Nourishing indoor felines
Whether you’re a long-time cat owner or just starting to explore the world of feline companionship, understanding your cat’s nutritional requirements is key to building a strong relationship with them.
Indoor cats have specific needs that differ from their outdoor counterparts, and one crucial aspect of their wellbeing is their nutrition. Let’s explore indoor cat behaviour and how proper nutrition can help support good behaviour and great health.The ABC of cat behaviour
Indoor cats, as the name suggests, are felines who live exclusively indoors. They typically spend their days lounging, playing, grooming, and exploring their environment. Compared to outdoor cats, indoor cats tend to have a more predictable and structured lifestyle. However, this doesn’t mean that indoor cats don’t have unique needs that require attention.
One common issue that indoor cats face is boredom. Cats have the natural behaviour of hunting and they prefer to enjoy little raised areas. Without this stimulation, indoor cats can become restless and even depressed. This can lead to behavioural problems such as aggression, scratching, and excessive meowing. Indoor cats need to have access to toys, scratch pads, and other forms of mental and physical stimulation probes to keep them engaged and happy.
Another issue that indoor cats face is obesity. Without the opportunity to roam and hunt for their food, indoor cats may become sedentary and they tend to overeat. This can lead to a variety of health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Providing a healthy, balanced diet and encouraging exercise can help prevent these issues.
Nutrition nuances for indoor cats
Avoid overfeeding carefully measure each meal according to the serving guide on the packaging. Cats can also learn to adapt to be fed several small meals a day. If you prefer to do this feed your cat little and often throughout the day to keep their energy levels maintained.
Taking care of nutrition needs with Drools Daily Nutrition
Drools daily nutrition have the following benefits which make them best suited for your pet –
- Higher protein and lower calories to keep them lean and fit.
- Balance of minerals essential minerals ensures reduced health issues like urinary problems.
- Packed with essential nutrients for healthy skin and coat.
- High levels of indigestible fibres help prevent hairball formation and ease the excretion of hairs eaten during the self-grooming process.
- Enriched with special fermentable fibres that work with good bacteria in the gut which reduces the nasty stool smell.
Fun and fitness for your feline friend
Exercise for indoor cats is important – you can help gently encourage your pet to get active by ensuring she has fun whilst get moving.
- Dedicated time to play every day – rolling a ball or dangling a “fishing” toy will keep your pet moving and also make you a part of their fitness regime.
- Climbing and scratching towers give her new heights to conquer, and satisfy her curiosity to explore.
- Put some of their allocated food portions into a feeding ball, so that your pet needs to spend time playing with the toy to release the tasty treat inside.
- Place food at the top of the stairs or climbing tower – you’ll be surprised at how willing your feline friend will be to climb if it means a tasty morsel in return.
- Consider options for letting your pet explore the great outdoors. Either a playpen, a fenced-off garden or a short walk on a lead can all help your cat get more exercise every day.
With a little guidance from you, your indoor cat can be just as happy, healthy and entertained as one used to the outdoors. By understanding your feline friend’s unique needs and providing her with a supportive environment and appropriate nutrition, you can keep her happy and healthy!
(Dr. Pooja Chitteni – Veterinary Product Executive, Drools Pet Food Private Limited).