Changing a cat’s diet

Like us, your cat has different dietary needs at different life stages. Things like age, pregnancy, health status, body weight and activity levels can all affect your cat's nutritional needs. Here are some guidelines to help you recognize those needs.

In proportion to body weight, kittens may need three to four times more food than adult cats. Make food available to your kitten at all times. Unlike puppies, kittens are not likely to overeat. After one year of age, your kitten can begin eating an adult diet.
    
Cats tend not to drink enough liquid – always make sure that you provide plenty of water.  Whiskas^® Catmilk^TM drink tastes great and is a great source of protein, calcium and is 98% lactose reduced for cats with sensitive stomachs.

To encourage healthy weight maintenance in less active cats, you should choose a diet appropriate for his level of activity, always follow the feeding guideline on your cat food and encourage your cat to be active. Whiskas^® Weight Management and Whiskas^® Indoor foods for cats are good choices for less active cats.

During pregnancy (which lasts about nine weeks), a breeding cat's food intake can double. You'll especially notice her increased intake if she is fed "on demand."

As your cat becomes older - around seven years of age - begin feeding smaller, more frequent meals. You may wish to feed her a product designed especially for older cats such as Whiskas^®Senior Formula  food for cats.

Pay greater attention to the body weight of your older cat - weight loss can be an early indicator of a number of health issues.