Cats may be largely independent creatures, but our feline friends still rely on us to ensure that they're fed appropriately - and that means providing them with a suitable diet.

Indeed, while it's nice to treat them from time to time, it's important to make certain that they're getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

That means that in addition to getting them into a standardised feeding routine, we need to keep a track of the products we're putting in their bowls - and this can also be determined by the age of our moggies.

For example, kittens are going to need more energy-rich food than adults simply because, as their bodies develop, they're burning three times as many calories than older cats.

Specially formulated meals can be the best way to ensure our young felines get all the extra protein that they're going to need in order to grow healthily, with minerals such as calcium and phosphorous essential to their growth.

What's more, kitten food is manufactured to take into account the fact that young cats have smaller mouths than adults, meaning that the kibbles we give them are easier for them to chew and digest.

In contrast to their infant counterparts, adult felines need a balanced diet that provides protein, fats, oils, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins - a factor which means products referred to as 'complete' foods can be easier and more suitable for them if we haven't got time to keep topping up their bowls.

It's important to realise the difference between complete and 'complimentary' foods, as the latter are essentially treats and snacks that do not provide a suitable nutritional balance - this is where the complete products come in.

By remembering that our moggies need to have a diet that suits their age and size, we can give them every chance of staying fit and healthy by ensuring they're getting the right meals.

Written by: Hannah