Cats are obligate carnivores. Essentially this means that cats must eat meat or fish in their daily diet and that vegetarianism is generally not considered an option for cats. Their diets should contain a high level of good quality meat or fish and animal fat and small quantities of fish oil are also beneficial for skin and coat condition.
Vaccinations can prevent illness in your pet so regular visits to the vet are crucial.
Cats require a careful balance of at least 13 different vitamins, plus the essential amino acid taurine necessary to promote a healthy heart and eyes. A complete diet will have all the necessary vitamins and amino acids in the right ratio, either derived from the raw materials themselves or from added supplements. Good manufacturers use protected vitamins to prevent them being degraded by processing. With the right food from a reputable supplier, there is no need to give your cat extra vitamins and over dosing of vitamins can be harmful.
Originally a desert animal, cats are adept at living in harsh dry conditions. Probably due to their desert origins, cats don’t drink an awful lot and if fed wet food they can get all the moisture they need from this, however water should always be available just in case. If fed dry food, cats should be encouraged to drink and water must be made available. Cats don’t always like tap water, in which case you should consider collecting some rainwater in a clean container or offer bottled water or at least tap water that has been left out to ‘stale’.
Water bowls should also be wide enough that their whiskers don’t touch the sides and each cat in the household should have their own feeding and water bowl.
The most popular pedigreed cat is the Persian cat, followed by the Main Coon cat and then the Siamese cat.
Cats dislike the winter because their fur doesn’t insulate well when it's wet.
Due to their low moisture intake, a cat’s urine is very concentrated and they have a tendency to get crystals stones. To help avoid this, the minerals in cat food have to be very carefully balanced in order to give a slightly acidic urinary pH.
Cystitis is also very prevalent amongst cats. Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder and can occur with or without the presence of crystals or stones. Stress plays a significant role in the condition so stressful situations should be kept to a minimum.
Have a look at our range of Burgess Cat foods, developed to give your cat a well-balanced nutritional diet. Alternatively you can call our free consumer care line on 0800 413 969 between 9am and 5pm, where our dedicated team of pet experts will help you.
If you have a question, please email us or call us on 0800 413 969. Our dedicated consumer care team are available to answer any questions you may have. If you are concerned about the immediate health of your pet, please seek the advice of your vet as soon as possible.Email us