When it comes time to feed your cat, or cats, there are a few tips to follow to make mealtime go smoothly and develop a nice routine. Although you’d be surprised, cats actually like a routine and would feel special knowing that you are dedicating time just for them so they can get a well-balanced meal. If done right, with a little effort on the loving owner’s part, mealtime with your kitty can be a great bonding experience. Here are our 5 mealtime tips for cat owners:
1. Establishing a Routine Time is Essential
While some cat breeds like the Russian Blue are known for having internal timers indicating when it’s time for a meal, most cats eat whenever their owner just so happens to feed them. On other occasions, self-serve style food bowls are used so that cats can graze whenever they get the urge to do so. While you may find this easier to do, installing a set routine for mealtime is best. This will help so that your cat can mentally establish when it is time to eat and also so they won’t beg for food when it’s not feeding time.
Photo Courtesy of Miriam Pinedo
2. Each Cat Deserves Equal Treatment
If you have multiple kitties, then it’s important that you provide a food bowl for each. While multiple cats are okay to share a litter box in some situations, subjecting them to sharing the same food bowl is not ideal. Each cat should be treated equal, and all should have their own food bowls for when it comes time for feedings. Animals are instinctual by nature to not want to have to share their food, and this will prevent any tension between the dominant cat in your household. Provide each of your cats their own “station” for which they take their food and water to prevent any issues.
Related: 8 Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
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3. When It Comes to Food, Choose Wisely
Sure Meow Mix might fit nicely in your budget, but cheap cat foods such as this are not ideal for your cat’s health and lack proper nutrition due to filler ingredients. If you need any proper recommendations you can feel free to ask your cat’s vet and they will surely be glad to provide you with a number of options. Also, wet food is best for your cat. If you don’t have the extra spending means to treat them with it daily, spoil them once a week with a can as a present. Wet food is rich in the fatty oils and nutrients that they need, and as an added bonus their coat will look flawless, too. Dry cat food that’s been sitting out all day might be rather boring to your cat, especially if it’s the very same food option day after day.
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4. Space Meals Apart
Some cats, especially my own, absolutely love to eat. There is no way that some cats will go hungry as they will be very direct in meowing until they get what they want. By spacing meals apart, and even picking up leftover food if any in between meals, it will help to greatly reduce occasional vomiting as well as help with maintaining a healthy weight for your cat. Cats that became obese most likely didn’t do so when put on a regime that allowed for food at certain times, in delegated portions.
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5. Spend Time With Your Cat Before and After the Meal
This will help to create that bonding experience for you and your cat, and reward them with affection which will most likely be returned with some very happy purrs. While kitty is chomping down, it should be a nice, quiet time for them so they can enjoy their meal in peace–without other pets or children/people in the home bothering them. In addition to this, to make their meals more enjoyable, be sure to always keep food and water bowls clean as well as away from their litter box. Cats are tidy animals and they will greatly appreciate you taking the extra step to adhere to their needs.