Obviously, your cat's breed is not the only factor to consider when determining its nutritional needs and daily ration calculation. However, it is a good idea to consult the breeder and your veterinarian about any dietary peculiarities related to the breed. For example, the Bengal cat struggles to digest starch, the Persian cat has a delicate stomach and will need fiber to maintain optimal digestion, while the British Shorthair may easily become overweight if it doesn’t get enough exercise. Does breed really affect your cat’s nutritional needs? Currently, no study has proven a significant difference in energy needs based on breed. However, it is reasonable to think that breed does play a role, especially since some breeds are predisposed to obesity while others are not. Some breeds mature later than others, and some are prone to congenital diseases. Physical characteristics can also impact the body's thermoregulation, which could explain variations in nutritional needs. Long-haired cat breeds seem less prone to obesity than others A 2009 study showed that long-haired cat breeds are less prone to obesity than other breeds. Another study from 2017 even suggested that they are more likely to be underweight. Several factors must be taken into account But beyond your cat's breed, what’s important when considering its daily ration is, firstly, its optimal weight, secondly, its activity level (whether it has access to the outdoors or is strictly an indoor cat), its physiological status (whether it’s neutered or not), and finally, its age. For some cat breeds that tend to gain weight easily, a 100% wet food diet (canned food or home-made food) is recommended, especially if your cat is neutered and doesn’t go outside. For other breeds, a mixed diet with mostly wet food and some dry kibble can be an option. The nutritional needs of the Bengal Being close to the wildcat, it has been shown that Bengal cats have more difficulty digesting starch than other cats. Therefore, it is best to offer your Bengal a diet low in carbohydrates but rich in proteins and fats. Kibble containing high levels of carbohydrates, even grain-free varieties, should be avoided; wet food, which contains much less starch, is preferred. For more information, feel free to check our dedicated article on Bengal cat diet. The nutritional needs of the British Shorthair The British Shorthair seems predisposed to obesity. This breed is robust and muscular, but if it lacks stimulation and physical activity, it can easily gain weight. And weight gain means paying special attention to carbohydrate content in its food... Especially if your British Shorthair is neutered, you should avoid free-feeding kibble. Instead, choose mostly wet food, distributed in several small meals, which will keep it fuller for longer. And, most importantly, make sure to play with and exercise it. If you can’t let it outdoors, you can invest in a cat tree or a wall-mounted climbing course to keep it active. The nutritional needs of the Chartreux The Chartreux is also prone to weight gain. Therefore, it is best to give it a mostly wet food diet, especially if it is neutered and doesn’t have access to the outdoors. Avoid free-feeding kibble. Also, keep in mind that kibble is 4 times more caloric than wet food, gram for gram. With wet food, your Chartreux will stay fuller for longer than with kibble, as it adds volume to its stomach with fewer calories. The nutritional needs of the Maine Coon The Maine Coon has higher energy needs than European cats due to its size. However, like any other cat, it needs to find quality proteins and essential amino acids (taurine, arginine, leucine, lysine...) in its food to stay healthy. Unlike other cats, it needs more protein and fatty acids to maintain its beautiful coat. You can offer your Maine Coon a wet or mixed diet, with mostly wet food and some kibble on the side. To learn more, check our article on the ideal diet for a Maine Coon cat. The nutritional needs of the Norwegian Forest Cat Like other cats, the Norwegian Forest cat requires a diet rich in animal proteins. It’s a sturdy cat, and if properly fed, it can remain healthy throughout its life. Its diet must include many nutrients essential for the health of its coat and organs: proteins, sulfur amino acids (methionine and cysteine), omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid and arachidonic acid), omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins A, E, and B vitamins, particularly biotin (B9), and trace elements (including copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iodine). For this breed, you can opt for 100% wet food or a mixed diet, always with a majority of wet food and some kibble on the side. The nutritional needs of the Persian The Persian is a low-energy and fragile cat, so it will need a suitable diet. Also, since the Persian ingests a large amount of fur during grooming, which can get stuck in its intestines, it is important to offer a wet, fiber-rich diet to ensure proper digestion. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and zucchini are great sources of fiber. It’s also important to ensure the cat stays hydrated. To avoid constipation, wet food should be the main part of the Persian’s diet. The nutritional needs of the Ragdoll The Ragdoll, a large breed, requires a diet rich in protein and fat. It is especially important for this breed to have high-quality proteins for muscle maintenance. The Ragdoll also has a thick coat that requires sufficient fatty acids to stay healthy and shiny. As such, it will need wet food, with a focus on proteins and fats. Wet food with high protein content, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and essential amino acids is ideal for the Ragdoll. Nutrition Needs of the Birman With its medium-length coat, the Birman is easier to groom than the Persian cat. However, during shedding season, daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting and excessive hair ingestion by your cat. The Birman is predisposed to hereditary kidney dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to choose a diet that supports kidney function and pay special attention to phosphorus levels in its food. Contrary to what has been widely believed, protein is not the enemy of the kidneys, provided the protein is of good quality. Feel free to consult our article on kidney failure in cats, which explains the preferred diet for kidney health. If you suspect your cat may have kidney failure, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian, who can perform thorough tests and prescribe suitable veterinary food. For more information, feel free to check out our article on the ideal diet for the Birman cat. Nutrition Needs of the Sphynx Due to the complete lack of fur on its body, the Sphynx uses more energy to regulate its body temperature than other cats. It must consume a diet that meets its nutritional needs and keeps it satisfied. You can offer it a mixed diet, with both wet food and dry food. As with other cats, it is important to follow a gradual dietary transition to avoid upsetting its digestive system, which can sometimes be sensitive. For more information, feel free to consult our article on the feeding your Sphynx cat.

"Ashes in my cat's food, and what's next?!" We see you panicking! Don't worry, we're not talking about cigarette butts or charred paper, but about minerals found in our cats' food, which remain after the complete combustion of a food, hence the term "ashes". How is the ash content calculated? "Crude Ash", "Mineral Matter", or "Minerals": These three terms, which appear on the labels on the back of packaging, refer to the total amount of various minerals present in a food's composition. The mineral matter is mainly represented by calcium and phosphorus, but also contains sodium chloride, potassium, and magnesium. If a percentage of calcium and phosphorus is also listed, it is additional information, but they are already counted in the crude ash. The calculation of the ash content in a food is done in a laboratory. The food is heated to a very high temperature until completely burned. The remaining ashes are mainly composed of mineral matter that remains after this combustion. In short: it's what "remains" when the food has been entirely burned. What are the main minerals and trace elements? In the ash content, there are macroelements, which are present in relatively large quantities in the food, and trace elements, which are found in small quantities. The Macroelements calcium (Ca) phosphorus (P) potassium (K) sodium (Na) magnesium (Mg) chloride (Cl) The Trace Elements iron (Fe) zinc (Zn) manganese (Mn) copper (Cu) iodine (I) selenium (Se) What is the role of minerals in my cat's diet? Minerals and trace elements in our cats' food play a major role: They ensure the growth and maintenance of hard and soft tissues and also preserve tissue integrity. They help regulate biological and physiological processes of the cells. For example, calcium ensures the functioning of the nervous system, blood clotting, and muscle contraction... Iron guarantees the binding and transport of oxygen. They are essential for the production of enzymes and hormones. The ash content should not be too low or too high in your cat's food. Too low or, conversely, too high a micronutrient intake can have a negative long-term impact. We should be cautious about both underdosing and overdosing. Ash Content, an Indirect Indicator of Quality In a complete food, the crude ash content is a good indirect indicator of quality. A minimum amount is required to meet needs, but a very high amount indicates a high amount of carcass with bones. We aim for a crude ash percentage of 6 to 10% of dry matter. This means approximately 5.5 to 9% in dry food like kibble, or 1.25 to 2.5% in wet food like pâté. Avoid choosing foods with more than 12% crude ash (of dry matter). A food rich in ash (and therefore in carcasses or Mechanically Separated Meat) can lead to very hard white stools or even constipation. Example of the analytical composition of a well-balanced mineral food, Ziggy Sterilized Adult Cat Food - Grain-Free - Fish: Example of the analytical composition of a supermarket pâté with more than 2.5% crude ash: Crude protein 9.5% Crude fat 4% Crude fiber 0.8% Crude Ash 3% Moisture 82% Estimated carbohydrates 0.7% Does your cat suffer from urinary problems? Watch the ash content in their food If your little companion suffers from urinary issues, it will be important to pay attention to the "mineral matter" or "ashes" in their food. In a cat with urinary problems or kidney stones, the goal is to dilute urine through a wet food diet and avoid high mineral content, as these can aggregate into crystals and then stones. Choose food with a controlled and stable mineral composition (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, phosphorus). Choose food with less than 5% ash content of dry matter. This means less than 4.6% in kibble with around 8% moisture, or less than 1.1% in wet food with 78% moisture. Finally, don't forget that by choosing the right food for our cats, we can prevent certain diseases, keep them healthy, and avoid high vet bills. Are you a cat nutrition expert? Test your knowledge with our quiz!

  Neutering your cat offers many benefits. But how can you avoid weight gain? Neutering Your Cat: A Responsible Choice It is often recommended to neuter or spay cats, both male and female, at the end of their growth period. First, to limit and prevent stray litters, thereby avoiding abandonments and the overcrowding of shelters. Undesirable behaviors are also observed, such as male cats marking their territory or female cats crying during heat. Finally, it's important to remember that neutering or spaying your cat helps prevent fights and reduces the risk of running away. Many of us want to neuter or spay our cats, but we often fear the inevitable weight gain that follows! Why do cats gain weight after being neutered or spayed? Neutering your cat comes with a decrease in its energy needs. This means that our cats should consume fewer calories – on average 20% to 30% less each day. Additionally, after castration, our cats lose their natural ability to regulate their caloric needs, which makes them more likely to consume more than they need, leading to rapid weight gain. So, our cats have reduced caloric needs and a loss of self-regulation ability. It is up to us to properly control and regulate their diet to avoid weight gain. How to prevent or limit weight gain after neutering your cat? First and foremost, neutering your cat is a stressful event, both for you and for your cat. We do not recommend changing or reducing your cat’s diet immediately after the surgery. You can give it a few days of rest, allowing it to return to its home and routine. Understanding: When you reduce your cat’s caloric intake, remember that it's not just about reducing the amount of food, but rather reducing the caloric density. Example with wet food: If your cat eats 200g of wet food per day, don’t just reduce the amount to 160g. It won’t understand this sudden "rationing" and may become frustrated. Instead, choose a new wet food, either from the same brand or a different one, formulated for neutered cats and with lower calories. Check out our grain-free wet foods for cats, available in chicken, beef, or fish, specially designed to meet the dietary needs of neutered cats. Example with dry food: If your cat eats 50g of dry food per day, don’t just reduce the amount to 40g. Instead, choose dry food that is specifically designed for neutered cats, with fewer calories, or replace part of its dry food with wet food. Wet food is on average 4 times less caloric than dry food, and will provide volume, water, and high-quality protein to your cat, reducing frustration and increasing satiety. In summary, our tips: Choose low-calorie food: Some foods, whether dry or wet, are more suitable for neutered cats and neutered kittens. This is because some types of food are less caloric than others, at the same weight (100g for example). If their calorie content is reduced, these foods continue to meet the essential nutritional needs of cats in sufficient quantities. Portion their food: If your cat had free access to dry food before neutering, it's not advisable to continue this. Since your cat can no longer regulate itself, it’s better to calculate the daily food intake (dry food and/or wet food) and divide it into several small meals, at least four. Add volume without the calories: It’s possible that your cat will seem frustrated or hungry if you suddenly reduce its caloric intake. This is normal! If its energy needs decrease in less than 24 hours, it won’t be used to this change. You can either transition slowly to a lower-calorie food or add boiled vegetables to its dry food or wet food. Try adding boiled zucchini, which is very low-calorie and often liked by cats. It will provide volume without the extra calories. Are you a feline nutrition expert? Test your knowledge with our quiz!

Learn all about carbohydrates in your cat's diet. Discover the risks of excess and the truth about "grain-free" diets.

With the exception of foods that are highly toxic to our cats (chocolate, coffee, onion...), most native foods (those that have not been processed) consumed by humans are consumable, at least in small quantities, by our cats. However, they are not always well tolerated! Some foods will only be well tolerated in small amounts, and this tolerance varies from cat to cat: this is the case, for example, with cooked starch or sugar. Toxic Foods for My Cat These are foods that should never, under any circumstances, be given to our cats. Some sauces containing garlic and onion, or any food made from chocolate or caffeine should be avoided. You should also be careful of toxic plants for cats, which account for up to 20% of poisoning cases in cats. Coffee Caffeine is a real poison for our cats. It can cause an accelerated heart rate, breathing difficulties, tremors... Tea Tea also contains caffeine, which can cause serious poisoning. Grapes In any form, grapes are dangerous for our furry friends. They can cause acute kidney failure within 2-3 days of ingestion. Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulating alkaloid that is not detoxified by the cat's liver. It can cause excessive drooling, tachycardia (too rapid heart rate), seizures, coma, and even death. Garlic It contains a toxin that affects red blood cells and its ingestion can lead to hemolytic anemia with consequences such as jaundice. Onion Onion contains the same toxic compound as garlic. Alcohol Alcohol is extremely dangerous for our cats. It can cause liver and brain damage, and even death. Chestnuts and Horse Chestnuts They are harmful to the liver of our little companions and can even cause some neurological disorders. Avocado Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that is harmless to humans but dangerous and sometimes deadly to our little companions. Bones and Fish Bones Sharp bones and fish bones can get stuck in the digestive tract, particularly in the larynx, pharynx, or esophagus... and block the passage of food. Raw Potatoes for Cats They contain solanine, which is toxic to both humans and cats. Ingesting raw potatoes can cause digestive and neurological issues. Cherries Generally, fruits containing cyanogenic glycosides are not suitable for cats. Foods to Avoid for My Cat These are not toxic to our cats, as long as they are given in small quantities. However, they can cause digestive problems or severe health issues if given in large quantities and/or over time. "Moderation is key", this saying applies to our furry friends as well! Some vegetables and legumes are difficult for our cats to digest, which is why we recommend giving them raw or cooked zucchini, which are well tolerated, as a supplement to a healthy and balanced diet. To prevent them from gaining weight and the health problems that come with it, avoid giving them table scraps and instead opt for cat food cans specifically formulated for them to meet their nutritional needs. Raw Egg The raw egg white contains an enzyme that reduces the absorption capacity of vitamin B8. Cheese It is not toxic to your cat, but when consumed in large quantities, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Butter Our cats enjoy a small piece of butter from time to time. However, as butter is a very rich food, it should not be given in large quantities. Milk Lactose tolerance can vary from cat to cat. If your cat tolerates milk well, they can have a small amount occasionally. Nuts It is mainly the mycotoxins present in the pulp or husk of the nut that are highly toxic. But don’t worry, our cats are not attracted to the walnut husk. Spinach Spinach is rich in oxalic acids, which can cause urinary problems. Citrus Fruits Oranges, lemons, mandarins... The citric acid in the fruit can irritate the cat's digestive system. Swiss Chard Swiss chard is high in nitrates and oxalic acid. It can cause urinary issues. Cakes And anything that is sweet in general! Turnip Turnips are not recommended for our cats as they can cause digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea. Canned Tuna Our cats love it! However, canned tuna has a very high salt content. Therefore, it should not be given too often.   Leeks From the same family as garlic and onions, leeks are toxic. They are less dangerous than onions, but large quantities must be ingested to cause poisoning. Also, they are very fibrous and difficult for cats to digest. Lentils Lentils are hard to digest due to their high phytic acid content. Eggplant Eggplant contains atropine, which can cause heart rhythm disturbances in your little companion. Cabbage Cabbage is difficult for our little companions to digest. It can cause gas and diarrhea if given in large amounts. Cold Cuts Like cheese, cold cuts are too fatty. Given in large quantities, they can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Sorrel Like spinach and Swiss chard, sorrel is rich in oxalic acid and can cause urinary problems. My cat has been poisoned, how should I react? You should urgently call your veterinarian, as they are the only ones who can guide you on what to do. Try to provide as much information as possible, including the food ingested and the quantity. There are two veterinary poison centers in France, they are available 24/7 and offer free advice. And how to treat my cat? Visit our blog for 5 healthy treats for my cat. You can also treat your cat with our delicious cat kibble, which are both tasty and healthy.

As obligate carnivores, our cats have very specific needs. Taurine, for example, is one of the essential nutrients in their diet. They cannot do without it, otherwise they risk developing deficiencies — hence the importance of providing them with a complete and high-quality diet. Our cats and their specific diet Our cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they cannot do without meat in their diet. However, that doesn't mean they should eat ONLY meat — that would actually be dangerous for their health. The fact is: our cats can only meet their nutritional needs through animal tissue. These specific needs reflect their strict carnivore nature, adapted to consuming small prey. Therefore, our cats have unique nutritional requirements: taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, niacin, tyrosine, cysteine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, tryptophan, threonine, histidine, pyridoxine, vitamins A and D. You might have guessed it, but for these reasons, our cats cannot be fed a vegetarian diet or one too low in animal proteins. Taurine in my cat's diet: an essential nutrient Taurine is one of the 11 essential amino acids for our cats' health. It is a sulfonic amino acid found in animal proteins — in meat, fish, and shellfish. It is essential for growth, reproduction, proper heart, muscle, and vision function. Taurine is a precursor of bile acids, which are essential for fat digestion. Cats use taurine exclusively to conjugate bile acids, excreting all bile acids in the form of taurocholate (a component of bile, secreted by liver cells). Taurine therefore also supports proper digestion in our cats. Mammals can synthesize taurine from sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine). However, our cats have the necessary enzymes, but two of them have low activity: cysteine dioxygenase and cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase. To meet their taurine needs, they must obtain it directly from their diet — especially from animal tissues rich in taurine. Taurine is destroyed during cooking Taurine is naturally found in meat, but to ensure a complete and high-quality cat food, it is necessary to add it during the industrial production of wet food or kibble. Indeed, taurine is heat-sensitive. During industrial food processing, food is cooked between 90°C and 140°C for several minutes, which destroys taurine. That’s why it must be added in higher amounts during production, to ensure enough remains after cooking. This is also why you’ll find it listed on your cat food labels. Taurine deficiency in cats = danger Cats cannot do without taurine — and therefore animal protein — in their diet, or they risk severe deficiencies. What are the consequences of a taurine deficiency in cats? central retinal degeneration (which causes irreversible blindness) degeneration of heart muscle leading to cardiomyopathy impaired immune function teratogenicity: a pregnant cat lacking taurine may give birth to kittens with abnormal growth and development. Don't worry — taurine deficiencies are relatively rare when a cat is fed a complete and high-quality diet. However, if your cat seems unwell, consult your veterinarian for an examination. Taurine deficiency can be detected through a simple blood test. Are you a feline nutrition expert? Test your knowledge with our quiz!

More protein and play, less hunting? That’s what a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter in England seems to suggest! Different methods tested to reduce predation in cats If your feline friend has access to the outdoors, chances are you’ve already received a dead bird or mouse as a gift... Our cats are natural-born hunters, and it’s important to understand that this behavior is hardwired. Scolding or punishing them won’t change their predatory nature. However, a team of British researchers recently tested the effectiveness of 5 different methods to reduce predatory behavior in cats. The researchers selected 219 households with at least one cat that regularly hunts outdoors. Several techniques were tested, and the results were quite revealing! Each household tested one method: a collar with a bell, a colorful "Birdsbesafe" collar cover, puzzle feeders, a grain-free diet with high-quality meat as the main protein source, or a recommendation to play with their cat for 5 to 10 minutes daily. A control group made no changes. In total, 355 cats were observed. The number of prey killed was recorded over 12 weeks, before and after implementing one of the methods. The results were quite convincing… Diet and play had a significant impact Here are the methods tested and their results: Bell collars: designed to give auditory warning to prey, showed no measurable impact on predation. Birdsbesafe collar covers: brightly colored covers reduced bird predation by 42%, but had no significant effect on small mammal kills. Puzzle feeders: surprisingly, cats fed their usual food through puzzle feeders increased their predation by 33%. High-protein diet: cats fed a grain-free, protein-rich wet food with real meat (not by-products) showed a 36% reduction in hunting behavior. Play sessions: households that played with their cats for 5–10 minutes a day mimicking hunting behavior saw a 25% reduction in predation. Dietary changes and play sessions significantly reduced the number of prey brought home compared to the control group. This is promising! We could reduce our cats’ impact on biodiversity while improving their well-being and health. Source: Current Biology / Provision of high meat content food and object play reduce predation of wild animals by domestic cats Felis Catus. Martina Cecchetti, Sarah L. Crowley, Cecily E.D. Goodwin, Robbie A. McDonald.

Learn more about diabetes in adult cats. Discover the risks of obesity and the signs to better prevent this common disease.

Zucchini is a food rich in fiber and water, and its health benefits for our cats are well known. In fact, most cats love it! You can incorporate it into their meals as part of a balanced diet containing high-quality proteins. We explain how to prepare and store zucchini for your cat and what its health benefits are. Why give zucchini to my cat? Our cats are strict carnivores, meaning they cannot do without meat in their diet. However, it would be harmful to feed a cat only meat! Vegetables are a source of quality fiber for our cats, they are very rich in water and low in carbohydrates. They provide volume with very few calories and are often appreciated by our gourmet felines. Detailed composition of zucchini (raw, skin and pulp) Source: ciqual.anses.fr How to give zucchini to my cat? Raw or cooked? Zucchini is a vegetable that is generally appreciated by our furry companions. However, its acceptance may vary depending on texture, temperature, and the form in which you give it. You can try cutting it into small cubes, about the size of a kibble, as it will be more easily accepted than in large chunks. Initially, try offering steamed zucchini, and if your cat is reluctant, offer it raw or just defrosted. Our tip for having zucchini ready in advance: Start by cutting off the ends of the zucchini. Wash them under running water. Then cut them into small cubes (about the size of a kibble or a small pea). Place them in an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. Every day, defrost one ice cube in the microwave for 1 minute or simply under hot water, depending on your cat's preference! Once this small amount is accepted by your cat, you can double the quantity. How much to give? To gradually introduce it into your cat’s diet, start by offering a few cubes of zucchini per day over several days. Once your cat seems to like it, you can increase the amount. Eventually, you can reach 50 to 100 grams per day for an adult cat that enjoys it. For the more greedy cats, you can serve up to 150 grams of zucchini per day! Determine the precise amount of food to give your cat using our ration calculator. At what age can I give zucchini to my kitten? A few cubes of zucchini can be introduced around weaning for a kitten, and you can gradually increase to 10 grams per day from the age of 4 to 5 months. You can easily increase it to 20 grams per day from 6 to 7 months, and then to 30 grams per day around 8 to 9 months. What if my cat doesn’t like zucchini? If your cat doesn’t like zucchini, you can try replacing it with other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or green beans. You could also try offering pumpkin, which also has numerous benefits for our feline friends. What are the benefits of zucchini for my cat? As part of a healthy, high-protein, quality diet, zucchini is the perfect health ally for our cats! Zucchini satisfies hunger Zucchini is ideal for an adult neutered cat who lives indoors or for a cat who has trouble regulating their appetite and tends to gain weight. Indeed, it contains a lot of water, providing volume in the stomach without the accompanying calories! Your cat will feel full more easily, reducing the risk of developing issues like obesity or diabetes. It helps keep your cat hydrated Cats originated in the desert and in the wild, they hydrated through the moisture of their prey. They have kept this habit of getting hydration from their food and drinking little. However, water is essential for the proper functioning of their organs. Thanks to its high water content, zucchini helps keep your cat well-hydrated throughout the day. As a result, it helps prevent urinary issues, which are often linked to dry food and insufficient water intake. It promotes good digestion The fiber in zucchini ensures better digestion, especially for a cat that tends to be constipated. If constipation occurs, and only after consulting your veterinarian and in the absence of any serious health issues, adding a few zucchini cubes or another vegetable to their diet can help restore regular digestion. Does your cat enjoy zucchini in its diet? Feel free to share your tips for preparing it!