What’s In Good Quality Cat Food?

 

Our feline friends are natural hunters. And while feeding them kibble and canned foods is convenient, it goes against that very nature. Meat has always been an integral part of their diet, and you can't exclude that from their daily meals without noticeable behavioral changes.

 

But many pet food brands these days tout that theirs contain muscle meat, which is necessary for cats younger than 12 months. It's okay for kittens to grow accustomed to kibble foods, but it wouldn't hurt to give them actual meat now and then. They tend to become pickier as they mature, so watch out if your cat starts rejecting its meals.

 

Aside from containing meats, other components of a premium cat food are the lack of preservatives and artificial seasonings. Those that didn't go through too much food processing make for excellent ingredients. Of course, many manufacturers can claim this, so it's up to you to do some digging so you can make informed choices.

 

A veterinarian can help you with recommendations that should help narrow down your list. After all, your cat's the one who will be eating it. Why not have your pet examined by a veterinarian New Orleans, LA, and see if there's any particular ingredient you should avoid? Click here.

Other Ways To Care For Your Pet’s Dental Health Other Than Brushing

 

Should your pet cat or dog be quite unwilling to let you brush their teeth, there are still various other options available that might work instead.  Various water supplements, chews, gels, and dental wipes are available commercially.  Before you purchase anything, try consulting your veterinarian.  You may also want to check the product list that has the VOHC Seal of Acceptance or Veterinary Oral Health Council for cats and dogs.

 

To add to your pet’s everyday tooth brushing home regimen, your pet needs dental cleaning with your vet.  These are more thorough procedures compared to what home care could offer.  Have them done starting when your pet celebrates their first birthday so that periodontal disease affecting pet cats and dogs can be held at bay.  Cleanings like these can be performed annually, but how often will ultimately depend on how successful your home dental hygiene is.

 

Take your pet to your pet hospital New Orleans, LA for regular health and dental checks. 

Is There “Organic” Dog Food?

 

The word quality can mean several things in this day and age. For some, it means a seal of approval from a well-known organization combined with endorsements of those we consider experts. But our fur babies are individuals too, and what works for one dog may not work for another. We should go beyond these definitions to determine what brands are good and which ones we should ignore.

Anyone can call a product organic. But we can always ask a few questions to know for sure. How and where did they manufacture it? Did they use pesticides, medicines, or any chemical that would extend its shelf life? You will be feeding this brand to your dog daily, so no one can blame you for being curious.

Also, remember that being organic is not the only thing you need to consider when buying dog food. Sure, it means there will be no chemical intake. But it also means you have to purchase smaller amounts more frequently. You cannot stock up on organic dog food because the lack of preservatives could mean they will not stay fresh for long.

Your local veterinarian New Orleans, LA is a valuable source of information about your pet's diet and nutritional needs.

What Human Food Can Kittens Eat?

 

If you have been a fur parent for a long time now, you already know that cats are carnivores. These animals enjoy munching on any kind of meat. 

But here is a reminder for you, do not serve your kitten undercooked or raw meat. Raw food items can be toxic to your cat. Why? Your kitten may acquire parasites and bacteria that may cause vomiting and diarrhea. So, ensure to give well-cooked foods to your cat. In addition, be aware that your cat must consume only 10% of her daily food intake, apart from her main balanced meal.

You may be wondering if you can share your food with your beloved cat. The answer is yes, as long as it is cooked and safe for cats.

Here are some people foods that you can give your kitten:

• Fresh and plain vegetables (except garlic, chives, and onion)
• Fresh and plain fruits (except grapes and citrus fruits)
• Cooked eggs
• Popcorn cooked with no butter or salt
• Plain and cooked starches (examples are bread, noodles, potatoes, and rice)
• Plain and well-cooked meat

Know more about your pet’s nutritional needs during your pet’s health and wellness visits to your nearest vet clinic Webster NY.

Petting Can Induce Aggression In Cats

 

Cats are notorious attention seekers, although the way they show affection to their humans differs significantly from dogs. You can pet them, carry them, and cuddle with them. But remember to do it on the feline's terms, not yours. The moment your cat starts giving you the stink-eye, that's your queue to back off.

Cats are generally tolerant creatures, and some would even demand belly rubs. But each has its own personality, just like we do. If you have two cats and one of them allows you to pet the most vulnerable parts of its body, it doesn't mean the other cat will be as welcoming. It's why we need to get to know our pets well. It allows us to anticipate their behavior based on body language and the sounds they make.

The moment your cat starts shifting in your arms during a cuddle session, give it space. If you've been petting your feline for several minutes and you see it starting to move its tail swiftly, you need to stop. Purring can also turn into growling when the cat feels over-stimulated. If you think there's another reason for your cat's aggression, pass the information on to your vet.

Make an appointment with your cat care center Rochester, NY  if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.

Clumping Clay Litter For Cats

 

There are a lot of clay litter brands to choose from these days. You can go for the heavily scented variety if you're the type who likes to mask the smell of your cat's poop. It's common for a bag of clay litter to have bentonite since it provides the clumping effect you see when your cat defecates on it. It also helps in absorption, which is great for cat urine.

It doesn't just absorb urine, though. The second it gets wet, that portion becomes this rock-like thing that you can scoop easily, so you won't have difficulty cleaning the litter box. There are two notable downsides to using clumping clay litter, and the first one is how dusty it is. If dust triggers your allergies, you're better off using pine litter.

The second disadvantage of clumping clay litter is that it's not organic. It means the waste you produce daily from cleaning the litter box accumulates. You can train your cat to transition to more eco-friendly alternatives. But as with a lot of things, it takes time.

If you have any concerns about your pet's elimination habits, make an appointment with your vets Rochester NY. 

Taurine Deficiency In Cats

 

Be informed that taurine is an essential amino acid for your cat’s sustenance. This substance brings forth several benefits as it helps improve bodily functions, including:

• Vision
• Digestion
• Immune system
• Fetal development

Thus, the vet recommends including taurine in a cat’s daily diet. When you fail to add this special substance to the food intake of your cat, she may suffer from a number of medical issues, such as the following:

• Digestive issues. Taurine naturally helps in the digestion of cats.
• Symptoms of heart disease, including reduced appetite, and weakness
• Degeneration of central retinal. Taurine is an amino acid that supports eye health. When your cat lacks taurine in her body, the cells in her retina may degrade. This condition may lead to blindness.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy. When your feline does not have enough taurine supply in her body, her heart muscles may weaken. This condition may lead to heart failure.
• Difficulty in pregnancy and fetal development. When your pregnant cat does not have enough taurine, she may not provide her unborn kittens with the necessary nutrients.

Your animal hospital Rochester NY is a valuable source of information about your pet's diet and nutritional needs.