Choosing The Right Food for Your Cat

Which specific type is better for my cat - standard grocery brand, premium or super-premium?

To date, there are no formal regulations that define objective criteria for different types of cat food. The terms "premium" and "super-premium" are basically commercial slogans, intended to convey a general message regarding the quality of the specific cat food. Most of the cat food you will find on the market today is nutritionally balanced. It should provide an adequate diet for a healthy adult cat, whatever the brand or label.

However, as a rule, premium or super-premium food is a better choice. These foods are usually based on quality meat byproducts. The same measure of premium food contains larger amounts of vital nutrients, compared to standard grocery brands.

This means that the cat actually needs to eat less of the premium food in order to get the same amount of calories and other nutrients. Premium foods may seem more expensive, but in the long term, the difference in price is cancelled out by the difference in consumption levels. The result is a well-fed, healthier cat at a price that is not much higher than that paid for the standard brands.

Which age group does my cat belong to - growth, maintenance, or senior?

Just as we feed our human babies with baby food or follow a prescription diet when we get older, cats need different kinds of food at different stages of their lives. On the packages of most cat foods, you can see an indication of the life stage for which the food is intended.

Growth

Food labeled as "growth" or "kittens" is intended for weaned or semi-weaned kittens in their first year of life. It is also recommended for pregnant and lactating females.

Senior

The label "senior" or "mature" indicates food for the older and less active cat. The exact age at which your cat is considered a senior may vary. It depends on the general activity level of the cat and usually begins somewhere between six and eight years of age.

Maintenance

This cat food is the basic diet for any healthy cat that does not belong to any of the previous categories.

Any special needs I should consider?

Cats with special health problems often need specialty foods. It is best to follow your vet's advice regarding specific health conditions and feed your cat accordingly. Some of these special foods are available only through a veterinary clinic and are not sold in shops.

Among the more common types that can be bought in pet shops and in some grocery stores, you can find

• Food that helps to prevent hairballs forming in the cat's stomach.
• Dry kibble that helps fight tartar accumulation on the teeth.
• Types of food that help to control the urinal PH level and prevent urinary tract problems.
• Hypoallergenic food for those extra sensitive felines that react badly to regular commercial food.

Overweight cats may require special low-cal cat food. This "lite" or "diet" food is low in fat and high in fiber. This allows the cat to eat enough and feel full while consuming fewer calories. To read more about feline obesity and buying low-cal foods go to the article: Is Your Cat Overweight?

Anne Moss is the founder and owner of TheCatSite.com. She is a cat behaviorist and a member of the Cats Writers Association.