Cat care at home. What should you know?

According to a 2017 study, 60% of cats are overweight or obese. One of the risk groups is the cats that live at home. They do not move enough, sleep a lot, and have a lazy lifestyle. What is important to know about the diet and physical exercise of your pet cat so that it remains healthy and energetic? You will find all the answers in this article.

Diet

Domesticated cats, unlike wild cats, do not hunt food themselves. A settled lifestyle leads to different nutritional habits. That is why it is important to give them the right kind of food. It is usually recommended to feed domestic cats with premium wholesome products, for example: HiQ Indoor Care. These products have less calories and are specifically designed for lower-activity cats living at home.

An important ingredient in pet food for domestic cats is L-carnitine, which converts the fats that enter the body into energy and prevents the accumulation of fats. Domestic cats also need protection of their urinary system against the formation of struvite stones. In addition, these feeds are often supplemented with fibre, which ensures the removal of hair lumps from the intestine.

It is recommended to feed domestic cats 2 times per day, every 8–12 hours. Owners often do not set a strict feeding schedule for their cat and always keep the pet’s bowl full of food. This is suitable for a cat that does not tend to get overweight; however, a feeding schedule is necessary, as well as adherence to feeding limits.

Toys and scratching posts to promote physical activity

An hour of playtime with your cat per day is a sufficient physical load to avoid excess weight and maintain a good overall health of your pet.

How to encourage your cat to move a little? The answer is toys. Cats are very responsive to various sounds, so rattling balls or mice might get their attention. If your cat is wary of unknown sounds, you should use toys on a stick. An ideal option would be a toy with catnip, which attracts cats and stimulates their activity. Active cats that like to move will love moving mice and lasers. These toys are the best to ensure your cat’s physical activity.