Most cats are fussy about eating at times. Are Persians any different? Persians can be finicky eaters. You should know what and how to feed your cat to keep them happy and healthy.
Persian cats can be selective in what they eat. A slight change in how food is served and the type of bowl used can significantly affect their appetite. In addition, the unique flat face structure of a Persian’s nose and mouth make them sloppy eaters, and some foods are problematic for them to grip into their mouths. Therefore, not only are Persian cats fussy eaters in terms of taste, but the texture of their food is a concern because of their flat-face physiology.
The Best Food for Persian cats?
There are several factors you should know when deciding on the right meal for your Persian cat.
High protein and low carbohydrate
Animal protein is the primary source of energy for your Persian. In addition, cat food rich in animal protein helps maintain their muscular body. On the other hand, too many carbohydrates can deteriorate their digestive function, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and flatulence. Therefore, high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods are ideal.
Low-allergen ingredients
Persian cats are susceptible to epiphora or teary eyes. Due to having such flat faces, their nasolacrimal duct clogs easily. Persian cats with allergies can have more trouble with their eyes tearing. Food with low allergen meat or fish with its main ingredients will help lessen the chance of allergies.
Balanced dietary fiber
Since Persian cats are long-haired, they can have problems with hairballs, which are caused by swallowing their fur as they groom themselves. This can lead to hairball accumulating in their stomachs rather than being regurgitated. Therefore, choosing a cat food well balanced in fiber is also recommended for easy digestion. The cat food for hairball care contains twice as much dietary fiber as regular foods.
There are two kinds of dietary fiber: water-soluble nutritional fiber and insoluble dietary fiber. Therefore, you must choose a brand of good quality cat food containing both water-soluble and insoluble fiber in a well-balanced manner.
Water-soluble fiber. This fiber is easily dissolved in water. It lowers blood cholesterol levels, suppresses postprandial blood glucose spikes, and increases the number of good bacteria in the intestines.
Insoluble fiber, such as cellulose, is not digested by the stomach and tends to swell when it contains water, increasing the bulk of the stool and its size. Be careful with the amount of insoluble fiber you give your Persian, as taking in too much can cause constipation in these cats. Insoluble dietary fiber absorbs water and increases your cat’s stool size for comfortable defecation.
How Much to Feed Your Persian
Persian cats are an indoor breed because of their flat face and long, soft fur. They aren’t a breed made for outdoor living. Going outside for short periods is fine, but living out isn’t suggested. Many Persians are more sedentary than others, and it is best to ensure they don’t overeat and gain too much weight.
How to Keep a Fussy Eater Eating
Choose a spot for your Persian to eat at. These cats are sensitive to change. Even changing to a new mat or tray where their dishes sit can disrupt their schedule and make them stop eating.
- Keep your Persian cat’s dish clean. If your Persian leaves some wet food, you can mix it with fresh for the next meal or discard it altogether. Hard food can be left but should be changed or added to the next day.
- Feed at a fixed time. Once your cat knows feeding time, it’s best to keep it the same.
- Make sure your Persian cat has clean drinking water every day.
- Guests in the house. Don’t let guests watch your cat eat. This can disrupt your cat and reduce their appetite if the guest is someone they don’t know well.
- Food choices. High-quality cat food can make your Persian cat healthier. Try to feed them natural cat food.
- Canned cat food. If their canned food isn’t finished during a feeding session, you should store it in the fridge until the next feeding time. Then, you should heat it before serving. Cold food can not only affect your Persian cat’s appetite but also cause digestive disorders.
Homemade cat food
If your Persian cat is particularly finicky or has health issues, you can make their food. Many people search for cat food recipes, but you can ask your vet or even find a tutor to teach you what is best for your Persian. Most cats accept homemade food readily. However, it will always depend on the food chosen and the cat’s palate.
Raw diet: this diet offers raw food to the feline, either chopped or passed through a grinder. It is crucial to remember that you should freeze the food before feeding it. The reason for this is to avoid parasites or pathogens.
Cooked homemade diets: To prevent viruses or parasites. Cook or sear any meat you are offering.
Human food
Some human food isn’t suitable for your Persian cat. If you can’t prepare homemade food for your Persian, here is a list of human foods ideal for your cat’s consumption.
Mussels
Prawns
Unsalted meat
Unsalted fish
Sliced turkey
York ham slices
Chicken slices
Unsweetened skimmed yogurt
Egg
Lactose-free cheese.
It’s recommended that you don’t fee your cat canned tuna. There are too many preservatives. Any food suitable for a cat is based on recipes or commercial food. Your vet should supervise what you are feeding your Persian as they can advise you on the quality and suitability of any food. The amount of food to give your Persian cat is determined by its metabolic rate and how active they are.
You must avoid overcooking the food when making homemade dry cat food using grains and animal protein such as chicken and veggies. Since some nutrients can be lost in the process.
Persian cats may require more vitamins (such as Vitamin B) than other cats. A supplement-rich diet can include pumpkin, milk, salmon oil, probiotics for total well-being, and Lysine powder to aid and improve visual, respiratory, and tissue health.
If you can’t provide a home-cooked diet, consult your veterinarian for advice on quality Persian cat food. The better the food you feed your cat the better their immunity against diseases, stress, and aging will be.
You may also want to make use of a system called food rotation. The system requires you to avoid feeding your cats the same food daily. A single diet can’t be relied on forever, and food allergies can develop if your cat is fed the same diet for a long time. In addition, your cat is less likely to avoid prepared food because it is used in different flavors, proteins, and grains daily.
Conclusion
Persian cats can be finicky eaters. Some issues stem from the food you offer and your cat’s preference for what they like. If they don’t like the food they won’t eat, you have a problem finding food your Persian will eat. Other issues include moving their food dishes, changing the mat you set their bowls on, and other things that may seem small to us but can destroy your Persian’s comfort zone. Hopefully, this article helps you take steps to keep your Persian cat happy, healthy, and fed well. Do you have a question or comment? We’d love to hear from you.