Feeding for a Healthy Future: What We Believe About Cat Nutrition

At Birch & Bramble Cattery, we believe that a healthy cat starts with what’s in the bowl. Nutrition is the cornerstone of a long, vibrant, and happy feline life — and as breeders and guardians of these magnificent animals, we take that responsibility seriously.

Whether you're a first-time cat parent or a long-time feline enthusiast, understanding what goes into your cat’s food (and why it matters) can make a world of difference.

Not All Cat Foods Are Created Equal

Walk down any pet store aisle and you’ll see rows of bags and cans promising glowing coats, healthy hearts, and playful energy. But behind the branding, many commercial cat foods are bulked up with fillers, questionable proteins, and artificial preservatives.

Cats are obligate carnivores — meaning they need animal-based proteins to survive and thrive. Unlike dogs, they can't efficiently digest plant proteins, grains, or carbohydrates. Yet many budget brands are full of corn, wheat, soy, or “meat by-products” that do little for your cat’s long-term health.

We encourage every cat parent to read ingredient labels carefully. Look for real, named proteins (like chicken, turkey, or salmon) as the first ingredient — not “meat meal” or “animal digest.” Avoid artificial colors and flavors, and opt for transparency over trendy buzzwords.

What We Feed at Birch & Bramble

Our kittens and breeding adults are fed a rotation of premium, species-appropriate diets including:

- High-quality wet food with real meat and minimal fillers

- Supplemental raw feeding (as tolerated) for additional amino acids and hydration

- Tailored supplements like omega-3s for coat health, probiotics for digestion, and taurine for heart and eye support

- Clean, filtered water available at all times

Wet food is especially important for hydration — many cats don’t drink enough water on their own, and wet diets help prevent urinary tract issues and kidney strain later in life.

We also believe in rotational feeding — offering different protein sources (like rabbit, duck, turkey, etc.) to minimize allergies and keep mealtime exciting.

Feeding Kittens vs. Adults

Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats. Their growing bodies require extra protein, fat, and calcium, as well as more frequent meals. At Birch & Bramble, our kittens eat up to 4 times a day, with carefully balanced portions to support their rapid growth and development.

We never rush the weaning process — our kittens transition from mom’s milk to soft foods at their own pace, ensuring their digestive systems adjust gently and safely.

A Note on Treats and Table Scraps

We all love to spoil our cats — but treats should be just that: treats. Stick to single-ingredient freeze-dried meats or vet-approved snacks. Avoid onions, garlic, dairy, and anything overly processed or salty. And please, no bones — especially cooked ones.

Investing in Wellness Through the Bowl

When you choose to feed your cat well, you’re doing more than filling a bowl — you’re investing in fewer vet visits, shinier coats, better moods, and longer lifespans.

At Birch & Bramble Cattery, we’re proud to raise our cats with optimal nutrition, and we love sharing our journey with you. Whether you're adopting a kitten from us or simply following along, we’re always here to offer guidance and tips to help your feline thrive.