Doctor Hila Bareket, SPCA Israel veterinarian
Most of those who adopt cats at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Israel, Tel Aviv raise there eyebrows in wonderment when I instruct them that it is forbidden to give milk to their cat. Most of us grew up with the accepted idea that cats need to drink milk. However, in reality the feline digestive system does not at all succeed in digesting milk, and for many cats milk only gives them diarrhea and inflammations. Cats drink only water! You need to supply them with a source of clean water that is available at all hours of the day and night.
As a hunter and carnivore the cat’s diet is based almost exclusively on food that is rich in animal protein. Its whole digestive system – from the structure of its teeth and jaws to its long intestines – is built to enable it to eat and digest meat in the best way possible.
Today, there is a wide variety of commercial foods that come in dry and wet form (canned) that supply the cat with the necessary nutritional requirements. Dry food is important for the digestive system and for the proper health of the teeth and gums. Wet food provides liquids for cats that generally drink little. The food that you choose for your cat must contain the amino acids Taurine and Arginine which are essential to its health, in addition to vitamins, minerals and a little fat.
Kittens can begin eating commercial foods by age 6 weeks. Until they are 1 year old they should be given food for kittens, which contains slightly more fat in line with their nutritional needs. At the beginning it is best to give them soft food (preserves or dry food slightly dampened) and little by little to include dry and wet foods. Older cats above 1 year can eat dry and wet foods for adults with a high level of protein and digestibles. A cat that does not eat or drink for a whole day is ill and should be brought to the veterinary doctor as soon as possible!
The quality of food that you need to give your cat will seriously effect its immune system, its skin and fur, its teeth and digestive system, and most importantly its satisfaction.