FELINE NUTRITION

There are two diseases in cats that are directly related to feeding improper diets: heart failure from taurine deficiency and feline urologic syndrome (FUS). There are probably others that the veterinary community have not yet discovered.

Taurine is an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. As far as we know, all mammals except cats are able to make their own taurine. Several years ago it was discovered that cats must have it provided in their diet. If the diet was deficient in taurine, the heart muscle became weak. Now, most commercial cat foods supplement with taurine.

Feline Urologic Syndrome is a urinary bladder inflammation. A sand that is made of magnesium and phosphorus is produced, similar to the human kidney stone situation. The sand can form a plug and block a male cat’s penis, preventing him from urinating. This is life threatening.

Hill’s Science Diet is controlled in magnesium & phosphorus, and can prevent this syndrome in many cats. Most grocery store diets are high in magnesium & phosphorus, and are not formulated to prevent this syndrome. It is also supplemented with taurine. It is for these two reasons that we highly recommend that you feed your cat Hill’s Science Diet.

HOW MUCH TO FEED

Kittens are often fed as much as they want (free choice). Some kittens will get fat when fed free choice, so a maximum of 3/4 to 1 cup of Science Diet is usually adequate.

At about 12 months of age your cat’s body is mature and his calorie needs are reduced. At this point you should feed about 1/4 cup twice a day for most cats. A few very large-boned cats will need 1/3 cup twice a day.

Dry cat food doesn’t necessarily prevent dental tartar! Cats are similar to people in that some will have excellent teeth that need minimal care, and others will need lots of care. Daily or twice weekly “brushing’is recommended.