Two-thirds (63%) of cat owners are only somewhat confident in knowing about their pet’s overall health and wellbeing, according to new research by cat food brand Harringtons.
A poll* of 1,000 cat owners in the UK, commissioned by Harringtons, found that only three-fifths (59%) know what to feed them.
That said, nearly all (95%) owners believe DIET is important for a cat’s overall health, with two-thirds (64%) expecting physical and mental improvements as a result.
They also associate quality food with better coat and skin quality (64%) and weight maintenance (59%). Only 15% consider a cat losing interest in hunting due to being fed well, a benefit – indicating that most Brits want to preserve those primal instincts.
It’s perhaps unsurprising that over almost two in five (39%) only feed their cats the BEST food possible.
Due to the confusion around what their cat should be eating, a third (32%) confess to serving up something they weren’t entirely sure was safe for consumption.
Cheese (39%) and milk (27%) both feature in the top three ‘human’ foods cats are served, which while fantastic sources of protein, are potentially unsafe as most cats are lactose intolerant (because their bodies produce little or no lactase to digest it).
The top 10 most commonly fed human foods are:
- Cheese
- Tuna
- Milk
- Bacon
- Ice cream
- Egg
- Bread
- Potato
- Cereal
- Milkshake
Just three in 10 (29%) know exactly what is considered a healthy weight. Meanwhile, over a quarter (27%) aren’t sure how active their cat should be.
Commenting on the findings, a Harringtons spokesperson said: “Cats often live by their own strange cycles, and some days will seem to go ages without food or play, then suddenly wolf down bowls, or sleep for 12 hours straight.
“It can be hard to know for sure if your cat is really unwell, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution, particularly when it comes to what you feed them; after all, naturally meatier food always takes the best care of your cat.”
With that in mind, pet nutritionist at Harringtons, Sarah McNamara, addresses cat owners’ top queries:
Nutrients my cat needs
“All cats are obligate carnivores, so meat is the most important ingredient in any cat food, and vegan diets aren’t suitable. Cats need 5.2g of protein every day per kilogram in body weight, which is more than six times the equivalent for humans; eating this high-protein diet gives them the power to run at top speeds of 30mph or jump heights of up to eight feet.
“To ensure your cat gets as meaty a diet as possible, it’s a good exercise when choosing your cat food in the supermarket to check the ingredients list for a high freshly prepared meat content and that the protein in the recipe comes entirely from animals.”
How my cat’s breath should smell
“Believe it or not, your cat’s breath shouldn’t smell at all, unless it’s meaty or fishy following a nutritious meal! Healthy breath should be largely odour-free; anything else could be the sign of a health issue. Fishy breath is quite common, but in prolonged cases can be a symptom of dental or kidney disease, so take a trip to the vet if the problem persists.”
How much my cat should be eating
“Again, how much a cat should eat is changeable depending, largely, on their weight, alongside whether they’re eating wet or dry food. When it comes to kibble, I’d recommend 45g per day for a 1-3kg cat, 55g for a 3-5kg cat and 65g for a cat that’s 6kg or more. Active cats will often need larger portions to account for the extra energy burned. Wet food quantities will vary by the size of the pouch, but this feeding guide gives a good idea of how it varies depending on weight.”
How much my cat should weigh
“This one is harder to apply to all cats; a healthy weight will depend on their breed, age and gender, but a typical domestic cat should weigh somewhere in the region of 4-5kg. This is particularly true for female felines. Male cats could weigh up to 6kg. Smaller breeds, meanwhile, are often as small as 2.5kg, while large breeds, like a Maine Coon, could be as heavy as 11kg.”
How my cat’s gums should look
“It’s often only when our cats yawn that we get a glimpse of their gums, so take advantage of this situation – they often won’t let you close enough against their will! If your cat’s gums are a light pink colour, it’s a sign of good health, but some will have naturally black or spotted gums. If you’re lucky enough to manage to feel them, gums should be slippery – as they’re coated in saliva – and smooth. If they’re overly dry or rough/bumpy in texture, it’s worth getting them checked out by a vet.”
