The Best Food for Himalayan Cats (Great Health & Energy)
Himalayan Cats are favored among many cat lovers. Different kind of breeds requires special care, especially when it comes to nutrition. One must be prepared to go an extra mile when owning a Himalayan cat. Choosing the best food for Himalayan cats ensures great health and lots of energy. Read further to find out more about choosing the best food for your Himalayan.
About Himalayan Cats
The Himalayan cat is also known as the Himalayan Persian or the Colourpoint Persian. This cat is a long-haired breed with gorgeous blue eyes and the cat’s unique pattern, which came from crossing the Persian with the Siamese.
Their physical appearance consists of creamed furs throughout the body, with a darkened face, tail, ears and feet. On average adults grow to an astonishing 7-12 pounds with a lifespan of 9-15 years.
Himalayan cats are usually devoted and really calm, and for that reason, they make great companions. By nature, they are usually better equipped in quieter homes.
According to history, it is possible that these amazing cats descended from Palla’s cat. This is a small wild cat from central Asia, also known to have long fur with the absence of spots or stripes.
It is also widely believed that the breed started at Harvard back in the 1930s. Back then researcher Clyde Keeler, along with enthusiast Virginia Cobb, embarked on a study to combine Persian and Siamese character traits.
Himalayan Cats Diet & Nutrition
According to the kind of breed these cats are, they do seem like they would require a very complicated and near impossible diet plan. In reality, however, they simply need to have a balanced diet just like most cats. They do require a specific diet, but it is not complicated nor impossible.
It is possible that cats can have their personal preference when it comes to their meals just like us humans do. This will need to be identified by the cat owner through close observation during meal times. In order to keep your Himalayan healthy and energetic, you need to provide a proper biologically appropriate diet.
The diet should be:
- Low in carbohydrates
- High in protein (they're naturally carnivores)
- Moderate in fats
It is also important that the diet must be:
- Absent of fillers such as wheat, corn and starches
- Abundant with real meat and organ ingredients
- Packed with nutrients and vitamins or whole foods that have them
A good combination of dry and wet foods is advised. In the past, people used to feed their pets dry foods all the time. Today, there are more options, including wet foods. This should be taken into consideration. It is vital for a Himalayan cat owner to be aware of Himalayan cat food allergies, as these can cause tremendous amounts of discomfort for the cat and can also be fatal in some cases.
The breed is not known for high levels of exercise, so it is important to keep an eye on their nutrition and exercise. Exercise must be encouraged daily by playing with toys and going for walks.
The average amount of calories depending on the weight of the cat, for example:
A 3lb kitten is estimated to cope with 90calories, food: 81 calories, treats 9calories.
An adult cat of 9lb can cope with 202calories, food: 182 calories, treats: 20calories
A senior of 12lb can cope with 248calories, food: 223 calories, treats: 25calories
The weight of the cat does play a very important role in the number of calories the cat should consume daily, in order to maintain a healthy body and prevent obesity. Ideal weight leads to a happier pet, longer lifespan and the prevention of serious illnesses.
Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats split
The following is the breakdown of macronutrients. If this is followed well, it will provide the best nutritional value to your cat. It will also protect their body against disease by maintaining a healthy immune system.
It is advised that the best dry matter basis breakdown of macronutrients is as follows:
This is not usual for most pet food. It is also helpful to take into consideration what cats eat in the wild. The macronutrient breakdown is as follows:
This indicates that the best food for Himalayan cats should closely mimic the macronutrients breakdown shown above. The best diet for the Himalayan cats should contain high protein, low carbohydrates, and moderate fat. Naturally, these animals in the wild would survive on animal meat, rats, mice, birds & rabbits, carbohydrates should be very minimal in the diet of your pet cat.
Common Health Problems with Himalayan Cats
Although these cats are easy going and great companions, there are health problems that one has to be aware of when planning to bring a Himalayan cat home. They tend to battle with the following health problems:
Breathing challenges:
This is due to their flat pug-like nose, this makes the cat quite cute, but also medically that is the weakest point for the cat.
Polycystic kidney disorder:
The cysts form inside the kidneys, taking the functional tissue’s place is not necessarily life-threatening, on the other hand, is known to be quite painful and has no cure so far, but special diets can help reduce the risks of this being possible.
Skin, liver and eye problems:
These are commonly found in Himalayan cats compared to any other cat breed, although a good diet is advised, your Himalayan cat should be routinely screened at bi-annual veterinary exams for any signs of these health issues.
Hairballs:
Because they have such long hairs, they risk having a large ball inside the tummy which can request an emergency surgery. To prevent this, the cat needs to be brushed on a daily basis to help minimize the size of the hairball.
The Four Best Himalayan Cat Foods
Like mentioned earlier, a good combination of wet and dry food is recommended for the best health benefits of the Himalayan cat. Take a look at the following:
1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition, Persian Dry
Almond shaped kibble, which is purposefully designed to make it easier for the cat’s grip with the tongue, and added omega 6 fatty acids are providing nutritional requirements for the cat. The blend of soluble and insoluble fibers that increase the activity of the digestive system helping with the reduction of hairballs.
2. Royal Canin Adult Complete Cat Food for Persian
This has been formulated to provide the best nutritional balanced diet for the special requirements for the feeding styles of Persian cats. Rich in minerals and vitamins, and kibble sizes that are suited for your cat’s jaw.
3. Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers, Gourmet Wet
This juicy gourmet collection offers succulent bites with poultry, beef or seafood, slow cooked and accompanied by a rich gravy that adds more flavor to the meal, providing balanced nutrition for adult cats.
4. Purina Friskies Meaty Bits, Variety Pack Adult Wet
This desirable mixture of meaty bites and mouth-watering gravy makes this Purina Friskies a loved product among cats, as it’s bursting with flavors with every mouthful. This product also provides your cat with vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
The Himalayan cats do require a special set of skills to care for them. Their unusual long fur makes them more prone to large hairball accumulations. Brushing them often can save them a lot of pain and the owner a lot of heartache due to fatal results.
When it comes to their diet, remember to buy only the best food for Himalayan cats. Due to their larger bone structure and overall as bigger cats, they do need to have a properly balanced diet. This will not only provide nutritional substances but will help them fight oncoming illnesses.
Due to their quiet nature, one has to remember not to neglect their physical fitness. They need to exercise daily as this will keep them fit and help prevent obesity. Above all, these cats are awesome, and when properly taken care of, the relationship between the Himalayan cat and the owner is bound to blossom and be a lengthy one too.