Seven Signs Your Cat's Eating Right

Ever wonder whether you're feeding your cat the right food? The proof might be purring at your feet right now. Even if you conscientiously scour pet food labels and do your research, your own cat can offer the best evidence of the nutritional value of the food you dish out.

Although diet is among many factors affecting your cat's health, appearance and behavior, feeding your feline a high-quality meal is an essential and wise move. Here are seven signs your cat is thriving on a well-balanced, nutritious cat food:

A Shiny Coat
Your cat's coat should be plush and shiny, says Dr. Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP (feline), a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. "Matting or flaking are suggestive of poor dental health, arthritic pain or poor nutrition," says Dr. Scherk.

Lack of protein can be the culprit. Dr. Judy Karnia, DVM, who runs a cat clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., sometimes sees cats that aren't getting enough of this essential nutrient. Your pal's healthy coat depends on adequate protein levels. "You definitely want to make sure you're feeding a good brand of cat food with good protein levels," says Dr. Karnia. Look for crude protein levels of at least 30 percent in dry food and 8 percent in wet food. You may find protein levels and other nutritional information listed under words like "Guaranteed Analysis" on the cat food label.

Good Teeth and Gums
"Good dental health includes not just having strong, white teeth but also - and arguably more important - healthy, moist, pink gums that cover the roots of those teeth without bleeding or excess gum tissue," Dr. Scherk says. You should lift the lip at the back of your cat's mouth at least once a month to check its dental health. Dry food may help some cats in keeping the tips of their teeth clean, says Scherk.

Digestion and Hairball Care
There's no polite way to say this: You can tell a lot about your cat's diet when you scoop the poop. Look for moist, formed "logs" with a "pungent odor that is neither sour nor excessive," advises Dr. Scherk.

If your cat produces pellets or small pieces instead of logs, your furry friend might be dehydrated. Your veterinarian can help return your cat to normal hydration, says Dr. Scherk. Switching to canned cat food, adding water to your cat's food or offering a water fountain are options to help your cat get the water it needs.

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