You are here: Home / Archives for Cat

Canned Food or Kibble?

December 21, 2010 by
Canned foods, in the grocery store for the non...
Image via Wikipedia

Pet nutritionists definitely agree that cats need to receive a wide variety of different foods including both dry foods and canned foods, and there are several reasons that make this true. Many people wonder if they should be feeding primarily wet food, primarily dry food or both. Here are some facts that you should consider.

* Dry foods are convenient and are capable of being left out all the time, allowing the cat or cats to "free feed."

* Canned foods contain water, which is beneficial for cats that are not getting enough water on their own.

* You will want to make sure that you are balancing wet food and dry food so that your cat is getting all the right types of nutrients.

* Your cats can easily become bored when you feed them the same type of food all the time. If you change up the food that you are giving them, it will keep them entertained and ensure that they will not become bored.

* If your cat is allergic to any of the ingredients in his or her food, you can head the allergic reaction off more quickly by changing up the food. Cats can also develop allergies with time, but if you are changing the food on the occasional basis, then you can prevent food allergies from becoming a problem, or can identify the presence of food allergies by changing the food ingredients out to determine which food is causing the reaction.

This does not mean that you are going to need to change out your cat’s food every day, but you should combine high-quality canned wet foods with dry foods to make sure that your cat is always getting a well rounded education. Well rounded nutrition is vitally important in keeping your cat healthy for a long time.

Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: , ,

What Happens at the Routine Vet Check Up

December 17, 2010 by
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Cat relate...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

In order to make sure that your cat or dog is in the top of their health you will have to take them to the vet. Taking your cat or dog to the vet is like taking yourself to the dog. While it might at first seem as if the vet is doing very little for your cat or dog they are actually making sure that they are in the best health that they can be.

Here are some of the things that will happen during a routine vet check up.

Physical. Your vet will require that your cat or dog stand on a table and they will feel them all over. They will check their tail, head, legs, body and feel their ribs and other areas. This is to make sure that there is no swelling or tenderness that is around the cat or dog.

Mouth Check. Your vet will then look into your cat or dogs mouth. They will look at their teeth and see if there are any cracks, dirt, plague or other things wrong with their teeth.

Eye Check. The vet will take a light and shine it into your cat or dogs eyes. They will also do this to their ears and other areas to make sure that everything is checking out okay.

Weight. Your vet will weight your cat or dog and note it in the chart. They will do this every visit as weight is a big sign that there is something wrong or not wrong with your cat or dog.

Fecal Check. This is a test that can be run but is not required. Your vet will take a fecal sample and run it for various items such as ringworm and infections.

Your vet will do a very thoughrough screening of your pet. Should you have any concerns during this time make sure you voice them so the vet can check them out.

Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: , ,

Basic Nutritional Needs for a Cat

December 11, 2010 by
SAN FRANCISCO - APRIL 06: Bottles of vitamin ...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Just as you are the sum of everything that you eat, this is also true for cats and dogs. Cat and dog food products are some of the most important purchases that you will make as a pet owner, aside from basic veterinary care. The proper diet can actually work to eliminate or delay a number of veterinary expenses for medical conditions that can be brought on by poor diet or nutritional deficiencies.

The basic nutritional needs for a cat are not difficult for you to have a grasp on. It is important for you to understand what your cat’s needs are so that you can meet them and raise a healthy, thriving feline companion. Some of the basic nutritional needs for your cat include:

Protein: Your cat needs a protein source such as fish, meat or poultry. So make sure to include it in their diet.

Taurine: This is an essential amino acid that your cat needs in order to be healthy.

Other Vitamins: Your cat will need other minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and enzymes for healthy eyes, skin and coat, liver function and other vital and essential functions.

Water: Water is absolutely essential as part of your cat’s diet, providing your cat with adequate hydration at all times. Your cat should always have access to clean, fresh water.

Cats do not require carbohydrates the way that people do. Carbohydrates can be found in many commercial cat foods, both canned and dry, as they act as a filler. Some examples of cat food fillers include rice, wheat and corn. Other ingredients can be found in the food as well, including flavorings, binders and colorants.

Fresh food is vitally essential, which is why there are preservatives in your cat’s food. Keeping your cat’s food fresh means you will be providing your cat with adequate nutrition all the time.

Filed Under: Feeding Tagged With: , ,