| Catalog News |
January, 2008
|
Happy New Year from Catalog Kitty Kingdom
Thank you for a great year and best wishes
for 2008!
|
We at Catalog Kitty Kingdom would like to thank you for your
business in 2007 and wish you and your pets a happy and healthy
2008.
We hope that the new year brings you every chance to spend
time with your furry friends and to let them know how special
they make every day.
Warmest wishes from the >^..^< Catalog team
|
|
What's New?
New Year's Resolutions from Our Cats
Top of page
Tipping The Scales
|
Cats in the wild have to work for their food. A stray cat
has to hunt before he can feast. However, the domestic cat
just has to show up (or meow it's head off) to get fed.
According to Pam Johnson-Bennett, feline behaviorist, we
simply feed our cats too much.
As owners, we need to adjust the amount of food we give our
cats as they mature. Overfeeding often occurs once cats have
been spayed or neutered, at which time the cat no longer requires
as many calories due to reduced metabolic needs.
Feeding table scraps, poor quality food, or too many treats
will also contribute to obesity.
|
|
An obese cat is more susceptible to heart disease, diabetes, and
arthritis. As your cat ages, if she does develop arthritis, the
extra weight on those joints will cause even more pain. Obese cats
who must undergo surgery are more at risk from anesthesia as well.
To determine if your cat is overweight take a look at your cat
from a standing position. Can you make out any kind of waistline
above the hips? Put one hand on either side of him. By firmly stroking
the sides, you should be able to feel his ribs - they should not
be sticking out, but you should be able to feel them. Check out
your cat's profile. Does his underside hang down in a pouch of fat?
Putting Kitty on a Diet
Your veterinarian will be able to give you an idea of what your
cat's ideal weight should be and how to safely reach
it. You should never try to restrict your cat's calories too severely,
as it can result in serious health complications. The cat's liver
can't handle severe calorie restrictions. When a cat misses too
many meals, fat gets deposited in the liver, which results in liver
failure.
Your vet can help you determine how much to feed your cat and what
type of food is best.
Don't Forget Exercise During Dieting
It's true for humans and it's true for cats. Exercise and activity
are crucial to a successful weight-loss program. Use your cat's
natural instinct as a predator and engage in daily interactive playtime.
Click here to view interactive
toys...
Changing Over to a Better Nutritional Program
You've been compromising your cat's nutrition if you are feeding
bargain brand foods or ones that are not appropriate for her stage
of life.
When changing your cat to a better food, make sure the transition
is gradual to avoid digestive upset and to avoid rejection by your
cat. Gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing
the old food over the course of seven to ten days. If your cat begins
to reject the new food, go even slower.
Some cats may take three weeks for the changeover -- but be patient,
it will all be worth it once you see the difference in your cat's
health and physical appearance.
What to Look for On the Label When Choosing a
Good Quality Food
- The first ingredient listed on the label should be an animal
protein, such as chicken, fish, liver, or beef. If the first item
listed is not an animal protein, move on.
- The "dry weight protein" listed should be at least
26% for your healthy adult cat. Kittens need even more protein
and a premium cat food brand that says it's specifically for kittens
should have a higher level of protein.
- Depending on your cat's life stage, the words "kitten,"
"adult," "senior" or "all life stages"
should be on the label. Make sure the cat food you buy is the
right one for the age and life stage of your cat.
- The words "complete and balanced" should be on the
label. Government agencies regulate what can be put on pet food
labels, so food with these words should be healthier for your
cat.
- An AAFCO statement. This shows that the food has passed rigorous
feeding tests.
- A reputable manufacturer. Avoid generic brands, store brands,
and low-priced discount brands. Saving money in the short run
can cost you lots more in veterinary bills later.
- Contact information for the manufacturer. This way, if you want
to, you can learn more about the company, its quality control,
feeding trials, and ingredients.
Cat Food...
Top of page
From Our Readers
This section is reserved for articles, pictures,
etc. contributed by our readers. Please
and let us know what you think of our Newsletter and what you'd
like to see in upcoming issues.
We'd love to hear from you! Feedback, ideas,
articles, photos greatly appreciated and all original content will
be credited to the owner. Material that may be deemed offensive
to some will not be published.
Top of page
Get this newsletter in your inbox every month:
Subscribe to our newsletter:
|
To unsubscribe: click
here
Disclaimer
The information provided in this Newsletter is for general information
purposes only and should not replace the professional advise of
a veterinarian.
Top of page
|
