Dear Ms. Meow:

Craving Canned

Dear Craving:

First of all, please don't worry--cats can live very well on dry food only. Some time ago there was evidence that dry food was associated with cystitis and such a notion was appropriate for that stage of pet food development. Nowadays, however, both canned and dry foods have about the same content and are safe for both males and females to eat. The only problem that might arise in a dry-food only diet for males would be for those cats who are not the most willing consumers of water. So, while it isn't absolutely necessary nutritionally for you to have canned food, many owners do give their cats some each day because its high moisture content insures that even those who don't drink a lot will take in sufficient water. It is also a good idea for a cat to be familiar with the texture and taste of canned rations and be willing to eat them. Sometimes when a cat is ill and needs medication it can be mixed in with a little bit of canned food and served as a special treat to the cat. Many special diets that are prescribed by veterinarians for a variety of feline conditions are canned foods also. For all of these reasons your owner may wish to have you get used to eating just a little bit of canned food now and then.

Volume 8 No. 2 (1991)