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Why Fiber Is Important for Your Cat’s Nutrition
Why Fiber Is Important for Your Cat’s Nutrition

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Reasons to Include Fibre-Rich Cat Food in Your Pet’s Diet

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A cat’s diet largely includes other smaller animals as they are carnivorous. However, most cats avoid consuming the animal’s intestinal tract which contains most fibre. This can lead to a lack of fibre in the cat’s diet. But do cats need fibre? Yes. Lack of fibre can result in irregular bowel movement, digestive issues, and other similar health concerns. 

Cats often munch on green grass and leaves to ease constipation. However, they might resist including fibre in their daily meal and only rely on it when ill. But, to ensure your cat’s best physical well-being, you should choose fibre-rich food for cats.

Understanding the classification of fibre for cats

Fibre-rich cat food is essential as it helps in maintaining their digestive health. Thus, pet parents should try to include the necessary amount of fibre in their kitty’s diet. It will help maintain their digestive health and overall well-being. Cat food fibre can be classified based on its solubility.

  1. Soluble fibre: This type of fibre can easily dissolve in gastric juices and gut water. A certain type of soluble fibre also turns into a gel to make excretion easier for the cat. Fibre-rich cat food should include soluble fibre as it is necessary for their digestion and gut health. Cat food with fibre is easily available in the market and is necessary for their physical well-being.
  2. Insoluble fibre: Fibre-rich cat food should contain insoluble fibre alongside soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the food which ensures easy movement of food through the digestive system. This type of fibre also makes the stool consistent and reduces the chances of constipation.

While choosing cat food with fibre, you should make sure it includes both soluble and insoluble fibre. Besides, the cat’s gut bacteria can break down both soluble and insoluble fibre to produce new compound that helps in nourishing their colon cells.

Why do cats need fibre?

Fibre-rich cat food contains prebiotics, which means they also contain good bacteria that are necessary for a healthy intestine. So, as a cat parent, you should invest in high-quality cat food with fibre to keep your little fur baby’s gut health in check. However, how much fibre does a cat require??

Although fibre is essential for cats, they require it in limited quantities. Too much fibre can risk restricting absorption of nutrients in their body, whereas too little can lead to poor digestive health. The appropriate quantity of fibre for cats is between 1.4 to 3.5% of their daily calorie intake.

Good sources of fibre for cats

Planning to include cat food with fibre in your kitty’s daily diet? Consider adding the following food options to their meal to increase fibre content in your fur baby’s diet.

  1. Animal fibre: Providing fibre-rich food made using a mixture of feathers, fur, bones, tendon, cartilage, and other animal organs can help improve your kitty’s intake of fibre while still sticking to a purely carnivorous diet.
  2. Carrots: Occasionally, you can add a little piece of cooked carrot to the cat’s diet. Carrots are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. They are also non-toxic; hence, you can add a little piece of raw carrot or slightly steamed or boiled carrot along with their daily meal to turn their regular diet into a fibre-rich one.
  3. Green beans: Another fibre-rich food for cats is green beans. This low-carbohydrate food is one of the richest sources of fibre. If planning to add fibre for cats, include a small amount of green beans to their diet.
  4. Wheat bran: This byproduct of wheat is an expensive source of fibre for cats. Wheat bran’s nutty-sweet flavor intrigues cats and can easily provide them their daily fibre without much hassle.
  5. Broccoli: Like most green food, broccoli is yet another good source of fibre. You can serve a small piece of blanched broccoli to your kitty’s diet to keep indigestion and constipation at bay.
  6. Spinach: Rich in vitamins C and K, spinach is a very good plant-based fibre for cats. You can add a few leaves of cooked spinach to your kitty’s daily meal and ensure they get their daily dose of fibre for better gut health.
  7. Lettuce: Lettuce contains a good amount of fibre and water. Allowing your kitty to nibble on a lettuce leaf occasionally will ensure sufficient fibre consumption while also keeping it hydrated.

Besides relying on the above-mentioned plant-based and animal-based fibre, you can also buy IAMS high-fibre cat food to ensure that your kitty gets the right amount of fibre in its meal. IAMS high-fibre cat food such as IAMS ProActive Health Adult Original with Chicken contains a moderate quantity of fermentable fibre along with the chicken. This cat food with fibre is made using fermentable fibre and chicken that your cat is sure to relish. Besides, IAMS is a popular cat food brand that is known for using best-quality ingredients, so your furry friend gets nothing but the best.

Frequently asked questions

  1. How do I get fibre into my cat?
  2. You can easily add fibre into your cat’s diet by choosing a cat food brand that offers fibre-rich cat food or by adding animal-based or plant-based fibre to their daily meal.

  3. Is high-fibre diet good for cats?
  4. Yes, cats need fibre for better gut and intestinal health. However, a cat’s fibre intake should not be more than 3.5% of its daily calorie diet.

  5. Does wet or dry food have more fibre?
  6. Dry food often has more fibre as it contains more bulk compared to wet food which contains more moisture.

  7. Do indoor cats need more fibre?
  8. Yes, all cats need fibre for better digestion and gastrointestinal health.

  9. What fibre is best for cats?
  10. Plant-based fibre such as broccoli, lettuce, carrots, wheat brans, spinach, wheatgrass, and green beans are good for cats. You can also add animal-based fibre such as animal feathers, cartilage, bone, and ligaments to your cat’s diet for encouraging fibre consumption.

  • Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health
    Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health-mob
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    Raising a Healthy Kitten: The Ultimate Guide to Kitten Care

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    A newborn cat brings endless love and laughter to any household. However, as a new kitten parent, it is important to understand that caring for a kitten is not just about feeding and playing with them. Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it is important to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Regular grooming, vaccination, and preventive care are essential in keeping your kitten healthy and free from diseases. This guide will give you all the information you need to raise a healthy kitten and ensure that it grows into a happy and healthy adult cat.

     

    Requirements for keeping your kitten in good health

    1. Keep your kitten clean: Regular grooming and bathing will help keep your kitten's coat shiny and free of parasites. Use a mild shampoo and do not forget to dry its coat thoroughly after a bath. This will help remove dirt and debris from the coat and prevent skin infections.
    2. Provide adequate nutrients: Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it's essential to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Kitten food is formulated to give them the essential nutrients they need during their growth stage.
    3. Provide socialization: Kittens are social creatures, and it's important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to interact with other cats and humans. This will help them develop their social skills and prevent any behavioural issues in the future.
    4. Take preventive measures against diseases: Regular visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventative care will help keep your kitten healthy and free from diseases. By staying up to date with your kitty’s vaccinations, you can keep serious and fatal diseases at bay.

     

    Kitten development milestones

    Check out the below table to understand how a cat develops with time:

    Age

    Milestone

    5 to 6 months old

    Sexual maturity

    8 months old

    Full set of adult teeth

    9 months old

    Comparable digestion ability to adult

    12 months old (female) and 18 months old (male)

    Reach adult body weight

    Between 10 to 12 months of age

    Energy requirements go down to adult levels

    Want to know how old your cat is in human years? Check out the below table and find out:

    Life stageCat ageCat age in human years
    Kitten0 to 1 month old0 to 1 years old
    2 months old2 years old
    3 months old4 years old
    4 months old6 years old
    5 months old8 years old
    6 months old10 years old
    Junior7 months old12 years old
    12 months old15 years old
    18 months old21 years old
    2 years old24 years old
    Adult3 years old28 years old
    4 years old32 years old
    5 years old36 years old
    6 years old40 years old
    Mature7 years old44 years old
    8 years old48 years old
    9 years old52 years old
    10 years old56 years old
    Senior11 years old60 years old
    12 years old64 years old
    13 years old68 years old
    14 years old72 years old
    Super senior15 years old76 years old
    16 years old80 years old
    17 years old84 years old
    18 years old88 years old
    19 years old92 years old
    20 years old96 years old
    21 years old100 years old
    22 years old104 years old
    23 years old108 years old
    24 years old112 years old
    25 years old116 years old

     

    Checklist for your kitten's body conditions

     

    1. Ears: Check for any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge
    2. Eyes: Look for any signs of discharge or cloudiness
    3. Nose: Check for any signs of discharge or congestion
    4. Mouth: Look for any signs of inflammation or infection
    5. Skin and Coat: Check for any signs of parasites, such as fleas or ticks
    6. Nails: Check for any signs of overgrowth or cracking
    7. Attitude: Look for any signs of lethargy or depression
    8. Digestion: Watch for any signs of constipation or diarrhoea
    9. Thirst: Make sure your kitten is drinking enough water

    In conclusion, raising a healthy kitten requires a lot of care and attention, but with the right knowledge and commitment, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a happy and healthy adult cat. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions or concerns, and don't hesitate to seek advice or guidance. With the right care and love, your kitten will bring you years of joy and companionship.

    Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health
    Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health
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