Some people believe that cats are finicky, but it is not true. Cats are just like humans, they have their likes and dislikes. The real issue is that cats are not likely to eat what they can’t smell, and Persians tend to have respiratory problems because of the shape of their faces. When your cat has stopped-up sinuses, you should get some pretty wet food to make sure your cat is eating.
It is not recommended to starve a cat into eating certain food he doesn’t like. It doesn’t work, and it is a very unhealthy strategy.
If your cat stops eating something he is already accustomed to, you have to figure out what is wrong. That food might be a source for cat’s infections.
Cats deserve high-quality food. They are carnivore animals, meaning that they need nutrition in the form of animal-based proteins, not from plant-based proteins.
So, the best foods make meat as the primary ingredient. Cheaper foods contain more grain-based fillers and provide less quality nutritional ingredients for cats.
High-quality foods contain both fat content and high protein, with the necessary percentage of carbohydrates needed for the Persian’s diet (about 5% ).
The good foods also include Niacin, Taurine, and Vitamin A as it is approved by AAFCO(Association of American Feed Control Officials). It is a non-profit organization that sets standards for pet food in the USA.
Fish also contains excellent nutrients but it should only be a part of a well-balanced diet.
Wet vs Dry Food
Cats thrive best on a well-balanced diet, It is better to feed both wet and dry food. Persians need wet food as an important source of moisture and weight control.
Dry foods are much higher in calories and will pack the pounds on your already sedentary Persian. These cats are ornamental in their life so they can quickly gain excessive weight which may get them liable to develop health problems.
Be careful to check the ingredients of the dry food as some may contain an excessive amount of carbohydrates, which is bad for your feline.
However, dry food can help clean the teeth, which prevents dental decay.
Feeding Routine: Kittens and Adults
Kittens are rapidly growing in their first year and require more extra protein than adult cats. A balanced diet will help them develop muscles and tissues. Fatty acids and calories are so important in this stage of life.
Free feeding is the way of making dry food out for your pet at all times. Kittens will consume roughly 5 ounces of food each day(141grams).
When the cat reaches or becomes closer to one year of age, you should change the feeding strategy, putting out a half cup of dry food per cat daily(which is roughly 118 grams).
Foods that are Toxic to Cats
It is advisable not to allow your cat to eat human food. many food items are delicious and healthy for human beings but it’s so dangerous for cats. Here are some of the food you should never give to your pet:
- grapes or raisins
- alcohol in any form
- onions and garlic
When you put your morning coffee next to you, make sure your cat doesn’t take a slurp especially if it is full of cream and sugar because it is harmful to cats. Do not also allow your cat to get into chocolate.
The caffeine can cause death to cats and cacao seeds, from which chocolate is made, contains substances called methylxanthines. Cat’s exposure to this substance can lead to life-threatening symptoms which include :
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and dehydration
- Heart palpitations and arrhythmia
- Seizures and tremors
Artificial sweeteners are also dangerous to cats, especially those that contain xylitol, which causes liver failure.
Persian Cats and Milk
People believed that milk is crucial for a balanced diet for cats, however, cow’s milk is not good for cat’s health. It fact, it may be so harmful. If you know someone who is lactose intolerant, then you realize that this particular sensitivity causes painful gastrointestinal issues. The problem is created by the body’s inability to produce enough amounts of the enzyme lactase.
Cats do not produce sufficient lactase too. Every mammal species on the earth produces milk to fill the nutritional needs of its young. Adult pets do not require milk, which may cause the stomach upset if consumed.
However, you may rarely give your cat a bowl of milk as a treat, but milk products and milk should not be considered as a regular part of your cat’s diet. If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal upset after your cat consumes milk, stop providing it at all.