Cat nutrition advice
Regardless of age or breed, we must ensure that our cats have the right diet to provide them with the nutrients they need for a long and happy life. Whiskas and the Waltham Institute, Mars Petcare Science Center, invite cat owners to read the most important nutrition tips.
Cats, unlike humans, digest food much faster, their stomachs are suitable for smaller and more frequent meals, at least twice a day. Mars Petcare, the group behind Whiskas, works closely with the Waltham Institute, the world's leading center for animal research, to develop wet and dry foods to meet the nutritional needs of cats. Whiskas products are prepared with the utmost care to ensure kittens are fed the right nutrition for their age and needs.
“A cat eats less food several times a day due to its strong hunting instinct, and we know that felines hunt several times a day. This way of feeding naturally alternates with periods of rest, which are the same during the day. A complete and balanced diet reduces the amount of food intake, but not necessarily the frequency. mentions Dr. Julian Amza, Petcare Ambassador at Mars Multisales Europe.
Wet food is richer in protein and fat, while dry food has a higher level of carbohydrates, and the indicated nutritional value can be obtained by combining the two types of food. Therefore, the cat's diet should be divided into several small portions, consisting of wet and dry food.
The importance of regular and quality nutrition
In addition to the ingredients themselves, regular meals are extremely important - the cat should not overeat, but also not starve. Also, parents should always consider the cat's health, temperament, activity level, and other factors.
Quality ingredients are also important for the health of cats. Lack of essential nutrients such as taurine, vitamin A, or certain omega fatty acids are difficult for cats to tolerate and their deficiency can be fatal to their health.
“We often talk about ingredients and leave the nutrition aspect aside – pet food must contain more than 50 essential nutrients, which is very important in terms of the nutritional aspect of the food offered to our partners every day. In essence, if we view nutrition based on ingredients/nutrients as a puzzle, then they must strike an optimal balance, be in appropriate proportions, and complement each other in order for us to achieve the most important wish: “Better life and healthier pets.” ." For example, in cats, taurine is an essential amino acid for the prevention and treatment of congestive cardiomyopathy. At the same time, it gives better vision (especially at night) and plays an important role in reproductive function. In addition to all this, taurine provides protection against free radicals, being a powerful antioxidant that fights premature aging. adds Julian Amza, PhD, Petcare Ambassador to Mars Multisales Europe.
Antioxidants are also good for cats.
Antioxidants have many benefits for cats. Experts from the Waltham Veterinary Research Institute in England, Mars Petcare Science Centre, have conducted an extensive research program on how antioxidants benefit cats. The study was conducted over a period of five years, and the results showed that antioxidant supplements play an important role in natural immunity and help improve the immune system. Although they are recommended for cats of all ages, antioxidants are especially important for two categories of cats: young cats because they help them develop healthy, and older cats because they are more at risk of disease.
“Antioxidants protect cell membranes and their nuclei from the free radicals they are trying to destroy. Instead, the body has enzymatic defense processes, as well as endogenous and dietary antioxidants. Their deficiency leads to severe oxidative stress. With over 60 years of experience, the Waltham Nutrition Research Center believes this blend of antioxidants transfers effectively into Whiskas products to keep them safe for cats for the long term.” says Julian Amza, PhD, Petcare Ambassador to Mars Multisales Europe.
“Fats are the main source of energy as a result of their oxidative process in the body. One gram of lipids (fats) represents approximately 9 kcal of metabolizable energy. So, their deficiency or excess leads to a deficiency of essential fatty acids (the most famous are Omega-3 and Omega-6) or, conversely, to obesity (usually accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle). We also know that neutered cats are prone to obesity. Whiskas Sterile Cat Food prevents this.” adds Julian Amza, PhD, Petcare Ambassador to Mars Multisales Europe.
The Whiskas range includes a rich assortment that has everything a kitten needs for a long and healthy life. Whiskas recipes are developed in collaboration with experts from the Waltham Institute, and the varied selection allows cats to enjoy something new every day, providing them with all the nutrients they need as they age.
However, there are some signs that most often indicate problems with the kitten, such as lack of activity, a tendency to be secretive, or a lack of concern for personal hygiene, and then a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. To ensure the healthiest lifestyle possible, a kitten should benefit from at least two sessions of play and exercise throughout the day.
About Whiskas: Whiskas cat food has been on the market since 1958. The company's long-term commitment is to produce quality food that ensures a healthy and happy life for cats. Whiskas has partnered with the WALTHAM® Institute, a research center established by Mars Petcare, to continually develop nutritionally enhanced products. Thus, Whiskas products are healthy and nutritionally balanced.
About WALTHAM® Research Institute: WALTHAM® is the world's largest pet research center. The Institute has been involved in nutrition and animal health for more than 50 years. WALTHAM® analyzes data from tens of thousands of animals and publishes analysis on how to properly feed your pet to be happy and healthy. For more information about the WALTHAM® Institute, visit the website:
