Feline parenthood guide

This is the first of a two-part series on cat keeping. Every cat parent wants to be the BEST cat parent, but do you know what it takes to be the best?

- Fatema Siamwala

Here are the top 8 things every cat parent must be aware of:

Food & water: We all want our cats to be fit and healthy. One of the most important ways is to ensure you're feeding your cat with the right balance of nutrition such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Remember, a growing kitten and an adult cat require different proportions of these nutrients. It is essential that your cat is fed a well-balanced diet.

It is important that you know the ingredients in your cat's food, so while buying any packed food (dry & wet), check if the content includes the nutrition listed, as it differs from brand to brand. Some cats remain faithful to a particular flavor all their lives, while some cats are fickle and will refuse to eat the same flavor after some time.

Fortunately, you'll find various flavors offered by top cat food brands. If your cat is a fussy eater, then do not buy food in advance. Also, it is a myth that a cat should be fed the same food at all times. Try providing more than one or two flavors of food. This will ensure a balanced nutrition requirement is met. When you change the brand or flavor of the food, ensure it is done gradually so it does not affect your cat's digestion.

Cats are natural carnivores; their diet should consist of protein. They need a high proportion of protein (about twice as much as dogs). Your cat's diet should also be rich in fat, as their digestive system is equipped to cope with it easily. Some cat parents want to feed home-made food instead of brands. Making home-made food requires a good deal of time and effort and may not be as cheap as packed food. Ensure that the home-made food is prepared keeping in mind the nutrition required for your cat. Additionally, you will have to provide supplements for vitamins and minerals. If you are feeding fish or meat prepared meals, then you need to give calcium & vitamin A & D supplements.