The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Is Undereating Cat Getting Enough Protein?
Although I am not able to listen to your radio program, a friend of mine directed me to your site and I was hoping you might be able to answer a question for me. Until I read your Q & A section, I was feeding my 5 cats a mixture of wet and dry food. I have since started to feed them only wet food. I have tried to feed them a half can twice a day, but have a problem getting them to eat all of it. My concern is that other health problems will occur because they are not receiving enough protein in their diet. Most of them will eat until they are full, but there is always food remaining. What can I do?
Thank you so much.
Lisa ,
from Illinois
Thanks for making the switch to wet food! It will save your cats' health--that much I can promise you.
The concern about cats and food is really when they eat nothing at all - THAT can be a problem. But don't worry about cats eating a small quantity since cats are quite wonderful in that they eat just as much as they need and no more. Maybe your cats are smaller body types?
Generally speaking, you want about one small can per cat at each feeding, but if your cats are happy with less and look healthy (shiny coats, clear eyes) and act happy and energetic, then thank your lucky stars! You can put out as much on each of the five saucers as you know the cats will eat. If they look around hungrily you can add a few spoons. But remember that the food doesn’t sit out all day: you put it down and whatever they don't eat in 15minutes goes back.
Good luck to you,
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
