Cat diet advice

What you feed your cat is extremely important. Cats gain weight quickly and can soon become overweight which can lead to health problems such as diabetes, not unlike that in humans.

The amount your cat eats each day will depend on its age, breed, activity level and whether it is neutered/spayed or not. Neutered cats tend to put on weight quicker than intact cats.

It is best that you purchase the best quality food that you can afford. Most supermarket brands are high in carbohydrates as these are cheaper to manufacturer. Cats don't need a lot of carbs and those carbs can quickly lead to rapid weight gain.

Adult cats should be fed twice per day, generally morning and evening. If your cat is a healthy weight then you can leave dry food out for the day. Many cats like to graze throughout the day. However if your cat becomes overweight then you may need to limit him to a twice daily feeding.

Most cats do well on a mix of dry and wet (canned) food. Some cats enjoy raw chicken necks or wings, but you should never feed your cat cooked meat or bones as the bones can break up in the stomach and cause damage.

You may also feed your cat raw meat, however be sure to adhere to hygiene standards and do not leave meat out if the cat does not consume it within 30 minutes.

Cats should not be given milk as they can not digest it properly. Make sure your cat has a bowl of water available at all times.

A balanced diet for your cat will allow it to leave a happy energetic life. If you have any questions at all about your cat's diet, ask your vet.