Hill's Cat Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Cat

How and when to feed your cat.

It's important to feed your cat the right amount of food at proper intervals, but this can be tricky -- feeding requirements vary greatly from one cat to another. Feeding guides on the food can or bag are just a starting point. It's critical to your kitten's health that her physical condition is monitored regularly and the feeding amount adjusted as needed.

To help keep your cat healthy, Hill's recommends following the simple steps in this cycle:

• Weigh your cat
• Feed based on feeding guide and veterinary recommendations
• Evaluate your cat's physical condition
• Adjust the amount you feed accordingly as your cat grows

Switching food

• If switching your cat to Hill's Science Plan product, gradually introduce it over a 7-day period. Do this by mixing your cat's former food with increasing proportions of the new food, until only Hill’s Science Plan is being fed. Your cat will then be able to fully enjoy the taste and benefits of the superior nutrition provided by Hill’s Science Plan.

You and your vet

Your vet is the best source of information about the health and well-being of your cat. Ask your vet’s advice regularly on your cat's weight because achieving and maintaining a pet's ideal weight not only reduces certain health risks, but can lead to your cat having a more energetic, longer and healthier life.

Ask your veterinarian which of these three feeding methods is best for your cat:

Free Choice: Food is available to your cat at all times.
Time-Limited Feeding: Food is available to your cat for a limited time.
Meal Feeding: A measured amount of food is available to your cat at specific meal times each day.
Water: Your cat must have an adequate supply of fresh water at all times. Not having water to drink for a sustained period of time will harm your cat's health.
Treats & titbits: Although it is tempting to give table scraps they do not provide your cat with the correct balance of nutrients. Try to be sparing with treats, as giving too many can lead to weight gain or nutritional imbalance.

The next step: When your cat reaches maturity at a year old, their nutritional needs will be different. You cat needs to move onto an adult food that will provide specific vitamins and minerals in a balance that's correct for their age. Hill's Science Plan can provide exactly that. The lifestage range is tailored to keep your cat in the best health throughout life, for all breeds and life-stages.