Timofey's Unique Diet: Pallas's Cat at Zoo Magdeburg Thrives on Seasonal Feeding
Timofey, a Pallas's cat at Zoo Magdeburg, has a unique diet and weight pattern. His keepers ensure he stays healthy with a careful feeding schedule. Timofey's appetite peaks in October and November, when he eats the most. During these months, he enjoys two to three meals a day, each around 350-400 grams. This feeding pattern helps him gain weight gradually and steadily, reaching a winter weight of 6.5-7 kg. In summer, Timofey's diet changes. He eats once a day with meals of 250-300 grams. This reduced intake helps him maintain a minimum weight of 3.75 kg at the start of summer. To ensure his health, one day a week is a fasting day. During winter, Timofey's meals become less frequent. He may go a day or two between meals, and his weight drops by about 2 kg. This weight loss is natural for Pallas's cats and is shed through dieting in the following months. Timofey's diet and weight management are crucial for his well-being. His keepers ensure he has a balanced diet of prey animals, like pikas and rodents, and maintain a feeding schedule that supports his natural weight fluctuations. This careful management helps Timofey thrive in his zoo environment.