FM1 Pt1-6 Food & Water from Cat Perspective Flashcards
What is the common method of feeding pet cats, and why is it not appropriate?
The common method is feeding two or three meals per day in a bowl. This approach does not align with cats’ natural behavior, which involves frequent small meals.
What are the key features of feline feeding behavior?
Cats need to explore to locate food, eat multiple small meals throughout the day, self-regulate food intake, and prefer to eat alone.
Why do cats often walk away after a few bites when given a large portion of food?
Cats are naturally inclined to take in small amounts of food frequently. Walking away after a few bites is not a sign of disliking the food but a normal feeding pattern.
What should owners do to encourage a cat’s natural feeding behavior?
Owners should provide an ad-lib supply of food, hide food to encourage exploration, and use puzzle feeders to stimulate natural feeding behavior.
How can homemade puzzle feeders be created for cats?
Homemade puzzle feeders can be made using items like cardboard egg boxes, paper bags, toilet roll tubes, and sealed cardboard boxes with kibble inside.
What is the link between highly palatable foods and satiation control in cats?
Cats can override their natural sense of satiation when highly palatable food is only available for short periods, leading to overeating.
How can owners manage a cat’s diet if the cat does not self-regulate its food intake?
Owners can use restricted self-service feeding, offering small quantities of food more frequently while controlling the overall daily intake.
Why is it important to understand the social behavior of cats when feeding?
Cats prefer to eat alone, and forced social interactions at feeding times can increase tension among cats, leading to stress and potential conflicts.
What is the natural drinking behavior of cats, and how can owners encourage proper hydration?
Cats prefer drinking from separate locations from where they eat and are attracted to running water. Use cat fountains or running taps and avoid plastic containers.
How does a cat’s natural drinking behavior relate to its wild ancestors?
Wild cats get most of their water from prey and rarely drink from static water sources. Pet cats retain this preference, favoring running water over still water.
How can owners reduce stress and medical risks related to feeding and drinking in cats?
By mimicking natural feeding and drinking behaviors, such as providing frequent small meals, separate feeding stations, and running water, owners can reduce stress and lower the risk of obesity and urinary tract diseases.
