Any cat owner is more than aware of their pet’s propensity for hairballs, and hairball control is a topmost priority for the benefit of the cat as well as their human companions. It’s never pleasant to slip out of bed for a late night snack only to step on a cool, hairball cluster right next to the bed, and anyone who has watched their cat retch up a hairball feels the utmost sympathy for their condition. Dealing with hairballs is both reactionary and proactive, and taking a positive and productive approach to your cat’s overall health is a priority for cat owners world-wide. It’s impossible to prevent a cat from cleaning and grooming themselves. With that in mind, what can cat owners do to control or prevent hairballs as much as possible?

1) One of the simplest and effective tricks to hairball control should be obvious. The more often you groom your cat, the less loose hair they are able to swallow when they clean up behind you and groom themselves. Brushing your cat regularly can remove a lot of the fur that could be ingested by your feline companion, and it makes the possibility of a hairball less likely. Contrary to popular opinion, cats do love to be brushed regularly, and as an added benefit it can be a fun bonding experience between you and your feline. Expect them to nuzzle the brush and purr like crazy, but use caution. You don’t want to use a brush with sharp-ended bristles or you could cause irritation on your cat’s sensitive skin, and you don’t want them to see regular grooming as a painful or stressful process.

2) A lot of hairballs can also be prevented by a change in your cat’s regular diet. A lot of cat foods have adopted a special, indoor formula specifically designed to limit or reduce the likelihood of hairballs. These dietary formulas are high in fiber which encourages a strong, healthy digestive system which allows swallowed hair to pass safely through without accumulating in the stomach. They also serve to strengthen your cat’s healthy coat which minimizes shedding on the surface and leaves less loose hair to be swallowed initially.

If store-bought brands don’t seem to be effective with your cat (especially if you have a long-haired breed that is naturally prone to hairballs in the first place) special, holistic blends are available. A lot of vets are recommending pet owners to adopt a more natural approach and guiding their patients away from cat foods that contain grains like wheat, barley, rice, corn or gluten. These blends are a lot milder on your cat’s digestive system, and they still provide all of the essential nutrients to make sure they have a well-balanced, healthy diet free from fillers that aren’t really effective overall.

3) If your cat is already susceptible to hairballs, there are a lot of products on the market specifically designed for hairball control. Most of these products act as a mild laxative for your cat, and it encourages digested balls of fur to be passed through their systems rather than being vomited back up. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and use only as instructed to reduce the chance of dehydration and diarrhea. You don’t want to act so proactively that you give your cat an additional digestive system issue rather than preventing one completely.

If your cat seems to experience frequent hairballs regardless of your efforts to prevent or limit them, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem like IBD or intestinal lymphoma (which is a cancer) so you are certainly advised to take your pet to the vet for a full checkup. You want to make sure that there is not something more serious in play before trying a mix of alternate solutions, and the last thing that you want to do is to take a gamble with your favorite feline’s overall health.

While hairballs are typically harmless, they’re still unpleasant for both the cat and their owners. It may not be possible to prevent all hairballs initially, but these remedies and ideas can work to improve the overall health of your pet, in addition to providing them all of the essentials needed for a well-balanced diet and a healthy life. Hairballs can be a symptom of something worse, so don’t avoid a trip to the vet if their hairballs appear more frequent than normal.

Pets are a source of joy, comfort and security in a hectic and fast-paced life. We let these furry creatures into our homes, into our lives and into our hearts and we treat them like members of the family – because they are. It’s easy to peruse the stocks of feline food available on any supermarket shelf anywhere in the country and believe that you are giving your cat adequate nutrition in order to encourage and support a long and healthy life – but does this diet really support their dietary needs sufficiently? Are there requirements that are often overlooked? When it comes to the best cat food to feed your beloved pet, experts disagree. One thing is certain. Giving your pet adequate cat food to suit their unique dietary requirements should not be overlooked if you want to maintain a long, happy and prosperous life with your feline companion.

Dry cat food is often the go-to substance. It’s easy, it’s quick and it’s tidy. But is it sufficiently nutritious to provide a happy and healthy life? Cats dietary needs have been examined for years, and a lot of veterinarians are turning away from the standard dry-food varieties for several reasons. Dry cat food often is not well-balanced, and it lacks in several nutrients that are required for a healthy and long life. Cats are predators at heart – they are hunters, and they require a very specific diet if their lives are going to be prolonged and enjoyable. Many dry cat foods lack in several key elements for a balanced and healthy diet. While there are proteins associated with dry cat food, the majority of the protein is derived from plants – not from animals. This deprives a cat of their natural, normal diet and can lead to health problems if the diet is not adequately corrected.

The cat’s dietary system is designed to be carnivorous. They simply are unable to digest plant-based proteins as well as they are able to digest animal proteins. Not all protein is identical, and if you unknowingly deny your cat the nutrition that their bodies require (as designed by nature and natural instincts), you may ultimately dictate that their nutritional needs remain unmet, and they’re far more likely to succumb to many natural diseases that may otherwise be kept at bay.

Additionally, the prolonged use of dry cat food has been irrecoverably linked with several common health problems like diabetes, hairballs, unnecessary obesity (a particular concern with indoor cats), kidney disease and more. Transitioning a cat away from dry cat food to canned or homemade cat food can act as a preventative measure to ward off a lot of these common – and often fatal – diseases before they ever appear. Because dry cat food is lacking in sufficient water levels, urinary diseases are far more prevalent in felines that subside on a solely dry diet. A cat’s instinct to drink is much lower than their instinct to eat. In nature, cats derive most of their water from their diet – and a diet of dry food alone does not provide adequate water levels to sustain a cat’s well-balanced nutrition.

Many cat owners are transitioning away from store-bought cat food brands altogether and focusing on a purely homemade diet for their loyal feline companions. While making cat food at home can be a time-consuming and intricate process, it also ensures (when practiced correctly) that your cat is receiving the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that they need to sustain a long and healthy life, while avoiding much of the filler associated with store-bought brands. Packaged cat food contains unknown ingredients, while a homemade diet ensures that you know exactly what your cat is consuming – and you can strive to provide a well-balanced, thoughtful diet.

Natural cat foods can be purchased from holistic sites and are loaded with the nutrients that are required for a long, healthy and balanced life. These products provide exceptional levels of protein as well as vitamins not often found in dry, canned or processed brands.

It’s only natural that you would want your pet to live a happy and long life so that they can remain with you as long as possible. Taking appropriate steps to ensure that their dietary and nutritional needs are met is the first step towards overall health. It can provide you with peace of mind, which simultaneously ensuring that your cat is receiving exactly what they need to achieve optimal health. Adequate diet plays a vital role in overall health. When combined with regular checkups, lots of love and affection, your feline can enjoy a life full of fun and health.

Most cat owners can attest to the fact that cats are finicky. They will only eat certain kinds of food out of a certain type of bowl. What many people don’t realize is that this rule applies to water as well. In general, cats do not drink enough water and this can lead to various health problems, but these problems can be avoided simply by observing the likes and dislikes of a feline with regards to water preferences.

To entice a cat to drink more water takes a little trial and error, but once the magical combination is found, a cat owner should have no problem with their cat remaining hydrated. Below are seven tips to encourage your furry friend to drink up!

1. Water Type
Many people think water is water, but this is not entirely true. There are various types of water from tap water to distilled to mineral. Each cat will have their own preference. Try putting out several bowls of different types of water and see which one they prefer, but make sure all the bowls are identical, as this can be a factor as well in whether or not a cat will drink.

2. Bowls
The type of bowl makes a huge difference. Stainless steel or ceramic will have the highest rate of success. Plastic is a porous material and tends to soak up odor. While a human may not be able to smell it, a cat will and may not want to drink it thinking the water is tainted. One must remember that cats are generally very picky about cleanliness.

3. Cleanliness
Water bowls should be cleaned with hot soapy water on a daily basis. Nobody likes to drink out of a dirty glass. It’s logical to believe a cat does not enjoy it either.

4. Placement
Cats also have a preference of where they want their water placed. Try placing several bowls throughout the house and see which ones show signs of having been used.

5. Multiple Cats
Having multiple cats in the home means having multiple food bowls, but it also means having multiple water bowls as well. Smelling another cat around their water bowl can deter the desire to drink water. Nobody likes drinking after another human being and cats do not like drinking after another cat either.

6. Food Additive
Until a cat owner is able to find the best way to encourage their cat to drink water, it may be necessary to use it as a food additive to ensure the cat stays hydrated. Water can be added to either dry or wet food. A bowl of water may also be “flavored” by adding chicken broth or some tuna juice. Normally a cat that will not drink water will go after a bowl of watered down broth.

7. Running Water
If all else fails, chances are the feline is one that prefers running water. It must be an instinct from the wild to prefer running water as opposed to stagnant, but many cat owners report their cats will only drink running water. To check the cats’ preference, simply turn on a faucet part way (high water pressure will most likely scare the poor thing) and place the cat next to the sink. There is a good chance the cat will investigate it cautiously at first and then start to drink. If the cat enjoys this, it will be obvious when they begin jumping up to the faucet and trying to drink without the water running. If they do indeed seem to like getting their water this way, a pet drinking fountain may be purchased to facilitate this.

The Importance of Hydration
Feline dehydration can be caused by many different factors from lack of available drinking water to illness. It’s extremely important to ensure a cat doesn’t become dehydrated, especially for those felines afflicted by diabetes or renal failure, as those two illnesses in particular cause increased urination which in turn causes increased risk for dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration are constipation, lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, increased heart rate, poor skin elasticity, and poor capillary refill time. There are two tests an owner can perform to check for skin elasticity and capillary refill.

To check skin elasticity, grasp some skin at the base of the neck and then release. If the skin does not spring back immediately, the feline is in a state of dehydration.

To check capillary refill time, press a finger against the cats gum. Once the finger is removed, a white spot will be present. Time how long it takes for the white spot to turn pink again. It should only take one to two seconds. If it takes longer than that, the cat is dehydrated.

Enough cannot be said about ensuring a feline remains hydrated. A cat stuck inside a home or apartment 24/7 without water to drink that they enjoy, can easily lead to a state of dehydration. It’s extremely important to monitor a cat’s rate of water consumption and, if low, take measures to improve that rate. Dehydration can greatly shorten a feline’s life, but it’s normally a very preventable problem that only takes a little observation and trial and error to correct.

Feline diabetes does not differ much from the human version of the same disorder. It has generally the same symptoms, causes, and dangers, making it just as important to treat and diagnose in a cat as it is a human. Untreated diabetes will shorten a cat’s lifespan dramatically and could lead to several complications. The early symptoms are obvious to the knowledgeable cat owner who knows what to watch for, and diagnosis and treatment are not difficult. It only takes a little perseverance and some knowledge to overcome this problem.

Signs and Symptoms
The first thing a cat owner will notice when their feline has developed diabetes is an increase in appetite along with a reduction in weight. This is due to the cat’s body breaking down proteins and fats in order to compensate for the inability to produce or utilize insulin. This leads to high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and urine, which causes increased thirst and urination. The four classic symptoms of cat diabetes are ravenous appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, and increased urination.

Cats that are at Risk
Generally, feline diabetes affects cats that are older and obese, and males are more likely to develop diabetes than females, although this disorder does not discriminate and can affect any cat at any time. Feline diabetes has a good chance of resolving itself if the cat is encouraged to lose weight gradually, but immediate veterinary assistance to diagnose and treat this problem is imperative, as untreated diabetes is a life threatening condition.

If Left Untreated
If left untreated, diabetes will dramatically shorten a cat’s lifespan. Increased sugar in the bloodstream causes the blood to become thicker, making it difficult to flow through veins. This puts stress on the heart and other vital organs and results in poor circulation. A fatal complication of feline diabetes is ketoacidosis, marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and difficulty breathing. An affected feline who has reached this level should see a veterinarian immediately and will probably have to be treated with intravenous fluids. Another complication of diabetes in cats is peripheral neuropathy, which is a weakening of the extremities, especially the hind legs. Affected felines very often walk on their hocks.

Diagnosis
A veterinarian will diagnose diabetes via lab tests, physical examination, and testing for high levels of sugar in the blood and urine.

Treatment
Of the two types of cat diabetes (insulin dependent and noninsulin dependent), approximately 75% of the cases are insulin dependent. Insulin dependent means the cat must receive scheduled injections of insulin. Noninsulin dependent means the cat must take oral medication, usually glipizide, which assists the body with utilizing insulin.
Those cat owners faced with the dilemma of administering insulin shots to a cat on a daily basis should not fear. Insulin needles are very small and typically the cat is not even aware they are receiving a shot. The dosage and scheduling of the medication will be determined by the veterinarian based on a blood sugar profile over the course of a twenty-four hour period. This will indicate to the veterinarian what times of days the cat’s blood sugar spikes or dips and to what degree.

Just as in humans, part of the treatment for diabetes is altering the cat’s diet. A diet that is high in protein is best for diabetic cats. While humans do well on a diet of carbohydrates, cats are carnivores and are not physiologically suited to consuming high levels of carbohydrates, yet many popular cat foods have high concentrations of carbohydrates because it is more cost effective. It’s important for cat owners to read the label. A cat food with less than 10% carbohydrate content is ideal for the diabetic cat. This is more often found in wet cat food as opposed to dry. The best bet is to read the labels and look for less than 10% carbohydrate content, the lower the better.

Precautions
As with humans who are diabetic, cats that are diabetic are also prone to hypoglycemic episodes (bouts of low blood sugar). Treating diabetes successfully is all about keeping blood sugar levels at an optimal level. Blood sugar levels that are too low or too high are both equally dangerous physical states. Any bout of low blood sugar can be confirmed by testing blood sugar and should be reported to the veterinarian immediately. This is a common occurrence, as insulin dosages do indeed need to be altered from time to time.

With so many factors that affect blood sugar levels, including food intake, hormone levels, and physical exertion, it can seem like a juggling act at times to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel. With the help of a veterinarian and a little observation and loving care from the owner, a feline with diabetes can live a healthy, happy, and active life.

I have seen far too many people think their pudgy little cat is cute. However, did you know that cat obesity is just as dangerous in our furry little friends as it is in humans? Therefore you’ll want to do something to cut down on your cat’s weight as quickly as possible. This can be a little difficult if you have an indoor cat as generally they don’t get the exercise they need. However, if you follow the tips in this guide you should be able to make even the laziest cat in the world drop the excess pounds.

First and foremost, you’ll want to determine if your cat is overweight. Some cats appear to be a little chunky, but that is how they should be due to their breed. To quickly check, you should feel around your cat’s ribs, they should be easy to identify. If you cannot feel the ribs then your cat is overweight. There are also a number of online ‘calculators’ which will also help you determine whether your pet is suffering from cat obesity.

One of the biggest tips I can offer is to change the food your cat is eating. You should look to purchase better quality food, such as a grain-free food that doesn’t contain corn. Cheaper foods contain more fat and fillers than they need to, and they also don’t have the proper nutrients. Therefore, cheaper foods could do your pet a lot of harm, so steer clear of those. Don’t worry, purchasing better quality cat food isn’t that much more expensive and you will probably need to feed your cat a lot less. In fact, purchasing a higher quality pet food will save you money in the long run, as it will result in fewer trips to the vet, because you’ll have a healthier cat.

Another helpful suggestion is to invest in a pet food bowl with a portion control dome in the center or what is often referred to as a slow feed bowl. I have been very successful using these types of bowls in the past to slim down my fat cats. These food bowls help to control pets that gobble up their food too fast, which can result in overeating.

The next step is to cut down on the treats that you are offering your pet. Many people give their furry friends cat treats on a daily basis, and this contributes to cat obesity more than anything. Save the treats for special occasions, and even then, you can purchase ‘low fat’ treats from your local pet store, so use those instead!

You will also need to exercise your cat more often. If you have an indoor cat, then grab a leash from a pet store and take them for a walk at least thirty minutes a day. This is also great exercise for you as well! Also, interactive toys are a great way to keep your cat active and can also strengthen the bond between you and your pet. My cat’s love the Da Bird feather toy, which they absolutely can’t resist; even my laziest kitty will get off the couch for this toy. It is by far the best cat toy I can recommend for interacting with your furry friends.

Finally, ease your pet into the diet plan gradually, especially if you are changing their food. This is because sudden changes in food can wreak havoc on your cat’s digestion, and can even make them sick.

Follow these simple tips and you should start seeing your kitty drop those excess pounds. When you are putting your cat through a ‘weight loss’ regime, you will want to constantly check them to ensure that they are actually losing weight. So keep feeling around those ribs, and weigh your pet from time to time. Remember though, your goal is to get your cat down to a ‘healthy’ weight, don’t take it too far, plenty of people end up with a cat that is far too skinny, and that is not what you want.

Sometime during your cat’s life they may experience hair loss, this can be something that is perfectly normal and will clear up on its own. However, you should never wait more than a few weeks if your cat is experiencing hair loss, instead you’ll need to consult with your local veterinarian. This is because despite it being a common condition, cat hair loss is something which can be linked to a number of serious diseases; some of them even fatal. Therefore, it is recommended that you get your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the cause of the problem.

Your vet will carry out a biopsy on the skin of your pet, and perhaps take a blood sample. This will help determine whether your cat has a serious condition. The vet will then recommend various medications that you can use to assist your pet in combating their cat hair loss. There may also be surgical options available depending on what is causing the condition.

If your cat is experiencing hair loss then more often than not it has not been caused by anything too serious. In fact, the condition is easily treatable and hopefully it will disappear on its own within a couple of weeks.

Your pet may also be causing ‘self-inflicted’ hair loss. Your vet will inspect the skin to check for broken roots. If there are broken roots, then the hair loss will more than likely have been caused by your cat. A common reason for your cat’s ‘self-inflicted’ hair loss could be due to stress. There are some cat breeds that have a more “nervous” personality, but even laid back cats can experience stress brought own by environmental changes, such as moving to a new place, a new baby, loud noises, and even a new cat being introduced to the family. If you feel your cat may be suffering from stress, you can purchase calming agents that can be placed throughout your home, I often use Feliway plug-ins around my house which have proven very successful in keeping my cats calm and relaxed.

One of the biggest causes for cat hair loss is ringworm. Your vet should be able to diagnose this with ease as all the warning signs will be there. Often this will be the first thing that the vet will be on the lookout for. This will be easily treatable with medications and should take a couple of weeks before hair growth begins again.

If nothing is found after blood tests or ringworm checks then there may be other factors at play. One of the biggest causes of cat hair loss is allergy to foods, even if they haven’t been present before. Your vet will most likely supply you with a cat food trial to test your pet for allergies to the foods they are eating. The diet they are placed on will last anywhere from 8-12 weeks. Sometimes you will be given prescription foods, other times you will be supplied with a ‘diet plan’ that you can prepare for your pet at home. Though the second option is much more rare and many vets will not prescribe this option.

As mentioned previously, if your cat is experiencing hair loss then you’ll need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Whilst it is unlikely there is a serious disease present, it is better to be safe than sorry, and the earlier the condition is diagnosed, the greater the chances of your cat remaining healthy.

Like people, your cat will need a bit of extra help as they get older. This could be a change in their eating habits, however more often it’s because older cats are more prone to illness. It is important for the health of the animal that you learn proper cat care for your senior cat. This is the only way you can ensure they will live a long and happy life, in fact, with good veterinary care a cat can live up to 20 years.

There are a number of ailments that could set in as your cat begins to age. It’s important that if you notice any of these signs, that you get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to preserve your cat’s health. Some of the more prevalent clues that could indicate something is not right with your cat’s health could include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite or perhaps they don’t seem as playful as they were in the past. Either of these could indicate that something is seriously wrong with your cat; thankfully most can be treated easily as soon as a vet has been informed. Just remember to keep an eye out for your cat acting a bit ‘unusual’.

Of course, caring for a senior cat isn’t just looking out for illnesses that may have presented themselves. There are a number of things that you should be doing on a regular basis in order to guarantee the cat’s health:

The most important is that you switch them to a ‘senior cat’ diet. As a cat becomes older the nutrients that they require will change, actually requiring fewer calories. Your vet may be able to suggest the best diet for your cat; however most supermarkets and pet stores should also be able to offer the same information. If you leave them on the same diet they were on when they were ‘younger’ it could result in obesity, which has the same side effects as if it presented itself in humans.

Groom your cat regularly! Like humans your cat will be less ‘flexible’ as it becomes older. Grooming regularly will help combat diseases such as arthritis which often present themselves in older cats. Don’t forget to cut their claws often as well, since they will be less active in their older age they won’t wear down as quickly and thus can become ‘stuck’ on various things.

You will need to take your cat to the vet on a regular basis. They will carry out a complete check of your cat’s health to ensure that no ailments are starting to present themselves. They will also carry out a dental check to see if there is any pain in the mouth. On top of all this they will also be able to describe some measures that you can put in place to help protect the health of the animal.

Just following a few of these simple tips will guarantee a long and rewarding relationship for you and your beloved pet.

We all love the cats in our life and this of course means that we want to care for them whenever they become sick. The problem that we face however is that in order to help our cat through any illness we will be have to be faced with expensive vet bills. Those that have no pet insurance will need to either come up with the cash in order to ensure the cats health, or alternatively they will have little choice but to have their beloved pet ‘put to sleep’. Those with pet insurance will find that they are able to cope with the vet bills much easier, after all, most of them will be covered under the pet insurance policy. For such a low cost it does mean that the best way to guarantee your cat’s health is through pet insurance. So what do you need to know when the time comes to purchase it?

The first thing that you should realize is that the majority of policies out there will not cover pre-existing conditions. These can either be hereditary conditions or those that have been acquired throughout life. The reasons for this should be pretty obvious. However, there are many companies out there that seem to be veering towards covering ‘existing conditions’ to a limited extent. It may be worth searching around for these companies if your cat is already sick. Don’t forget to look into the terms and conditions of the policy first however!

The next thing is to consider the ‘deductible’ that you will need to pay on your pet insurance. This is the minimum amount of money that you will need to pay towards the treatment, the higher the deductible, the cheaper the pet insurance. I know it may be tempting to opt for a high deductible, however, if you cannot afford the deductible and your cat needs treatment then they will not be treated. It is worth keeping your deductible set aside in a separate bank account so you can be sure that it is there should the inevitable happen.

Finally you will need to look at the terms and conditions of the policy. This is the only way that you will be able to establish what is a good deal, and which one leaves a lot to be desired. Things you should be paying attention to include:

1. What conditions are included/excluded under the policy? Some companies put a lot of exclusions in place, however many people opt for them as they seem incredibly cheap. Do not fall into this trap; there is a good chance that your cat will end up not covered for a lot of ailments.
2. If you have multiple cats can you get a discount on your policy? Many companies don’t actually offer this so it is something that is worth looking into.
3. What is the limit of your policy? Many companies have limits on their pay out. You will want to pay a lot of attention to this as this is where you can establish whether you are scoring a good deal or not. Common pay out maximums could apply per year, for each incident, for each category of illness or even lifetime for the cat.

Now you should be a little bit more knowledgeable about how to guarantee cat health through pet insurance. It’s suggested that if you don’t already have pet insurance in place that you go out there and purchase it as soon as possible, this is the best thing you could do for yourself and your beloved pet.

This is an interesting article on the topic of whether to feed your cat canned or dry food. I have recently been researching the subject myself and to my surprise found that the experts seem to be saying that you should be feeding your cat canned food exclusively. I’ve always been under the impression that a dry food diet was good for your pet, because it promotes healthy teeth and gums. The experts are now saying that cats don’t drink the water needed to sufficiently keep their bodies hydrated and that a diet consisting of all canned food would provide your cat the proper hydration needed for optimal health.  

What You Should Feed Your Cat
by Monica E Salois

Veterinarians say that cats can live up to 30 years on a natural diet, but most domestic cats only live for 14 to 18 years on average. Why is that? The difference has a lot to do with diet.

Dry cat food has been found by the American Veterinary Medical Association to be less nutritious than canned food. There are several major reasons why dry food is not as good for most cats:

1. The main, and sometimes only source of protein, is usually from animal by-products, which is not the best quality. These are the parts of dead animals considered unfit for human consumption such as feet, intestines, feathers, pieces of fur, egg shells, and sometimes even include organs from diseased animals.

2. They actually contain an insufficient amount of animal based protein most of the time compared to the vegetable protein content. Most dry cat food consists of vegetable based meal flavored with meat flavorings and it usually has a high gluten content. As with humans, there are many cats that are allergic to gluten.

3. Most dry cat foods contain too much starch, or carbohydrate. Cats are pure carnivores that do not need, nor thrive on, the excessive carbohydrate based formulas commercially available. The average dry food contains from 35% to 50% carbohydrates and some of the cheaper brands contain even higher levels. Cats simply have no dietary need for high carbohydrates and food with too much starch can actually be very detrimental to their health.

4. Cats sometime do not drink enough water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their dry food. Insufficient fluid from their food source can cause bladder infections and kidney stones. This is why it is so important to always serve fresh water with any form of dry cat food. Be careful not to give them milk once they have reached adulthood. Most cats become lactose intollerant as they age and milk gives them diarrhea. They may like it and drink it, but it has no nutritional value for them. It is better to use a milk substitute if they like the taste, such as Cat’s Sip, or something similar.

5. Most brands of dry cat food use unhealthy preservatives such as BHT, BHA, and ethoxyguin to prolong shelf life. Generally, BHA is used to keep fats from turning rancid and it is also used as a yeast de-foaming agent. BHT also prevents oxidative rancidity of fats and is often used to preserve food odor, color, and flavor. Preservatives that prolong shelf life of a product are not healthy for any living creature.

6. Most dry cat food loses nutrient value due to the long cooking times used in their processing, and very high temperatures. Dry cat foods tend to be little more than non-nutritious, flavored bulk meal.

7. The dry food formulas that contain oils can often become rancid over time when stored on warehouse and supermarket shelves. Generally, most cats refuse to eat rancid food and it can make them ill.

8. Some dry cat foods often contain a life-threatening and extremely dangerous fungal toxin caused during transportation or storage, and this can poison your cat.

In the wild, a cat will eat high protein, high moisture foods, mostly from meat-based sources such as mice, moles, bats, rats, small birds, insects, worms, slugs, and small snakes. Only 3% to 5% of a cat’s natural diet contains starch, or carbohydrate. On occasion, cats will eat grass because the enzymes aid in digestion and are a natural laxative. Overall, mice are the best form of food for cats because they have muscle meat, pre-digested stomach contents, calcium from the bones, and moisture from the fluids.

The next best form of food for domestic cats is canned or frozen food with a strong content of animal or fish protein, mostly from muscle meat, not organ meat, such as liver; nor from any animal by-products. Good quality canned cat food should not contain any “meal” or “grains” either. Fat, and some organ meats such as liver and heart, are good for flavoring, but they should not be the main ingredient. Never use any cat food that contains soy, wheat, corn, or yeast. If it does contain a grain, then rice is the safest for cats.

Although cats are carnivores, they can’t survive purely on meat alone. Quality cat food should contain supplements such as oils, vitamins, and minerals. Cats should be fed fish at least once a week, such as canned tuna, cod, or salmon. Cats will also eat spam, ham, raw hamburger, hotdog wieners, and any form of beef, chicken, turkey, and most lunchmeats and cold-cuts. It is good to give your cat a treat once in awhile such as “Temptations”, but don’t let them make a meal out of them or demand them excessively. They are high calorie, dry snacks not intended for meal substitutes. When serving a canned meat, the patte kinds are generally the best because the cat will lick the gravy off the other varieties and leave the meat to spoil. When the cat doesn’t eat it, the owner generally throws it out, which is very wasteful.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

I currently feed my cats both canned and dry food, but after reading this article, it may be a good idea to transition my kitties onto a diet consisting of all canned food. I have one cat who eats dry food only and will not touch the wet stuff, which is going to be quite a challange making the switch. I found a few sites with recipes for making homemade wet cat food which I’m considering adopting in the future. Hopefully these recipes will help me get my all kibble eating addicts to switch to wet food exclusively.

“All kittens are born with worms”, this is what the vet said to me while I was having a stray kitten treated for an upper respiratory infection. That little stray kitten turned out to be our Lydia, who originally made her way into our yard through the small holes (1¾ inch x 1¾ inch) in our cat fence. Apparently, our fence is “cat proof” but not “kitten proof”!

The Fecal Test… Eewww, Gross!
The vet recommended a fecal matter test for worms, which we promptly had performed on Lydia, and consequently, came back negative for any signs of worm eggs. The vet informed us that she is negative for worm eggs now, but that she probably has worms and it just indicates the eggs haven’t matured enough to show-up positive in the fecal test. This is when the vet said to me, “all kittens are born with worms” and they are passed to them from their mothers while in the uterus. Of course, for those who know me… you already know that the next thing I did was hit the internet to do some research. So, here is what I discovered about cat worms.

Thanks for the Worms Mom!
It has been reported that 95% of kittens contract worms in one way or another, either from inside the mother’s womb or while nursing on the mother’s milk. Even if a mother cat shows no signs of intestinal parasite infection, they may still have worms that lay dormant and get passed to their kittens. Also, if the mother has fleas or the kittens themselves have fleas they can be infected.

Apparently, there are several types of worms that can infect a cat. Here are the most common types of cat worms according to an article at WebMD.

Worms in Cats: An Infection of Intestinal Parasites
WebMD

What Are the Most Common Types of Worms in Cats?

• Roundworms are the most common internal parasites in cats. Resembling spaghetti, adult worms are three to four inches long. There are several ways cats can become infected. Nursing kittens can get roundworms from an infected mother’s milk, while adult cats can acquire them by ingesting an infected rodent or the feces of an infected cat.

• Hookworms are much smaller than roundworms-less than an inch long-and reside primarily in the small intestine. Because they feed on an animal’s blood, hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens. Hookworm eggs are passed in the stool and hatch into larvae, and a cat can become infected either through ingestion or skin contact. Please note, hookworms are more common in dogs than in cats.

• Long and flat, tapeworms are segmented parasites and range from 4 to 28 inches in length. An infestation can cause vomiting or weight loss. Cats acquire tapeworms by ingesting an intermediate host, like an infected flea or rodent. When cats are infected, tapeworm segments-actual pieces of the worm that resemble grains of rice-can often be seen on the fur around a cat’s hind end.

Unlike intestinal parasites, lungworms reside in the lungs of a cat. Most cats will not show any signs of having lungworms, but some can develop a cough. Snails and slugs are popular intermediate hosts of this type of parasite, but cats are usually infected after eating a bird or rodent who has ingested an intermediate host.

Read more: http://pets.webmd.com/cats/worms-cats-infection-intestinal-parasites

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Worms
Depending on the type and location of the parasitic worms that a cat has been infected, the signs and symptoms exhibited by the host cat will vary. Here are some clinical signs and symptoms associated with each type of cat worm. Note, some symptoms appear the same with different types of worms and this is not a comprehensive list.

Roundworms

• Swollen belly (pot bellied)
• Constantly hungry
• Vomiting
• Chronic Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Dull or poor coat

Hookworms

• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain
• Kittens, stunted growth

Tapeworms

• Small white rice-like segments on fur near anus
• Worm segments in cat’s feces
• Constant hunger
• Weight loss

Lungworms

• Cough
• Trouble breathing

Heartworms (less prevalent in cats)

• Almost no symptoms
• Diagnosis difficult 

How to Treat Parasitic Cat Worms
It’s very important that you don’t try to treat your cat for worms until you consult your veterinarian and have them tested for the type of parasitic worm infection before diagnosing and prescribing treatment. One solution to reducing the risk of your cat being infected with worms is to treat your cat properly for fleas. Cat World has an informative article on treatments for cat worms and a specific section on heartworms.

Part 1-Parasitic Worms
Cat World

Treatment of parasitic worms in cats:

“There are many excellent products on the market to treat the more common worms such as tapeworm, roundworm & hookworm including tablets & topical products which are applied to the back of the neck. Your veterinarian is the best person to speak to in regards to which product will suit your cat best.

There are no approved methods to treat heartworm in cats. The treatments which are available are themselves dangerous. A single dead worm can be fatal in cats as it can break away & cause a blockage of the pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism).

 If there are no clinical symptoms your vet may decide not to treat the cat & wait for it to clear the parasite in its own time. As stated earlier, heartworms live for around 2-3 years in cats. If this is the chosen method, your veterinarian will want to monitor your cat every 6-12 months for signs of complications.

If the cat is displaying symptoms of heartworm disease supportive therapy may be recommended. Prednisone may be given to the cat to reduce the inflammation & reaction to the worm.

Cats with severe symptoms may require additional supportive therapy such as a bronchodilator to open the airways, oxygen therapy & intravenous fluids.

Adulticide treatment may be recommended for cats with clinical signs who are not responding to supportive care. Caparsolate is the drug used & kills the adult worms. This carries risks, as a dead worm can result in a pulmonary embolism. Around 1/3rd of cats receiving treatment will face life threatening complications as a result of the dying worms. Confinement will be necessary for a few weeks after treatment. Either way, if you choose to let nature take its course & hope that the worm lives out its lifespan within the cat, or if you use an adulticide there are risks. These must be weighed up by your veterinarian before a decision is made. Surgical removal of the worms has been used in some cases.”

Read more: http://www.cat-world.com.au/internal-parasites-in-cats

Cat Worms – Prevention Tips

• If possible keep your cat indoors
• Keep your cat away from other infected cats, rodents, fleas and feces
• Keep your pets, home and yard flea free
• Use good hygiene when cleaning litter or removing feces
• Keep litter box clean from feces regularly
• Use vet approved internal parasite treatment or preventative products

Personally, I take my cats to our regular veterinarian to be tested and treated for cat worms and internal parasites. I use a product recommended by my vet called, Revolution to maintain flea protection and it also contains a preventative dose of internal parasite treatment. We’ve had a lot of success with this product and my cats are flea free and free of cat worms.