Cat Food FAQ

Information on nutrition & care for your feline companion

 

CAT FOOD

Where to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Food

Got questions about the right diet for your feline friend? Our Cat Food FAQ covers everything you need to know about cat nutrition, health, and care to keep your furry companion happy and thriving. Whether you’re curious about the best diet for your cat or common feline health concerns, we’ve got the answers!

Diet & Nutrition

Q: What should I feed my cat to keep them healthy?

A balanced diet with high-quality protein (like chicken, turkey, or fish), healthy fats, and appropriate vitamins and minerals. Our Ultra Balance Cat Food is specifically formulated for cats and their unique nutritional needs.

Q: What's the best food for kittens?

Kittens need food specifically designed for growth and development, with higher protein and fat content. Look for kitten-formulated food, which supports their rapid growth and development.

Q: What's the best food for senior cats?

Senior cats may benefit from food with less fat and fewer calories, but higher levels of fiber and joint-supporting nutrients (like glucosamine). Senior formulas also help support kidney health and overall aging needs.

Q: What’s the difference between dry food and wet food?
  • Dry food (kibble) is convenient and helps keep teeth clean but has lower moisture content. Easier to feed if leaving it out for grazers. Ultra Balance Cat Food is a balanced formula for adult cats.
  • Wet food provides more hydration and is often more palatable, but it can be more expensive, and spoil faster once opened.
Q: Can I feed my cat a vegetarian or vegan diet?

Cats are carnivores, which means they need animal-based protein to thrive. There are some Vegan diets on the market, however, it’s difficult to meet all of their nutritional needs without animal protein, and it’s not recommended without close veterinary guidance.

Q: Can I feed my cat a raw food diet?

A raw food diet can be beneficial, but it needs to be properly balanced to meet your cat’s nutritional needs. If you’re considering a raw food, consult with a veterinarian to avoid health risks, including bacterial contamination and unbalanced nutrients. One needs to make sure expiration are adhered too in raw foods.

Q: Is it okay to feed my cat human food?

Some human foods are safe for cats in small quantities (like cooked chicken or carrots), but many are toxic (like chocolate, onions, and garlic). Always check if a food is safe for cats before offering it.

Q: What nutrients do cats need in their diet?

Cats need protein (especially from animal sources), essential fatty acids, taurine (an amino acid), vitamins (like A, D, E, K), minerals (like calcium and phosphorus), and water. Cats also need arachidonic acid, which is found in animal fats.

Q: Can I feed my cat just fish?

While cats love fish, feeding them fish exclusively is not recommended. It can lead to nutrient imbalances, especially if it’s not supplemented with other proteins and nutrients. Also, too much fish can lead to mercury toxicity. Star Milling has Ultra Balance Adult cat food which has a variety of protein sources.

Q: Should I feed my cat a grain-free diet?

Many cats can tolerate grains like rice or oats, but some cats may have allergies or sensitivities. Grain-free diets are often marketed as a solution for cats with digestive issues, but they should be based on the cat’s specific needs, not just a trend. Special note, grain free diets may not have enough taurine, and those diets need added nutrients.

Q: Can I give my cat milk?

While many cats love milk, most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they can have digestive issues (like diarrhea) after drinking milk. It’s best to avoid giving milk to adult cats. KMR is a great kitten milk for your feline babies.

Q: Can I give my cat treats?

Yes, but in moderation. Treats should not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. opt for healthy, cat-friendly treats and avoid giving human snacks, as they may not be safe or nutritious for your cat.

Q: Can I feed my cat homemade food?

Homemade food can be healthy for your cat if prepared properly, but it’s challenging to balance all the necessary nutrients. Consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist for advice before switching to homemade food to ensure it meets your cat’s needs. There are concentrated vitamins/minerals to help balance a homemade diet. Cats can be very finicky and finding your cats perfect food can be difficult.

Q: Are there any toxic foods I should avoid feeding my cat?

Yes, common toxic foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, caffeine, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candies). Always be cautious about what you offer your cat.

Q: How are your pet foods preserved?

Star Milling’s pet foods are preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols – alpha, beta, gamma and delta isomers), Vitamin C, and propionic acid, which is a natural mold inhibitor. We do not use preservatives such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

Q: Can I feed my cat raw fish or meat?

Raw fish: Certain types of raw fish can cause cats to suffer from a thiamine deficiency, which can cause anorexia, abnormal posture, weakness and even death.

Raw meats: Raw diets are increasing in popularity, but it is best not to feed your cat raw meat. Many raw meats contain parasites, and diets high in raw meat do not provide the proper balance of nutrients a cat needs.

Q: What’s the importance of protein in my cat’s diet?

Protein is crucial for muscle growth, maintenance, and overall body function. As carnivores, cats require high-quality animal proteins for optimal health. Without enough protein, cats can develop muscle wasting and other health issues.

Feeding Schedule & Amounts

Q: How often should I feed my cat?

Adult cats generally need to be fed 2 times per day. Kittens require more frequent meals (about 3-4 times per day) due to their growth needs. Older cats do better on small meals several times a day if they have digestive issues.

Q: Why does my cat wake me up at 5 a.m. wanting to be fed?

Since cats are nocturnal animals, they generally sleep during the day and stay awake at night. Cats in the wild hunt are night hunters making this a the natural time for cats to want to eat. If you want to try and eliminate this behavior, it may help to feed your cat a late evening meal just before bedtime. This may help curb your cat’s appetite until later in the morning. 

Q: How much food should I give my cat?

The amount depends on your cat’s age, weight, and activity level. Follow the feeding guidelines on the cat food packaging and adjust for your cat’s specific needs. A vet can help determine the right amount for your cat.

Q: How do I transition my cat to a new food?

Gradually mix the new food with the old food over 7-10 days, starting with a small amount of the new food and gradually increasing while decreasing the old food. This helps prevent digestive upset and ensures your cat adapts well.

Health & Care

Q: How do I know if my cat has food allergies?

Symptoms of food allergies include itching, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, or hair loss. If you suspect an allergy, a vet can help you identify the cause through tests or an elimination diet.

Q: Why is my cat drinking lots of water and urinating frequently?

Two possibilities are diabetes or a decline in kidney function. Both are more common with older cats.

Diabetes occurs when a cat’s body does not make or recognize insulin. Therefore sugar is not used by the body for energy. Separately, sometimes older cats’ kidneys wear out and do not function effectively. Both diseases are controllable. Taking steps to counteract these issues can make your cat much more comfortable.

Q: What is taurine, and why is it important for cats?

Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot produce on their own. It supports heart health, eye health, and overall cellular function. A deficiency in taurine can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and blindness

Q: How do I keep my cat from clawing up my furniture?

Cats are predators and use their claws for climbing and hunting, so it’s their natural instinct to keep their nails sharp and ready for action. From an early age, have their nails trimmed regularly so they will be tolerant of the process. It is a simple procedure if done appropriately.

Also, provide multiple scratching surfaces like scratching posts for them to use instead of your furniture. Some cats prefer horizontal ones and others like vertical ones. Try a few different versions to see which you cat likes best. Your couch and favorite chair will thank you.

Q: What if my cat eats dog food or vice-versa?

Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements. Cats are true carnivores, so they require more protein than what is generally found in dog food. It is okay if cats eat dog food occasionally, but they may become malnourished if dog food is their main source of nutrition.

It is normally safe for dogs to consume cat foods, but it is not recommended for optimum nutrition.

Q: What can I do to prevent hairballs?

You can use a hairball paste, which you can give your cat every other day. Most cats love this and will lick it right off your finger. Another option is fiber, such as pysillium, daily. Pre-measured veterinary capsules are available.

Q: How long do cats live?

Indoor house cats can expect to live 15 to 20 years, with some reaching 25. Advances in preventing kittenhood diseases such as distemper and feline leukemia, heartworms and other parasites, are key in extending longevity, along with better diets.

Q: What is a group of cats called?

A group of cats is called a clowder, or a glaring. Clowder is Middle English and means “to huddle.” A group of kittens is called a litter.

Have a question?