Best first foods for baby kitten

The picture shows kitty baby with my lab, Riley.The dogs don't ever bother my cats. I think they feel the cats are not really worthy of much of their attention. Fortunately the dogs tend to be relatively patient with the cats.Sometimes when I'm feeding Riley,one of the cats, Moochie, (he'll pretty much eat anything ) will have a taste of Riley's food and the dog will watch, baffled, as to what he should do.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat,( although most people that put their pets on a vegan or vegetarian diet would disagree).Kittens need about 30-40% protein and 20% fat. Quality sources of protein come from meats that are highly digestible .Grains provide the least digestible sources of protein.

Cats in the wild do not eat carbohydrates and would only get them from their prey's stomach contents.Cats are able to use protein and fats to produce glucose and will utilize proteins and fats for energy before carbohydrates. Adult cats require at least 26% protein and 9% fat . Cats also lack the necessary level of enzymes to efficiently digest carbohydrates. Cats have a limited sense of taste and cannot taste sweet foods at all .. However their sense of smell is well developed and so warming foods can tempt a sick cat to eat.

Cats require 2 or 3 times the protein that dogs and humans require.Kittens will eat about 2 to 3 times more food than an adult cat. Kittens require a dietary source of taurine, ( amino acid ) because they cannot synthesis enough taurine from dietary precursors.Taurine is found primarily in marine and animal proteins. Cat food is often supplemented with synthetic taurine. Insufficient taurine can cause a wide range of problems in cats ,including heart problems and blindness.
Arginine ( amino acid ), is essential to promote detoxification of nitrogenous waste products.Lack of arginine can cause hyperammonemia, an excess of ammonia in the blood that can cause encephalopathy and death.

Cats also don't make enough cysteine and methionine.Methionine breaks down fats and is a strong antioxidant. In cats the removal of methionine from the diet causes weight loss and lethargy. All meats contain methionine.

Kittens require a source of both linoleic and arachidonic acid ( fatty acids ). The kitten cannot synthesis these fatty acids.Linoleic acid can come from plant oils and animal fat while arachidonic acid comes from animal fats only .Signs of deficiency of fatty acids include poor growth, dry hair, dermatitis and lethargy.

Cats require extra thiamine and niacin. Raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine , however cooking fish deactivates this enzyme. Thiamine is found in vegetables, fruit, milk, fish and meat. Deficiency causes a loss of appetite, weakness, loss of reflexes,loss of nerve control and eventual death.

Niacin is primarily found in meat and is low in grains and vegetables.Deficiency can cause black tongue or sour mouth disease. Symptoms are weight loss, anorexia, red inflamed gums, ulcerations in the oral cavity, rough hair coat and diarreha and can result in respiratory disease.

Kittens cannot convert beta carotene from vegetables to vitamin A. They require preformed vitamin A, which is found only in animal tissues. Vitamin C is not needed because kittens can make it themselves.Vitamin C supplementation can cause formation of calcium oxalate uroliths in the urinary tract.

Deficiency of Vitamin E can cause yellow fat disease, a painful inflammatory condition of subcutaneous fat.Vitamin E is especially needed in diets high in polyunsaturated fats ( such as fish oils).

Cats have a low requirement for Vitamin D . Toxicity can come from feeding cod-liver oil. Over supplementation can cause soft tissue calcification.Deficiency is rare in cats ,but rickets are seen in kittens fed homemade diets that are not supplemented.

Diets for cats made exclusively of organ meats , such as liver, heart and kidney provide phosphorus but no calcium. This unbalanced ratio can cause severe demineralization of bone. Commercial diets add calcium.Calcium deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in cats.Calcium and phosphorus need to be balanced. Adult cats need 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus and kittens need 1.8 parts calcium to 1.6 parts phosphorus.

Phosphorus is plentiful in meat. Too much can lead to kidney damage

Magnesium is needed for the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, sodium and Vitamin C and E. It is found in milk and fish. Calcium and phosphrous can inhibit the absorption of magnesium.

Potassium is plentiful in foods but can be lost through vomiting and diarreha or kidney disease.

Nursing cats may require additional iron.

Complete or balanced formulas shouldn't require supplementation. Commercial kitten food is one way to be sure the kitten receives ingredients that are balanced. Vets prefer that products state " Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens based on AAFCO feeding trial", rather than food formulated for all ages .

However,here is where alot of controversy begins. Many cat owners ,as well as veterinarians , have the viewpoint that the official recommendations of the AAFCO are only minimal requirements and that this is an organization backed by commercial pet food companies and therefore serves the pet industry and not the consumer.

Pet food is regulated federally by the, FDA (through the center for veterinary medicine or CVM ) and states generally adopt the requirements established by the AAFCO.

Please keep in mind that any cautions I note about possible problems with any of the diets presented are often firmly discounted by people that feed the diets. Vets themselves admit that animal nutrition can be a confusing, hotly debated subject.

Kittens should not be fed a diet consisting of a random mixture of human foods as this can result in dietary-induced diseases. The difficulty of feeding a homemade diet is that it can be very difficult acheiving a complete and balanced diet. Supplements usually must be added to homemade diets.

There are many websites with extensive nutrition information. I like this site alot . Go to maxshouse

The National Research Council has a Committee of Animal Nutrition that publishes extensive information about cat nutrition. They have a phamplet about Your Cat's nutritional needs.

The recommendation from most sources is not to provide free choice feeding. However I wouldn't worry about free choice feeding if your cat isn't overweight. Neutering increases risk for obesity.
I usually split a 6 oz. can of wet food three times a day and about 2 or 3 cups of dry food during a 24 hour period for all five cats.(all my cats are now over 6 months of age )

Feeding frequency should be 3-4 times daily in kittens less than six months old. By six months of age kittens tolerate twice daily feedings. Changing to an adult schedule can be done at 12 months of age.Rapid food changes can cause GI upset.
You should allow 4-7 days to transition to a new food.Provide a shallow water dish at about 3 to 4 weeks of age . Each week reduce the amount of liquid in the food so at about 8 weeks of age the kitten is eating solid food and by then should be fully weaned.

Refrigerated food should be brought to room temperature before feeding.

HOLLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR PETS

The queen's milk is the best food for a newborn .The protection colostrum provides is important since the queen will not pass antibodies to their kittens in utero.

Newborn kittens can only absorb antibodies from colostrum (or antibodies found in milk ) in about the first 16 hours of life .Kittens can receive protection from a foster mother's milk if the kitten can nurse within the first 16 hours of being born.

Antibodies will reflect vaccinations the mother has had.The length of protection provided depends on the antibody titer in the mother's blood.Veterinarians at the University of Pennsylvania conducted an interesting study on kittens,colostrum and an incompatability syndrome

At birth kittens should weight about 100 grams, ( 3-5 ounces) and gain about 10 grams per day. Orphan kittens can be fed by bottle or eyedropper , syringe or stomach tube.If the kitten is not nursing at all they will need about 5 cc's per feeding about six times in a 24 hr. period . ( either kitten milk replacer or an emergency glop formula ).Generally the kitten will need 8cc's of formula per ounce of body weight. The kitten can be weighted on a kitchen or postal scale.

Kittens should not be fed on their backs and should not be fed if they are cold. An overhead lamp can be used or a heating pad on low , covered so it will not burn the kitten and providing room so the kitten can move away from the heat source.They initially need a temperature of about 85-90 degrees.

A high quality dry food can be softened with milk replacer and hot water and put in a blender to make a mush ; by about 3 or 4 weeks they can have kitten mush 3x per day with bottle feeding. By week 4 they can have 4-6 bottle feedings with 4-5 mush feedings.Kittens hand fed milk need to be burped just like a human baby.

The picture shows Moochie ...He really knows how to relax!

Cats have fewer taste buds than either humans or dogs and although taste is not unimportant palatability ultimately can depend for the cat on the food it was initially given at weaning ( cats prefer to stick to a familiar food if they have not been offered a variety), although many cats will try novel foods .Habit contributes to choices your cat makes concerning it's food.

Research testing at the Waltham center in the UK found that cats and kittens when offered different diets with attractive and unattractive tastes initially chose the diet with the best taste but ultimately would eat the diet that most closely resembled what they needed nutritionally even if the taste was unattractive to them. The diet cats preferred was high protein ,moderate-fat. Kittens will tend to chose a diet that provides more energy from fats because fats will yield more energy than protein or carbohydrates.As kittens mature they will prefer a higher protein moderate fat adult diet.They also found through studies that cats will choose daily intake of calories that closely resemble what they would derive from their natural prey. Cats will consume a diet with calories averaging 52% protein,36% fats and 12% from carbohydrates.Studies also show that once the carbohydrate limit is reached that the cat will limit food intake.

Palatability includes food taste,aroma,sight,temperature,texture,size and shape of kibble is a part of palatability. Cats respond to the smoothness and viscosity of the food; this is called "mouth feel".Aroma is important in providing stimulus for the cat to eat.Cats with respiratory problems tend to be anorexic.

Palatability is enhanced by moisture,animal fats,protein hydrolysates's,meat extracts; the amino acids, alanine,histadine,prolineand lysine . Acidity improves palatabiltiy ( adding phosphoric or citric acid) . Adding 1 to 4% of yeast or fish meal improves the taste of food . It's a common practice to use digest to increase palatability of food .Digest is a solution of amino acids peptides and fatty acids produced from animal tissues .

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Cat breeders, and vets as well ,use various formulas for orphaned kittens and for queens to boost their nutrition at least temporarily. These recipes are called GLOP . A standard GLOP recipe for kittens.

8 oz. water ( boiled and then cooled after dissolving gelatin )
1 package unflavored gelatin
1 cup whole evaporated milk or one can goats milk (goats milk is high in fat , protein and low in lactose)..Milk in cans is initially sterile and any unused portion needs to be boiled before use.
" Cow's milk is sometimes erroneously thought to be a substitute for queen's milk However, analysis of cow's milk shows that the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and lactose levels are too high, and the energy, protein, and fat levels are too low to sustain a growing kitten." ( quote from Max's House )
2 egg yolks, beaten ( do not add whites)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoon unflavored yogurt
1 teaspoon clear or light karo ( corn ) syrup
You can add bone meal,( or eggshell powder, calcium carbonate or citrate ) kitten or human ( baby vitamins ), baby food ( without onion powder) as kittens reach about 3 weeks of age, electrolytes, and acidopholus.

You do not need to use alternate milk sources if using commercial kitten milk replacer . However do not use tap water . Any water used must be boiled. Be sure to sterilize any equipment you are using to feed the kitten.

Formula can be frozen and than defrosted for use.


KMR® Powder for Kittens & Cats, 12oz
All natural, no preservatives, made in the USA. A complete food source for orphaned or rejected kittens or those nursing, but needing supplemental feeding.....on sale for $16.09

Goat's Milk 12oz pwd
A natural replacement for mother's milk for orphaned puppies or kittens
A supplement for young animals or convalescing pets. 12 oz. powder @ $19.99

Veterinarian article for raising an orphan kitten by Dr. Arnold Plotnik

Raw meat; possible source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Can include e.coli, salmonella, toxoplasmosis. Pet owners that choose a raw food diet must be aware of safe handling practices for raw meat. Some raw meat diets are certified ' pathogen free '.

Large amounts of liver /cod liver oil; can cause vitamin A and D toxicity

Excessive amounts of organ meats or all grain diets; Can cause metabolic bone disease ( nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism ). Excess phosphorus to calcium ratio causes the diet to be calcium deficient. Most affected are kittens 10-16 weeks of age . They may show stiffness, lameness, constipation and abdominal distention. May have long bone fractures.

Eggs; contain the enzyme avidin which decreases absorption of biotin. Can lead to skin and hair coat problems. May contain salmonella. Advocates of a raw diet feel that the salmonella risk is outweighed by the benefits and that to avoid the problem of the enzyme you just don't feed eggs daily.

Raw fish; can result in thiamine deficiency. Can lead to loss of appetite, seizures and in severe cases death. Can be a source of tapeworms. Analysis of cat foods has shown that canned fish/seafood flavors , such as salmon and whitefish flavors , have higher amounts of PBDE ( polybrominated diphenyl ethers ..or flame retardants ). This can cause hyperthyroidism. Symptoms are weight loss, increase in appetite, hair loss, irritability. There are no regulations regarding the presence of PBDE in pet foods.Parasites can be destroyed by freezing at sub-zero temperatures. The FDA recommends freezing at -31 degrees F for 15 hours or -4 degrees F for 7 days

Canned tuna; feed only ocassionally since canned tuna does not have taurine and cats can develope heart and eye problems. Excessive Tuna can cause Vit. E depletion as well .However you can buy tuna supplemented with taurine for you cat from Pet stores.

Milk; can cause diarrhea. However there are alot of recipes for feeding orphaned kittens that contain evaporated milk in small amounts. Some vets recommend yogurt to provide probiotics for a kitten with diarreha. I think that the trick is probably to feed small quantities for limited time. Cats can be lactose intolerant , but this seems to be a very individual response so pet owners need to watch out for diarreha / or vomiting when feeding milk products. Some recipes use goats milk . If possible the best solution would be to use commercial kitten milk replacer.

Onions, garlic; can cause Heinz body anemia ( destruction of red blood cells ).However garlic is ofen used in supplements , but should be fed in small amounts.

Chocolate,cocoa, coffee, tea, grape, raisins, currants; these are potential toxins

Baby food; can contain onion powder. There are alot of caretakers that do use baby food. Especially chicken and turkey so I'm assuming they check for the addition of onion powder.

Human baby formula: cats are lactose intolerant. Soy formula isnt a good idea either since soy can be an allergen. Check your kitty food for the addition of corn or wheat as well since these also are common allergens.

Additional foods and additives to avoid are caffeine, alcohol.

Dog food,( is taurine deficient) . Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats.

Bones ; ( proponents of raw diets do feed chicken and rabbit bones that are not cooked, since they feel a cat eating prey will consume bones). Soft bones can be ground. Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter causing obstruction or perforation .

Human vitamin supplements; however some caretakers do give infant vitamin drops to orphan kittens.

Avocado contains a toxin called persin

Citrus can cause vomiting

Yeast dough can cause bloating

Green potato/green tomato ; Contains solanine glycosides which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and cadiac arrest.

Salt; large quantities can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Fat ; large quantities can cause pancreatitis.

Plants and household items; I think every pet owner knows that ther are many toxic items to keep your pet away from,both inside and outside the home.ASPCA toxic plant list.,. They also maintain a 24 hour/7 day a week hot line that provides veterinary consultation if you suspect your pet has been poisoned . However they do charge for this service.

Acetometaphen; Although clearly not a food I thought I would add this as it is extremely toxic to cats.

Fading Kitten syndrome is a general term denoting failure to thrive. This can be caused by problems of the kitten maintaining body temperature, the mother refusing to nurse, toxins such as cleaning products, birth defects, infection and parasites,as well as taurine deficiency in the queen.

Read a comprehensive article by hilltop animal hospital

There actually is no legal definition of the word "holistic" concerning pet food. However Holistic means an integration of all aspects of a pet's life that combined promote well-being.A Holistic food or supplement should nourish and balance body, mind and soul. It should not have artificial additives or ingredients and should be as unprocessed as possible. The goal of a Holistic food is too strengthen the immune system, prevent illness and maintain health.

The trend in pet food is towards Natural foods,with superior sources of protein..... many are grain and additive free .

For articles on diseases and conditions and access to Holistic products go to Holistic Pet Info



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Labeling requirements are established by the FDA and include percentage requirements of named ingredients. These rules are actually fairly complicated. To see specific rule statements go to the the FDA website.

Labels must have a Net Quantity statement, which tells how much product is in the container.

The Manufacturer's name and address.

Ingredient list must list ingredients in order of predominance by weight ( includes inherent water content).

Guaranteed analysis; Most states require that this shows minimum percentages of crude protein and fat and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. Some products will show quaranteed ash content ( mineral content)..especially in cat food. Cat foods will also commonly show quarantees for taurine and magnesium.

Nutritional adequacy statement; Claims that a product is complete, balanced , or 100% nutritious should have either a statement that the product is " formulated to meet the nutritional levels of the AAFCO nutrient profiles" or it can state " animal feeding test using AAFCO procedures substantiate that the product provides complete and balanced nutrition".. The label also must contain a statement concerning what ' life stage' the product is intended for. It is best to buy food for kittens specifically made for them rather than a food labeled for ' all life stages'. Certain claims such as food for ' seniors' have no specific nutrient guidelines.

The product must contain a Calorie statement expressed as kilocalories per kilogram ( 2.2 lbs.)
Other label claims ...Products labeled premium or gourmet are not required to any higher nutrient profile than any other product.
The AAFCO has quidelines for products labeled ' natural' ; meaning there are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Organic products are certified by the USDA. The USDA has a task force for labeling organic pet foods.

There are many health claims allowed on human foods that are not allowed on pet foods. Rules vary on whether the product is considered a food or a drug.
According to an FDA article....."if a product affects the structure or function of the body apart from its nutritive value it may be considered a drug......pet food products with labels bearing drug claims are subject to regulation by CVM as drugs as well as foods."

There are evolving regulations concerning labeling regulations for products claiming benefit for a wide range of diseases and products claiming specific nutrient benefit.
Particular claims related to cat food would include benefit claims for FLUTD, reduced calorie (lite products), dental, skin and coat, veterinary medical foods,hypoallergenic products, dietary supplements and nutraceutical .

The FDA article explains labeling requirements

Animal Digest
Animal digest is a material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue. The animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair, horns, teeth, hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice and shall be suitable for animal feed. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind or flavor(s), it must correspond thereto.

Meat by-products
Meat by-products are the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth and hoofs.

Bone Meal
Meat Meal or Meat & Bone Meal is the rendered product from mammal tissues, with or without bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices.

Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is the dried residue from corn after the removal of the larger part of the starch and germ, and the separation of the bran by the process employed in the wet milling manufacture of corn starch or syrup, or by enzymatic treatment of the endosperm

Animal fat
Animal fat is obtained from the tissues of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting

Ash
Ash is the measure of the total mineral content of a particular food. It refers to the inorganic portion of a measured food sample after a laboratory analysis.
Ash contains calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and manganese and other minerals essential in the diet.

Bone Phoshate
Bone Phosphate is the residue of bones that have been treated first in a caustic solution then in a hydrochloric acid solution, and thereafter precipitated with lime and dried.

BHA/BHT is short for Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), both of which are artificial chemical preservatives
BHA and BHT have been banned from human use in many countries. In the US, they are still permitted in processed human foods and pet foods.

Chicken By-Product Meal
Chicken by-product meal consists of the dry, ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines - exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices.

Dried Blood Meal
Dried Blood Meal is produced from clean, fresh animal blood, exclusive of all extraneous material such as hair, stomach belchings and urine except as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing processes. A large portion of the moisture is usually removed by a mechanical dewatering process or by condensing by cooking to a semi-solid state.
The semi-sold blood mass is then transferred to a rapid drying facility where the more tightly bound water is rapidly removed. The minimum biological activity of lysine shall be 80%.

Fish Meal
Fish meal is the clean, rendered (cooked down), dried ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil.

Most cat foods do not contain wheat gluten, but during 2007 wheat gluten was contaminated by melamine, causing kidney failure and death in numerous pets. To read an article concerning this problem click here

For more information read the FDA recall here

You can look up specific pet food recalls on the FDA website

The difficulty of evaluating food additives is that studies to investigate additives look for levels of exposure in determining toxicity. Animals,as well as people , can fall outside the range of levels that are considered safe if they are sensitive or allergic to an additive or even consume large amounts of foods high in particular additives.

Some of the most controversial pet food additives are artificial antioxidants added to keep fats from becoming rancid, particularly in dry food. Ethoxyquin; Is stored by the body in various organs, particularly the kidneys, liver and adipose tissue. Toxic effects commonly occur in the liver.

BHA and BHT; studies imply that both may act as "promoting" agents ,meaning they can enhance the effect of certain carcinogens.
More Pet food manufacturer's are using natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and C due to consumer demand. However foods with natural antioxidants will have a shorter shelf life.

Artificial flavors and colors are unnecessary in pet food.

MSG; Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer. It has been linked to nerve damage . Can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting . Glutamate is a normal component of Protein. Additional glutamate in the form of MSG can cause high blood levels. Adverse effects are most notable in very young animals.

Sodium Nitrates ; preservatives that have been linked to cancer and can reduce storage of Vit. A in the liver. Nitrates act to inhibit growth of C. Botulinum. Nitrates occur naturally in many foods. Vit.C may act to block nitrosation of amines.

Sulphite preservatives; Common cause of allergic reactions. High doses reduces thiamine content of foods.

Bisphenol A; Found in the coating used for pop-top pet food cans and linked to hyperthyroidism in cats.

You can look up research test results for food additives from the National Toxicology Program.

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People as well as pets can suffer from what is now known as a common autoimmune disorder..celiac disease. The following site follows Dr. John B. Symes D.V.M.,as he applies his G.A.R.D diet to his own treatment for celiac disease as well as to pets. Dr. Symes goes by the name Dr. Dogtorj and is a very strong proponent of gluten free diets for pets and humans. He advocates diets of what he calls 'living foods" of fresh meat, eggs, fish, veggies, and fruits with the elimination of gluten grains,( wheat,barley, and rye) plus obtaining products with no corn, soy or dairy.

He feels there is no actual need to diagnose an animal with celiac disease to improve their health through improved nutrition. I think a gluten free diet would be worth trying for a sick pet that isn't improving even after seeing the vet and having diet changes that don't seem to be working.


Nature's Variety Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Diet for Dogs and Cats, Lamb Formula, 7 oz
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There are a few things that I really like and can recommend. One of my all time favorites are books by Yorkshire veterinarian, James Herriot .His books are funny, moving and all together wonderful. At one time there was a series based on his books that was on PBS. I don't think I ever missed an episode. His books and the TV series are available on Amazon.

All Creatures Great and Small
In All Creatures Great and Small, we meet the young Herriot as he takes up his calling and discovers that the realities of veterinary practice in rural Yorkshire are very different from the sterile setting of veterinary school. From caring for his patients in the depths of winter on the remotest homesteads to dealing with uncooperative owners and critically ill animals, Herriot discovers the wondrous variety and never-ending challenges of veterinary practice as his humor, compassion, and love of the animal world shine forth. $10.87


All Things Bright and Beautiful
All Things Bright and Beautiful is the beloved sequel to Herriot's first collection, All Creatures Great and Small, and picks up as Herriot, now newly married, journeys among the remote hillside farms and valley towns of the Yorkshire Dales, caring for their inhabitants---both two- and four-legged. Throughout, Herriot's deep compassion, humor, and love of life shine out as we laugh, cry, and delight in his portraits of his many, varied animal patients and their equally varied owners. $10.19

James Herriot's Cat Stories
Viewers of Herriot's TV series All Creatures Great and Small will find themselves in familiar territory here. We meet Olly and Ginny, feral kittens who disdained indoor life. Frisks's "spells" were a puzzle until Herriot learned that the cat licked the medicine saucer of its owner, a terminal cancer patient. Oscar, an injured stray was notable for attending public meetings. Moses, a black kitten, joined a litter of pigs and was accepted by the sow. These heartwarming stories should make an ideal gift for cat lovers. $13.57

For mild vomiting and/or diarreha you can administer an electolyte. One way to go, with an easy to purchase remedy is to buy pedialyte.
You can also give your kitten gatorade.Read a veterinary article about diarreha and vomiting by Dr. Roger Gfeller, Dr. Micheal Thomas and Isacc Mayo.
Another option would be to buy a commercial electrolyte.

If a cat has persistent diarrhea you can try feeding boiled rice, cottage cheese, bread, plain yogurt, boiled chicken broth, or strained meat. Common causes of diarrhea range from dietary changes ,food allergies and intolerances to inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, hyperthyroidism, worms, kidney disease, and cancer. It can be considered serious if accompanied by fever,vomiting ,lethargy and loss of appetite. Your cat might require a low fat ,high fiber diet or removal of feeding milk products.

Constipation can be caused by bones, low fiber, obesity , diabetes , and hyperthroidism. You can add pumpkin to the diet ( not pie filling ) or bran or a small amount of metamucil. Increasing foods with water will help as well.

Probiotics can be important for restoring normal bowel function ,especially after antibiotic treatment. Feeding a small amount of yogurt can work although there are many commercial products available.


Naturvet Pet Electrolyte Concentrate (16 fl oz)
Naturvet Pet Electrolyte Concentrate (16 fl oz) is extremely palatable with tasty chicken flavor and looks similar to chicken broth. Contains Alanine (Amino Acid) which has been shown in studies to provide a quicker recovery time from dehydration.




NaturVet Cat Anti-Diarrhea Aid
NaturVet Cat Anti-Diarrhea AidNaturVet Cat Anti-Diarrhea Aid is a pleasant tasting liquid suspension for use as an aid for simple diarrhea.
...on sale@$6.47

Very small kittens might require tube feeding. .Here is an article on how to tube feed a kitten from hayaji.com

There are many advocates of raw diets for pets, ( B.A.R.F. Diets ) that range from feeding whole prey to raw ground diets.There are many commercial sources available to purchase frozen whole animals ( such as rabbits, mice ,rats, chicks,venison, duck, quail, emu ). Some individuals do not feed supplements, some make their own supplements and some purchase complete raw frozen diets or supplements can be purchased to add to homemade diets .

The USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center has a whole prey analysis study that shows percentages of nutrients in different types of prey and provides sources to purchase whole prey animals.
Here is one negative side of raw feeding in an article by James 0'Heare, Ph.D..
Studies have also shown that there is a risk to the humans that are handling the raw product and that animals fed raw shed more bacteria and parasites in their feces than their commercial fed counterparts.The The Delta Society deals with animals that are used in therapy and because of health concerns with raw diets ask that animals in their program not be fed raw diets.
Having said that proponents feel that animals are healthier, with better hair coats, dental health, stool formation and a longer life span than animals not fed a raw diet.

Foodborne bacteria of most concern are salmonella. It can cause sudden onset of diarreha containing blood or mucous. Vomiting, abdominal pain or gas.Cats can be asymptomic carriers for as long as 6 weeks. Cats can transmit this bacteria to humans.
Campylobacteria is often seen in young cats. Symptoms are decreased appetite and diarrhea. Cats can be carriers and can transmit the bacteria to people. The sources are contaminated food ,water, unpasteurized milk or undercooked meats.( particularly poultry).
Escherichia Coli is often seen in newborn kittens . They can be infected by a queen that is sick and passes the infection to the kittens in utero or after they are born. Kittens may show lethargy, diarreha, low body temp. and blue mucous membranes. Sources can include feces, contaminated water, milk or undercooked meats.

Dr. Lisa S. Newman felt initially that feeding raw was advantageous to pets , but then found that over time that animals fed raw diets developed nutrient deficiencies , increased aging effect . She also felt that the increased demands on the animals digestive systemn places stress on the pancreas, gallbladder and liver. She recommends adding multivitamin-mineral supplements,vitamin C, garli,and a detoxifier to a raw diet.


Raw Advantage Organic Recipe Raw Dog & Cat Food Chicken Chunks 1 lb
Recipes are made with 100% fresh frozen USDA free-range meat or poultry and can be mixed into the diet to add the benefits of raw food.various protein sources such as chicken,turkey,beef...starting at 1 lb. $10.49


Primal Pet Foods Raw Cat Food Quail Nuggets 4 lbs
Scientifically balanced formulas made with 100% human-grade, antibiotic- & hormone-free meats. Packed with organic fruits and vegetables, too!Various protein sources such as chicken and salmon,venison,pheasant,turkey,quail,rabbit....starting at 4lbs. for $19.49

I haven't personally tried to make homemade diets for my pets, but I can understand the desire to do so. Dr. Ron Hines offers alot of information concerning homemade diets on his 2ndchance info site

According to Dr.Lisa Pierson from catinfo.org a basic homemade diet includes grinding your chosen meat with bones, liver and then she adds water, B-compex ,vitamen E, wild salmon fish oil,taurine, iodized lite salt ( if using chicken thighs ) and eggs. For thin cats she keeps the skin in the recipe . She prefers to use poultry and rabbit since beef and fish are more likely to cause allergic reactions.


Only Natural Pet Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Dog & Cat Supplement 8 oz Liquid This oil is made from wild, non-farmed Alaskan salmon and stabilized with natural antioxidants to maintain its omega-3 fatty acid content....8.5oz.@$14.99

Fat will increase the palatability of the diet . Too much bone in the diet can cause constipation.Dr. Pierson also likes to add Flortiflora to diets because cats like the taste.

Food Guide for Cats...Homemade and Healthy Recipes...Click Here!

Cat Food Recipes Cookbook. 65 Great Meals and Treats....Click Here!


FortiFlora FELINE - Box of 30 (1 gram packets)
FortiFlora FELINE by Purina, is a nutritional supplement that contains microencapsulated form of Enterococcus probiotic that is critical in managing cats with diarrhea or unhealthy stools - restores normal intestinal health and balance ....on sale for $18.99

Pet owners who feed vegetarian and vegan diets ( diets with no animal products ) have a variety of personal and ethical reasons for feeding these diets. Cats , being obligate carnivores, stir the most controversy concerning these diets.

Peta ( People for the ethical treatment of animals ) advocates vegetarian and vegan diets for cats. James peden has developed a supplement, called vegecat ,to add to recipes to ensure a complete diet.

Even a vegan website recognizes the difficulties of feeding cats vegetarian and vegan diets because these diets tend to be alkaline and can cause urinary tract obstruction , especially in males. They recommend that pet owners get their cat's urinary PH checked often by vets or to be on the safe side to have their cats consume a diet that is 50% vegan and 50% meat.

No More Bad Cats ....complete and comprehensive guide on cat behavior and training.By Sandy Stone. Added bonuses include e-books on
#1 How to remove cat urine odor using a homemade recipe
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#3 100 recipes for your cat ... Click Here!

Food allergies or intolerances can cause skin problems in dogs and cats, For an overview of skin problems related to food in the Merck Veterinary manual ..Grains are used in numerous dry cat foods and soy and wheat are sometimes used in canned foods.Uncooked corn cannot be digested by cats or dogs. For pet food corn goes through a cooking process that makes it more digestible. Corn is a very common additive in pet foods .Many Vets and pet owners are rejecting corn and corn gluten as an additive due to corn being linked to obesity, diabetes , pancreatitis and liver disease in pets.

Food allergies can be caused by fish, beef, eggs, wheat ,soybean and milk as well. Symptoms can include itching, swollen ears, hair loss, vomiting and diarrhea. To determine what food item is causing the allergy pets need to be put on an elimination diet. A novel food is fed for three weeks in a stainless steel bowl and if symptoms abate than it is clear the food was causing the problem. Food is than reintroduced to see if symptoms return.

Some hypoallergenic diets use hydrolyzed protein to help alleviate allergies. The protein is broken down so much that the immune system doesn't respond to it.


Natural Balance Dry Cat Food, Limited Ingredient Diet Green Pea and Duck Allergy Formula, 10 Pound BagNEW! Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Duck Formula for Cats is our special Allergy Formula, made specifically for cats and kittens prone to allergies.....@$33.99


Anergen%uFFFD Canine/Feline Dry Diet - 4 lb. Bag
A lamb and brown rice based natural pet food that is an excellent starting point for dogs or cats requiring a food with limited ingredients.....4lb bag @$8.59

Nutri-Cal for Cats High Calorie Dietary Supplement
4.25-Ounce Tube
Nutri-Cal for Cats is a High-Calorie Dietary Supplement.....
4.25 oz. @$9.19

Solid Gold D-Zyme Digestive Enzyme Powder Supplement
for Dog and Cats, 6oz
Solid Gold D-Zymes Enzyme Supplement is a natural, plant based enzyme supplement that helps replace naturally occuring enzymes destroyed in food processing......6oz. @$18.11

Animal Essentials Natural Seaweed Calcium, 340 Grams
100% natural calcium from red seaweed...Superior to bone meal, which can be difficult for dogs, cats and other animals to fully digest.
Tested for purity by human food industry standards.....$18.75


Pet Guard, Yeast & Garlic (Powder) Supplement for Dogs & Cats
12-Ounce Canisters (Pack of 3)
Pet Guard, Yeast & Garlic (Powder) Supplement for Dogs & Cats sprinkled on your pet's food, given as a treat or reward, will nourish and strengthen your pet naturally with protein and the essential B-Complex Vitamins. Used regularly, Yeast and Garlic will help your pet be healthier, happier, more disease resistant and less prone to problems associated with infestation.......$26.37

Normally insulin is secreted by the pancreas into the blood stream to control blood glucose levels. If the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot utilize it than blood glucose can rise to dangerous levels. Symptoms include an increase in urination and thirst and initial weight gain.Although diabetes is often seen in older obese cats-being thin or younger doesn't protect a cat from getting diabetes. A high carb diet puts your cat at risk as well as genetic makeup.

A low-carb, high protein diet can help a diabetic cat stabilize and help prevent the disease .For an article on diabetes by Claudia Reusch presented at the Small Animal World Congress click here .
Kittens develope a taste for certain foods early in life . Limiting treats and access to food can help prevent your kitten from becoming obese as well as limiting carbs in the diet. However to insure your kitten will eat a variety of foods Vets recommend rotating foods to develope a range in tastes .


Epigen%uFFFD Canine/Feline Dry Diet - 2 Lb. Bag
Wysong Epigen%uFFFD represents the first important kibble pet food innovation in almost 60 years (patent pending) and moves conventional dry extruded pet foods much closer to the high protein meat-based, starchless foods carnivores are genetically designed for....offered in chicken,fish or venison...... Original chicken 2 lb. bag @$5.99

Diabetes Insipidus is caused by reduction of secretion of the anti-diuretic hormone ADH or occurrs because of the inability of the kidneys to respond to ADH. Symptoms are similar to diabetes mellitus and include increased thirst and urination. This condition is treated with medication.

Obesity is a common problem in cats . Many cat foods, especially dry foods, are fed free choice and are high in carbohydrates. Cats utilize protein and fats for energy requirements and don't need or efficiently use carbohydrates. If you cannot feel your cats ribs or see fat pad between their legs than your cat is too fat. Feeding canned food and timing meals and then removing food can be helpful in reducing your cats weight.

Treats for your cat should not be more than about 10% of the diet .Alot of treats for kittens aren't a good idea since they won't eat much food at one time , so giving treats will tend to fill them up and prevent them from getting the food they need.

However cutting you cats food in half suddenly can cause Idiopathic hepatic lipidosis ( fatty liver ) . This disease can be serious. Cats should never fast.

Healthy kittens should gain about a pound per month until they reach 8 or 10 pounds. There is a society for a The Prevention of Obesity in pets. According to them about 57% of cats are overweight.

CatSlim® Food Supplement for Overweight Cats 28oz...
CatSlim is a meal replacement and food supplement that helps cats achieve and maintain proper weight.All natural, low-calorie, and high in dietary fiber. Highly concentrated formula that naturally helps curb appetites while helping to metabolize fat....@$19.95


Felidae Platinum Senior & Overweight Formula Dry Cat Food 8 lb Bag
Low protein, fat and calories for senior and overweight cats with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and fiber for digestion....4 lb. bag@$10.99

You can treat your cat with catnip, cat grass, or make your own natural treats from bits of liver, fish or eggs .

Feline IBD refers to general inflammation of the digestive tract. It can be caused by food allergies or intolerances , although there can be other causes as well. The most common dietary culprits are fish, beef, eggs, wheat and milk. Your cat can display IBD symptoms from foods that have been eaten for awhile without previous problems.

Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss,abdominal pain,depression, behavioral changes. There can be blood or mucous in the stool.Dietary changes can help but not cure IBD. However veterinary recommendations start with controlling inflammation with medication before dietary changes are made.Chronic inflammatory bowel disease can lead to anemia and protein loss.

recommendations include a highly digestible diet low in fat and carbs and low in gluten ( no wheat, oats, barley or rye). feeding a novel protein that your cat has not eaten before. supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids, colalamin ( a B vitamin often deficient in cats with IBD). Adding prebiotics and probiotics.
Hairball diets can help IBD these diets are high in fiber and contain enzymes to prevent a hairball from forming.( laxatone, made from petroleum jelly and flavored can be fed or spread on the haircoat to help prevent hairballs)

UC Davis Veterinary school conducted a study trying to create ' a gold standard diet for cats ' and found surprising results ...access this study


Laxatone for Cats (4.25 oz) by Vetoquinol
Laxatone is a laxative and hair ball remedy.....on sale for $7.99


OptaGest Digestive Aid (3.5 oz)Opta Gest Digestive Aid by In Clover is a complete all-natural supplement for digestive health ....on sale..@$15.65

Entirely Pets has products for you cat, dog, horse, fish, bird, reptile, ferret, rabbit, hamster, guinea pig,....they even have ant farms

Click on the banner to find flea and tick products, pet food,( Simply Wild, Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Solid Gold and more ) diet nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, homeopathies, toys, collars and leashes, grooming supplies , a pet resource center and more.

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Simply Wild Chicken & Brown Rice for Cats & Kittens (7 lbs)
Simply Wild Chicken & Brown Rice formula for cats & kittens is formulated with ingredients chosen specifically to help them maintain their well-being and overall health. All-natural, holistic recipe.....on sale for $17.99


Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein HP for Feline (17.6 lbs)
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet feline HYPOALLERGENIC HP is a highly palatable, highly digestible, complete and balanced hydrolyzed protein diet specifically formulated to assist in the diagnosis and management of adverse food reactions with dermatologic or gastrointestinal signs in adult cats and kittens....17.6 lbs. on sale for $179.99


Wellness Grain-Free Canned Kitten Food 3 oz Case 24
Contains higher protein, nutrients, fat & calories to meet the needs of actively growing kittens. Made with chicken, fruits & vegetables.3 0z. can @$1.20..case of 24 @$27.99


Taurine
Taurine Tablets are formulated into highly palatable chewable tablets for use as a supplemental source of taurine for cats of all ages. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. Deficiencies can lead to blindness and heart disease....
100 chewable tabs @$15.00

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Mycotoxins are produced by fungus and commonly infect grains such as corn and can also be found in peanuts , tree nuts and milk.They are not easily eliminated from the food chain and not easily broken down in either humans or animals. Symptoms and impact on the animal can vary greatly and can range from mild allergic reactions to death. Illness from mycotoxins can be either acute or chronic.Mycotoxins can cause immune suppression and allow viral or bacterial illnesses to proliferate. Antioxidants can help protect an animal from mycotoxins.

Science direct has an extensive article on mycotoxins.

Veterinary Secrets Revealed by Dr. Andrew Jones

Definitive 480 page PDF digital manual for solving your pet health problems with natural, at home remedies Click Here!

Due to the fact that manufacturers are not required to label whether or not their product contains genetically modified ingredients it becomes almost impossible to construct a list . Currently It is mostly grains that are modified ,but feed animals consume those grains so effects clearly can travel through the food chain.

Apparently transgenic animals are being developed.
The only way to eliminate GMO foods from your pets diet is to find foods that are from grass fed or wild animals ,100% organic or labeled GMO free.

What are the dangers? No one really knows. But it is apparent that new organisms could have new, unexpected impact on both human and animal health.

Revolution (Monthly) (Known as Stronghold)
Revolution is a broad-spectrum medication used to protect your pet from external and internal parasites. Revolution kills both the eggs and the adult fleas, effectively stopping the flea life cycle and protecting your pet......various prices depending on size of pet and applications....
kittens and puppies/3 applications @$36.00


Frontline Plus
Frontline Plus is for the treatment and prevention of flea infestation, ticks and biting lice on cats, kitten's, dogs and puppies. Frontline Plus can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis in cats and dogs. It can be used on kittens and puppies from 8 weeks of age and is safe to use on breeding, pregnant or lactating animals...
starting adult cats/3 applications for $34.99


Profender for Cats
Profender comes in an easy-to-apply tube, and is highly effective in the treatment and control of every type of intestinal feline worm normally found in cats.....2 tubes @$28.00


Advantage Multi for Cat (Known as Advocate)
Advocate is a monthly spot on product for dogs and cats which not only treats and controls fleas, but also prevent heartworm and gastro-intestinal worms with the added benefit of the treatment of mites and fleas.No prescription needed...large cat/3 applications @$37.00

access Pet Web Library from marvistavet.

In looking at this topic there is an intense response across the internet that euthanized pets are used in pet food.

The Center for Veterinary medicine, which is responsible for FDA regulations concerning pet food ,looked for levels of phenobarbital in pet food as well as dog and cat DNA. They did not find DNA but they did find phenobarbital

An additional article on the same subject adds that they also looked for horse DNA and didn't find that either, however the samples with phenobarbital all had in common the ingredient ' animal fat '. It seems entirely probable that euthanized pets do find their way into animal feeds as a protein source , which would explain the lack of cat or dog DNA , but the presence of phenobarbital.

It seems that this year has been full of disasters that displace and hurt people and their pets.

I have added a link to an International cat rescue directory -Cat Rescue Groups

The directory shows U.S. groups by states and international organizations by country.

Other links for animal rescue are below
Humane Society Redstar Animal Rescue
World Society for the Protection of Animals
World Vets
Japan Cat Network
Global Animal Rescue..helping pets in Japan and US southern states devastated by tornados.....and massive flooding in the south.
National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition The coalition represents more than 15 million animal care professional and volunteers helping to rescue animals due to disasters in the US.

If you are able to give,but are looking for a different charity than the charities listed above; there are numerous charitable organizations on my link list

Save 15% on selected pet products
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Only Natural Pet Store has a huge selection of brands.......From Bravo to Taste of the wild.....there are too many to list them all.....click the banner to see them all


Timberwolf Serengeti Grain-Free Herbal Felid Diet Dry Cat Food 4 lbs
Uniquely balanced blend of high protein, omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and concentrated sources of rich nutrients.....
4 lbs. @$14.49


Pinnacle Holistic Canned Cat Food Ocean Fish 5.5 oz
A wide variety of natural food sources in a special formula that delivers complete and wholesome nutrition....available in chicken & tuna and ocean fish..
5.5oz @$1.89....24 case @$39.99


AvoDerm Grain-Free Natural Entrees Canned Cat Food Tuna & Crab 3 oz Case 24
Delicious flavors full of meaty chunks steam cooked in a gravy base. They're packed wtih omega fatty acids for healthy skin.avail.in chicken,tuna & crab, sardine/shrimp & crab...3 oz. @1.29....24 case @$27.99.

How to make your cat adore you...
Bonuses include
#1- Cat jokes book
#2-Cat treat recipes
#3-The Kitty Times; Biweekly newsletter with news, humor and stories
#4- Holiday pet recipes
#5- Cat care guide.......Click Here!

Cats sometimes eat items such as fabrics, litter, or may consume large amounts of plant material. They sometimes will suck on an owner's arm, earlobe or hair. This can indicate being weaned too early or can be caused by dietary deficiency or disease.

For an extensive article on pica from messybeast.com resource archive by S. Hartwell

There doesn't appear to be any legal restrictions on the amount of fluoride present in pet food. It occurs primarily in various bone meals. Click the link for an article on, Fluoride in Pet food, by George Glasser

Wysong Mother's Milk for Dogs and Cats.....@$30.99


MultiVet SlimCat Interactive Toy and Food Dispenser
Your cat loves to play, hunt, and eat. The MultiVet SlimCat Food Distributor Ball lets your
pet do all three at the same time...on sale@$4.45


Just Born Nursing Bottles for Kittens, 2 oz
on sale @$3.48


Just Born for Kittens 8oz liquid
Farnam's highly digestible balanced milk replacer most similar to mother's milk. Contains colostrum which is critical for infant survival .....@$3.49

Cats 101 Volume 1 DVD
Series that has fun facts about cats and looks at alot of different cat breeds....on sale..$14.99


Cats Pet Care Book (Hardcover)
From the Animal Planet® Pet Care Library Series... Cats provide long-term companionship and joy to the lives of millions. This comprehensive title covers a variety of important subjects for cat owners, including daily care, health, and advice on caring for senior cats.....$11.95


The Multiple-Cat Family Pet Care Book (Paperback)
From the Animal Planet® Pet Care Library Series... Over 17 million households in the US own more than one cat. This expert guide advises how to plan for, setup, and maintain a harmonious home environment for you and your cats while meeting their special nutrition, housing, and daily care needs.....$10.95

How to easily train your cat to walk on a leash in less than 3 minutes a day. Crack the " cat code! "
Click Here!

John " JV " Varty attempts to protect tigers by establishing tiger canyon in Africa where he hopes to breed tigers and have them raise their cubs " wild ". I found this series very riveting . To see a clip ..
Fight for Life | National Geographic Channel

Unique e-guide written by 2 Vets who.."eat and sleep all things Feline"...Click Here!

pet supplies

Click pet supplies link to search on amazon..find products for your cat,dog,fish,reptile and amphibians,birds,small animals and horses. Featured sellers include Petco, Entirley Pets and KV Supply

FLUTD by Dr. Newman
FLUTD describes conditions that can affect the bladder and urethra . Symptoms can include pain and difficulty urinating, increased frequency of urination and blood in the urine.
Causes are various and include stones, blockage, infection,cancer,trauma,congenital malformation, and kidney failure . Feline idiopathic cystitis can be caused by stress ,such as a change in the food schedule..

Bladder and kidney stones ( urolithiasis ) are caused by mineral salts that are not excreted in the urine or by urine that is too alkaline. Bacteria can alkanalize the urine and and urinary tract infections can provide debri that can form the basis for stones. Dehydration can increase the concentration of minerals and so increase the chances of stone formation. Special diets provide reduced protein for the formation of less ammonia. They also contain less magnesium and phosphorus .These are called struvite stones and can often be dissolved through diet.However a highly acid diet can cause calcium oxalate stones that cannot be dissolved through the diet and must be flushed or surgically removed.

Diets that acidify the urine too much can also cause hypokalemic polymyopathy. Symptoms include muscle weakness, abnormal gait , anorexia, muscle pain. Highly acid diets can also cause hypercalcemia . Symptoms are anorexia, vomiting ,lethargy and fatigue.
Urethral obstruction is more common in the male and considered a medical emergency.


Uretic%uFFFD Feline Dry Diet - 4 lb. Bag
Wysong Uretic%uFFFD is a great base maintenance diet for cats prone to Urolithiasis, struvite crystals, bladder stones, FLUTD....
4 lb. bag @$12.89

FLUTD is more likely to occur in cats at least a year of age.The following site has numerous links concerning FLUTD by Tim Williams

Must Love Cats
MUST LOVE CATS is a celebration of fascinating felines and the fascinating people who love them. From cats that saved their owners' lives to swanky cat-only hotels, the series spans the realm of all things "cat." It offers a potpourri of amazing feline stories, jam-packed with interesting factoids and trivia bits. The show is hosted by musician John Fulton, who combines his love for ditties with kitties. He is on a mission to prove to himself and the world that America is filled -north to south, east to west - with cat lovers, and is in fact a Cat-nation...
on sale $9.99


National Geographic Classics: Cats And Dogs
National Geographic explores the wild side of our favorite pets in this 5-episode collection of classics. Programs include Science of Dogs, Science of Cats, Those Wonderful Dogs, And Man Created Dog, and The Secret Life of Cats. ....on sale $15.99


The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets)It's every pet owner's nightmare: suddenly your four-legged friend isn't breathing. What to do? There is no 911 for pets, so it's up to you to save a life. The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats is a straightforward guide that covers both major problems--CPR, heat stroke, and strangulation--and minor ones, such as swollen tails, ingrown nails, and flea allergies. Beginning with simple tests and explanations of general care issues like dehydration examinations and triage, this guide then moves on to an alphabetical listing of every possible situation, from arrow wounds to worms...on sale $14.93


The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health: The complete pet health resource for your dog, cat, horse or other pets - in everyday language. (Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health (Home Edition))....on sale $14.68

Pet food is priced by weight so one of the things you want to do is compare wet and dry food to determine what you are paying for.Though canned food has more moisture than dry food it may be higher in nutrients than dry food.

To compare foods you need to convert them to a dry matter basis.Take the amount of moisture in your dry food and deduct that number from 100% ( the quaranteed analysis will show percentages). My dry cat food has 12% moisture so after subtracting from 100% I get 88% dry matter. The dry food has 34% protein so I need to divide that by the percent dry matter in the food. So 34 divided by 88 gives me 38.6% which is the amount of protein the food actually contains.

The canned food I am feeding has 78% moisture so I subtract that from 100% and get 22%. The canned food shows 10% protein so I divide that by 22% and get 45.5% protein. You can keep doing the same calculation for other components of the quaranteed analysis label.

The quaranteed analysis doesn't let you know anything about quality of ingredients or digestibility. The ingredient list shows ingredients by order of weight, from most to least . Manufacturers may provide ingredients, such as corn, in different types of corn products that allows the various corn ingredients to be listed lower on the list but could mean when they are all combined that corn could end up being the dominant ingredient.

Cat Training Secrets......

Bonuses include
#1-how to teach your cat to perform tricks
#2- cat massage
#3-how to bath your cat
#4- best internet resources.Click Here!

The picture shows my grandson Joe and Kitty Baby. He is my ' animal guy '. The cats follow him everywhere , sleep with him , and when he sits down pile on top of him. His brother calls him the cat guru.

To prevent anorexia and weight loss in a pet with cancer appetite stimulants may need to be used, such as cyproheptadine or megesterol acetate. The cat needs to be provided with a highly palatable and digestable diet. Food should be low in carbohydrates and moderate in protein, fiber and fats..

Access article on protein-energy malnutrition and cancer cachexia by Glenna Mauldin from the World Small Animal Veterinary Congress.

How you can train your cat ( and be the boss of your own home ) Is your cat ruining your furniture, home or PEACE of MIND? Do you wonder exactly what your cat is thinking?
Learn how to train our cat and give you both a BETTER LIFE!
Audio MP3 and PDF included. Click image to access.

Maldigestion leads to malabsorption which is seen in animals with GI disease and young animals that have lactase deficiency. Lactase normally declines in cats after weaning. However a young animal with lactase deficiency may have protein loss, chronic weight loss and reduced growth rate.. Malabsorption can be due to a variety of disease processes that damage the intestines ( secondary lactase deficiency ).

Problems with food digestion in small animals is often due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). The most common cause of EPI is chronic pancreatitis. This condition can be managed with supplementation of pancreatic enzymes. High fiber can interfere with enzyme activity so a low fiber diet should be fed. Cats with EPI tend to be B12 deficient .Your cat may show extensive and varied symptoms . Primary symptoms are lethargy, poor appetite , and dehydration. Pancreatitis often occurs with other diseases such as hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, and IBD. This can occur so frequently that it is called feline triad disease.
Malaborption can also be caused by parasites( giardia) ,pathogenic bacteria and Inflammatory bowel disease and histoplasmosis.

Access an article from Manhattan cats on pancreatitis

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Additional bonuses include

#1 Coddle your Cat-100 recipes for homemade food and treats
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There are many types of organisms that can contaminate food, water and soil and affect your cat or kitten . Many of them are zoonotic ( meaning they can be transmitted to people ).

Following are the most common bacterial pathogens. However there are also viral, parasitic and toxins that can cause illness .

One of the foodborne bacteria of most concern is salmonella. It can cause sudden onset of diarreha containing blood or mucous. Vomiting, abdominal pain or gas.Cats can be asymptomatic carriers for as long as 6 weeks. Cats can transmit this bacteria to humans.

Campylobacteria is often seen in young cats. Symptoms are decreased appetite and diarrhea. Cats can be carriers and can transmit the bacteria to people. The sources are contaminated food ,water, unpasteurized milk or undercooked meats.( particularly poultry).

Escherichia Coli is often seen in newborn kittens . They can be infected by a queen that is sick and passes the infection to the kittens in utero or after they are born. Kittens may show lethargy, diarreha, low body temp. and blue mucous membranes. Sources can include feces, contaminated water, milk or undercooked meat.

Clostridium Perferins can be found in raw or undercooked meats. Symptoms are diarreha, abdominal pain, and nausea. It can progress and become long term and potentially last for years.

Giardia is a chronic protozoal infection common in dogs and cats. Younger animals have a higher infection rate than adults. The animal may have weight loss and diarreha. Cats can be carriers. Infected cats could transmit to humans. Cats get giardia from contaminated water or food.

Coccidiosis is a parasite infections that kittens can acquire from the mother. The parasite lives in the intestine and can cause bloody diarreha and it can be fatal. Cats can get it from soil or infected rodents.

toxoplasmosis developes in the intestinal wall and can infect people. Pregnant woman are especially vulnerable. . Cats can be infected by eating birds and small animals. They may be asymptomatic or have diarreha. It can cause damage to the intestinal wall, liver, lungs, nervous system or eyes.

In order to prevent illness owners need to practice safe food handling and personal hygiene when cleaning cat boxes..

Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
The book that is the definitive guide to a natural lifestyle for dogs and cats is now completely updated and revised--for the first time in 9 years. Writing with the warmth and compassion that have won them a national following, veterinarian Richard H. Pitcairn and his wife Susan Hubble Pitcairn, noted specialists in chemical-free nutrition and natural healing for pets....on sale $14.95


Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updated
For years, many veterinary treatments for cats were based on research conducted with dogs because it was wrongly assumed that cats were very similar. Recently, there have been giant strides in feline veterinary research. This classic reference is fully updated and revised to reflect these advances and gives you the most up-to-date guidance on cat health and cat care.....on sale $23.09

Veterinarians located by zip code

60,000 Vets listed

The Shelter Pet Project

Find shelters across the US by zipe code,links to petfinder . Browse common questions and answers about pet care.