Educational Articles
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There are many environmentally friendly ways that owners can care for their pets. Waste disposal can involve biodegradable or compostable bags or careful composting. Cat litter can be transitioned to recycled newspaper or sawdust pellets. Any toys, beds, houses and other accessories can be biodegradable and/or recycled such as cotton or rubber. Cats should be kept indoors to reduce their impact on the ecology of their surrounding environment. A nutritionally adequate diet composed of organic food can be provided.
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A cat that does not want to eat, or is not eating, is a cat with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Many conditions can lead to the inability of your cat to eat or lose her appetite completely. It is important to find the underlying cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed, and in some cases, a feeding tube may be placed by your veterinarian. Decreased food intake or any change in eating habits warrants investigation by your veterinarian.
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Approximately 20% of cats across all ages suffer from painful osteoarthritis in one or more joints, and 90% of cats over 12 years of age show evidence of arthritis on radiographs. Because cats are living longer, every cat owner will face the issue of osteoarthritis at some point. This handout discusses the use of nutrition and nutritional supplements to aid in the management of your cat's osteoarthritis. Weight loss, omega fatty acids, and various chondroprotective supplements are discussed.
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Breed-specific diets are a category of commercial pet feeds available for dogs and cats that are formulated to accommodate various breed predispositions. This article provides a concept overview of these diets, including what they are and what benefits they may serve. Specific examples are reviewed in brief to illustrate case scenarios for common canine and feline breeds.
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When the digestive tract is upset, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Since the causes of these symptoms are varied, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. Often, a bland diet is recommended to rest the digestive tract and to decrease vomiting and diarrhea. Bland diets consist of a single easily digestible protein source and a simple carbohydrate. Pet owners may prepare bland diets at home or choose one of the many commercially available diets.
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Pet owners may not realize that caffeine can be harmful to their pets. They also may not know that many foods and drinks in their cupboards contain caffeine. This particular chemical can be toxic for both cats and dogs.
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Cat owners in the United States spend nearly $3 million per year on treats for their cats! No wonder making choices among treats can seem so overwhelming. There are some simple guidelines that can help you to make reasonable choices about treats – both quality and quantity – supporting good health and still allowing for some fun.
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Veterinarians generally agree that there is no single best food for all dogs or all cats. Our pets are individuals: some will prefer dry kibble, while others will prefer wet or canned food. Pet owners may also have preferences related to cost, convenience of shopping, and how a particular pet food manufacturer conducts their business. This handout briefly outlines key aspects of selecting the most appropriate food and water for your dog or cat.
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Your cat's skin and coat condition are good indicators of her health. A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not brittle or coarse, and healthy skin should be supple and clear, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy. Selective breeding has led to the development of cats with various coat characteristics requiring varying grooming needs. To maintain healthy skin and coat, your cat also requires a properly balanced diet.
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Critical care patients in the hospital can often become malnourished which can delay healing and recovery. Wound healing and tissue repair are intimately interrelated with nutrition. In a hospitalized critical care patient receiving inadequate nutrition, normal cellular metabolic activities are disrupted which can lead to problems with medications; either with inadequate drug activity or creating a relative overdose if drug elimination is slowed. If a cat is not eating well on their own, one of various types of feeding tubes can be placed to help the cat receive adequate nutrition.
