Monday, October 24, 2011

Cat Behavior - Food Aggression

Occasionally you will find a cat with unusual aggression patterns. One of these is food aggression. Sometimes food aggressions can be put down to one cat trying to be the 'alpha' cat in the family, but there can be other causes as well.

Food aggression is where the cat will attack another cat to protect its food. It may also try to steal food from other cats. Typically this type of aggression is from cats that were strays or were perhaps in a shelter where food wasn't plentiful. The cat has been in situations where it has literally had to fight off others in order to eat. Once in the home situation, they are still unsure that the food will be forthcoming each day. You might find your cat trying to 'stare down' another cat to warn it away from the food.

Food aggression can also happen in homes where there is an uneasy relationship between two or more cats, especially if one cat is weaker. In this situation the aggressive cat is attempting to make itself the 'alpha' or number one cat in the home. The tension that builds up can cause the weaker cat to become fearful and insecure. It could also lead to spraying and more aggression. I had this problem when Tikki was alive. She would try to push Cassie away from the food at night so she could eat both dishes. I don't think she needed the extra food, she was just making sure she was the one in charge. I solved this problem by feeding them in different rooms and made sure that Cassie had finished before Tikki was allowed into the room. After a few weeks of this, Tikki settled down to the extent that she started waiting for her dinner in the same room as Cassie. When I started feeding them together again, there were no further problems. As both cats cat been spayed, there were no problems with either of them spraying urine on vertical surfaces.

If you think your cat has a problem with food aggression, start feeding your cats on opposite sides of the room. Stay and keep watch on them to make sure both cats get their food. Make sure you feed them at the same time each day so they know the food is going to be there. This can be once or twice a day, it is up to you. If it is a dog that is causing the problem, feed the cat where the dog can't get at it. This could be in a different room or somewhere high that the dog can't reach.

It will take time, but your cat will realize that the food is now plentiful and going to come each day. And when that happens, you will have a wonderful companion that is a joy to be with.

Cat Behavior - Food Aggression

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Soft Cat Food

Cat food affects your pet's life, not just during those few moments when she's eating, but for every hour of every day. Cat-food choices abound with fish, chicken, fresh flavors, hard crunch, chewy centers, and of course, wet mushy delectable bites. Cat-food is formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of cats. Cat food is specifically formulated to meet the specific nutritional requirements of cats, One specific nutritional requirement that cats need is the amino acid taurine.

Adult

Adult cats (1 year) can be fed once or twice a day. adult canned cat-food is made with real meat or poultry and is specially formulated without corn, wheat or animal by-products and contains no artificial colors or flavors. Older kittens and adult cats should not be fed milk.

Ingredients

Whether you're selecting wet or dry cat-food, the first place to start is the list of ingredients. When choosing your cat's food, the ingredients and the nutritional levels are more important than whether you choose between wet or dry cat-food. If you don't see something familiar, that you would eat, at the very top of the list of ingredients, then pass up the food.

Kittens

Food for your kitten: Growing kittens need more nutrition for their development than mature or senior cats. Kittens have other special dietary needs, so be sure to get a kitten formula for kittens. Kittens will need supplemental food as early as 2-1/2 weeks after birth and certainly by 4 weeks because mom's milk is not going to be an adequate nutrient food source. Kittens should only be given kitten replacement milk (like KMR), never cow's milk. Kittens and aging cats need more food than the adult cat.

Meat

Cats are obligate carnivores and experts say that meat should be their primary source of protein for proper health. Commonly used meat and carbohydrate ingredients contain more phosphorus than calcium. A glance at the food labels shows that many -- but not all -- varieties of these foods are loaded with undesirable ingredients such as meat by-products, grains and glutens. Just as for human food, there are regulations regarding the labeling of cat food that can help consumers assess the amount of meat in the food. I just simply bought a chicken thigh and a breast (some cats may like dark meat more than white or vice versa) and cut them up into small pieces (the size of an eraser head or a bit larger) to see if my cats would eat raw meat.

Organic

Organic Cat-Food does away with all the artificial stuff and only combines the best possible organic meats, veggies, grains and more. Organic cat food is processed and prepared in such a manner that these essential vitamins and minerals are preserved to a more significant degree that is the case with highly processed and more traditional cat food products. Many cat owners are turning away from commercial pet foods and are feeding their cats homemade organic pet food. If you are looking for the best organic cat food on the market today, then you need to buy healthy cat food. The stuff that makes up Organic Cat-Food have all the vitamins and nutrients your cat needs to grow healthy, strong and live a long happy life. I do not spend the additional money for organic but if you are so inclined, you can purchase organic meats.

Soft

The three main types of cat foods are dry, soft-moist and canned products. Soft-moist cat foods generally offer higher palatability as compared to dry diets, are convenient to serve and store easily.

Soft Cat Food

Friday, October 21, 2011

Are You Thinking "Can I Feed My Ferret Cat Food?"

Once you got permission from your parents to get a ferret home you are elated and probably start thinking about what to name your new pet. However, you must be aware that having a pet is a great responsibility too and there are a number of questions whose answers you must be aware of. You might probably be thinking, "can I feed my ferret cat food?" and also be wondering about the timing of the food and the way the adorable pet should be taken care of.

Many pet owners feed their ferrets with cat food. Most of the pet stores do have ferret food available but you need not worry even if ferret food is not available as cat food in fact is suitable for ferrets. However, you must read the label carefully to look for the components in the ferret's diet. We would discuss some of the main components of a ferret's diet and you must ensure that the food contains those ingredients.

If you are looking at the label on the cat food, ensure that the protein content is high as ferrets should be given a protein rich diet. This should be animal based protein and not plant based and also easily digestible for the ferret. You must also check that the carbohydrate content is low and the percentage of fibers in the ferret diet is less that 3%.

Ferrets are similar to cats by the fact that they are carnivorous and have a set of requirements as far as diet is concerned. If you are thinking, "can I feed my cat ferret food", you must know that the cat's diet probably comes closest to that of the ferret. Both need high protein content and lesser percentage of carbohydrates and fibers in their diet. The cat food or kitten food given to ferrets should be of high quality though matching the requirements, even if you are feeding it with canned or dry food.

Ferrets should be treated every now and then with cooked meats. You can even given treats consisting of fish without oil content, cereal and even vegetables. However, you must notice the eating pattern of the ferrets and give them treats accordingly. Owing to their high metabolic rate they must be given at least 5-6 meals every day. You must use a small bottle meant for rabbits to give sufficient water to the ferrets.

Now, you need not worry thinking, "can I feed my ferret cat food". You can find some good cat food in the pet store and feed it to your ferret after checking for the contents on the label.

Are You Thinking "Can I Feed My Ferret Cat Food?"

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Advantages of Feeding Your Cat Royal Canin Renal Cat Food

Pets automatically become close to us just like our families. Hence, we need to give care and attention to them and for this their health should be taken care of well. This is more so if they fall ill. This is when we need to give them maximum care and attention. Irresponsibility on our part could lead to grave health problems for our cats. We should not ignore the health of our pet cats, as we may have to repent later. Cats suffer from health problems like chronic renal failure, and hence we need to give enough attention to its hygiene.

Chronic Renal failure or CRF is basically a damaged kidney. This condition may attack cats as young as four years of age. This is however more prominent in older cats. Check with vets who will be able to advise you on the dietary requirements for your cats that may also suffer this condition. Older cats have greater chances of getting this disease. Vets specifically advise pet owners to follow a strict renal diet cat food that is available in all pet shops all over the globe.

A vet will be able to treat your pet cat if at it suffers Chronic Renal Failure. The first thing that vets normally suggest is a change in the diet of your pet. It is important to keep the dietary requirements of your pet cat in mind so that we are able to tackle this condition. Exclusively designed renal cat food would help in solving this problem.

A can of Royal Canin Renal cat food is specialised and is undoubtedly the best one when it comes to cat food. Canned food is rich in protein content and supplies the essential nutrients to your cat. Renal cat food ensures that an optimum body mass is maintained. When your cat's body mass goes below the required level, there are chances for renal failure. Hence, it is imperative that you ensure you provide your pet cat with a well balanced and nutritious diet.

The other important thing that needs to be ensured is that all the requisite components are present in the cat food. This food will ensure complete muscular growth and development of your cat. It also provides immunity to your pet. Phosphorus is a very important mineral that takes care of renal failure disorders. It has been scientifically proven and established that canned food of a good quality helps in solving disorders and health problems of your cat. It is widely accepted all over the globe.

Generally, canned renal food comprises of beef liver, dried roots such as beet, chicken pulp, and corn meal. These ingredients provide the requisite energy to your pet cat. Natural roots like beet are natural sources of potassium, vitamin E, Zinc and niacin. They help in maintaining the health and also the body mass which are ideal for your cat's health and well being.

The Advantages of Feeding Your Cat Royal Canin Renal Cat Food

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Holistic Canned Cat Food For Finicky Eaters

If a person is the proud owner of a feline, then a person knows the cat must have proper nutrition as cats have very sensitive stomachs. Cats can be fussy and very finicky when comes to food. There are only certain foods that will be placed in a cat's mouth and the pet owner will not be able to change their mind.

With this in mind, cat food needs to be holistic to feed the cat's mind, soul, and body. Holistic canned cat food must contain ingredients that will keep them well and away from the dangers of all the terrible kitty diseases out there. A cat's coat has to stay healthy and shiny along with their skin. When a cat bathes, they get their fur stuck in their throat because of excessive hair. This is because they are not getting proper nutrition.

For finicky cat eaters, there now is a solution to this problem by using holistic canned cat food. This food has the highest natural ingredients that are formulated to nourish a cat's skin, coat, and body. There will be a real noticeable difference when the cat changes back over to healthy eating.

One company that is making a difference is Instinctive Choice. This is the most nutrient dense holistic canned cat food a person will ever see. This means a cat will be fed less food as its more filling. The food is designed the way a cat would feed in the wild.

The holistic canned cat food contains human like proteins that are very digestible for a cat's sensitive stomach. Proteins that come from fish, white meat, shrimp, turkey, chicken liver, and chicken, will the kitty's tummy. The chicken has to be organic chicken, chickens that are raised humanely and are only fed with natural ingredients. Chicken liver that is vitamin enriched with E, C, A, B, Folic Acid, Copper, and Iron will greatly help with digestion.

When a cat is in the wild, they obtain their moisture or water from the prey that they kill. With a modern-day house cat they have to be fed to stay alive. They no longer hunt in the wild. They do not even try to eat a mouse anymore. Eating holistic cat food will contain broth and vitamin water while eating their food.

Cats naturally love grass. The reason this is because it helps with their urinary tract. So, if the cat lived inside the house one hundred percent, the holistic cat food would contain grass to help with this problem. Agropyron Repens grass is called couch grass and is the perfect choice to provide phytonutrients and fiber.

There are powerful antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are packed into holistic canned cat food. L-Carnitine and Taurine are also added to support the muscles, eyes, and the heart to stay healthy along with their wellbeing. These two nutrients are protein constituents and much-needed amino acids. To help with a feline's immune system, a sensitive tummy, and to help absorb the nutrients, Inulin was also added.

Now a person can have help with a finicky cat to get them eating again. They will never know how healthy it is for them, they will just love all the yummy ingredients. They will be climbing on your lap for some "me" time.

Holistic Canned Cat Food For Finicky Eaters

Sunday, October 16, 2011

What Food to Give a Cat With Urinary Blockage

Commercial cat foods are high in carbohydrates and grains which cats do not need. Urinary tract infections and bladder blockages are mainly a result from this food, not to mention kidney and obesity problems. So, read on to find what food to give a cat with urinary blockage.

Cats are meant to eat meat and some grasses and that's it. They are not designed to eat vegetables or dry cat food loaded with grains. Meat based canned food is the best or meat that you as an owner prepare. The very best urinary tract cat food diet for cats is a raw diet. Did you ever have an outdoor cat? If you did, you noticed how they love to kill their dinner, such as a mouse or smaller rodents? Cats are carnivores and are not meant to eat vegetables, cereal and grain fillers, but if they must eat a commercial product get the type that is chopped meat and has gravy. Urinary tract cat food with the meat and gravy will satisfy their carnivore instinct and help them get added moisture.

Contributing to your cat's urinary health are pH levels. Depending on whether your cat's pH levels are acidic or alkaline bladder stones and blockages can form. Try putting small amounts of apple cider vinegar, maybe ¼ teaspoon or smaller in their food. This will adjust the pH levels. Also, you must make sure that you keep the cat's stress to a minimum. Just like us humans, stress can create illness. Water is another must have on a daily basis. It should be fresh and plentiful so that bacteria, if caught in the urethra can be flushed out from frequent urination. Provide a clean fresh litter box so your cat will want to use the litter box often.

What food to give a cat with urinary blockage, well, they should not be eating only dry food? If they are, the urine will become very concentrated which can contribute to feline urinary tract associated illnesses. If your cat has had urinary tract problems chances are it will happen again. Try an herbal supplement designed for urinary tract health in cats. These supplements contain natural immune support builders with ingredients like berberis vulgaris and staphysagris which help all urology aspects for your cat. These ingredients cause the body to create a response to heal itself.

Cat food for urinary tract health includes raw or canned food, and adding natural immune builders, to support a healthy immune function and an overall balance to keep our pets healthy for years to come.

What Food to Give a Cat With Urinary Blockage

Friday, October 14, 2011

Top Cat Food Brands

The continuous tight spot for all pet owners continues to be the food for their pet as they just can't seem to find something that has all the proteins and vitamins that their pets need and is also tasty enough. Altogether in the same package is not so easy to find but nonetheless it is necessary for the good health and well being of your pet. The best way to find what is best for your cat is by comparing and contrasting the good aspects and the bad aspects of the food that you are considering. The most important thing is that every cat food you consider should have the necessary nutrients to keep the health, muscle growth, general growth, teeth, coat and all other developments.

When you understand more about cat food and the ingredients, it will be much easier to choose. There is of course, the factor that your cat should like it too. Keeping a good mix is also important as your cat might get bored with the same formula or might just take an instant dislike to some. Listed below are the top brands when it comes to cat food for your benefit.

Top Cat Food Brands:

Innova EVO Dry Cat Food: The quality and nutritional value of this cat food surpasses all other brands and it is well known to satisfy the palate of all cats. The main ingredients include turkey, chicken, potatoes and also herring meal. It makes up for meat, fish as well as vegetables which are necessary to complete the diet. Even though it is a little bit on the pricey side, it is highly available and the most preferred brand.

Wellness CORE Dry Cat Food: It is actually a very good and strong competitor for Innova EVO and it also has pretty much the same ingredients and there is not much difference in the formula or the price. However, the meat is completely deboned before the formula and also has the three main ingredients meat, fish and vegetables.

Natural Balance Ultra Premium Cat Food: Containing four meat sources like duck, chicken, fish meal and lamb meal, it is the ideal food for all cats including kittens. Also containing a good portion of proteins, it is well suited for all lactating queens and it is perfect for all life style. The price is very much affordable and it also has a healthy proportion of vegetables and brown rice to add to the taste and nutritional value of your cats.

Evolve Dry Cat Food: With a good portion of chicken and chicken meal for the main protein and meat source and brewer's rice and also brown rice as part of the carbohydrates, Evolve has a very prominent place along with the other top brands for cat food. Having a very high protein content, it also has vegetables and a small portion of fish meal in it too.

California Natural Chicken and Rice Cat Food: All the ingredients used here are quite natural with the very best quality and is preferred by all the cat owners who are looking for the most affordable and also highly natural and nutritious cat food available at almost all the stores.

Felidae Cat and Kitten Formula: The protein source of around 32% provided by the four meat sources lends a special flavor to the formula that the cats find very refreshing and tasty and soon this becomes one of the favorites for both the owners as well as the cats. It also contains herbs and fruits and keeps the coat of your cat very shiny and smooth and also offers a lot of other health benefits.

With these diverse choices that you have you can choose from highly organic food to a raw food diet. Anything that suits your cat would be absolutely fine if it is also perfect on the cost and of course, the health of your cat which is more important than anything else.

Top Cat Food Brands