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What to feed, how much to feed, and how often to feed are common concerns of first-time cat
owners. Find out what the new cat has been eating. Even if you don't expect to stay with that diet, continue feeding it some of its old food, and gradually switch it to the new. Whether you feed dry, canned, or semi-moist food, be sure to purchase a product that meets the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), preferably by animal-feeding trials.
Never give more than 5 to 10 percent of the cat's diet in the form of table scraps. Remember that
raw meat may be a source of parasites and bacteria. By feeding a diet that meets the AAFCO
standards, you can be assured your cat is receiving an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals in the diet. Therefore, the use of vitamin and mineral supplements is unnecessary. In fact, the addition of a supplement without a veterinarian's approval may actually harm your cat. (For more detailed
information on nutrition, see our Pet Food Companies links.)
