Every cat is different. Some cats will eat any cat food. Others may be picky or may have sensitivities to certain kitty chows. In the end, it’s a good thing we have so many different brands of cat foods on the market to pick and choose from. However, the choice can be a bit overwhelming for most cat owners, so allow us to help make it simpler for you.
1: Select a Cat Food Based on Your Pet’s Age
One of the simplest ways to narrow down your options is to consider the stage of life your cat is currently in. You certainly don’t want to give adult or senior cat food to a kitten and vice versa. There’s a reason foods are created for certain age groups; they contain a different level of nutrients based on what your cat needs at that stage of life.
2: Avoid Foods With Ingredients Your Cat May Have Allergies or Sensitivities To
Just like us humans, our cat friends can also deal with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. These can be common ingredients found in most cat foods, or it can be towards a certain additive like a dye added to a certain brand of cat food to give it its signature color. In response, skin problems, frequent vomiting, or recurring ear infections may occur.
The only way to find out if your pet has an allergy or sensitivity to something is to either try an elimination diet, which can be time-consuming and not always accurate. Or, the better option would be to take your cat to get checked out for any underlying conditions.
3: Consider Your Cat’s Preferences
Some cats are fussy when it comes to their diet. You might find that your feline hates dry cat foods but will chow down on wet cat food no problem. Also, cats with dental problems, especially older cats, may automatically gear towards wet foods that are softer and easier to eat. So, your only option is to give your cat what they like and will actually consume.
You may also find that there are certain brands of cat food that your pet just will not eat for whatever reason. In this case, it’s a good idea to donate the rest of the bag to a shelter or someone else you know with a cat.
4: Talk to Your Cat’s Vet
Are you struggling to find a cat food your cat actually likes? Or maybe you’re trying to figure out why your cat has diarrhea, hairballs, or vomiting with many of the cat foods that they have tried in the past.
Whatever the issue may be, it’s best to bring this up at your cat’s next vet appointment. It’s possible that your furry friend is just picky, or they could even have a sensitivity, allergy, or GI condition that requires them to eat a certain food or avoid specific ingredients.
The good news is, there are certain brands, like Acana Cat Food, that have formulas specifically geared towards kitties with grain allergies or even sensitive stomachs.
Conclusion
It isn’t always easy picking out a bagged cat food for your pet. And sometimes we think we found a good option at a reasonable price, only to find out that our cat hates it or has issues with it like vomiting. While it may take some trial and error, in the end, you will eventually find the perfect food for your kitty.