A pregnant cat needs a lot of things. Top of the list is a full and complete diet to support her own body and her growing kittens. It is crucial for her to get a rich diet that takes care of all the essential nutrients. PetMD has an interesting insight that shows that a cat’s diet during pregnancy will dictate the kind of food her kittens choose to eat later in life. So you must now understand the importance of feeding the pregnant cat a rich diet that has different textures, taste and consistency.
What to Feed a Pregnant Cat: Essential Nutrients
High-Quality Protein
Protein is vital during cat pregnancy. The kittens’ muscles and tissues need it, so go for cat food that lists chicken, turkey or fish as the main meat ingredient. Homemade pregnant cat food should include plenty of protein sources. High-quality commercial foods designed for pregnant cats usually cover this need.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Strong bones and teeth in the developing kittens are guaranteed by calcium and phosphorus and they help maintain the mother’s bone health. As the building block, they will give the kittens a solid foundation. Kitten foods almost always have the right balance so choose the ones specifically formulated for growth.
Omega Fatty Acids
Brain and eye development is supported by omega fatty acids like the DHA. They’re like the brain food that helps ensure healthy nervous system development. You can find these in fish oils or cat foods enriched with omega fatty acids.
Taurine
Taurine is essential for heart and vision health. It’s a safeguard for proper development. This superfood is an amino acid, so most of it comes from the proteins given to the cat as food. Its absence in cat food can cause serious health problems, so be on the lookout.
Vitamins and Minerals
Go for foods or ingredients that contain all the important vitamins and minerals for a pregnant feline. A cat’s body is working overtime to develop healthy kittens, so you can help her by adding these to her diet. Skin and hair, nails and bones, all need important vitamins. A holistic diet will give your cat all these and much more.
How Often Should You Feed a Pregnant Cat?
Pregnant cats should eat more frequently than before. The VCA Animals Hospital recommends giving smaller and frequent meals during the first leg of the pregnancy so that her caloric intake and weight are well balanced. This approach helps her manage digestion and maintain energy levels. Snacks throughout the day rather than just three large meals is a brilliant idea.
Foods to Avoid When Feeding a Pregnant Cat
Raw Fish
Raw fish is a big no for cats during pregnancy because they are packed to the brim with harmful bacteria and parasites. Cooking fish thoroughly eliminates these risks, making it safer for your cat.
Raw Eggs
Uncooked eggs are a haven for Salmonella and E. coli. Avidin, which can prevent the absorption of essential vitamins, is also common with raw eggs, so best avoid to keep your cat safe.
Liver
The nutrient-rich liver can cause vitamin A toxicity if fed to a cat in large amounts. Limit liver or avoid it to prevent health issues.
Dairy Products
A lactose intolerant cat cannot have milk. Digestive problems and diarrhea in such felines are common after dairy consumption. Skip the milk and cheese to avoid these problems.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic can be toxic, causing damage to red blood cells and leading to anemia. Keep these out of your cat’s diet entirely.
Processed Human Foods
Processed foods frequently have high concentrations of artificial additives, sugar, and salt. Cats shouldn't consume these, especially if they are expecting. Use cat-specific food to steer clear of these problems.
Hydration and Fluids: Ensuring Proper Water Intake
Water, loads and loads of it, is essential for a pregnant cat. She should have access to clean water at all times. The sound of running water is attractive to some cats so a water fountain would be useful in encouraging her to drink more. Hydration is great for a cat’s general health. It also helps avoid problems later in the pregnancy.
Supplements for Pregnant Cats: Are They Necessary?
No need for added supplements if the cat is getting all the nutrients. This is why a vet will always insist that you offer the cat a well-balanced diet. In case there is the need to give some supplements, the vet will advise you to add a specific one so stick to that and do not experiment.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a testing time for the feline. Help her through this period by taking care of her diet and nourishment. Don’t forget the importance of hydration as she needs more water now than what she was consuming before. She can have a safe pregnancy and give her kittens the best start possible with the correct care. Make homemade food for nursing cat to give her nourishment after birthing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to feed a nursing cat to increase milk? High-calorie food that’s rich in nutrients will allow for more milk production. You should also keep an eye on her so that she eats small and frequent meals throughout the day.
What to feed a mother cat after giving birth? Give her loads of calories and nutrients. Giving birth and being pregnant is tough on her body so she needs to recover. Producing and feeding her kittens is an additional burden on her body so she needs a good diet.
