Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat

You may think that your cat can take care of herself. At least, that is the way she sees it, right?

But, while your frightfully independent felines may be able to hunt and scavenge enough food for

themselves, that is not to say that those would be the right foods. Indeed, for most cat owners, the

foods that are close enough for their pets to get their paws on could be downright detrimental to cat

health. That is exactly why there are quality pet foods available for responsible owners to purchase.

And, that is certainly a bonus, because cooking for a cat every day is not on most people’s agenda.

The Different Ages and Stages of Your Cat’s Life

Just like human babies, kittens are born with a definite set of nutritional needs and a digestive system

that is not quite ready for all the foods it will eat one day. Kittens drink their mother’s milk – and for

the most part, cats make excellent, caring mothers – until a point. After that, a queen cat may treat

her young as if they were strangers or even enemies. But usually, the kittens that are available for

adoption have been weaned onto solid food, even if that kibble is moistened with a bit of water to

make it easier. Over the next six months to a year, kittens are able to eat the same form of food that

adult cats consume, but they still have nutritional requirements that are vastly different than more

mature cats may have. Always feed your kitten age appropriate food until your vet is happy to move

your pet to adult foods.

There is another stage that many cats make it to which also requires special foods. Those golden

years are a special time for most pet owners and because of a change in activity, not to mention

health care needs, cats do require a different balance of nutrition than they needed previously.

Although when you move your cat onto mature food varies based on the needs and breeds of your

pets, you may want to consider the change at any point after seven years of age. Typically, when

your adult cat begins slowing down and resting a lot more, you will want to consult your vet about this

switch.

Although not all cats go through this stage, pregnancy and nursing do require additional nutrients for

the queen cat. After all, she is usually not just eating for two – it is more like six or seven cats, albeit

tiny ones. If your cat is pregnant, speak to your vet about providing her with nutrient-rich kitten food.

For most pregnant cats, this will offer the right balance. However, this is a delicate point in your cat’s

life, and you should ensure that your pet receives adequate healthcare – even after her kittens are

born until the point that they stop nursing.

Traditional Cat Foods Versus Sensitive Cat Foods

Cats are carnivores. Not only do they like meat in their diet, they need plenty of it. That is not to say

that they cannot digest plant matter (although some plants can be very hazardous to their health); it is

just that they need quite a bit of meat. Quality pet foods, sensitive or otherwise should always contain

a fair amount of meat. However, that does not mean that all cats can eat any food that is made with

any meat.

Some cats develop sensitivities to the ingredients found in traditional pet foods. That is not to say that

these foods are inherently bad (often, quite the opposite) – or that there is anything wrong with your

pet. It is usually it is the result of repeated exposure to the same food over time. While a food may

be nutritionally complete, it can still lead to sensitivities.

Feline sensitivities often reveal themselves through vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme flatulence or loose

stools. Sensitivities can also present themselves as the inability to pass stools. If your pet uses

the litter box as his primary toilet, you are certain to spot these issues quickly. Cats that have the

freedom to move outdoors at their pleasure may take longer to diagnose.

There is something crucial to note when it comes to feeding your pets a sensitive cat food. You can

opt to do this because your cat enjoys the flavour, or because there are other benefits inherent in

a particular food. But you should never make the switch as a result of suspected food sensitivities.

If you are concerned about your cat’s health, or she presents any other the above symptoms,

you will need to wait for your vet to make a diagnosis. If you attempt to make a change based on

your observations, you could fail to prevent or treat another, more serious condition. Often, these

symptoms do point to food sensitivities, but not always.

The most important thing to note about sensitive foods though is that they are made with alternative

ingredients than those found in traditional cat foods. These ingredients are not known to lead to food

sensitivities, and any digestive issues your cat has been experiencing should clear given enough time

on the new food.


A Note about Water

Believe it or not, your cats do not need a great deal of water. Well, at least not as much as you might

think. That is because they do a much better job of retaining it than many other animals. In fact, if

you opt to feed your cat wet foods, she can typically pull all the water she needs from her meals. But,

that does not mean that you should not provide constant access to water. All animals do need some

water, and this is also a great indicator as to when your pets are not well. If you notice major changes

in consumption, you will need to take your kitty to the vet. There is one caveat with this though – your

cats are unlikely to enjoy tap water, so they may wait for the water in their bowl to stale a little and

then drink extra to replenish their stores. That’s normal and nothing to panic about. However, you

should take your cat’s nutritional needs very seriously. After all, what they eat often determines their

overall health. So, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

For any more information, please visit our Burgess Pet Care Cat page:

http://www.burgesspetcare.com/your-pet/cats/

Feeding Hypoallergenic Cat Food

Ever wonder whether one of your cats has a food sensitivity?  If you’ve ever noticed that your cat has difficulties with his food, or does not seem to want to eat then you may want to continue watching your pet.  That’s because food allergies and sensitivities are not only uncomfortable for your cat; they can be painful for you too (especially if your cat uses the litter box). 

Symptoms of a Sensitive Stomach

Cats can experience the same symptoms of food sensitivities that humans do.  And because cats don’t have access to toilets as humans do, this can become a rather smelly issue.  After all, digestion leads to waste, and problems with digestion can lead to problems with excretion.  Usually, food allergies cause:

·         Excessive flatulence,

·         Vomiting,

·         Diarrhoea or loose stools and / or

·         Difficulties passing stools.

If your cat uses the litter box, you are likely to spot these symptoms rather soon after they appear.  Soft stools or no stools will be easily spotted as you clean the litter box.  However, if your cat has access to the outdoors, it may take you some time to notice that your cat has issues.  Usually, you’ll notice the smells or vomiting that is not tied to hairballs.

Finally, remember that these symptoms should appear regularly or frequently.  Intermittent symptoms may appear, but they will be regular if they’re not constant.  A once off occurrence likely means that your cat has gotten into something she shouldn’t.  If it passes, there is little to be concerned about.

How Do Feline Food Allergies Develop?

Cats usually develop food allergies over time.  There are, of course, a few kittens that are born with sensitive stomachs, but these instances are rare.  Cats are remarkably hardy creatures from the moment they are born as you may be able to tell from the large numbers of feral cats in the world today.  But, allergies can develop (especially in domestic cats) as a result of diet.  Repeated exposure to foods that are known to cause sensitivities may lead to allergies the more a cat eats those foods.

This occurs because the digestive enzymes in the body buildup a certain intolerance as a result of exposure.   Indeed, many humans experience the same troubles, suddenly finding themselves unable to stomach their favourite foods after being able to eat them every day for several years.  While this isn’t desirable, it’s not exactly unnatural (even if it sometimes feels – or smells – like it).

What Sorts of Foods Are Cats Allergic to? 

Keep in mind that cats tend to develop food sensitivities over time.  To find the foods that are most likely to cause food allergies, all you need to do is look at the ingredients list on a standard bag of cat food.  Because most feline food is often sold as a complete meal, animals eat these foods for every meal, every day (though they will find the crumbs and bones you thought you’d buried well enough in the garbage too).  It stands to reason that these would be the foods that some cats have trouble digesting over time. 

Largely, the foods known to cause sensitive stomachs to react are:

·         Beef products,

·         Dairy items,

·         Soya and its derivatives,

·         Maize and corn products, and

·         Wheat gluten.

And, if it’s not become apparent already, you should now see the similarities between feline food sensitivities and human stomach issues.  Both groups are prone to being affected by the same foods. 

How Are Feline Food Allergies Diagnosed? 

Although you may be able to smell your pet from a mile away, no matter how well he cleans himself, it’s not wise to diagnose digestive issues on your own.  Although the symptoms listed above are likely to lead to food sensitivities, it’s not always the case.  Sometimes, these symptoms point to something far more serious and life-threatening.  The best way to ensure that you rule out anything besides allergies that lead to troubled digestive systems is to take your cat to the vet.  (And we know just how much they love it when the carrier appears; we feel for you!)

Usually, your vet will recommend that you ensure your cat only has access to their regular food for a period of time.  That means no scraps, and likely mean keeping your cat indoors during that time.  The vet may also draw some blood if he believes something more sinister could be at work in your pet’s digestive system. 

What Should You Be Feeding a Cat with Food Sensitivities? 

Just because a lot of pet foods are standard, not all of them are.  Sensitive cat foods are available from quality brands like Burgess.  Once allergies are diagnosed by the vet, she will likely recommend that you make the switch to one of these foods. 

Unlike standard foods, sensitive foods are created with other meats, such as turkey and duck.  They also use healthier alternatives to bind food pellets together including rice and fish oil.  These ingredients help to keep everything working, and are foods that would form part of a cat’s diet naturally.

The real trick is to get your cat to eat the new food.  Although some cats will eat just about anything you put in front of them, most are sceptical of change.  If you can, make the switch in one meal.  This involves removing all traces of the old food and substituting the new food.  If your cat eats it, perfect.  If not, you will want to remove the bowl and lay it down at the next meal.  If your cat still refuses to eat it, then offer him his ordinary food.  From then on, you will need to add increasing amounts of the new food to his standard meal.

Keep in mind that no matter how quickly your cat takes to the new food, it will take some time for the symptoms of food allergies to go away.  There are major systems involved, and they will require a full readjustment.  But soon enough, you’ll be able to cuddle your once smelly cat again.

For more information about feeding hypoallergenic cat food please visit - http://www.burgesssensitive.co.uk/

Caring For Cats: Helpful and Vital Information on How to Do It

Owning a cat may be simple but taking good care of your cat is not so easy. It needs proper planning because just like any other pet, cats have their own unique needs. As everyone knows, cats are inquisitive, nosy and curious by nature. They can be fickle creatures too, one minute they want to be outside playing, the next they want to be inside the house. They love to be perched up high. You may think that owning a cat is the most gratifying experience of all. This could be true if you know how to give your cat the very best life.

The essential tips to help you take good care of your cat 

·         Grooming comfortable beds

This is an essential factor and it depends on the length of the cat’s coat how often you should brush them. It is a good idea to groom them every day. You'll get less hair around your home, and they'll be less likely to suffer from fur balls. Get a good cat brush and a flea comb too. Cats and water are not generally friends, so bathing them is neither easy nor fun. Luckily cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, so bathing your cat will only be a rare occurrence, if they happen to come in covered in something very dirty or sticky for example!

·         comfortable beds

  Cats are very sensitive; they love comfort and an easy life. One way to show your love for your cat is by getting it a soft cozy bed where it can rest and take naps. It is crucial to get a good quality bed, which is comfortable and relaxing as cats spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping!

·         Proper company, recreation and games

A cat is very active especially when young. They always love companionship. Despite being very independent, most cats also love spending quality time with their owners. It is  important to introduce recreation and games because they love to play. Playing with your cat will keep him happy and fit. Make time to play with your cat and you'll really bond with him. You might find you have fun too!  Having physical activity will help you and your cat to stay active and healthy. Playtime is especially important if you have indoor cats as the exercise will be very good for them if they're not getting out and about.

·         Proper vaccinations

Cats, like any other pets can be prone to diseases. Regular vaccinations are crucial. When you take your cat for vaccinations, your vet will also give him a check up. This can pick up conditions early and could save the life of your pet. Most catteries insist that you have up to date vaccinations before they will take your pets, and many pet insurance policies are invalidated if you haven't kept up with the vaccinations, so it's definitely an important thing to remember.

·         Behavioral problems

This is a key factor in taking care of your cat. There are behavioral patterns that may require dealing with but you need patience and lots of love to train a cat properly. Such behaviors could be urinating in the wrong places, aggression and scratching furniture. Cats don't remember, so there's no point giving them a lecture half an hour after they've scratched the sofa. A firm NO at the time they do something wrong is the best way to go about it. A water misting spray can also be a good immediate signal to the cat that he's doing something wrong. It doesn't harm the cat, but they don't like it one bit!

·         Proper diet

One of the most important care tips for your cat is a proper diet. Get the right high quality food and you're doing the very best to keep your cat healthy. They say that ‘you are what you eat’ this can be well applied to cats too! There is a wide of variety of cat food available. Always go for the best quality. It is important to make sure that you get foods that are rich in omega 3 supplements for healthier skin. Avoid cheap dry pet foods as they can be low quality and full of artificial additives.  The age of the cat also determines the food you should be feeding it; kittens have different dietary requirements to elderly cats. The food you select plays a vital role in keeping at bay conditions and diseases such as obesity and heart disease. 

If you’d like more information about your cat’s specific dietary requirements then please visit the Burgess website - http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/pet-care/supacat.html

14 Facts About Cats You May Not Know

1- Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats and it was thought they were the first to domesticate them and if a cat died in the family people would shave their eyebrows as part of the mourning process.

2- Egyptians considered that the murder of a cat was punishable by death.

3- On average, cats spend around 30% of their waking hours grooming themselves.

4- he most expensive cat ever cost his owner around $50,000 who was a clone.

5- In Holland’s embassy in Moscow the people that were working there noticed that two Siamese office cats kept meowing and clawing at the walls of the building. When their owners finally investigated, they thought that they would find mice. Instead, they discovered microphones hidden by Russian spies. The cats amazingly heard the microphones when they were turned on.

Image Zaimoku_woodpile / Flickr

6- Did you know that just like humans, cats can suffer from food intolerances, and can lead to side effects such as, skin & coat problems, vomiting, diarrhoea and flatulence If your cat does suffer from any of these, we recommend gradually switching onto hypo-allergenic cat food.

7- Cats cannot move their jaw sideways, meaning they can't eat large chunks of food.

8- A cat has around 230 bones in its body, a human has 206. A cat has no collarbone, this means that they can fit through any opening the same size of it's head.

9- A cat can see better in much lower light than humans can, however cats don't see colour as well as humans do. Scientists believe that the grass appears red to cats.

10- There's about 500 million domesticated cats in the world, and there's approximately 40 recognized breeds.

11- Cats are so sensitive to vibrations, it is thought that they can detect earthquakes up to 15 minutes before humans.

12- Cats can drink sea water and hydrate themselves, regardless of the high levels of sodium chloride which is what gives sea water it's salty taste.

13- Disneyland releases over 200 cats into their theme park to keep potential rodent problems under control. The tradition started in 1955, but during the Sleeping Beauty castle renovation a couple of years later, over 100 flee ridden cats were found living in the unused parts of the castle. Their population is now much better controlled, the cats are neutered sprayed and given regular injections.

14- It is believed that Isaac Newton had invented the cat flap.

Can Cats have Allergies?

You may not really believe it when the vet tells you that you have a sensitive cat on your hands. You may find it difficult to believe that pets suffer from many of the same problems that humans can have. It is just as important for cats with allergies to avoid stimulating foods as it is for children. No matter how much your cat may like foods that are bad for him, hypoallergenic cat food is a much better choice. You will have far fewer issues with your pet vomiting all over your furniture. 

Burgess Sensitive Hypoallergenic Cat Food

When your cat is healthy, she will have more energy and will likely spend much less time mewling at you. There are few things more unnerving than a cat that is suffering. though some cats have loud personalities, if it isn't like your cat to be noisy this can be a sign there is a problem. Slow growth or small adult size can also be signs that your cat has special dietary needs. Some cats have a hard time digesting certain proteins, others merely lack the enzymes necessary to process certain grains, like wheat or corn. Choosing to feed a hypoallergenic cat food can eliminate many potential allergens and may solve a problem you didn't even realize you and your cat were having.

Many pet owners choose to feed high quality hypoallergenic foods simply to be sure their furry friend is as healthy as possible. One of the benefits of these special foods is their use of whole, simple ingredients instead of the high quantity of fillers and preservatives usually present in pet foods. The simpler the ingredients list, the more likely you pet will be to handle the food. Though some symptoms of food allergies or sensitivities have nothing to do with digestive upset, there are some really common things you can watch for, such as itchiness, rashes, or swelling.

When in doubt about the health of your pet, it is in both your best interests to have a veterinarian check out the situation. Their advice can be priceless when it comes to the comfort of your pet. There are many types of hypoallergenic cat foods available and though most exclude the most common allergens, your pet may have very specific nutritional needs that can best be met by one brand over another. The price of a good quality food may seem high in the beginning, but think of it in terms of avoiding medical bills in the future. As with humans, if good nutrition and proper exercise are adhered too, the likelihood of costly and debilitating problems later in life is greatly reduced.

Choosing to feed your pet a hypoallergenic cat food may add years of health and happiness to your treasured furry friend, and save you a fortune in veterinarian bills. Your cat will thank you with the purr of a comfortable and pain free life. There are many choices available on the market and each offers a unique set of taste and ingredients, some experimentation may be necessary.  For more information on the Burgess Sensitive range of hypoallergenic pet foods please visit our website.