However, just as humans and dogs can eat too many snacks, so can cats. While these snacks are generally okay in moderation, overindulging can lead to significant health problems and affect their overall diet. The following guide to cat treats can help pet parents choose the right one for their cats.
Much like dog treats, cat treats aren’t balanced or complete. Providing too many can throw off a cat’s overall nutritional balance. Deficiencies and excesses can increase a cat’s risk of heart, liver, or kidney issues.
Giving a cat too many treats may turn them into a “fussy” eater, and they may turn their nose up at their usual, well-balanced food.
Treats add extra calories to a cat’s diet. Like humans, consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain. Being overweight or obese increases a cat’s likelihood of developing diabetes, urinary issues, joint problems, and liver disease.
These issues don’t mean pet parents can’t give their cats treats. Treats just shouldn’t make up more than 5% to 10% of a cat’s calorie intake.
Here are a few additional tips for pet parents to keep in mind when it comes to cat treats:
Pet parents have plenty of options to choose from, making it easy for them to find something their cats are sure to love.
Soft treats come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and flavors. They’re great for cats who enjoy moist food, as well as those who have sensitive or missing teeth. They also provide great motivation for training.
Like soft treats, dry treats come in a range of sizes, shapes, and flavors. However, they offer a crunchy texture many cats enjoy. That texture may help reduce plaque on a cat’s teeth.
A dental chew is an oral hygiene product that doubles as a treat. These specially formulated treats do more than taste good. They reduce plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and freshen a cat’s breath.
Dental chews are a safer alternative to bones. However, they can cause intestinal blockages if a cat doesn’t chew them well or swallows them whole. Pet parents should monitor their cats when feeding them.
Freeze-dried and jerky treats undergo processes that remove water from them. They generally consist of one ingredient like liver, chicken, or seafood.
To make freeze-dried treats, companies freeze the ingredient and place it in a vacuum to extract the moisture, transforming it from ice to vapor before sealing it in airtight packaging.
Making jerky involves dehydrating the meat with gentle heat. It removes moisture but doesn’t cook the item, and the final product tends to be softer and chewier than freeze-dried treats.
Making homemade cat treats requires more time, but pet parents have the satisfaction of knowing what their cats are eating. Pet parents can combine safe human foods to create healthy, tasty morsels. However, they should consult with a professional vet, feline nutritionist, or another credible source for ingredients and instructions.
Catnip provides no nutritional value, but some cats enjoy its sensation. Placing some in a clean sock or toy may bring out the feline’s playful side. When ingested in moderation, it may help reduce anxiety.
Cats may be carnivores, but the occasional bit of cat grass or wheatgrass treats can provide some significant benefits. It can aid overall digestive health, reduce hairballs, and provide additional nutrients. Some anxious cats may also find it soothing.
In addition to chemicals and dyes, there are a few items pet parents should avoid when it comes to cat treats:
Just like humans, there’s nothing wrong with cats enjoying a treat every once in a while. Ingredients matter and moderation is key. While too many can lead to health problems, a few can be a great motivator for training or a reward for a job well done. High-quality treats are a must. Pet parents can always consult with the Fuzzy Veterinary Team if they have any questions or concerns.
Some human foods can cause mild health conditions in a cat if ingested. However, other human foods can be highly toxic and cause severe illness or death if eaten by a cat. The following list of foods should be kept away from cats:
Many fruits and vegetables are toxic to cats. In some cases, only specific parts of the fruit or vegetable are toxic to cats. The following fruits and vegetables are toxic to cats:
Pet parents might forget about seasonings when thinking about safe human foods for cats. For example, cooked chicken is safe for cats to eat. However, if the chicken has been seasoned with garlic, it is not safe for the cat to eat. The following seasonings are not safe for cats to eat:
Many pet parents are now supplementing their cat’s diet with fresh meats and vegetables that provide good cat nutrition. Cats can eat many human foods as long as they’re properly prepared. These foods include:
During the holiday season, many families and guests give their cats extra treats from the dining table or while prepping food. It pays to be extra careful during this time to ensure the cat is not given any toxic or harmful foods.
Pet parents should contact their vet immediately if they suspect their cat has ingested something toxic. Some signs to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, seizure, coughing, and more. Fuzzy members can contact Fuzzy’s 24/7 Vet Chat for cat health questions regarding toxic human foods or call Animal Poison Control in case of an emergency.
Thankfully, many human foods that are toxic to cats don’t cause serious health problems. Often, the cat will have a mild case of vomiting and diarrhea. However, if a highly toxic food was ingested, fast treatment could be the key to saving the cat’s life. If the pet parent isn’t sure what the cat ate or how much of it, they should treat the situation as an emergency and seek immediate help and cat advice.
A food allergy occurs when the body has an abnormal immune response to a substance—antigen—found within the food. This response causes the body to produce antibodies.
The cause of the abnormal immune response is unknown. However, some allergies can be genetic, so a kitten with a parent with a known food allergy is at a higher risk of also developing a food allergy. Overall, there’s no way to know if a cat will have an allergy.
A food sensitivity is similar to an allergy and has similar signs. However, a sensitivity causes the body to produce a different antibody than an allergy does.
Diagnosing cat food allergies can be difficult. Many of the signs are similar to other health conditions. Signs a cat has a food allergy include:
Little research has been done in the area of cat food allergies and sensitivities. Currently, the following foods are the most common foods that cause allergies in cats:
Due to the lack of research, there could be other common cat food allergies that haven’t been identified yet.
Once the pet parent or vet determines the cat likely has a food allergy or sensitivity, the hard part begins. Determining what specific antigen a cat is allergic to can take a lot of time and patience. A veterinarian or nutritionist can assist with putting a cat on a food elimination diet. This gradually introduces foods into their diet to determine the cause of sensitivities and allergies.
Cat allergy and food sensitivity blood tests are available. Most vets don’t recommend these tests because they’re very inaccurate and don’t test for all of the components that make up the cat’s food.
After determining the allergy, pet parents will need to change the cat’s food to remove the problem-causing antigen from the cat’s diet. Just know that abruptly changing the cat’s food can cause an upset stomach. Pet parents should try to gradually change their cat’s food over a period of seven to ten days. This new food should have different ingredients to make sure not to reintroduce an allergen. Cat foods contain a lot of ingredients, so cat parents should make sure they are reading the food labels completely.
Once the cat is on a new food, it can take several weeks or months to see improvement. If the cat’s symptoms don’t improve, then their food will need to be changed again. It’s not uncommon for allergic reactions to stop without ever identifying the exact cause. As long as the cat sticks with food that doesn’t trigger a reaction, they should be fine.
Fuzzy is here to help 24/7 via Live Vet Chat and can answer any questions or concerns pet parents have about food allergies and sensitivities in cats.Deciding when and how to change a cat’s diet isn’t always the easiest thing to do; a sudden change could cause some issues. With planning and patience, pet parents can be successful.
Like humans, cats require a balanced diet for optimal health. Proper cat nutrition provides cats with energy, promotes strong muscles, and helps maintain skin and coat health. Along with regular exercise, a nutritious, balanced diet can also help cats keep a healthy weight.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal byproducts in their diets. No matter what food a pet parent feeds their cat, the first ingredient should be real meat. Meat provides protein and essential amino acids such as taurine.
High-quality cat food should be high in protein and contain moderate amounts of healthy fats (for skin and coat health). They should also have some carbohydrates and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. Like all living creatures, water is essential, too.
Pet parents may need to change their cat’s diet for any one of many different reasons:
A sudden change could result in digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and general discomfort. Additionally, a cat may not take kindly to their new food, which could cause them to avoid it altogether. Refusal to eat can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
A gradual transition can make the change easier:
During the transition, pet parents should monitor their cat for signs of potential issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
It’s not uncommon for cats to require a change in their diet. The key to success is making the transition gradually. By introducing a cat to their new food slowly, they’ll avoid potential issues and increase their chances of success.
Fuzzy is here to help 24/7 via Live Vet Chat and can answer any questions or concerns pet parents have about changing their cat's diet and other nutritional needs.Pet parents often refer to the bag or can of cat food to answer the question, "How much should my cat be eating?" Unfortunately, there are many variables pet parents need to consider when deciding how much to feed their cats, and many pieces of advice aren't included on the bag.
Pet parents with multiple cats may need to feed their cats different foods and different amounts. A few factors to take into consideration include:
No two cats are the same, and proper cat nutrition can differ from one cat to another. So don't simply ask, "How much should I feed my cat?" Instead, pet parents should ask, "How many calories does my cat need?"
Determining how many calories a cat needs can vary depending on who the pet parent asks. Expert recommended calories per pound ranges from 24 to 35. However, many vets agree that a healthy adult cat requires 200 to 250 calories per day.
Kittens grow fast, and their diets should be updated frequently. Most kittens should get 30-60 calories per day.
Cats will usually begin to lose weight when they become seniors. Pet parents should discuss a diet plan with their primary vet based on the cat's health.
A pet calorie calculator can help a pet parent determine the proper amount of food their cat needs each day. A pet calorie calculator uses the cat's weight and resting energy requirements to determine an appropriate daily caloric intake.
It's essential for pet parents to keep in mind that their cat's health problems are taken into consideration when determining how much to feed them. One of the most common cat health problems is obesity, which can lead to heart disease, respiratory issues, joint pain, and more.
An overweight cat is also four times more likely to develop diabetes. Therefore, they should not be fed a caloric diet based on their weight because the goal is for them to drop the excess pounds. Instead, pet parents should work closely with a cat nutrition specialist to ensure their cat gets the essential nutrients they need while losing weight.
Pet parents can use a body condition score chart to help them determine if their cat is a healthy weight.
For more cat advice on nutrition, Fuzzy is here to help 24/7 via Live Vet Chat and can answer any questions or concerns.They can help the pet parent understand the individual dietary needs of their cat. Additionally, as the cat ages, the pet parent should make changes to their cat's diet as needed.
]]>This means that the label of a bag of cat food may look very different from those of foods designed for people. It is important that people know a bit about the nutritional requirements of cats before they learn how to read cat food labels.
What do cats eat? Meat. They are true carnivores. That means that their systems are designed to get almost every nutrient they need from the consumption of meat. They also require some fat in their diet but very little carbohydrates.
Not any one type of meat is likely to provide cats with all of the nutrients they need, so most manufactured cat foods also add specific amino acids, minerals, and vitamins to ensure a balanced diet. Some of these nutritional additives include:
There are many others, including vitamins for cat coats, but they are not required to be listed on the label, so pet parents may not find information about their content in the feed there.
In some circumstances, probiotics for cats are a helpful dietary aid. Cat parents should talk to a vet to see if they will benefit theircat. Also, young cats have different needs than adults do so be sure to consider vitamins or probiotics for kittens when looking at foods for them.
Here are a few things to consider when reading a cat food label.
Cat food manufacturers often used bright colors and adorable pictures to attract the eye of the consumer. While fun to look at, none of that will help to determine if the food meets all of the cat's nutritional requirements.
Don't make a decision based on the images on the front. Turn the bag around and read the information on the back. That is where the manufacturer is required to list the ingredients and other details about the nutritional content of the food.
There is one notable exception to the need to look for information on the back of the packaging. If the name of the food contains the name of a specific meat (Chicken, beef, lamb, etc), how that name is worded can provide helpful information about just how much of that meat is contained in the food. For example:
Much like their pet parents, cats need change as they age. To be sure that they get what they need at the right stage of life, cat parents should look for the words "kitten," "adult," or "senior" on the packaging. Each of those labels signifies that the food is adjusted to meet the different nutritional needs of cats in those life stages.
There are also foods designed to help obese cats lose weight and with cat digestive issues. This information should be clearly labeled on the packaging.
Somewhere on every container of cat food intended for retail sale, there is a nutrition label. On this label will be found all the ingredients found in the food, listed in order from highest amount to least. The amounts are determined by weight, so dry materials, like bone meal, may appear lower on the list than a vegetable but this is only because wet ingredients weigh more.
Knowing what ingredients a food contains, and in what amounts is only the first step in learning how to read a cat food label. Now it's time to find out if the nutritional breakdown meets a cat’s requirements.
The more essential cat vitamins and minerals should be listed as a percentage of daily intake per serving. The goal is for 100% to be able to be reached in the course of a normal daily feeding schedule. If that can’t be accomplished then consider a different cat food or talk to the cat’s vet about vitamins for cats.
Perhaps the easiest way to know if a cat food will meet nutritional requirements is to look for the AAFCO assurance that it does.
The AAFCO, or Association of American Feed Control Officers, is an organization devoted to ensuring that the feeds being produced for animals in this country meet the basic nutritional requirements of the animals they are to be fed to. If they determine that a food lives up to the basic requirements, the manufacturer may add the words, “Found to be Complete and Balanced by the AAFCO” to the label. This is usually found in the small print under the nutrition label.
For more information about how to read a cat food label or any other cat questions cat parents may have, reach out to an expert. Fuzzy offers its members 24/7 Vet Chat for all pet wellness questions.
]]>Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require the nutrients found in meat. While domesticated cats live a much different life than their wild counterparts, they evolved from hunters. So, those dietary needs persist.
Since most house cats don’t go out and hunt for their food, they rely on their pet parents to provide them with the proper nutrients. The right diet helps to avoid cat digestive issues, provides the right vitamins for cat coats, and ensures they live a long, healthy life.
What do cats need nutrition-wise? Here’s what pet parents need to know.
One of the most essential things cats need for proper nutrition is water. After all, water makes up more than half of their body weight.
Cats can get some water from wet food, but pet parents should know that giving cats too much could lead to tooth damage. Dry food is better for their teeth, but pet parents should also provide plenty of clean water.
A cat's body is unable to make ten essential amino acids on its own. As such, they need a high amount of protein to provide those nutrients. Fats are also important, as it ensures skin and coat health, along with some energy.
Many commercial cat foods contain some carbohydrates. While cats don’t have an absolute need for them, carbs do provide soluble and insoluble fiber. In other words, carbs can help ensure good colon health.
For pet parents wondering how to help a cat’s digestion when it’s off, probiotics for cats or probiotics for kittens may also help.
There are also a few cat vitamins and minerals that pet parents should be sure to include in their cat’s diet. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and more.
One essential thing pet parents should keep in mind is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding a cat a healthy diet. Every cat is different and therefore has their own unique needs.
Pet parents need to consider their cat’s weight, age, general health, and lifestyle. For instance, kittens require more of certain nutrients than adult cats. Pregnant and lactating cats also require more nutrients than older or inactive ones.
So, how can pet parents build a nutritious diet for their cats? Along with the above considerations, they should consult with a vet or cat nutritionist. Together, they can go over the cat’s health and individual needs to ensure optimal health.
For pet parents wondering how else they can ensure optimal cat nutrition, Fuzzy is here to help. With 24/7 Live Vet Chat, Fuzzy members can get the cat advice and care tips they need to keep their cats happy, healthy, and thriving.
Ready to get started? Visit Fuzzy to sign up and become a member today.
Both too little and too much food can lead to cat health issues. Underfeeding can lead to malnutrition and weight loss while overfeeding can lead to significant weight gain, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and a whole host of other complications. Pet parents need to provide an appropriate amount of food to ensure optimal health and happiness. The question is, how much is enough? Here’s what pet parents need to know.
There are a number of factors that play a role in how much to feed a cat. These factors include:
Like humans, cats have daily caloric needs. Those needs depend on the above factors. While pet parents can often find feeding instructions on the back of their cat’s food, their cat’s needs could vary significantly from those suggestions. If a pet parent is concerned about how much to feed their cat, the Fuzzy Veterinarian Team is available 24/7 to answer cat nutrition questions.
Many pet parents leave the food bowl out and full all day. While convenient, this isn’t generally a great idea for a cat diet. Cats should eat several small meals. Pet parents can divide their cat’s caloric needs into a set number of meals (between two and six) and feed their cats periodically throughout the day.
Pet parents may wonder whether they should feed their cat wet food or dry food. Many vets often recommend a combination of both. Wet food has a higher water content, which can help prevent kidney issues, and it often has more protein. Pet parents can leave dry food out longer, it's better for a cat's teeth because it doesn't buildup as much tartar on teeth as wet food, and it can be more affordable. Pet parents can offer cat dietary supplements to make up for nutrient deficiencies and should ensure their cat has plenty of access to clean water.
Knowing how much to feed a cat will help pet parents keep their cats healthy and happy. If they’re unsure of how much cat food to provide, they can schedule a consultation with their primary vet. Pet parents can also speak to real vets at any time with Fuzzy’s 24/7 Live Vet Chat. With the right cat advice, pet parents can provide the best life for their cats.
The answer is: maybe. Cats are carnivores and they can’t really digest plants. Even so, they can eat some fruits in moderation, and the sweet treats can provide some good nutrients. Other fruits can cause digestive issues, though. So which fruits are safe for cats, and which ones should be avoided?
Several fruits are safe for cats to enjoy in moderation:
These are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some may require a bit of modification before pet parents offer them as a snack. For instance, remove the skin and core from any apple pieces, as apple seeds contain a compound that produces cyanide when it breaks down. When it comes to avocados, the leaves, skin, and bark have a substance that’s mildly toxic to cats. Pet parents should also avoid mango pits and the skin and core of pineapples.
Just as there are plants that are poisonous to cats, there are also fruits that can be potentially dangerous. Pet parents should avoid the following fruits altogether:
Vegetarian or vegan pet parents may not like the idea of feeding their cats meat. They may be wondering if their cats can follow a similar vegetarian or vegan diet. The answer is no. Cats are carnivores and they need meat to thrive.
While pet parents might not be able to meet the nutritional needs of their cats with only fruits and vegetables, there is good news: some fruits and veggies in moderation are fine. But when it comes to fruit, the peels and seeds should always be removed.
As carnivores, cats need (and prefer) meat. That’s not to say they might not enjoy a little fruit from time to time. Many fruits offer essential nutrients and provide a tasty treat. Even so, pet parents shouldn’t offer certain fruits to avoid any harmful consequences.
While cats may not generally go after fruit, and pet parents may do their best to keep unsafe items out of reach, cats are curious. If a cat eats a fruit they shouldn’t have, the first thing a pet parent should do is contact a veterinarian. For answers to cat nutrition questions in seconds, Fuzzy members have access to 24/7 Live Vet Chat.
Cats are carnivores, and they eat a lot of meat. Unlike some animals, cats use proteins from meat as their energy source. More than that, though, they need to absorb the right nutrients from their food sources. These nutrients are found mainly in animal tissue proteins — especially essential amino acids like taurine, cysteine, arginine, and methionine.
Cats also need essential fatty acids, fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins D, E, and A, and other nutrients like calcium and niacin.
Commercial cat food comes in three basic types: dry, semi-moist, and wet.
The water content of dry food is roughly 10% or less. This food is energy-dense and often has a high amount of carbohydrates, something cats aren’t evolutionarily adapted to break down with ease. However, this food can also contain various ingredients, such as meat, poultry and byproducts, grains, fish meal, milk products, fiber, and nutrient supplements. The higher the meat content, the better the dry food is for cat nutrition.
The good news is that many high-quality dry foods are nutritionally balanced and formulated with proper ingredients. Dry food is also inexpensive and convenient and has a long shelf life, making it a go-to for many pet parents.
Semi-moist food contains anywhere from 15 to 59% water. These foods often come in resealable pouches and are mid-range in cost. This option is good for hydration, however, doesn't last as long as dry food and can contain more sugar and salt, making them less suitable as a steady food source and more appropriate as treats or short-term foods.
Wet/canned food has the highest water content — typically 80 to 85%, with a minimum of 60% water. It also tends to better follow the dietary needs of cats, with more meat protein, and fewer carbohydrates. However, one downside to wet food is that it has a very short shelf life. It can also stick to a cat’s teeth and cause plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
For pet parents choosing between dry and wet food, the best cat health advice always recommends a mixture of both. Dry food diets still need careful consideration to avoid poor-quality ingredients or kibble too high in carbs. Whether dry or wet, cat food should always come from a trusted brand. Brands should also make these foods to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
Beyond commercially prepared dry and wet cat foods, pet parents may see other cat food options, especially if seeking solutions for cat digestive issues. To ensure a cat’s diet is complete and balanced, it is recommended that pet parents consult with a cat nutritionist before pursuing these options.
A raw food diet is one in which cats eat uncooked meat. Like with commercial cat food, raw food can contain animal tissues, organs, ground bones, and other ingredients, with varying quality levels. Therefore, a raw diet isn’t always healthier than a commercial food diet, and the primary ingredients and protein/carb ratios truly matter. Raw diets can also increase the risk for parasites or contaminants like Salmonella, E. Coli, or Listeria, whether the cat food was prepared at home or purchased ready-made.
A freeze-dried diet is a raw diet, but the raw food has been freeze-dried to remove the moisture and extend the shelf life. Pet parents add moisture (water) and allow it to absorb before serving. A freeze-dried diet is often more convenient for pet parents and can be less messy than preparing raw meat.
A home-cooked diet is one that the pet parent makes at home. It could contain the same organ and muscle meats as a raw diet, but it is also cooked. Cooking helps kill any parasites or bacteria in the meat, reducing the contamination risk for a cat and any humans in the household.
A grain-free diet avoids grains like rice, wheat, barley, corn, and oats. Instead, it uses other carbohydrate-rich ingredients, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, lentils, cranberries, or peas. A grain-free diet can work for cats with grain allergies, but most cats with food allergies are allergic to animal proteins, not grains.
Fuzzy vets recommend consulting with a veterinary nutritionist for raw, freeze-dried, home-cooked, and grain-free diets. These diets are generally deficient in key essential nutrients and need vitamin and mineral supplements.
For cat advice and feline health questions, reach out to Fuzzy vets 24/7 for caring, expert guidance.
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No two kittens are the same and some can be more difficult to wean than others. Transitioning kittens to solid food will require some supplies and planning. To make the transition easier, here are some tips and supplies that will help prepare the pet parent.
Cats eat cat food and kittens eat kitten food. However, not all cat and kitten foods offer the essential nutrients required for healthy growth. When shopping for kitten food, choosing high-quality food is very important. Kittens are growing and need food that’s high in protein and other essential nutrients. Trying to figure out which brand to buy can also be overwhelming because of how many options are out there.
The first thing to look for is a statement on the packaging from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This organization sets the minimum standards for nutritional content in animal food. Look for something on the labeling that states “balanced and complete” or “meets nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.”
Weaning begins by mixing milk replacer, or water, with soft food to make a gruel. Soft food should be a type that doesn’t contain chunks because chunky food makes it more difficult to mix with formula.
When selecting a commercial food, pet parents should read the package and label, and check for approval from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Good quality food will have some form of “balanced and complete” on the packaging and will indicate it’s been AAFCO approved.
As a kitten ages, their dietary requirements change. Good cat food will list on the package what life stage it has been AAFCO approved for.
Another important thing to look for is the protein source in the title - “Chicken Cat Food.” This is important because it means chicken makes up 95% of the food.
Here are a few other things to look for on the package:
Cat food manufacturers have gotten creative with buzzwords such as “premium,” “fancy,” “gourmet,” and “deluxe” to make their products more appealing to pet parents. However, these words have zero indication as to the quality of the product.
Here are a few other things to avoid:
Fortunately, there is a cat supplement that pet parents can provide their felines. Cat grass is an excellent non-toxic addition to the house that also offers a few significant benefits.
Cat grass benefits cat digestion and digestive health in a few distinct ways:
Digestive Aid
Pet parents know the importance of optimal cat nutrition and often go out of their way to ensure their cats have the best foods possible, but even the felines that have a well-balanced diet can benefit from the addition of cat grass. Cat grass adds fiber, which can help promote better digestive processing of food through a cat’s digestive tract.
Help with Hairballs
Cats that reside indoors spend more than half of their time awake grooming, which can lead to hairballs. The fiber in cat grass aids in digestion, and it can help make it easier for a feline to cough up hairballs that won’t pass or pass hair before it clumps too large and requires regurgitation. The length and thickness of their hair will make a difference in how often a cat may have hairballs. While the aftermath may be temporarily unpleasant to clean up, hairballs or passing hair with additional fiber are both better alternatives a digestive block.
Induce Vomiting
Some cats consume things that upset their stomachs. Eating grass can help induce vomiting, making it easier for the feline to eliminate what’s bothering them in case digesting it may be more risky or hazardous.
Pet parents should keep in mind that vomiting several times a day can point toward a medical emergency. If a pet parent is worried about an increased frequency of cat vomiting, they should chat with a vet right away.
Additional Vitamins
While most pet parents strive to provide their cats with a well-balanced diet, there’s a chance a feline could be missing something. Eating grass can be a sign that a cat is missing essential vitamins, and cat grass is rich in B vitamins.
While some cat grass can help provide additional vitamins, eating a substantial amount could indicate a vitamin deficiency. Pet parents should speak with a vet or complete a nutritional consult with an online vet to ensure their feline is getting everything they need for optimal long term health.
A Non-Toxic Houseplant
Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats. Moving plants to make them harder to reach isn’t always an ideal solution, as felines can get onto higher shelves and counters. While pet parents shouldn’t have toxic plants in the house, placing cat grass in an easily accessible location gives cats something to munch on, keeping prettier plants safe.
Environmental Enrichment
When a cat has cat grass readily available in the home they tend to be more playful and use the grass as a mental stimulation tool. Chewing, pawing, or licking grass can present itself as a bit of stress relief for a cat's day to day needs. Having greenery available simulates more natural environments and keeps the cat emotionally in tune with their surroundings.
For pet parents wondering how to help a cat’s digestion, cat grass offers several benefits. If they suspect their feline companion has issues with digestion or hairballs, chatting with a vet can help to explore the ways cat grass can be a helpful dietary or nutritional solution for cats. An online nutritional consult can help pet parents find answers to all of their feline health questions. Fuzzy offers free 24/7 Live Vet Chat. and consults for members.
With the right care, cat parents can help to ensure their cats live a long, happy, and healthy life.
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Is your dog or cat itchy around the face, feet, or belly? What about recurring ear infections? This could indicate that your pet might have an allergy...but what kind? With overlapping symptoms, it can be a struggle to tell the difference between food allergies, environmental allergies, and parasites. To help you, we’ve provided some information about how allergies develop, what to look for in food-related allergies, and a checklist of things to try in order to figure out what the culprit might be.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system develops an exaggerated response to a foreign substance. While seasonal allergies related to the environment are the most common, ten percent of all allergy cases in dogs are food-related.
Food allergies take time to develop—usually over a long period of time in which your pet has been exposed to the same ingredient day after day. While pet food companies often blame grains as the source of allergies, research shows that proteins are the most common food allergen. Has your pet eaten chicken-based food for years? Time to change! Since it’s commonly found in many foods, chicken is among the top culprits that cause food allergies. Some other common food allergens include: beef, dairy, and wheat. Least common food allergens are fish and rabbit.
Common clinical signs related to food allergies include itching of the ears and paws, which may be related to gastrointestinal issues.
Other clinical signs include:
Here’s a checklist of things to try and kick those symptoms to the curb once and for all:
Fighting food allergies can be a frustrating and challenging journey. Pay closer attention to what your goes in your pet’s mouth, and use the process of elimination to identify the culprit. Some other tips include grinding up proteins in a food processor if you’re feeding them home-cooked meals (this helps improve digestion). Here is a list of approved “people foods” that can also help add a nutritional boost to your pet’s diet and increase variety.
Work with your vet to improve your dog’s nutrition, and make sure you check with them before adding new foods that could impair any food trial you have in place. With patience, you’ll find a way to calm Fido’s allergic reactions. Don’t give up!
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