Cats are independent animals, and they enjoy exploring and scavenging on their own. Despite this, they are known to be affectionate with their owners and people they trust. Benefits of owning a cat include their ability to lower stress and anxiety levels, prevent allergies, improve your cardiovascular health and help to reduce loneliness. Caring for your cat comes in a number of different forms such as providing them with a fresh litter box, giving them a safe environment to live in, and supplying them with a healthy, well-balanced diet. Here are 5 tips for giving your cat the perfect diet, and improving their overall health and well-being. Allergies in cats Despite the portrayal set by old cartoons, cats should not be fed dairy products including milk and cheese; they are naturally lactose intolerant. Do not feed your cat onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family – these can damage a cat’s red blood cells and cause them to develop anaemia. Raw bread, eggs, and fish can severely damage their digestive system. They are strictly meat eaters As they are natural hunters, cats are meat eaters and cannot survive on a vegetarian diet. They require a high level of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal levels of carbohydrates. Taurine is found only in animal tissues, and a deficiency in taurine can lead to dangerous heart problems and blindness in cats. Supplements Rich in Omega-3, Akelas 100% pure salmon oil promotes a healthy heart, aids joint mobility, and supports the immune system. Easily sprinkled over regular cat food, this nutritious addition will provide your cat with a lot of health benefits as well as improving its skin and coat. How often do they eat? Cats have several small meals throughout the day (usually 10-12 meals). The amount that they eat will depend on their age, lifestyle, and health. They also need to have constant access to water and may become very ill in just a few hours without it. Fresh wet food should be replaced at least twice a day, and dry food should be replaced at least once a day. They can be fussy eaters Cats can be picky eaters, and if they are given the same foods too often, they may then refuse to eat them. Try to give them different types of meats to ensure they aren’t going to get bored with their meals. They prefer food with a strong odour that is high in protein. If you can’t get your cat to eat their meat, try heating it up slightly in the microwave. To see our range of cat food, check out our website here