If they let their instinct express itself, our domestic cats are still predators. However, there are a number of reasons why we keep our cats exclusively indoors. Not having a yard can be one of the first reasons. People who live on busy streets should obviously keep their cats out of harm’s way when they go outside. Secondly, it is recommended not to let cats with infectious diseases like FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) outside, in order to reduce the risk of contagion. Finally, some small domestic tigers simply don’t like to be outside. And yes, cats can also be happy even if they live exclusively indoors! However, it should be noted that their dietary needs are different from outdoor cats. Feeding your indoor cat properly starts with the choice of a balanced cat food, in accordance with its needs. This is essential to keep your cat in good shape and vitality!
Indoor cat VS outdoor cat
Indoor cat VS outdoor cat… difficult to choose. One thing is certain: cats like to be stimulated. Indoors or outdoors, it makes no difference! Sure, indoor cats can’t chase mice around the house or spy on birds. But on the other hand, they can’t fight with the neighbors’ cats either. Smart play, group play with family members, a cat tree or scratching post, and hiding places throughout the house (such as cat houses) will bring your indoor cat fun and joy. Your cat is much less mobile than an outdoor cat or a stray. Unless he starts on the treadmill, he won’t be able to cover the miles that other cats do on a daily basis. Indoor cats spend more time resting and grooming, so they don’t need to consume as many calories as their outdoor counterparts. It is therefore essential to find the right food to feed your indoor cat.
Feeding your indoor cat
Do you want your cat to eat fewer calories? Are you thinking of trying strict diets and cutting your cat’s portion size in half? Feeding your indoor cat right isn’t that simple. You need to ensure that your indoor cat has a lower energy intake, but its vitamin and nutrient intake should be the same as that of its outdoor counterparts. And even if your cat has a few extra grams, a strict diet can be dangerous to her health. Cats can become very sensitive after rapid weight loss. Significant fat loss can even lead to hepatic lipidosis, a disease that affects the cat’s liver.
The best solution is to choose a food specialized for the needs of indoor cats. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients to keep your cat healthy. However, to feed your indoor cat the right food, you often need to add dietary supplements such as the amino acid L-Carnitin which has a beneficial effect on weight. A good calcium/phosphorus ratio is important for mineral balance and can also help reduce the risk of kidney stones. High-quality protein satiates the cat and helps to maintain muscle mass, which is especially important for less active cats such as indoor cats. Indoor cat food often promotes the natural shedding of hairballs and takes care of the teeth.
Characteristics of a balanced cat food
Medical and specific cat products must meet the needs of our felines, who are carnivores. In fact, a U.S. study showed that many specialty products would neglect the health of cats. As carnivores, cats need a high protein content in their diet. Therefore, meat should be at the top of the list of products for cats. Plant by-products or grains may be included in the cat’s diet, but in small amounts. However, be sure to look closely at the labels, as products containing “meat and animal by-products” may include by-products such as liver, spleen or even hair.
With these few tips, feeding your indoor cat will be a breeze! We wish your cat a good appetite!