Food wise!

We love to pamper our kitties with the food we eat. But beware, this can be harmful for your cat.

Here’s a list of food that should not be given to your beloved kitties:

Milk: Large number of cats cannot tolerate milk because of lactose intolerance as cats cannot produce proper amount of lactic acid. The lactic acid contains lactase enzyme which breaks down the milk and helps in digesting it. Lack of enzyme results in upset stomach and diarrhoea. So, if your cat shows sign of diarrhoea after milk consumption, she is milk intolerant.

Raw fish: Cats like tuna fish but if she eats too much raw fish, it will destroy Thiamine and cause lots of problems in her movement.

Table scraps: When you eat, your untrained cat may sit in front of you and beg for food. Do not give her table scraps because it may contain oily and fatty food which may cause stomach upset or obesity. Besides, sharp chicken bones, fish bone or hard bone of mutton can cause perforation of oesophagus or stomach, bones may get stuck between two teeth, or in the throat and hard bones may cause breaking of teeth.

Eggs: Raw egg should not be given to the cat as this may cause bacterial infection. Cooked egg can be given, but in small quantity.

Onion and garlic: They are very harmful to your cat as they can destroy their RBC (Red Blood Cells) and cause anaemia.

Grapes: Like dog, it is very harmful to your cat as it causes gastric irritation and vomiting.

Chocolate: It contains Theobromine which causes CNS (Central Nervous System) and cardiacs stimulations; as a result, it increases blood pressure and may even cause death.

Liver: Don’t give liver everyday to your cat as it causes vitamin A deficiency, besides eye, skin and bone problems.

Tea and coffee: They contain caffeine which causes gastric irritation to your pets.

Candy, gum and cake: They are sweetened with Xylitol which causes liver damage, lethargy and vomiting.

Alcohol: It’s a strict ‘No-no’. Even a two teaspoon alcohol can kill your cat.

Commercial dog foods: It is not a substitute of cat food. Cat food contains Taurine which is important to maintain their metabolic activity and this is not present in dog food.

Bread: Bread contains yeast, which is fermented inside the body and produces alcohol, causing harm to your cat.

Human medicines: Never give your human medicines to your cat. Human pain killers cause blood vomiting and bloody stool.

So, before you toss that food towards your cat out of love, think again...is it harmful for our pet?

(Dr Goutam Mukherjee runs Get Well Pet Centre in Kolkata)

We are carnivores!

Cats are carnivores and they need to eat a meat-based diet. Certain nutrients are available in meat-based diet only and these are lost to the cat if she is fed only vegetarian diet. For healthy growth, cats need amino acids from proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and water.

Proteins

Proteins, which provide the much needed energy, should form part of a cat’s daily diet. The protein requirement of cats is very high when compared to dogs and humans. Cats require at least two grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. Cats derive most of their proteins from animal-based products. Meat, fish and eggs are good sources of proteins. Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot manufacture on their own but can only obtain it from other animal proteins. Depriving a cat of taurine may lead to blindness, deafness, heart failure, neurological abnormalities and poor reproductive functions. Arginine is another essential amino acid in the cat and is essential for removal of ammonia from urine. Lack of this amino acid results in kidney failure and death.

Fatty acids

Cats derive fats from animal-based and plant products. Fats provide more energy than proteins. Also, fats obtained from animal-based products supply important fatty acids and are also carriers of fat-soluble vitamins. Cats need primarily two fatty acids: linoleic and arachidonic. These are found in animal-based food. Fatty acids play an important role in new cell production, reproduction, blood clotting and keeping your cat’s coat healthy.

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential for the healthy growth of cats, but they cannot synthesize some vitamins. Cats need both fat-soluble (vitamins A, K, D and E) and water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin C), as part of their daily diet. Vitamin A can be obtained by cats only directly by eating meat. They lack the ability to convert beta carotene to vitamin A. Deficiency of vitamin A can lead to night blindness, retarded growth and poor quality skin and coat. Unlike dogs, cats can get niacin, a vitamin B, only directly from the food they eat. Niacin deficiencies can lead to loss of appetite and weight, inflamed gums and diarrhea.

Minerals

Minerals are beneficial for your cat’s bones and muscles, strong teeth and efficient metabolism. Calcium and Phosphorous are needed the most. Other minerals that cats need are Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium Chloride, Copper, Iron, Iodine, Manganese, Selenium and Zinc. These may be found in the majority of cat foods or in meats, fish and eggs.

Water

Don’t forget to keep a clean bowl of water for your cat daily.

Fresh water is needed to keep organ tissues hydrated, as dehydration will lead to death.

(Sudhersena is volunteer at the Blue Cross since 1998 and an avid animal lover, owns nine cats and three dogs. She is associated with a number of animal welfare campaigns and programmes)

Healthy Bites

Here’s something to go with highly nutritional pet food…healthy advice from Drools.

Pets thrive on affection, attention and the right kind of emotional and medical care. We at Drools are well aware of every pet parent’s need to keep their pet healthy and secure. Here are some quick tips to make the task simpler.

Serve your pet a dose of good health

A healthy, balanced and nutritious diet is essential to maintain your pet’s health and longevity. Always insist on buying your pet a quality meal, as cheap alternatives, more often than not, contain fillers that may not be healthy and would also leave your pet hungry. Small pet food samples are available on trial before you decide to purchase a larger quantity. This not only allows you to gauge your pet’s reaction to the food, but also allows you to be more aware of your pet’s tastes and ensures your pet receives the right kind of nutrition. On making a choice, keep an eye on how your pet reacts during the first few weeks. Look out for rising energy levels or shine or thickness in the hair coat. This maybe a sign that diet change has suited your pet well. Also, all changes in your pet’s diet must be done gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Always consult your veterinarian for nutritional advice.

We’re not the only ones who need exercise and grooming

Pet dogs need daily exercise to stay fit. Be it a stroll in the neighborhood or a walk in the park. This is a must, in the mornings and evenings. Some dog breeds require more exercise than others. A veterinarian could help provide a more specific routine in such cases. It is never advisable to leave a pet unattended, when outdoors, especially during extreme weather conditions, as this can have serious health consequences. Both dogs and cats need grooming, bathing and nail trimming. In fact, some dog breeds need regular hair grooming. It’s always advisable to seek out a professional groomer, before learning how to groom your pet at home.

Build a bond with your vet

It’s important to note that spending quality time with your pet isn’t the only way to strengthen the bond you share. It’s equally important for caretakers to find a veterinary doctor who understands this bond and works as a partner in keeping your pet healthy. Professional guidance will take care of inoculations, vaccinations, dental hygiene, examination, advice and treatments for various parasite infestations, besides other areas like training in general pet care, socializing, obedience and behavioral issues. Being a pet parent is a life enriching experience. Always ensure you make informed and responsible decisions for your pet to secure a happy and healthy life together.

Diet for your senior kitty

As our cats get older, it is very important to provide them with a good and healthy diet. Here are a few tips to choose the best diet for your ageing kitty.

• Good feeding plan. Setting a good feeding plan throughout their lives is the best way to maintain a happy and healthy cat who lives a happy and fit old age.


• Choose high quality food designed for senior cats. As cats get older they are far less active and their energy decreases so they do not require the same amount of food that they needed when they were younger. Some fat is needed in the diet but this should be reduced although not totally cut out. Senior cat food takes this into consideration and provides them with the vitamins, nutrients and fat that they require.


• Always choose food that your cat eats and enjoys. As they get older cats often lose some of their teeth and their gums may not be quite as strong and healthy as when they were younger. So, choose a diet which they can eat properly.


• Give protein to maintain their muscle tone and immune system. Beef, poultry, fish or lamb is preferable and better than protein from sources such as wheat or corn. A cat's system can use meat-based protein far better than plant-based protein. Approximately one-thirds of the diet should be made up of meat-based food and therefore also provide about one-thirds of their required calories.


• Provide two or three small meals a day for a senior cat than one large meal. If you are using canned food, always remove the uneaten portion after 30 minutes to prevent the food from spoiling. Some cats, who are not inclined to be obese, can be given a little food to nibble on during the day. If you have younger cats in the house it might be wise to feed your senior animals away so that the younger animals cannot reach it.


• No to treats and table scraps. It is not a good idea to give your cat, of any age, table scraps or regular treats.


• Provide your cat with fresh water at all times – especially cats who may have kidney problems.


• Watch the litter tray. It is important to watch their litter tray to make sure that their waste is not too loose as there may be insufficient fibre in the diet. If this continues for any length of time, always consult your veterinarian who will give your cat a full examination and make suggestions regarding a suitable diet to maintain good health.

(Joan Henderson is based in Australia and she has judged furry felines in many other countries including USA, Bermuda, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand)

Do’s and Don’ts for your kitty treats

Like humans, your kittens may like a different treat. Here are a few treats you can give to your feline friends:

• You may give upto a quarter cup of milk at a time, but more may cause diarrhoea.


• You can give yogurt for calcium and digestion.


• You may mix yoghurt with a small dash of taurine powder, a flavour the cats like and is good for them.


• Protein-based meat, poultry and fish are good for your cat. Just make sure there are no fish bones.


• Treats should not form more than half the diet.


• Avoid garlic and onion seasonings as these are toxic for cats.


• You can give Dental Chews or Greenies for cats in the recommended quantities.

(Kit Humphrey, featured columnist of Cats & Kittens, is a retired physician from Siberian Gatos Cattery in the US.)

Thought for food…

In the last issue, we gave you tips on how to make your kitty comfortable to his new environment. Here are a few more tips for feeding your kitty:

Why interval feed?

• Interval feeding is important, that is food’s not available at all times.


• Smell of the food and not the taste triggers the cat’s brain sending out the message to slow down the whole metabolism so that the body can concentrate on digesting…this is perfect for digesting the food efficiently, but not a state of affairs we want to continue 24 hours a day. So, while we often think we need to leave the food out for a cat who is finicky and/or needs to gain weight, we are actually achieving the opposite, as the cat’s appetite is not stimulated naturally.


• Recent research states that cats who fall ill with urinary blockage almost always come from homes where food was left available all day long.


• Leaving food available all day long is also the primary cause of the finicky eater syndrome. Slowed metabolism is a cause of several health problems–among them dandruff, obesity and skinniness. If a cat has a poor appetite, the answer is not to leave more food available for longer periods but just the opposite.


• Putting food out identifies you as the source of the food and helps you and your kitten to bond.


• We start training our kittens to come to “Here Kitty Kitty Kitty…” when we feed them. Adding the cat’s name to this sequence, teaches him his own name and to come when called.

How to feed?

• For a 9-12 wks old kitten, try just 1/8th cup three times a day. Call the kitty: “Here kitty, kitty, kitty, NAME-kitty” when you put food out, every time. Let the cat eat and leave. Then after 10-20 min, discard the leftovers where the cat will not smell it.


• If you have more than one kitten, give each his own bowl, which lets you monitor how much each kitten eats and

keep them from competing for food.

• Some male adult cats want more than 1/3rd cup every 8 hours and some females eat barely 1/4th cup total in 24 hrs at 12 wks though this is very low.


• Males eat twice as much as females during their rapid growth phase of five to ten months, usually. Males’ appetites sometimes increase rapidly.


• The ribs should be identifiable as ribs but not countable, having a slight layer of fat over them.


• Use cat food as it has proper supplements and vitamins.


• Dishes need to be wide enough so that he does not need to bend his whiskers when eating off the bottom of the dish, or drinking from the bottom. Cats do not like to bend their whiskers, and will eat and drink less, rather than go through this unpleasant experience.


• Dishes should be ceramic without lead or arsenic in the glaze, or metal or glass, not plastic.

(Kit Humphrey, featured columnist of Cats & Kittens, is a retire physician. From Siberian Gatos Cattery in the US, she is responsible for cattery policies and choices that include a programme to eliminate Corona Virus, HCM, Bartonella, Toxoplasmosis, etc.)