Measure Food By Weight, Not Volume
Do you weigh your cat’s food before feeding it or measure it out in a cup or serving scoop? If you’re like most people, you go the serving scoop route, which measures food by volume. But it’s very hard to make sure you’re giving the correct amount that way. Research has shown that measuring by […]
Feeding By Food Puzzle
You do your best to make sure your cat is pampered and enjoying the good life. But you may be overlooking her innate prey drive and need for a challenge that goes beyond what a dangled feather can offer. Food-containing puzzles that require feline strategy and focus will help satisfy her urge to hunt for […]
When Your Cat Needs to Drink More Water — But Won’t
Most of the time you don’t need to worry about whether your cat is drinking enough water. Setting out a bowl for her is usually enough. But a number of medical conditions increase a cat’s water requirement. One of them is kidney disease. Cats with kidney disease aren’t able to concentrate their urine as much […]
Is the more expensive food the better one?
Q. I always feel a little guilty for feeding my cat plain old kibble from the supermarket. Some of my friends buy much more expensive brands from pet shops. Should I be rethinking my choice of cat food? Kelly Delia Bloomfield, Michigan Dear Ms. Delia, A. This is a common question. The short answer is […]
Because the Clerk at the Pet Food Store Recommended It
Would you ask someone who works at the supermarket which foods you should buy to stay healthy? If the answer is no, then you know not to ask the clerk at the pet store which food to feed your cat every day. But not everybody makes the connection. We hear people say all too often […]
Can Cats Be Vegans?
A number of companies now manufacture vegan diets for cats. They don’t contain any meat, eggs, or dairy products. One such company advertises on its site that all its pet food is “cruelty-free” and approved by a leading animal rights organization. For many people, vegan cat food makes an attractive option. They appreciate the idea […]
Why Comparing Cat Foods Is So Difficult
Look at the package of almost any food intended for people, and you will find a Nutrition Facts label. It tells you at a glance how much of the food equals a serving and how many calories are contained in that serving, along with fat, sodium, fiber, and other nutrients. It not only makes it […]
What to Do If You Think Cat Food Made Your Pet Sick
Every so often, there is a media report about a pet food recall that occurs in the wake of animals becoming sick. The news...
Thinking of Switching to “Senior” Cat Food?
It’s not just pet owners who assume that cat food labeled “senior” has a different nutritional profile than food labeled for use by adult cats in general. Veterinarians often make the same assumption, according to researchers collaborating at Oregon State University, Colorado State University, and the University of California, Davis. But that’s not the case, […]
Cat Food Serving and Storage Quiz
You correctly choose a food from a reputable company with a label that carries a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which indicates that the contents are right for your cat’s stage of life. But do you have a healthy and safe way to store and serve the food you give […]
It’s Okay If Your Cat “Covers” Her Food
Many cats go through the motions of covering their food by scratching or pawing around the bowl in a simulation of digging. They’re not actually putting dirt over their food, of course. An instinct just has them acting as if they are. A cat who does this is not neurotic. She’s acting on a genetically […]
Dear Doctor: Bottled water for kitty?
Q. I’ve read that it’s possible to buy bottled water made for cats that is pH balanced and supposedly healthier, but I’ve never heard a discussion by a veterinarian as to whether or not it makes a difference or is worth the investment. What say you? Linda Reilly Merrimack, New Hampshire Dear Ms. Reilly, A. […]