Feeding a Male Cat

The male cat is an important part of your breeding program. You’ve selected him carefully, either from a breeder or from your own stock. He’s an improvement over both of his parents and you have a great deal invested in him without considering financial topics. Breeding is an important responsibility and along with it is raising and caring for the male cat.

It’s easy to watch over the queen. She’s with the kittens and it’s her time and care that molds them into happy and healthy kittens. All too often in viewing those kittens we “forget” about the sire and his contribution to their genetics and looks. This sometimes means taking a step back and looking at him with new appreciation. His health and input might be different but is no less important!

Many represent the male cat as a territorial creature that urinates on everything he can reach to mark his territory and there are some that do that. There are others who seldom exhibit these behaviors but all need proper food no matter what the housing situation is.

Because cats are carnivores by nature they need meat. Left to their own devices cats often eat not only mice and rats but rabbit, squirrels, insects, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, with killing and chewing off pieces to swallow. Domestic cats may not be good enough at hunting to pull down a diverse range of meals, but feral or wild born cats can and do eat a wide range of foods. Of course our stud cats are expected to do more than just survive so we provide the food for him.

It makes sense to do so as naturally as possible. This might be food that is minced flesh and, if he doesn’t drink sufficient water, make sure there is plenty of liquid served with his meal to avoid dehydration.

Vitamins are needed for optimum health including vitamin D, which is easily added with fish oil and allowing the cat plenty of sunshine, and vitamin E to promote fertility and virility, easily added by adding wheat germ to the diet.

For those wishing to feed a raw diet you can use lean meats with fat, occasional fish with bread crumbs or cereal in the oils, egg yolks, small bits of cheese as a treat and small amounts of milk.

A cat breeding regularly needs a good diet with enough food to maintain condition. Some cats won’t eat with a queen nearby until breeding and might go off his feed. This can make for a challenge to get a distracted tom to eat.

As cats get older they will likely eat slightly less and can have meals reduced in amounts per meal while keeping them in their familiar routine. The general gauge is the condition of the cat no matter his age. If he’s looking thin and ribby increase the amount he’s getting. If he’s piling on too much weight decrease the food and increase his exercise (see related article). Fat and sassy is not healthy – it shortens the life of your pet. Keep your boys fit, not fat, for a long life and teaching us how to enjoy the simple things – cat style.