5 Simple Diet Changes That Can Transform Your Cat’s Health

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When we first started raising Bengals, we assumed feeding would be the easiest part. Quality food, full bowls, happy cats — simple.

It didn’t take long to learn otherwise.

As a working cattery, we’ve seen how even small dietary differences can show up quickly in coat condition, digestion, energy levels, and overall demeanour. Over time, and across many cats with different needs, it became clear that feeding isn’t just about calories — it’s about balance, consistency, hydration, and micronutrients. We have a full nutritional fact page on our main site that you can visit for reference.

1. Prioritize Clearly Identified Animal Protein

Cats are obligate carnivores. Their bodies are designed to use animal protein efficiently, and the source of that protein matters.

When choosing food, look for:

• Named animal proteins (chicken, turkey, salmon, rabbit)

• Protein listed as the first ingredient

• Minimal reliance on vague terms like “animal meal” or “by-products”

  
  

From the cattery: lWhen we shifted our breeding cats and kittens toward higher-quality, clearly sourced proteins with fewer fillers, we noticed more consistent body condition, improved coat texture, and steadier energy levels over time.

Why protein quality matters

Protein isn’t just about muscle — it supports enzymes, hormones, immune signaling, and tissue repair.

2. Measure Meals Instead of Free Feeding

Portion awareness is one of the most overlooked aspects of feline nutrition. Free feeding makes it difficult to notice subtle changes in appetite or weight, especially in food-motivated breeds like Bengals.

What we recommend:

• Feed measured meals based on age, weight, and activity

• Use a scoop or small kitchen scale

• Adjust gradually rather than suddenly

  
  

From the cattery: Measured meals allow us to spot changes early — whether a cat needs more support during growth, pregnancy, or seasonal activity shifts.

3. Support Hydration Through Food

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. For many cats, hydration comes primarily from what they eat, not what they drink.

Ways to support moisture intake:

• Daily wet or gently cooked meals

• Adding warm filtered water to food

• Offering fountains for cats who enjoy moving water

  
  

From the cattery:We routinely add warm water to wet meals. This supports digestion, stool consistency, and overall comfort — especially in kittens and adults eating protein-dense diets.

4. Understand Key Vitamins & Micronutrients (Without Megadosing)

Vitamins matter — but more is not better. Cats require specific nutrients in balanced amounts, typically best delivered through complete foods or carefully planned supplementation.

Core nutrients cats rely on

⚠️ Important note:

Cats cannot convert plant-based beta-carotene into vitamin A, and improper supplementation can cause imbalance. This is why precision matters.

From the cattery:

We avoid casual or DIY vitamin additions without a clear nutritional framework. In Feed the Cat Better, we outline how nutrients fit together so cat parents understand why balance matters, not just what to add.

5. Change Your Cat's Diet Gradually

A sudden diet change can disrupt your cat's digestion and appetite. Transitioning slowly allows the gut to adjust.

A common transition schedule:

• Days 1–3: 25% new / 75% current

• Days 4–5: 50 / 50

• Days 6–7: 75 / 25

• Day 8+: full transition

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From the cattery:

We always send kittens home with the food they’re used to, along with transition guidance. This consistency supports smoother adjustment in a new environment.

Bonus: Individual Feeding Plans Matter

No two cats are identical. Age, activity, reproductive status, and environment all influence nutritional needs.

That’s why Feed the Cat Better includes:

• Feeding templates for kittens, adults, and seniors

• Adjustments for active vs. indoor cats

• Real-world portioning examples

• Guidance for combining wet, dry, and cooked meals responsibly

It’s designed to be practical — not prescriptive.

Final Thought: It’s Not Just What You Feed — It’s How

You don’t need to change everything overnight. Start with:

• Better protein clarity

• Measured portions

• More moisture

• Nutritional awareness

  
  

We’ve seen these small, intentional shifts support better coats, steadier energy, improved digestion, and calmer feeding routines over time.

And like most cat parents, we’re still learning. Feed the Cat Better exists because feeding well is a practice — one that evolves as you understand your cat more deeply.

Because every cat deserves more than “good enough.” They deserve better.