Are you a cat lover who’s been wondering what food should I feed my Ragamuffin cat? Wonder no more!
In this post, we’ll be discussing the benefits of different types of food and providing some tips on how to choose the right one for your feline friend.
So keep reading to learn more!
What Should A Ragamuffin Eat?
Ragamuffin cats can eat a variety of food. However, it’s important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores meaning they need protein from animal meat to survive. Therefore, a Ragamuffins diet should be based primarily on animal meat. Cat food, both wet and dry is packed full of protein and contains all the nutrition your Ragamuffin needs to grow healthy and strong.
Obligate Carnivores
As obligate carnivores, cats have a diet that depends on there being animal flesh in their food.
This is because their bodies are designed to extract nutrients from animal-based proteins and they cannot survive on a plant-based diet alone.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the majority of your Ragamuffin’s diet comes from animal meat.
While some people believe that feeding their cats a vegetarian or vegan diet is healthier, this is not the case.
They need animal protein to survive and a plant-based diet will not provide them with the nutrients they need.
In fact, it can actually be harmful to your cat’s health.
If you’re looking for healthy and nutritious food for your Ragamuffin, make sure it contains animal protein as the main ingredient.
What Type of Animal Protein is Best?
There are many different types of animal protein that you can feed your Ragamuffin.
The best type of protein for your cat will be one that is easily digestible and packed with nutrients.
Some of the most common types of animal protein found in cat food include:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Turkey
- Fish
- Lamb
All of these types of animal protein are packed with nutrients and are easy to digest.
When choosing a food for your Ragamuffin, make sure that it contains one or more of these types of meat as the main ingredient.
You can also rotate between different types of meat to give your cat a variety of nutrients.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Ragamuffin?
The amount of food you should feed your Ragamuffin will depend on a few factors including their age, weight, and activity level.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine how much food is right for your cat.
They will be able to give you specific recommendations based on your cat’s individual needs.
In general, most cats need between 20 and 35 calories per pound of body weight per day.
For example, a 10-pound Ragamuffin would need between 200 and 350 calories per day.
However, this is just a general guideline and you should always consult with your vet to determine the exact amount of food your cat needs.
When it comes to feeding your Ragamuffin, it’s important to remember that cats are prone to obesity.
Therefore, you should avoid overfeeding them and make sure they’re getting enough exercise.
A good way to avoid overfeeding is to feed them smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
This will help them stay fuller longer and help prevent overeating.
Nutritional Needs
There are six main nutrients that our feline friends need from food: water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All of these nutrients are essential for cats to maintain good health.
Water
Water is the most important nutrient. They need a lot of it to stay hydrated and healthy. They get some hydration from food. However, they should also be drinking water to maintain their health.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are another important nutrient. They provide energy and help keep the cat’s digestive system healthy.
Most get the majority of their carbohydrates from dry food.
Protein
Proteins are essential for building and maintaining muscles, organs, and other tissues in the body.
They need around 60 grams of protein per day. Animal-based proteins are the best source of protein.
Fats
Fats are important for maintaining a healthy coat, skin, and energy levels. Cats need around 5 to 6 grams of fat per day. Animal-based fats are the best source of fat.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for a variety of functions in the body, including metabolism, immunity, and vision.
Cats need all 13 essential vitamins to stay healthy. The best way to ensure that your cat is getting all the vitamins they need is to feed them a balanced diet of wet food and dry food.
Minerals
Minerals are also essential nutrients that help with a variety of functions in the body, including bone development, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.
They need around 10 grams of minerals per day. Wet and dry food formulated for cats is fortified with the minerals your cat needs for optimal health.
The ideal diet for a Ragamuffin cat would be a balance of wet food and dry food. Wet food is a great source of moisture, protein, and fat.
Dry food is a great source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Feeding your Ragamuffin cat a mix of both wet and dry foods will help them stay healthy and fit.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food
For Ragamuffins, there are a few things you should consider when deciding whether to feed your Ragamuffin wet food or dry food.
The first is the moisture content. Wet food contains around 78% moisture while dry food contains around 10% moisture.
Cats need a lot of moisture to stay hydrated and healthy. Therefore, wet food is generally the better option.
Another thing to consider is the nutritional content. In general, wet food has more protein and fat than dry food.
It also usually has more vitamins and minerals. Dry food typically has more carbohydrates than wet food.
If you’re not sure which type of food to feed your Ragamuffin, it’s always best to consult with your vet.
They can help you determine the best diet for your cat based on their individual needs.
The Best Foods
When it comes to finding the best food for your Ragamuffin cat, there are a few things you should look for.
The first is high moisture content. As we mentioned before, cats need a lot of moisture to stay hydrated and healthy.
The best wet foods for Ragamuffins will have a moisture content of 78% or higher. The second thing to look for is a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
This will help your Ragamuffin cat maintain a healthy weight and provide them with the energy they need.
Finally, make sure the food you choose is fortified with vitamins and minerals.
This will help ensure that your cat is getting all the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
Benefits Of Wet Food
There are a lot of benefits to feeding your cat wet food. Wet food is more digestible than dry food, so it’s better for your cat’s overall health.
It also contains more moisture, which is essential for cats, since they are descended from desert-dwelling animals.
Wet food is also more palatable, so they’re more likely to eat it and get the nutrients they need.
Benefits Of Dry Food
Dry cat food has a few advantages over wet food. It’s less expensive, and it doesn’t spoil as quickly.
Dry food is also more convenient to store and serve. Some people believe that dry food is better for cats’ teeth since it can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
At the end of the day, choosing to feed your Ragamuffin cat wet or dry won’t make a huge difference.
What Human Foods Can They Eat?
Ragamuffins are known for being very food-oriented, and they’ll often beg for human food.
Luckily, there are a few human foods that Ragamuffins can eat without any problems. These include:
- Cooked chicken
- Turkey
- Canned tuna
- Cooked salmon
- Shrimp
- Cheese
The food above should be given in moderation and is best given to your cat as a treat. Also, make sure none of the food is seasoned as it may be toxic.
What Foods Should I Avoid Feeding My Cat?
There are also some human foods that you should avoid feeding your Ragamuffin cat. These include:
- Raw meat
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolate
- Coffee, tea, or energy drinks
- Alcoholic beverages Onions, garlic, and chives
- Macadamia nuts
- Yeast dough
Feeding My Kitty On A Budget?
If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of options for feeding your Ragamuffin cat.
There are many brands of cat food that offer high-quality wet and dry food at an affordable price.
You can also cut down on costs by making your own cat food at home. There are many recipes available online that use healthy, inexpensive ingredients.
Homemade Food
Ragamuffin cats can certainly eat homemade foods. When making a homemade meal for your cat it’s important to keep in mind the key nutrients that your cat needs.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup peas
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients.
- Place the mixture in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Let the food cool before serving it to your cat.
Benefits Of Home Made Food
There are many benefits of feeding your cat homemade food.
Homemade food is more natural and contains no preservatives or additives.
It’s also usually more affordable than commercial cat food.
When you make your own cat food, you can control the ingredients and ensure that your cat is getting the nutrients they need.
Cat Food Allergies
When making homemade food, it’s a good idea to be conscious of possible food allergies.
Like humans, kitties can be allergic to certain foods. However, according to VCAHospitals, very little research has been done in this area.
So there may be other allergies not yet identified.
The most common allergens for are:
- Beef
- Dairy
- Chicken
- Fish
If your Ragamuffin cat has any of these allergies, it’s important to avoid feeding them foods that contain these allergens.
There are many brands of cat food that offer hypoallergenic formulas.
What About Raw Meat?
Raw meat is not recommended for Ragamuffins. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), raw meat may contain bacteria that can make your cat sick.
So while a small amount of raw meat is not likely to hurt your Ragamuffin, it’s not an ideal source of nutrition.
However, some people are advocates of a raw meat diet for cats and it works out well for them.
They feed their cats primarily raw meat but use supplements to make sure their cat gets the essential nutrients they need.
Best Foods For A Rag Kitten?
Ragamuffin kittens have different nutritional needs than adult Ragamuffins.
Kittens need more protein and calories to support their rapid growth and development.
They also need higher levels of certain nutrients, such as taurine, which is essential for heart health.
The best diet for a Ragamuffin kitten is high-quality kitten food that contains all of the nutrients they need.
You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best food for your kitten.
How Much Water Should A Rag Drink?
It’s important for Ragamuffins to stay hydrated. Cats typically get most of the water they need from their food.
However, it’s still a good idea to make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
A general rule of thumb is that cats should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of bodyweight every day.
So a 10-pound Ragamuffin should drink about 10 ounces of water per day.
You’ll also be happy to know that Ragamuffins tend to not mind water.
Fruits And Vegetables and Ragamuffins
While Ragamuffins don’t need fruits and vegetables in their diet, some people like to give their cats a small amount as a treat.
If you do feed your cat fruits or vegetables, make sure they are fully cooked and cut into small pieces to avoid choking.
Some good options include:
- Carrots
- Sweet potato
- Green beans
- Canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- Bananas
- Apple(remove the pips)
- Watermelon
Tips for Feeding Your Kitty
Now that you know more about what to feed your Ragamuffin, here are a few tips to make sure they’re getting the most out of their food:
Talk To A Vet
Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet. They can help you determine the best type of food and how much to feed your cat.
Space Out Meals
Feed your Ragamuffin small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. This will help them stay fuller longer and prevent overeating.
They should be getting at least 2 to 3 meals per day.
If you work long hours or are away from home for extended periods of time, consider hiring a pet sitter or using an automatic feeder to make sure your cat gets enough to eat.
Protein Priority
Make sure their food contains animal protein as the main ingredient. Your kitty friends are obligate carnivores and need animal protein to survive.
Avoid Overfeeding
Avoid overfeeding your Ragamuffin. They are prone to obesity, so make sure they’re getting enough exercise and eating the right amount of food.
Fresh and Clean The Bowl
A Ragamuffin’s food bowl should be kept clean and free of mold or bacteria.
Wash the bowl with soap and water every day. It’s also a good idea to disinfect the bowl once a week with a solution of 1 part bleach to 30 parts water.
Rinse the bowl well after disinfecting it.
Change Their Water Daily
It’s important to change your Ragamuffin’s water daily. Fresh, clean water is essential for good health.
If you don’t have time to change the water every day, consider getting a pet fountain.
Pet fountains are designed to keep water fresh and cool and some even filter the water to remove impurities.
Give Them Plenty Of Time to Eat
Ragamuffins should be given plenty of time to eat. They should not be rushed or forced to eat.
If possible, create a quiet, peaceful environment for them to eat in.
Avoid putting their food bowl in a high-traffic area where they may feel anxious or stressed.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about what to feed your Ragamuffin, you can make sure they’re getting the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.
Remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet and to always provide fresh, clean water.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.