Cats would live healthier lifestyles if they were fed five or more small portions of food each day instead of less frequent bigger portions, according to a brand new diet plan created by scientists.
The program is suggesting that mimicking the way cats eat in the wild could change their behavior and make them happier and healthier.
The program also encourages cats to climb, hunt, explore and play in the safety of their own home – all activities which the experts say boost cats’ positive behavior and well-being.
Scientists are currently working with The Big Bang Fair 2017, which is a science and engineering fair for young people in Birmingham – claim cats’ modern lifestyles may lead to pets not being mentally stimulated and eating too much food.
The change in your cat’s diet may help address problems that owners may see in cats caused by feeding straight from packet to bowl, coupled with a lack of opportunity to interact with their environment.
The idea, which has been dubbed the five a day Felix plan and created by Dr. Sarah Ellis and Dr. Lizzie Rowe, recommends giving pet cats five or more small portions of food a day, rather than feeding them fewer, bigger portions.
It is also suggesting using home-made puzzle feeders, changing food location regularly, monitoring behavior and weight, and making absolutely sure they have plenty of water.
Dr. Ellis, a feline behavior specialist, stated: “The way we feed our cats generally does not match the lifestyle they were designed for. Cats have undergone little in the way of selective breeding during the domestication process and therefore have an instinctive need to hunt.
“This modern lifestyle could be dangerous to pets, but by making a few simple changes to the way we feed them, we can help our cats to live longer, healthier and happier lives.
“The plan, based on scientific evidence, helps every cat owner mimic the conditions cats would usually contend with to get their food.”
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair is set to take place from March 15-18 at The NEC in Birmingham.
