There is a lot of information regarding what cats should and shouldn’t eat. They are carnivores, which means they need meat that contains protein to be healthy. The same is true for the Norwegian Forest Cat, which needs plenty of protein to keep its strength up.
Back when the Norwegian Forest cat was native to Norway, it wasn’t uncommon for them to hunt for their food in the wild. They are built like hunters with strong legs and bones, as well as thick fur to keep them warm in the winter months. Nowadays, these domestic cats no longer need to hunt for their food.
This article will explain what sort of food your cat should eat, how often they need to be fed and answer some common questions about feeding cats.
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What do Norwegian Forest cats eat?
As cats are carnivores, they need animal protein, which can be found in wet or dry cat food. It must be high-quality and appropriate for the cat’s age with all the nutrients they need. If they happen to have a health condition, that would also determine the type of food you feed them.
There are many brands of cat food to choose from, as well as different types. If you get your Norwegian Forest cat from a breeder, they will often give you some food and a feeding schedule for you to follow. Most of the time this is commercial wet or dry food.
Many people choose to feed their cat a mix of both wet and dry food. People can also feed their cat cooked or raw meat to add some variety. The benefit of giving them cooked meat is that there are no added ingredients and it is healthier for the cat.
While cats might like to eat fish, it isn’t something that should be given to them all the time. This is because fish have high levels of fatty acids that can lead to health conditions for your cat.
Do Norwegain Forest cat play in water?
How often should I feed my cat?
Most people are surprised to learn that a cat’s stomach is about the size of a ping pong ball. For this reason, it is better to feed a cat a small amount regularly, rather than a lot all at once. This way they won’t overeat and become sick.
For a kitten, it is better to feed them small amounts multiple times a day as they are growing quickly. When a cat reaches adulthood, you can feed them twice a day and then keep that feeding schedule as they get older.
Cats will easily get used to a routine, so when you are feeding your cat make sure you are sticking to the same time. After a while they will know that 5pm or whatever time you choose means dinner time.
Some people do what is called ‘free feeding’. This involves leaving food out for the cat to graze on when they are hungry. This might suit a Norwegian Forest cat that needs more food than the average sized cat. However, you need to be careful that they don’t overeat.
If you’re still not sure how often you should feed your cat, a vet can help, or the package of the food will often have instructions on it.
What should I do if I want to change their food?
If you want to change the food that your cat eats, then you need to do it slowly over a period of time. This will allow their digestive system to adapt to the new food, so it doesn’t upset them, especially if the cat has a sensitive stomach.
Start off by mixing a small amount of new food with the old food. Over a few days increase the amount of the new food while decreasing the old food. Before you know it, they will be eating just the new food. This is also a good method to find out if a cat might be allergic to something in the new food.
When your cat is trying new food, make sure you monitor how much water they are drinking, what their appetite is like and if they maintain a good weight.
Frequently asked questions about feeding cats
Is a raw diet better for my cat?
Feeding raw food to a cat comes with risks as raw food might contain salmonella or E. coli. These could lead to infections in cats, which is why people often cook the food before feeding it to their pets. While cats can tolerate raw food, those with health problems will need cooked food.
Is there a difference between kitten food and adult cat food?
When a kitten is young, they need food that is high quality and balanced with all the nutrients they need to grow. A mixture of wet and dry food specifically designed for kittens is the perfect option. Raw food should never be given to them until they are at least 20 weeks old. This is because their immune system won’t be able to cope with the bacteria.
After a cat is over the age of 1 and becomes an adult, they can go onto the commercial food that is targeted towards adult cats. It will have plenty of protein and nutrients to keep them healthy.
What can’t my cat eat?
There are a number of foods that cats shouldn’t eat that are bad for them or even poisonous. The best advice is to only give cats food that is specifically made for them. Here are some common foods that need to be kept away from cats:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins or sultanas
- Onions
- Nuts
- Fruit seeds
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Milk and dairy
- Avocado
- Coffee
- Cooked bones
A nutritional diet is best for your Norwegian Forest cat
When your Norwegian Forest Cat is fed a healthy and balanced diet of wet and dry food, they will have enough nutrients to keep them healthy. It is important that you always monitor what they do and don’t eat so they can live a long and happy life.
