Feeding a cat is one of the most important tasks that cat owners must take seriously. It is essential to remember that a good diet can help prevent veterinary expenses for a number of medical conditions related to a cat’s nutrition. A proper diet should include protein from meat, fish or poultry; taurine, an essential amino acid; other vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fatty acids; and water.

Although preservatives are needed to keep commercial food fresh for animals, don’t leave out canned food on a cat dish for any length of time. Dry food, on the other hand, can be left out for “free feeding.” Feed your cat a variety of foods from the start to avoid food addictions or get your cat bored with the same food day in and day out.