Cat Nutrition: How to Adapt Their Diet for Their Environment

We all know every pet is different, and when welcoming a new cat into your household different factors can contribute to their lifestyle and in turn, their diet. For example, whether they will be an indoor cat or an outdoor cat.

Here at Pets and Friends, we’re here to help you take the best care of your pet, so we’ve put together a guide to help you make the right nutritional choices whether your cat prefers to lounge in the lounge or explore the great outdoors.

Why would my cat be an indoor cat?

There are several reasons to choose to keep your cat indoors, it could be that your immediate outside environment poses a danger with a busy road, you live in a high-rise building, or you have concerns about easily contracted diseases.

However you choose to raise your cat, we can offer the right nutritional options to keep them in their best health.

What do I feed my indoor cat?

When considering what to feed your indoor cat, it’s important to remember the following:

• Indoor cats will spend more time sleeping to pass the day as they have smaller spaces to explore and be active.
• They become bored more easily, which can lead to over grooming and overeating.

Both statements mean choosing the right food will significantly help them reduce the risk of health issues when it comes to things like weight gain or hairballs.

Look for foods which offer specific nutritional qualities for indoor cats such low calorie, lower fat content and more easily digestible protein. Brands such as Royal Canin, Acana  and James Wellbeloved offer tailored nutrition for indoor cats which actively help combat some of the health issues indoor cats may face.

As well as feeding your cat the right indoor cat food- it’s important to make the most of your indoor space to help keep your cat active and thriving too. Cat toys, scratching posts and slow feeding toys are a great way to keep their hunting/chasing skills active even when they’re indoors.

My cat ventures outdoors, should I feed them something specific?

When your cat has the run of their outdoor environment, there are different types of health issues they may face.

• More room to explore means cats need to keep their energy up, require more joint support as they age and their immune system is challenged more often
• Outdoor cats may suffer more digestive upsets as they hunt prey in addition to their regular feeding schedule.
• Outdoor cats are more prone to stress as they interact with strangers & other cats.

Look for foods which have high protein and calorie content to keep energy levels up, cat food which carries omega-3 fatty acids are also great for mobility and joint health (especially in cats aged 7+). Prebiotics and antioxidants in wet or dry cat food are good for combating any digestion issues and general gut health for your cat.

Wherever your cat roams, remember, most of all, that cats feed through their senses: so, food which smells great and stimulates their senses will no doubt help them enjoy their food and ensure they get their full nutrients throughout the day.

If you have questions about your cat’s diet or would like advice on choosing the right food- head to your local store and speak with one of our team members who are nutritionally trained to help you find the right food. You can also shop our full range of cat food online.