Cat Food

Although a cat is an obligate carnivore, most cat foods contain meat and plant ingredients with vitamins, minerals and nutrients added. The food must include taurine or it may develop retinal degeneration and go blind.
The food usually comes in a dry(kibble) or wet version. Dry food can contain up to 10% of moisture. Depending on the food, it contains some level of carbohydrates which a cat has no need for because it produces glucose from protein. Dry food can be left out for longer periods than wet food. Some believe it aids in the control of dental calculus. Overall it is more convenient and cost effective than wet food.
Wet food contains up to 78% of moisture. Some believe the increased water content over dry food is beneficial in reducing constipation, obesity, renal failure and urinary tract disorders. Fish is a common ingredient of wet food but to much of it can cause yellow fat disease.
Other alternatives are prescription food to treat certain ailments and home made food. If using homemade food, it is important that the animal is getting the necessary nutrients which may have to come from supplements.
Another alternative is vegetarian or vegan food. Unfortunately, vegetables do not contain the nutrients that meat provides. Adding supplements to the vegan food may not be adequate and can cause urine acidity problems. There is a debate if a vegan diet is good for a cat.
Malnutrition can occur if the diet is not adequate. Excessive feeding of raw, freshwater fish can cause a thiamine deficiency. An exclusive liver diet can cause a Vitamin A toxicity. Many organic, natural or vegan diets may not have the correct balance of nutrients causing malnutrition and other diseases.
There are many brands of food on the market. The basic needs are:
- Protein from meat, fish or poultry.
- Taurine.
- Vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fatty acids.
- Water.
When reading the food label look for:
AAFCO compliance with requirements for complete and balanced. The criteria for complete and balanced is:
* The food must pass feeding tests for the life stage recommended on the label
* The composition of the food must meet or exceed nutrient levels established by AAFCO
* Preservatives, at the level included in commercial pet foods, have never been scientifically demonstrated to cause any problems in pets (or people) at less than 100 times the levels found in such foods. On the other hand, the current trend for many cat food manufacturers is toward using natural preservatives, such as vitamins C and E.
Protein source - chicken, lamb or beef rather than meat.
Protein source should be the first ingredient especially on canned food.
Expiration date for freshness.
Avoid foods with labels that have:
Words like by-products, meat and/or bone meal or animal digest.
Chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin or propyl gallate.
Corn meal as a filler.
Excessive carbohydrate fillers.
If unsure of a proper diet, consult with a veterinarian.

Cat Cough

Like humans, there are various reasons a cat might develop a cough. Coughing is a reflex when something is irritating the back of the throat, lungs or air passages. It is is important to determine the how serious the problem is.
Hairballs resulting from grooming are common. It will usually cough and/ or gag until it spits up the hairball. Hairballs can be treated with over the counter products.
Asthma, bronchitis and allergies can also cause a cough. Treating the cough with steroids or an inhaler can resolve the problem.
Bordetella caused by frequent boarding can be treated by vaccination. Cardiomyopathy prevents the heart from pumping properly causing fluid in the lungs and congestion can be a cause.
Heartworms and parasites can be a source. Using a heartworm preventative medication is recommended but test the animal first. If it is heartworm positive, the medication could kill it. For a parasite, a broad spectrum wormer should eliminate the parasite.
A persistent cough could mean a cold or flu is present. Over the counter cough suppressants can be used but check with a veterinarian for the brand and dosage. Some products contain ingredients harmful to animals.
If it is coughing and pawing at its mouth or shaking its head, an object may be stuck in the mouth or throat. Open its mouth carefully and remove the object if seen. Observe it for the next few days to ensure an infection does not develop. If the object cannot be located, see a veterinarian immediately.
Sometimes a its collar is too tight and can cause it to cough. The tip of a finger should slip between the collar and skin easily. If it squeezes into a tight spot, the collar could catch on something and cause coughing and/or choking. A breakaway or elastic collar can prevent this from happening.
Like a human, running to a doctor every time a cough develops is not necessary. If it persists for over 24 hours or there is wheezing, shortness of breath or bluish gums and tongue, a visit to the veterinarian is needed. It can be the sign of a more serious problem.

Chocolate and Cats

A cat likes to eat chocolate. It is tasty but it is not good to feed it to an animal. It can get very sick or even die depending how much is eaten.
Chocolate comes from the seed of the cacao tree and its usage dates back to 1100 BC. The cacao bean is native to Mexico, Central and South America. It originated being used as a beverage, usually with a bitter taste, and later evolved as a food ingredient. Today it is one of the most popular foods in the world.
There are several types: milk, dark and white. Milk is the most consumed especially during the holidays. Dark contains large amounts of antioxidants and is believed to have some health benefits. White has no cocoa solids which contain theobromine and can be consumed by animals.
Chocolate, other than white, contains theobromine which acts a diuretic and heart stimulant and provides some health benefits to humans. This compound can cause a cat's heart to race, beat irregularly or cause loss of body fluids. Un-sweetened baking chocolate contains the highest amount of this compound, dark the next highest and milk the least. It cannot clear theobromine from its system as fast as a human. Increasing levels can be fatal.
The food is high in calories and can contribute to obesity. An animal can lose its taste for normal food and develop dental problems. Increased urine production, diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, depression and muscle tremors are other effects of it eating this food.
There is no antidote if it is affected by eating chocolate. A veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal or medications, use intubation and artificial ventilation and monitor its heart. The sooner it is treated, the better the chance of no permanent damage.
It is safer not to feed an animal food normally consumed by humans. Onions and garlic can destroy its red blood cells. Raisins and grapes can cause kidney problems. Tomatoes and raw potatoes can cause stomach problems. Best bet is to give a cat food that is meant for it.