Abyssinian Cat: Feeding

How to feed an Abyssinian kitten?

Up to two months, the kitten receives everything it needs from the mother's milk. Orphan kittens are fed with special cat milk substitutes. Kittens from 2 to 12 months are fed with dry and wet food for super premium and premium kittens.

First you need to ask what the kitten was fed from the breeder and adhere to the same feeding. If you plan to transfer your pet to a different feeding scheme, then do it gradually over 10-14 days. A new one is gradually added to the old feed. Every day increasing the amount of new, and decreasing the amount of old.

From commercial feeds for feeding the Abyssinian kitten, you can recommend feeds from companies such as Purina (Pro Plan True Nature Kitten Grain Free Natural Chicken & Egg Recipe), Nutro, Hill's, Royal Canin and Eagle Pack.

Do not forget to put the food you have not eaten in the refrigerator, as the food left in the heat will spoil quickly (this does not apply to dry food).

How to feed a pregnant Abyssinian cat?

Pregnant cats need to be fed super premium and premium food specially formulated for pregnant and lactating cats.

How often to feed an Abyssinian cat?

Feeding takes place according to the 4-3-2 scheme, that is, kittens up to four months old are fed 4 times a day, up to six to eight months - 3 times a day, over eight months - 2 times a day.

Pregnant cats are fed 3 times a day, and during the period of feeding kittens - 4 times a day.

Can Abyssinians be fed with natural products?

It is possible, but rather difficult. At home, it is difficult to make the right menu, not to mention the fact that at different periods of the animal's life, it will require significant changes.

Fish, egg whites, sausages, salted cheeses, cream, sour cream, pork, beef kidneys, fruits, sweets are foods that should not be given to Abyssinian cats. Lean meat, liver (no more than 1 time per week), cottage cheese, fermented baked milk and kefir can be considered useful. Vitamins and minerals must be added to the natural diet (according to the age and condition of the animal).

Remember - Abyssinian cats are predators. They need high-quality animal protein, easily digestible fats and a minimum amount of carbohydrates every day.

Feeding with natural food takes a lot of time and effort. In addition, such feed deteriorates quickly. Based on labor costs and food prices, natural food will cost your budget a lot. Believe me, super premium and premium food is no worse in quality, and even better than those and cheaper if you cook yourself.

The digestive system of cats is shorter than that of dogs. Therefore, food passes through their gastrointestinal tract faster (within 12-24 hours). Cats do not fully absorb certain nutrients like dogs or humans. For example, a cat needs arachidonic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid). Cats need an active form of vitamin A because they do not have an enzyme that breaks down beta-carotene (found in many plants) into retinol (vitamin A). They need a lot of taurine for proper heart muscle function, eye health and bile production. Without enough taurine in their diet, cats can develop serious health problems. In addition, cats are unable to synthesize much niacin (vitamin B3) in their bodies, so it must also be added to their diet.

As you can see, in order to feed your pet correctly, you need to know at least a minimum of her physiological needs. Do not expect table food to make your Abyssinian cat happy and healthy. Most likely, everything will be the other way around.

Can natural and commercial feeding be combined?

You can't. Commercial finished feed contains all the nutrients in the right proportions. By feeding your cat additional foods, you break this balance.

You need to feed either only natural food, or dry food and canned food. Dry food can be alternated with canned food, for example drying in the morning and wet food in the evening. Some of the owners give a mixture of dry and wet food. But it all depends on the specific animal: some cats have a "strong" stomach, while others do not.

Many owners of Abyssinian cats prefer to feed their pets only with wet food, for fear of developing urolithiasis, obesity and allergies.

Which commercial foods are suitable for Abyssinian cats?

Buy only super premium and premium foods for your cat that are high in protein (at least 26%), moderate in fat and minimal in carbs.

The feed should not contain "meat by-products" or "by-products", preservatives, colorants, antioxidants, sugar and other "ballast". The protein source should be clearly described: chicken, rabbit, turkey, lamb, etc.

For Abyssinian cats, dry and wet food of such brands as: "Nutro", "Hill's", "Royal Canin", "Eagle Pack", "Nature's Variety", "Grain Free", "Vital Cat", "Wellness Core"”,“Wellness Complete Health”,“Natural Balance Ultra”,“Orijen Regional Red”,“Petreet”,“HALO Natural Cat Food”,“Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural”,“Instinct Original”.

It seems to me that the Abyssinian kitten eats too much. This is normal?

Abyssinian cats are very mobile and active, which is why they eat more than other breeds.

How to feed an Abyssinian cat aged 7-10 years and older?

At seven to eight years old, the Abyssinian cat begins to age. At this age, the cat should be switched to high quality middle-aged cat food. If the pet suffers from arthrosis or other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, then the veterinarian may prescribe special supplements and medicated feeds to relieve pain.

Most cats over 11 years of age have a reduced caloric requirement. Cats of this age often have problems with obesity, but some individuals, on the contrary, begin to lose weight.

As cats age, cats are less able to digest and absorb proteins and fats. They need a special, easily digestible feed. The older the cat gets, the more important it is to control its weight and health.

What time to feed the Abyssinian?

Abyssinian cats love to eat all day long, so it is best to leave food for them where it will be available at all times.

How much food should you give an Abyssinian cat?

The amount and composition of food depends on the age, physical activity and the specific condition of the animal (feeding kittens, pregnancy, growth, etc.). On average, an adult cat eats 200-300 g of wet and 50-75 g of dry food per day. Indoor cats require less energy (and therefore food) than those walking outdoors.

The Abyssinian cat gains its optimal weight by the year. At this time, it must be weighed and further control its weight.

If you have spayed or neutered your pet, then consult your veterinarian who will determine the right amount of calories per day and the optimal weight for your pet.

Remember that it is very difficult for overweight Abyssinians to lose weight.

Can Abyssinian cats be fed dog food?

Absolutely not! Dogs have very different nutrient requirements. For example, dogs need a lot of carbohydrates, while cats, on the contrary, the less the better.

How to make sure the food is right for your cat?

If your pet looks healthy, has no gastrointestinal problems (gas, diarrhea, constipation), its coat is shiny, then this food is suitable for your cat.

Related article Abyssinian cat: character

What type of food is best for Abyssinian cats?

Foreign breeders recommend feeding the Abyssinians with wet, dry and freeze-dried food. Many of them believe that constant feeding of one type of food can lead to health problems.

Each type of food has its own pros and cons. So, for example, excessive enthusiasm for wet food (canned food) can lead to stomach problems and diarrhea (diarrhea). Dry cat food is known for its high nutritional value as it has a good combination of carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, it does not spoil as quickly as canned food. Continuous feeding of dry food can lead (especially if the cat does not drink enough water) to problems with the kidneys and urinary tract. In addition, non-premium and super premium dry food contains various grains that are difficult for Abyssinian cats to digest, which can cause allergies and gastrointestinal inflammation.

Can Abyssinian cats be fed with eggs?

It is possible, but in small quantities. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients. Because of the risk of salmonella infection, cats are fed boiled eggs.

I changed jobs and now I am less at home. What about feeding my Abyssinian cats? After all, they are used to eating on schedule …

An automatic cat feeder will help you keep your pets fed. These feeders are easy to use. They work on a timer. You add dry food and set a timer with the frequency of feeding per day and the amount of food.

What food should I give to an Abyssinian with food allergies?

Due to intolerance to certain foods, cats develop food allergies, which cause unbearable itching. These cats are fed foods with a minimum of ingredients. The fewer ingredients, the lower the risk of allergies.

For cats with food allergies, the LID Limited Ingredient Diets® or Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet lines work well. Designed for cats of all ages, they do not contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.