There are several large breeds of domestic cats, including the Maine Coon, American Bobtail, Ragdoll, Ragamuffin, Savanah, Chausie, Siberian Cat, Norwegian Forest Cat, Chausie, Pixie Bob and the Ocicat. There are also very large domestic mixes that may not have a breed name attached to them, but are every bit as large. It stands to reason that the large stature of these friendly giants necessitates a tailored diet that supports a strong skeletal structure and muscular structure.
Large breed cats come with other special dietary considerations as well. They may be prone to joint issues, like Hip Dysplasia, making it important to provide nutritional support for their joints. Pregnant large breed cats need special consideration as they are growing extra large kittens. Large cats seem especially prone to weight issues as well, which may be due to being able to carry a lot of weight before becoming noticeably obese. Their appetite reflects their size and it’s up to their caregivers to ensure they receive high quality nutrition. It’s important to provide food that is low in carbohydrates and saturated fat.
Choices in manufactured cat food have improved immensely over the past five years. There are packaged raw choices, canned blends that include high quality protein, and even kibble has improved with high protein formulas, freeze-dried additions and overall lower temperature processing. Treat choices also include quality freeze-dried protein and natural supplements.
If you opt for a homemade cat food diet, all or in part, it’s important to research their nutritional requirements and consult with an expert in feline nutritional requirements. We can’t rely on recipes we find online without due diligence.
“Homemade diets are not necessarily better,” warns Jennifer Larsen, a veterinary nutritionist with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. “If you are going to use one, you have to make sure you do it safely and they should be balanced and appropriate for your individual cat.”
Nutrition for a Healthy Muscular Structure in Large Cats
Nurturing the muscular structure of your large cat is crucial for several reasons. Most of these breeds are known to have strong, well developed muscles that are important to support their size. They require a proper diet for optimum function and to prevent wasting. Another important reason to keep your cat’s muscles in good shape is because they support their over-sized skeletal system.
A proper diet doesn’t only support the muscular structure and function directly. It also gives the cat energy, which inspires the exercise required for strong, healthy muscles and contributes to a healthy weight.
A diet high in premium meat protein is essential for any feline, but it’s even more critical for your large breed cat. Quality beef, bison, venison, elk, chicken, quail, turkey, duck, lean pork/boar, mutton/lamb, seafood and eggs are all excellent sources of protein for cats. Opt for organic, naturally fed meat and poultry whenever possible, as cats are more sensitive than humans or dogs when it comes to chemicals.
Nutrition for a Healthy Bones and Joints in Large Cats
Nurturing healthy cartilage and the entire joint support system is an important part of caring for your large breed house cat. A balanced diet, natural supplements and nutraceuticals can protect, rebuild and repair cartilage.
Holistic nutrition allows for broken down cartilage cells and fluids to be synthesized efficiently and adequately. Vitamins & minerals (preferably obtained from whole foods) that are recommended for the treatment and prevention of arthritic conditions in pets, include Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Selenium, Zinc, and Magnesium. Feeding a variety of anti-inflammatory foods on a routine basis can tackle inflammation before it reaches a critical level.
Note of Caution: Please consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet.
Natural supplements that support your cat’s bones & joints include:
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Thyme
- Chickweed
- Brewed Green Tea (flavonoids, catechins)
- Probiotics
- Extra virgin olive oil (polyphenols)
- Perna canaliculus (Green-lipped Mussel)
- Calcium Montmorillonite Clay was tested for NASA for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in astronauts and animals with astounding success. It also offers unsurpassed toxin removal (such as radiation), protection from bacteria and aflatoxin, a complete mineral profile, and anti-parasite properties.
- You may want to check out manufactured natural joint supplements for cats as well. A popular choice is Agile Joints for Cats.
Note: It isn’t necessary to provide all supplements every single day.
Natural foods that support your cat’s bones & joints include:
- Berries, such as blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberries and goji berries provide antioxidants. You can use a dash of pure berry powder or puree a few fresh berries into homemade meals. Don’t go overboard, your cat is an obligate carnivore who can’t easily digest other foods.
- Oily fish, such as sockeye salmon, sardines, trout or anchovies, for Omega 3 & methionine.
- Pumpkin contains beta-cryptoxanthin, which UK researchers found to be a powerful dietary preventative of inflammatory arthritis, plus it boosts collagen production and supports the feline digestive and immune system. Mix a bit into wet cat food or homemade cat food.
- Krill – You can purchase glucosamine supplements, but if you feed freeze-dried krill your cat will enjoy a long list of inadvertent benefits that krill offers (such as immune system, cardiovascular, and skin/coat support). Freeze-dried krill offers many more benefits than expensive krill oil supplements too.
- Seaweed – Results of a study published by Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2012 revealed that seaweed was generating natural honaucins, which had potent anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties. It also offers 93 bio-available nutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements, etc.), along with anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasite properties.
Of course, we can’t forget fresh water. We like to use a Petsafe Drinkwell filtering fountain dish, which comes in all sizes and price ranges. They keep the water clean, fresh and moving, all of which inspires cats to drink more often.
Our Maine Coon is being raised on human-grade meat, natural canned kitten food, and her grazing food is Orijen Cat & Kitten. Her treats are freeze-dried meat, usually turkey.
Do you have a large breed cat? We’d love to hear about him/her in the comments below.
Sources:
Canter PH, Hyang SL, Ernst E. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials of Tripterygium wilfordii for rheumatoid arthritis. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(5):371–377.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Setty AR, Sigal LH. Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects.
PubMed Health
Messonnier, Shawn DVM. The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Messonnier, Shawn DVM. Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements
Bielinski, D.F., F.C. Lau, J.A. Joseph. 2007. Inhibitory effects of blueberry extract on the production of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV2 microglia.
✔ You may also be interested in reading:
Natural Sources of Taurine for Cats
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Sea Cucumber for Dogs, Cats, Horses, Fish and Invertebrates
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I have a Maine Coon (male) who is 3 years old. His growing has slowed down but he still get bigger every year. We’ll put this information to good use!
Very Knowledgeable Post . Actually Large breed cats need a diet that supports their size, Health , bones, Joints and Muscles for the wellness. Thanks for sharing such a wonderfull points.
Excellent info as we’ve come to expect here. We have a Ragdoll and his vet said almost exactly what you said here except you advocate the natural approach and I like that. Thanks for info!
I knew about the joints & bones but I didn’t consider the muscles. Good stuff, thank you.
OMG she is GORGEOUS!!!! One of my babies is really large and eats nearly twice as much as my other 2 cats. I can’t leave high calorie food down for her to pick at because she gets overweight. I think carbohydrates are the culprit more than fat. Good cat food won’t have tons of carbs.
I haven’t seen orijen around but I’m going to look for it. If you like it I’m sure it’s exceptional. Tootaloo!
Well done! It’s probably the same for all cats but it makes sense if you have to grow more you need to eat even better.