Feeding Adult Cats

General Information

Because cats tend to develop very rigid eating habits, your adult cat's dietary preferences are likely to be influenced by how you have
fed it during its growth and development. To prevent "addiction" to one or two food items, which may be detrimental to your pet's health
in later years, provide some variety in its diet. Variety, however, should be provided in the form of various balanced cat foods, not by
the addition of table foods. The dietary needs of cats are different from those of dogs, and dog food does not supply the nutrients cats 
need. Severe health problems can occur in cats fed dog food. Also, fish and milk are not the natural foods of cats and do not provide an 
adequate diet when fed exclusively.

Several commercial cat foods provide a complete and balanced diet for cats. Your veterinarian can recommend some of these and advise 
you if any supplementation is necessary to meet the needs of your particular cat. Cats require much higher levels of protein in their diet than 
do dogs. Unfortunately, protein is the most expensive ingredient in cat foods. Consequently, bargain-brand or cheap cat foods contain low-grade,
poorly digestible protein. For your cat's good health, avoid the cheaper brands of cat foods.

Special diets are available for specific health needs and will be recommended when required. Water must be available at all times and should be
changed at least once daily.

 How Much Should You Feed Daily?

In general, you can feed your cat according to the manufacturer's directions, but under certain circumstances the directions should be modified. 
The amount will vary according to age, activity, reproductive status, and general health. On the average, a relatively active, nonpregnant, nonlactating,
8-lb adult cat requires about 30 calories per pound of body weight daily.

Foods vary in their caloric content, but you can use the following general rules:

Dry cat foods 300 calories per cup

Semi-moist foods 125 calories per packet

Canned foods 200 calories per 61/2-ounce can

The doctor can help you determine the exact calories contained in a specific brand.

Example: An 8-lb active adult cat with no special needs requires 30 calories per pound per day. If you are feeding dry cat food, the cat needs 240 calories
per day. Therefore, you should feed 4/5 cup of dry food.