How and when to feed your Cat.
It's important to feed your cat the right amount of food at proper intervals, but this can be tricky -- feeding requirements vary greatly from one cat to another. Feeding guides on the food can or bag are just a starting point. It's critical to your kitten's health that her physical condition is monitored regularly and the feeding amount adjusted as needed.
To help keep your cat healthy, Hill's recommends following the simple steps in this cycle:
- Weigh your cat
- Feed her based on feeding guide and veterinary recommendations
- Evaluate your cat's physical condition using our on line growth tracker chart. Simply enter the date, your pet's weight, and using the slider you can set your cat's condition score
- Adjust the amount you feed accordingly as your cat grows
Switching food
If switching your cat to Hill's Science Plan Cat, gradually introduce it over a 7-day period. Do this by mixing your cat's former food with increasing proportions of the new food, until only Science Plan is being fed. She will then be able to fully enjoy the taste and benefits of the superior nutrition provided by Science Plan Cat.
You and your vet
Your vet is the best source of information about the health and well-being of your cat. Ask your vet to advise regularly on your cat's weight because achieving and maintaining a pet's ideal weight not only reduces certain health risks, but can lead to your cat having a more energetic, longer and healthier life.
Ask your veterinarian which of these three feeding methods is best for your cat:
Free Choice: Food is available to your cat at all times.
Time-Limited Feeding: Food is available to your cat for a limited time.
Meal Feeding: A measured amount of food is available to your cat at specific meal times each day.
Water Your cat must have an adequate supply of fresh water at all times. Not having water to drink for a sustained length of time will harm your cat's health.
Treats & titbits Although it is tempting to give them table scraps they do not provide your cat with the correct balance of nutrients. Try to be sparing with treats, as giving too many can lead to weight gain or nutritional imbalance.
The next step When your cat reaches maturity at a year old, her nutritional needs will be different. She'll need to move on to an adult food that will provide her with specific vitamins and minerals in a balance that's correct for her age. Hill's Science Plan can provide exactly that. The lifestage range is tailored to keep your cat in the best health throughout her whole life, whatever her breed or lifestyle.
