Feeding & Nutrition

If your cat is fussy about water, it might be time to find a new water bowl. There are lots of different options out there, so with a little research, you’ll be able to find the ideal bowl for your pet. Cats are by nature quite tolerant to thirst. If their water isn’t quite right – for example, it’s too warm or they don’t like their bowl – they might well choose to go without drinking. Equally, many cats will ignore their water bowl and drink from puddles instead, often for reasons you can’t work out. That’s why choosing the right bowl for you cat is so important. You can read more about how much water your cat needs to drink here. If you are concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough, contact your vet for advice. Choosing the right cat water bowl Before you choose the perfect bowl for your cat’s water, think about what they might like. Your cat’s personality, as well their eating and drinking preferences, will all be considerations. If they have a tendency to knock things over, for example, a heavier drinking bowl is probably more sensible. On the other hand, if they dislike their whiskers touching things – as many cats do – a wider bowl will be more comfortable for them. Sometimes, you may have to try a couple of different cat water bowl before you find one that they love, but luckily, most are inexpensive. Considerations include: Depth Shallow dishes will need topping up more often than deeper bowls, but your cat may have a preference themselves. Material Cat bowls can be made of many different materials. They all have their pros and cons, which you can read about in more detail below. Standing or running? Most owners leave a normal bowl of water for their cat, but reluctant drinkers may be tempted by a specially-designed cat water fountain. You can read more about fountains below. Types of cat bowl Traditional cat water bowl Quite simply, this is a plain bowl designed for cats to drink from. It’s probably the type of water bowl you’re most used to seeing. They are very affordable, easy to get hold of, and don’t require any fuss. Many cats will happily drink from a bowl of standing water. However, as cats can also be fussy about their water source, there are many felines who may turn their nose up at the bowl of standing water altogether, especially if there’s a dripping tap nearby that they can drink from instead. To make their water appealing, you need to make sure you change it regularly – all cats prefer fresh, cool water – and make sure it doesn’t run dry. Bowl with water dispenser An alternative to the standard water bowl is one with a water dispenser that keeps the water topped up. These bowls are usually made of plastic, and some with an upright water bottle attached. As your cat drinks, the water bottle will slowly drain, keeping the water at the same level. This isn’t the same as providing running water, but it means you won’t have to top the water up so often. This is a good option if you are out of the house all day. Cat water fountain This type of water fountain is great for cats who are reluctant to drinking standing water. If your cat tends to drink from the tap or other places they shouldn’t, it might be because they prefer fresh, running water. A cat water fountain may be the solution. These are usually driven very small electric motors. Fill the bowl with water, and a small fountain in the middle will keep the water circulating. Your cat can then either drink from the bowl, or from the water as it falls. Many cat water fountains also include filters, which can help remove dust and hair, keeping it as fresh as possible. At the top end of the market, a cat water fountain may also cool the water – perfect for summer months.

Cats are known for being proud and particular pets, and that doesn’t stop when it comes to what they eat! Like us, each cat will have their own favourite food and flavours, so fussy eating cats might turn their nose up at something that doesn’t tantalise their taste buds. If you find that your feline is being especially fussy, or that your cat is not eating at all, there are certain things you can try to get them gobbling up their dinner. However, if your cat is off their food for more than a day this can lead to serious complications including hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Contact a vet for advice if the following tips don’t improve your cat’s appetite. Why is your fussy cat not eating? Cats can be very fussy eaters, and this can be exacerbated by some of the factors listed below. Anorexia can also be a symptom of illness or disease, so you should seek veterinary advice if your cat has not eaten for more than 24-48 hours.

Cats should only really drink one thing to stay hydrated - water. Despite popular belief, milk is not good for cats and it’s best to steer clear of dairy. Find out why milk is bad for cats and more with our guide. Can cats drink milk? The image of a cat happily lapping up milk is such a common one that many people don’t even question it. But it may surprise you to learn that sipping at cows’ milk is actually detrimental to their health, no matter how much they make like the taste of it. Ideally, cats should only be given water to drink. However, it’s important for your cat to stay properly hydrated, especially if they have other health problems such as kidney disease. Some individuals are really not keen on the taste of water, but there are a few tricks you can try to encourage increased water intake. Read on for our tips. Can cats drink milk? Is milk bad for cats? Yes – most cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy products can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. There are some specially designed cat milk options available, which are more suitable and contain reduced lactose. However, these should only be fed in moderation. Kittens will drink their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life, or a specially designed ‘kitten formula milk’ if necessary. However, they will be fully weaned by around 8-9 weeks of age. Kittens have an enzyme in their stomachs that allows them to break down lactose from their mother’s milk, but adult cats don’t have this enzyme and lose the ability to digest milk sugars. Instead, the lactose in the milk may cause an upset stomach when it begins to ferment. Why do cats like milk? Cats love the taste of milk because it is high in fat. They will often choose to drink it even if it results in an upset stomach. If your cat is fed a high quality, balanced diet they do not need the extra fat from drinking milk, no matter how much they like it. If your cat has drunk some milk, watch them for any signs of vomiting or diarrhoea and contact your vet if you are concerned.

Cats can be quite tricky when it comes to food with some happily eating anything and others turning their noses up at everything. Read our article on what cats should eat and what they need in their diet to ensure they’re healthy and happy. Some cats can be finicky eaters, sticking their nose up at foods that don’t satisfy their taste buds, whereas others will happily gobble down the same dish day after day. Each cat is unique in their preference and it’s important to understand what cats like to eat to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.

As a cat lover, you’ll want your furry friend to lead a long, healthy, happy and active life. One of the best ways to achieve this is by making sure your cat’s diet has the right balance of the five major nutrient groups: protein, fats & oils, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Cats are ‘obligate carnivores’, which means they need meat in their diet, so unlike dogs, they can never be vegetarian or vegan. Felines rely on protein as their main source of energy, and need higher levels of protein in their diet than dogs. Not only is meat a ready source of protein, it also provides three essential nutrients that cats can’t live without: taurine (for heart and vision), arachidonic acid (for skin and coat health) and Vitamin A (for coat and vision).

As indoor cats don’t have the same opportunities to exercise as their outdoor counterparts, it can be tougher for them to keep trim. Even though your pet is living in a cosy, happy environment, being inside still limits the space they have to stretch their paws. This less active lifestyle can mean that some indoor cats can struggle to maintain their natural slender shape, and are more at risk of developing health problems such as obesity or diabetes. Fine-tuning a feeding routine and keeping your indoor cat moving are the two key factors in keeping your feline friend as healthy and happy as possible. Follow our tips on steps you can take to keep your cat in tip top shape. How to feed your indoor cat As cats are natural grazers, they are happy to nibble on dry food left out for them during the day (wet food will go stale too quickly to be left out). It can be easy to lose track of what your cat has eaten, especially when you’re leaving food out for them. To avoid overfeeding them, carefully measure each meal according to the serving guide on the food packaging.