food in a little water.
Older Cats
As cats age, they will also have different dietary needs. An older cat uses less energy and will often need a specially
formulated food. Older cats also might have more issues with their digestive system and might need special food for aiding the
digestive system. There are several kinds of food just for older cats, ages seven and above.
Cats With Medical Conditions
Cats of any age with medical conditions will probably require a special diet. These medical conditions can range from cats
with diabetes, to problems with the digestive system to kidney problems. Most of the time, a cat with medical conditions will
already be under a vet’s care. Your vet will recommend what type of food will work best for your cat. Cats with diabetes will
require a prescription diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. When you have a cat that requires special
prescription food, it is important to follow the instructions given to your by your vet. Most cats will eat these kinds of food
that are available in both canned and dry. When you have multiple cats, you will need to separate your cats during feeding time
and take the food up when they are done eating.
Overweight Cats
When a cat is overweight, the easiest way to get back to a healthy weight is through a special diet and exercise. Most vets
agree that cats that are overweight can suffer from other medical conditions. It will be necessary to feed your cat the diet that
your vet recommends to help your cat loose the excess weight.
Follow Vet’s Advice
Although most cats do well with special diets, to make it an easier transition, mix the old food with the new food, gradually
adding in more of the new food until your cat is eating only the special diet food. When administering a special diet for your
cat, it is always important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations, thus ensuring you will have both a happy and a healthy
cat.
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