Ensuring your Bengal cat or kitten receives proper nutrition is paramount for their overall health and a glossy appearance. While convenient, commercially available premium cat food is an option, those dedicated to providing the best for their feline companions may opt for a more involved approach using natural ingredients. As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on a diet primarily composed of meat. The debate among cat owners regarding meat type and preparation methods – raw, boiled, or microwaved – is ongoing. However, understanding the unique digestive system of Bengal cats is crucial.
Bengal cats possess a notably short intestinal tract, contributing to a sensitive digestive system that can be easily disrupted, leading to common issues like Bengal diarrhea. Therefore, the quality of nutrition provided, especially during kittenhood, directly impacts their long-term health. The following recommendations focus on the crucial adaptation period for kittens in their new homes. Any introduction of new dry foods or dietary items should be a gradual and careful process, typically spanning about one month.
A well-balanced diet, replete with the correct proportions of essential vitamins and microelements, is fundamental to your kitten’s development. Once your kitten has adapted to its new environment and a consistent nutritional regimen is established, monitoring their weight becomes important. Bengals are predisposed to weight gain, so a switch to lower-calorie food or adjusted portion sizes may be necessary.
Your Bengal cat or kitten can be fed using:
- Commercial dry food
- Natural food
- A combination of both
There is no universally agreed-upon “best” feeding method; the choice ultimately rests with the owner.
Dry Commercial Food
Commercially prepared dry and canned foods offer convenience, saving preparation time while providing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. It is essential to select premium quality dry foods, ideally made from all-natural ingredients. Opt for products from reputable brands, as lower-quality foods often use bone, hide, and feathers for protein instead of actual meat. Such ingredients fail to meet your cat’s nutritional needs and can lead to illness, often containing excessive minerals that increase the risk of kidney stones.
Veterinarians generally recommend that dry food for cats should contain a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat. This dietary approach is particularly advised during the first year of life due to the sensitivity of Bengals’ intestines. It’s important to note that adult Bengals may experience digestive upset if switched abruptly from a natural diet to commercial food. For cats consuming dry food, ensuring access to ample fresh water is vital. Bengal cats often show a preference for running water, making a homemade fountain a beneficial addition.
Natural Food
As natural predators, approximately 70% of a Bengal cat’s diet should consist of lean, raw meat. To mitigate the risk of parasitic infections, meat should be thoroughly frozen beforehand. Food should be served at room temperature or slightly warmed; avoid offering food that is excessively hot or cold.
It is crucial to avoid feeding cats human foods that are detrimental to their health. These include:
- Fish or chicken bones: These pose a choking hazard, can damage the esophagus and stomach, and may cause intestinal blockage.
- Pork, lamb, goose, duck (except chicken): These meats are high in fat and difficult to digest. In their raw form, they can transmit dangerous infectious diseases or parasites.
- Fatty, spicy, pickled, smoked, or fried foods: Such as sausages or canned goods, these lead to indigestion, poor metabolism, chronic illness, and a diminished appearance.
- Sugar, chocolate, cakes, candy, and other sweets: These disrupt metabolism, weaken the immune system, lead to dull fur, and cause tooth decay. Chocolate, in particular, contains theobromine, a toxic substance that can be fatal.
- Potatoes: The starches in potatoes are indigestible and offer no nutritional value, potentially causing indigestion.
- Beans (soy, peas, kidney beans): These are not digested by cats and can cause intestinal fermentation and bloating.
- Salt and spices: These offer no benefit and can be harmful.
- Human medications and vitamins: Cats have a unique metabolism, and human formulations can be poisonous, harming feline kidneys and potentially causing death.
Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Diets
Is it okay to feed cats porridge?
No. Porridge should be avoided as cats are obligate carnivores whose metabolism is based on fats and proteins. Their bodies lack the necessary enzymes to break down carbohydrates effectively. Porridge can interfere with nutrient absorption or cause diarrhea.
To boil or not to boil?
Raw products are essential. Even brief boiling can reduce nutrient content and make proteins harder to digest. Cooked bones are indigestible and pose a risk of intestinal obstruction.
Should meat be given with bones or without?
Bones are vital for calcium and help clean teeth and exercise jaws. Cats can benefit from consuming raw bones from poultry such as chicken or duck necks, spines, and heads. Tubular bones and any cooked bones are strictly prohibited.
Are bird heads and necks really needed?
Yes, as they provide bones, brains, and eyes, which contain essential nutrients like B vitamins, amino acids, phosphorus, and collagen.
Ground meat or chunks?
Chunks are preferred. A cat’s digestive system and jaw structure are designed for tearing and minimal chewing of meat chunks. Ground meat can accelerate digestion, hindering nutrient absorption. Meat should be given in approximately 2×2 cm chunks.
Which diet type is better – mix or mono?
Both mono-feeding (alternating different meat products) and mix-feeding (combining various meat products) are legitimate. Mono-feeding allows observation of natural hunting behaviors, while mix-feeding ensures a more complete nutrient profile in each meal.
Which meat is best for your cat?
Lean red meats like beef, chicken, turkey, and rabbit are suitable. Chicken breasts have limited nutritional value. Offal such as hearts, lungs, livers, and kidneys are also beneficial.
Which vegetables are allowed and why?
Vegetables provide essential roughage for intestinal peristalsis. Suitable options include squash, pumpkin, and carrots. Cabbage and beans can cause gas, and starchy vegetables like potatoes are contraindicated. Onions and garlic are toxic. Vegetables can be served raw or lightly heated.
How much food should be given per day?
The recommended daily allowance is 3-5% of an adult cat’s body mass, and up to 10% for kittens. Portion sizes should be adjusted based on breed, age, activity level, and hormonal status.
How often should food be given?
For an all-natural diet, feeding twice a day is generally sufficient, with the daily allowance divided equally between morning and evening meals.
Which nutritional supplements are good for cats?
Dairy products (hard cheeses, cottage cheese), bran, and quail eggs can supplement a cat’s diet, providing calcium, vitamins, and digestive aids.
What types of offal are good for cats?
Hearts are excellent sources of protein and taurine. Livers are rich in vitamin A but should not exceed 5% of the diet due to potential loose stools. Poultry stomachs and rumens provide protein and beneficial bacteria. Poultry heads and vertebrae are crucial for calcium. Lungs and spleens offer minimal nutritional value. Kidneys can be beneficial but may be unpalatable.
Are pork and lamb allowed?
Pork and lamb are strictly forbidden due to their high fat content and potential to strain the liver and pancreas.
How can parasites be avoided?
To minimize parasite risk, all meat and offal should be thoroughly frozen for several days before feeding. Regular de-worming, as recommended by a veterinarian, is also essential, regardless of diet type.
Is freezing necessary?
Yes, freezing minimizes the probability of infection. If the purchased product is already frozen, additional freezing is not required.
How often should de-worming occur with a natural diet?
Frequency of de-worming should be determined by a veterinarian, typically every three to six months, depending on the cat’s lifestyle and environment.
Are houseplants dangerous?
Some houseplants are toxic to cats when ingested. It is important to ensure all houseplants are safe before bringing a cat into the home.
Is fish allowed and which fish?
Fatty fish can be a source of omega-acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. However, due to potential thiaminase content and high phosphorus levels, fish should only be a small addition to the diet, not the primary food source. Tuna, mackerel, and sturgeon are less susceptible to parasites.
Day-old chicks: What are they and how should they be fed to cats?
Day-old chicks can be a beneficial supplement due to their nutrient content, including cartilage, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins. They should be sourced from reputable suppliers and can be fed up to one per day if the cat tolerates them well.
Are vitamin supplements necessary?
A well-balanced diet composed of various meats with bones typically provides all necessary nutrients. Supplements are only needed if specific dietary deficiencies are identified.
What to do if my cat does not eat well?
Loss of appetite often indicates an underlying health issue and requires veterinary attention. If a cat refuses a specific food, it can be substituted or mixed with preferred foods.
What happens if a cat consumes a non-meat product (treat)?
Small occasional consumption of non-meat treats may not cause harm. However, large quantities or certain toxic foods like chocolate can lead to serious health problems or be lethal, necessitating immediate veterinary care.
Why does a cat on a natural diet drink very little?
The high water content (around 80%) in natural foods provides sufficient hydration. While cats should always have access to fresh water, low consumption is normal for those on a natural diet and aids in preventing genitourinary diseases.
Why does a naturally fed cat rarely go to the bathroom?
Reduced defecation is normal due to the high digestibility of natural foods, indicating efficient nutrient absorption. Stool consistency should be well-formed. Overly hard or light stools may suggest an imbalance in bone content.
Where can I find natural feed recipes?
General recommendations and tools for formulating a well-balanced diet can be found through various resources, with adjustments made for breed, age, health, and food availability.
How to naturally feed a chronically ill animal?
Feeding chronically ill animals a natural diet requires a customized approach under veterinary supervision, considering the specific condition, its severity, and test results.
Bones in Cat’s Diet
Bones are a critical source of calcium and other essential minerals. The high concentration of hydrochloric acid in a cat’s stomach allows for the digestion of raw bones. Raw bones, when consumed with flesh in chunks, are suitable for cats. Cooking alters the chemical composition of bones, destroying vitamins and making calcium phosphate more resistant to digestion, rendering them indigestible and a risk for intestinal blockage. Tubular bones from poultry, which can splinter easily, should be avoided.
Parasites and How to Fight Them
While raw meat can potentially harbor parasites, proper precautions minimize risks. Purchasing meat and offal from inspected sources and thoroughly freezing all food for several days is crucial. Regular de-worming, as prescribed by a veterinarian, is necessary for all cats, regardless of diet. Certain parasitic infections can be transmitted between humans and animals, emphasizing the importance of good personal hygiene, such as thorough handwashing, and proper food handling. While some owners fear parasites, raw meat is the natural diet for cats, and the risks can be managed effectively through preventative measures. Cats are generally resistant to common human parasites, and vice versa. Routine veterinary check-ups and parasite testing are more beneficial than arbitrary de-worming. Salmonella and coccidiosis risks are also manageable through careful sourcing and hygiene.
