Diet
Cats are carnivores
Cats are carnivores, and therefore unlike some dogs they cannot live a long and healthy life on a purely vegetarian diet – their bodies requires meat. At around 12 months of age your cat should be ready for an adult diet which should be a combination of a high quality commercial cat food and natural foods including fresh raw meat. Your vet can recommend a suitable diet for your cat based on their age, health and general dietary requirements.
Another tip for you humans: in between our meal times, always
have some dry food
and fresh water out so
we can snack when we
like. And variety, please
we need it.
What to feed your cat
Most cats enjoy a combination of wet and dry food. A great option is to always have a bowl of dry food out that they can snack on as they please, and a separate bowl for a serve of wet food once or twice a day. It’s ideal to serve all food at room temperature so your cat can smell and taste it properly, and make sure to remove uneaten portions of wet food and clean the bowl after your kitty has finished their meal time. Always have a large ceramic or metal bowl filled with fresh water next to the food.
How often?
Cats are the ultimate grazers! You’ll find they want to visit their food bowl several times a day. You may not be there to feed them every single time they come searching for snacks, but as a general rule smaller amounts served more often is a good way to go.
Cat milk
It’s well-known that cats love milk. And while it might be true that they enjoy drinking it, their digestive system finds it difficult to process the cow’s milk that humans consume, even if you mix it with water. You should only give your cat specially formulated cat’s milk, which you’ll find in the pet section of most supermarkets, or ask your vet for their preferred brand.
The information provided is general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice. Medibank Private does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information, representations or advice contained. To the extent permitted by law, Medibank Private accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by readers of this website as a result of or in connection with the information contained on this website (whether by way of negligence or otherwise).
Limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Medibank Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (ACN 090 584 473; AFSL 241436) (Hollard), is promoted by Medibank Private Limited (ACN 080 890 259; AR 286089) (Medibank) and administered by Pet Sure (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACN 075 949 923; AR 268991). This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. The product disclosure statement (PDS) for Medibank Pet Insurance is available from www.medibank.com.au . You should obtain and consider the PDS in deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, Medibank Pet Insurance. Any general advice provided by Dr Chris Brown in relation to Medibank Pet Insurance is provided as an authorised representative of Hollard in connection with an arrangement with Medibank under which an entity associated with Dr Chris Brown will receive remuneration. Medibank is an authorised representative of Hollard and has appointed Dr Chris Brown as an authorised representative of Hollard. Hollard can be contacted by telephone: (02) 9253 6600 or by mail: Level 38, 2 Park Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000.