Do’s And Don’ts To Feeding Pumpkin To Cats

Pumpkin offers valuable nutrients to cats. It is also a good source of fiber which can help promote the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Before offering pumpkin to your cat, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do feed the following to your cat

l  Pumpkin seeds -- these can be given fresh to cat after the seeds have been cleaned and roasted for about 350F for an hour. Don’t add any salt or spices to the pumpkin seeds. Grind the pumpkin seeds before mixing them to cat food.

l  Canned pumpkin -- Make sure that the product is 100% pumpkin without any spices, additives, artificial colors, fillers, sugar, etc.

l  Fresh pumpkin -- Bake fresh pumpkin until soft. The seeds should be removed and the pumpkin allowed to cool before giving to your cat.

Don’t feed the following to your cat

l  Pumpkin skin -- because it may not be digested well and the cat may suffer from digestive upsets

l  Pumpkin stem -- it’s prickly and may not sit well with the digestive tract.

l  Raw pumpkin

l  Canned or fresh pumpkin or pie that has been added with fillers, spices, sugar, artificial coloring, and preservatives.

l  Jack-O-Lantern that has been left outdoors -- These are viable spots for growth of molds and/or bacteria that can cause illness to cats.

Symptoms of digestive upsets should warrant an appointment with your pet clinic Mt. Airy MD immediately.

Cats and Gum Disease

Did you know that gum disease can happen in cats just like it does in people, dogs and other animals? Cats can get gum disease from tartar and plaque buildup on their teeth. It’s important for your cat to have its teeth cleaned either by you on a weekly routine or by a professional veterinarian at least every six to twelve months. If you brush at home, use a vet approved toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also use teeth wipes which are designed to allow you to simply wipe down the teeth. These wipes can be found in pet stores and online. You can also use a piece of cloth or gauze to wipe down the teeth. One of the first signs of gum disease like gingivitis is extreme bad breath or halitosis. If your cat has bad breath that isn’t getting better, please call your veterinary clinic Mt. Airy MD.

Positive Reinforcement Tips For Cat Training

Training methods that use positive reinforcement have been shown to achieve the desired results within a shorter length of time. In fact, many professional trainers use positive reinforcement for dog training and getting rid of undesirable habits and behaviors. Cats undergo basic training programs as early as possible. The promise of treats and the desire to please their humans help them sail through training. For positive reinforcement to be effective, the reward, such as a treat, lavish praise, etc. should be given immediately after the desired behavior is displayed by the cat. This is the best way to tell your kitty that you are pleased with his progress. When training pets, there is no place for punishment or any form of negative reinforcement because it is counterproductive and will only confuse the animal. Don’t hesitate to discuss your pet’s training needs on your next visit to your vet clinic Mt. Airy, MD.