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FOOD AND NUTRITION The most important thing you can do to guarantee your kitten's health and happiness when you bring her home, is to feed her the same food that she has been accustomed to, from your breeder. After she's been with you in her new home for a couple of months; you may wish to change her food. You may believe there is a better product: you may have done your research and discussed this with your vet. After considering all the possibilities it is wise to begin introducing her new food, gradually and in small increments. Mix a little portion, 25% of the new food with her regular food. The next week you may add a little more, up to 50%. During the third week you may use 75% of the new food with 25% of her original food: if, she is having no digestive upsets. And then during the fourth week she should be able to digest the new food. If you are willing to take more time, I suggest using increments of 20% instead of 25%. This may seem like a long, drawn out process to you, but please be assured it will pay off. Every veterinarian I've spoken to, agrees with this formula. It is difficult for us to think of our beloved pets, not being able to try new foods. We love trying new things and we'd like to share this with those we love. However, something we may consider a treat is something that can, in fact, endanger your Bengal's health. If you want to truly "treat, reward, or show your love" to your Bengal; spend a little more time playing with her and talking to her. They are highly intelligent and love listening to you and playing with you. Their taste buds are not the same as ours; we want them to enjoy their food and for it to be good for them; but they cannot taste the way we do. I've read several books and articles and spoken to other breeders and vets about nutrition for Bengals. I started feeding my Bengals Eagle Pack this is what the breeder I got my male and female fed their kittens. It is a very good product in that it contains premium ingredients, supplements and balanced nutrition for your cat. The difficulty we've had with it personally is that many of our Bengals have problems digesting it. Many experience gas pains and have stools that are too loose. My vet, who has her own Bengal suggested Iams. Since we've been feeding our cats Iams, we've had no digestive upsets..and digestion can be a particular problem for this breed. It is very important to always throw away any uneaten food, whether dry or wet, if it has not been consumed within 12 hours. It is equally as important to provide fresh water to your Bengal, twice daily. Cats don't always drink as much as they should; this is one of the arguments for wet food (more moisture). Everytime I'm at the sink in the kitchen or the bathroom, my cats come running. They love playing in the water:and this water is more oxygenated, much better for them. Many of our Bengals are so enthusiastic about playing with their water that it gets spilled before they have time to drink it. They also love dragging their toys into their water bowls.There are many kinds of water bowls available now for various pet needs, and so that you are assured they have fresh water available. The main reason you need to throw out any leftover or wet food is that it can grow mould, fungus and bacteria. It is crucial to wash your cats 'dining area'. Placemats, bowls, and surrounding surfaces must be washed with soap and water everyday; and dried carefully. This takes only a little of your time, and ensures the health and happiness of your kitten; as well as saving your money that may be spent on veterianary expenses because your kitten has developed digestive upsets. We find plastic placemats with porcelain bowls to be easy to clean. And I believe this type of bowl gets cleaner than some bowls of other materials. There are several books available regarding your cat's nutrition. Whether you're looking for a home-made diet or commercially prepared food, we've researched many books and articles by feline health specialists. We recommend the following: 1) What Cats Should Eat by Jean Hofve 2) Selecting the best Commercial Foods by www.apiaanimals.org Animal Protection Institute The following is a short-list of recommended commercially available food: 1) Iams 2) Eagle Pack 3) Innova 4) Newmans Own Organic 5) Wellness 6) Nature Valley PS. Please take the time to read the "ingredient's list" on the label you're looking at. Some of the newer products are advertising that they are natural, organic, etc. Please check the label to ensure this is at the top of the list, and not just a poor, little addition at the end of a "not so good" product. |
