The Cat Chat Corner

by Margejane | Cat Behaviors, Featured

Welcome cat lovers!  My name is Marjorie Rosborne, and as a lifetime cat lover and kitten foster mom, I am here to provide you with cat facts, cat commentary and more!  So sit back, relax with your cat or cats, and read on.

My cat Tamale insisted on doing some cat commentary.  She really is smart and extra special.

Hello, dear friends a Cat Lovers,

It’s me, Tamale!  I know what you’re thinking – “Cats?  What happened to Kitty Corner?  I haven’t forgotten about that – I just decided it was high time for us mature kitties to get some time here too, don’t you agree?  I sure hope so!

As independent as we cats are reputed to be, and as much as I hate to admit it, we guys have much better lives if you humans take care of us (vets won’t take credit cards from cats for some reason.)  So to help you help us, I’ve got some great cat care information here so you can help us felines be our best.

MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT  by Tamale

Okay – mom made me write this.  I mean, like a cat, I’d rather run around outdoors, but noooo – mom says keeping our cats indoors is much safer.  I won’t complain – I’ve got tons of cat toys, a tall cat tree, and delicious cat food.  But for those of you cat owners who still aren’t convinced, here are some very good reasons to keep us indoors:  cats don’t like sharing their territories; they can get into some nasty fights and fall victim to abscesses which can get infected, feline leukemia virus, FIV, and even rabies!  Cats also can get infected with internal parasites, get poisoned by things like antifreeze.  And the greatest threat of all?  Cars!

If all the above doesn’t convince you, think of this – outdoor cats have a life expectancy of 3-5 years, while indoor cats average 13-17 years!  One of the cats in my family, Yogurt, is 17 years old this year and still going strong.  So keep us indoors folks.  Your cats will thank you for it.

CAT HEALTH by Marjorie

We all love our cats, so if we see them acting lethargic, not eating, or hiding in a closet (more than usual, some cats just love to sleep in closets) we know that something could be wrong.  But did you know there are some “silent killers” – diseases where your cat may not show any symptoms until it’s too late.  So here’s a list of these cat conditions as well as my personal experiences with my own cats with some of these diseases:

• Chronic kidney disease – This one is very common, especially in older cats. Is your cat drinking or urinating excessively? While this may seem like obvious symptoms, if you’re a busy person at home with tasks and kids, or working fulltime, it is very easy to miss these signs. Check for larger clumps in the litter box resulting from excessive urination.

I’ve had 2 cats suffer from CKD. Many years ago, back in the late ’80s, I noticed droplets of blood on the bathroom floor. This turned out to be kidney failure.  My vet at the time said it was fatal and to just keep her comfortable. She did pass away a few months later. Fast forward to this past year – my now 17-year-old tortoise haired cat had lost a lot of weight, so I took her to my vet. This vet gave the same diagnosis, but she didn’t give the same prognosis. She told me to put her on a portion of special food for cats with kidney problems, as well as give her hydrating infusions every few days. I know some people tell me they could never stick a needle in their cat, and I had an advantage as I was a certified medical assistant for many years, but any good vet will show you how to administer the infusion pretty much painlessly. It is certainly worthwhile, as Yogurt my cat eats very well now and is doing great. The only issue was that she didn’t like the special cat food, so I found some low sodium sardines on Amazon and mix a tiny bit in with her food, and she loves it.

• Hyperthyroidism – This is when a cat’s thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This happens to middle-aged and senior cats primarily.  Excessive thirst increased water consumption, and urination, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms of this condition.  Here again, 2 of my cats suffered from this.  I can’t emphasize how critical it is to choose the right vet.  My first experience was many years ago.  My cat had been vomiting on a daily basis.  My regular vet at the cat hospital was away, and the new vet insisted the vomiting was due to hairballs and gave me an ointment for that.  I felt sure that wasn’t it but he insisted it was, so I took her home and administered the ointment.  When the vomiting persisted daily, I returned to the cat hospital when my regular vet was back.  He did blood tests and said she was hyperthyroid.  There are treatment centers that specialize in treating hyperthyroidism in cats.  They treat the cat with radioactive iodine, which slows down the production of the thyroid hormone. This is the preferred method of treatment, and it worked for this cat and another cat I had some years later.
• Diabetes Mellitus – Another costly, silent killer. Overweight or obese cats are more susceptible, though I have to say my only cat who was diabetic was quite skinny.  If your cat is diabetic, you’ll have to give him/her insulin shots. Fortunately, your vet can show you how to administer these injections so they’re virtually painless.  When I gave them to my cat he didn’t even flinch.
• Cardiac Disease – This is the one I’ve had no personal experience with. Cats can have an abnormal heart rate or murmur, fainting, increased respiratory rate, pain, lameness, to name a few.  Treatment may include oxygen therapy, blood pressure support, diuretics, and heart medication.

Now for some lighthearted topics.  My wonderful cat and co-author, Tamale will put her two cents in here.

• Cat Furniture – You’ll find many great cat beds in pet stores or online. Make sure it’s nice and soft, I need my cat beauty sleep you know!  Mom says a simple box with a pillow will do, but I don’t believe her.  I’d rather sleep on her bed anyway.
• Cat toys – As a cat, I can honestly say that catnip toys are the best. Give me a bunch of catnip mice toys and I will be in cat nirvana, although it does get to be a nuisance when I get them stuck under the fridge!  Mom also takes old socks, cuts off the toe part, fills them with catnip and sews them up.  You can also get liquid catnip spray and spray that on other toys as well.
• Cat trees – As any cat lover knows, cats are climbers. So one of the best things you can do is get a nice cat tree for your kitties.  Mine is 6 feet high, but if you shop around there are many different sizes, nice shorter and smaller ones, especially if you live in a tiny apartment.
• Cat Scratching Post – Okay, it’s not officially a toy, but if you don’t want us ats working on your furniture, please buy one. We cats need it!  If you have a piece of old carpet you could glue it to a heavy corrugated cardboard box, put some rocks or weight in it to keep it from moving, and that should work as well.
• Cat food – my favorite subject. More on cat food in a minute courtesy of CertaPet, but to start, here are a few helpful hints:
• Cats do NOT need vegetables in their cat food.  They can eat chopped carrots, peas, frozen corn, broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, spinach and of course, catnip.  BAD FOOD FOR CATS:  garlic, onions, tomatoes, avocados or mushrooms.
• DON’T Try to Feed your Cat Fruit. They don’t have sweetness receptors and they don’t like it.
• DON’T give your cats treats that make up more than 10% of their daily calories.
• DON’T feed your cat raw meats, fish, chicken or raw eggs, tuna for humans, onions, garlic, chives, milk or dairy products (most cats are lactose intolerant), alcohol, grapes, raisins, caffeine, chocolate, fat trimmings and bones, dog food, liver, yeast dough or human medicine.  I know most people will think “who gives their cats alcohol or chocolate?” but I’d rather mention it than not.

If your cat gets into something they shouldn’t, keep an emergency 24/7 vet hospital phone number handy.

BEST CAT FOODS FOR CATS

What Makes the Best Dry Cat Food for Cats!

High-quality dry cat food should contain the best available protein source, which for cats would be meat, poultry, fish and associated by-products.  The ingredients should also always be safe for extended consumption over time and include the essential amino acid – taurine, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

What is AFFCO?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary membership association of local, state and federal agencies which regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies.

How to Find the Best Dry Food for Cats!

With so many options available, there is indeed a much-deliberated and very pertinent question among cat lovers.  There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best cat food for your cat!

Consider Your Budget!

First and foremost, it is important to bear in mind that adage “You get what you pay for”.  Cheaper lines of cat food may cost you in the long run.  Additional expenses come about from vet’s fees for associated health issues.

Then there is the fact that cats will have to eat greater quantities of the carbohydrate-packed cheaper food to satisfy their hunger and nutritional needs.  That being said, the market does include many nutritional dry cat foods without the premium price tag.

What Makes the Most Nutritious Foods

Cat food labels bearing the certification “complete and balanced” assure one that the formula includes all the nutrients required.  The best food must be meat-based and be free of unnecessary or harmful artificial flavoring, coloring, and preservatives

Notably missing from this list is the Senior Cat option.  While store shelves are stocked with Senior Cat Dry Food, this is more a marketing strategy than a nutrition-based one.

5 Things You Have to Look for When Selecting the Best Cat Food for Adult Cats!

1. High-quality animal protein mentioned as the first two ingredients.
2. Nutritional adequacy: must be certified as “complete and balanced” for “all life stages” or for a defined life stage.
3. Avoid unspecified meat sources.
4. Avoid artificial colors and added flavoring, and artificial preservatives.
5. Stay away from toxic ingredients such as garlic, onion, and chives.

Types of Best Dry Cat Food on the Market!

Extensive research and market studies have narrowed down the best options for your kitty in the dry food range.  Since not all cats are alike, various types of dry cat food cater to individual needs.

Limited Ingredient Cat Food

This dry cat food contains carefully selected ingredients, to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats with food sensitivities.  The recipes include a single source of animal protein and easily digestive carbohydrates.  They are free of gluten ingredients, grains, and corn.

High Protein Cat Food

Cats are carnivores who depend on a high protein based on meat, poultry, and fish to satisfy their nutritional requirements.  High protein dry cat foods are carefully balanced and rich in nutrients.  They are gluten-free and contain no grains, potato, tapioca, or plant proteins.

Grain-Free Cat Food

Cats sensitive to the grain will manifest with itchy, flaky, bumpy or red skin or ears, and an upset tummy, which may include diarrhea or vomiting.

Not all cats react to grains, but those that do will need to avoid corn, wheat, barley, and also often soy although this is not actually a grain.

Top Healthiest Cat Food on the Market!

Now that we have ruled out all the no-no’s, we can divulge the healthiest food choices for your kitties.

Wellness Cat Food

The Wellness brand uses simple, natural ingredients, without any fluff or fillers.  The brand offers the Core Range which is a protein-focused, grain-free cat food, and the Complete Health range with well-balanced grain-free options for everyday health.

Orijen Cat Food

Orijen Cat and Kitten Dry Cat Food are natural and suitable for cats of all ages and breeds.  It satisfies the biological needs of even the fussiest feline feeders.  Nutrient content is based on 40% protein and 19% carbohydrates.

Benefits & Drawbacks!

The pros are many and include the main ingredients being the finest quality local meat, guaranteeing freshness, and incorporating all 11 essential amino acids required for a healthy kitty.

The major drawback seems to be cost-related, citing a sudden spike in pricing as a negative.  This is however offset against the other complaint that the brand is often not in stock.

Acana Cat Food

Made from America’s freshest ingredients, the award-winning Acana dry cat food is formulated by biologically appropriate standards.

Benefits & Drawbacks!

Benefits are that it is rich in protein for well-developed cats; low carbohydrates mean less chance of obesity; grain and gluten-free; and is safe for younger kittens and pregnant cats.  The only drawback is that some cats may be allergic to certain proteins in the food.

Hill Science Diet Cat Food

Hills has perhaps among the most widely available premium and specialist cat foods on the market today.  The rage offers no less than 18 varieties and formulas of dry cat food to suit all and every dietary and personal preference.

Benefits & Drawbacks!

Benefits:

• Cats respond well to the Prescription Diet food
• Cats eating this food thrived and those with sensitive stomachs improved
• Their stool smelled better and was easier to clean up
• Impressed with ingredients compared to common grocery store brands

Drawbacks:

• Disliked high corn and grain content
• Felt holistic and natural cat foods had better ingredients
• Cat didn’t thrive on the food
• Cat gained too much weight eating the food

Fromm Cat Food

Fromm is a fifth-generation family-owned and operated artisan pet food company & offers a range of dry cat food for all tastes and stages of life.

Benefits & Drawbacks!

Benefits:

• No grains and artificial flavors
• Yucca Schidigera extract reduces stool odor
• Healthy probiotics optimize intestinal function

Drawbacks:

• Some vegetables may not be good for your cats and some don’t like ocean flavors

Merrick Cat Food

Merrick cat food promises specifically formulated dry food to provide the best, most nutritious food for every cat.

Benefits & Drawbacks!

Benefits:

• Packed with protein-rich rabbit
• Similar to a cat’s natural diet
• Added moisture promotes urinary health

The only drawback was that some cats may not like the gravy.

Top Affordable Dry Cat Food for Adult Cats

Affordability is always a plus. The best cat food is not always the most expensive cat food!

Blue Buffalo Cat Food and Blue Wilderness Cat Food

A range of Blue Buffalo dry cat food for every stage and dietary need, to suit every kitty.

Benefits:

• Formulated for cats of all ages
• Offers a high level of protein for leaner and stronger muscles
• Specially formulated for the needs of indoor cats

Drawbacks:

• Some cats may not like this meal and may want a higher moisture level

Crave Cat Food

The protein-rich nutrients of Crave cat food cater to lean, healthy bodies and provide energy for play.

Benefits:

• Formulated for indoor cats
• No grains or additives
• Crunchy texture

The only drawback was the possibility that cats may become addicted.

Instinct Cat Food

Instinct cat food has a lot to offer and has a very nice price!

Benefits:

• NO grains and gluten-free
• Cats love the taste

The chief drawbacks seemed to be a price hike and that cats presented with crystals in the urinary tract

Evo Cat Food

“The ancestral diet meets modern nutrition” is the catchy tagline for the Evo brand.

Benefits:

Benefits include assisting aging cats to maintain a healthy diet, assists those needing a healthy kidney diet and is grain free.

Drawbacks:

Drawbacks include a lack of options in flavors.

Nulo Cat Food

This brand of Nulo dry cat food keeps cats healthy and active, no matter the age.

Benefits:

• Formulated for indoor cats
• No grains or unnecessary ingredients
• Contains patented BC30 Probiotic
• Easily digestible and helps to prevent tartar

Drawbacks:

• It is a portion of dry cat food and needs extra moisture
• Some cats don’t like this flavor

BEST WET CAT FOOD FOR SKIN AND COAT

Nature’s Variety abounds in choices for wet cat food.  Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food comes up tops for skin and coat, while AvoDerm Wild by Nature Cat Food is also a favorite option.

BEST CANNED FOOD FOR FAT CATS

Obesity in cats is no laughing matter and can be a contributor to your kitty having to be on diabetic cat food.  It limits mobility and can easily impact negatively on their longevity, impacting issues such as fatty liver disease, hepatic lipidosis, and kidney disease.

Feeding only canned foods has proven to be a weight loss measure in cats.  Suggested canned foods include Instinct Ultimate Protein and Hills Science Diet Light.  Other excellent food for fat cats is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Entrée, Purina Pro Plan Wet Cat Food, Weight Management, AvoDerm Natural Canned Wet Cat Food, and Pro Plan Focus Indoor Care Canned Cat Food.

3 CAT FOOD BRANDS YOU SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM!

First, let’s dispel the myth that homemade cat food is better than commercial brands.  While some brands are better than others, the majority of commercial cat foods are just what your cat needs to be healthy and live a long and happy life…or nine.  The best cat food is made to benefit the health of cats, not to only make a profit from selling a substandard product!

A great guideline is to check that the first of three ingredients on the cat food label are meat.  Corn, peas, and rice should never take the first, second, or third spot on the label.

1. 9Lives
2. Purina
3. Kit & Kaboodle

The Best Cat Food for Cats…Ingredients are Key!

Whether dry kibble, raw or wet food, ingredients are what counts when deciding what’s best for your cat.

Check the label!  Protein should appear in the first 5 ingredients, and less than 10% of calories should come from carbohydrates.  Unspecified meats are a definite no-no!  Do your homework and find the best cat food for your cat and your budget!

Many thanks to Certapet for allowing us to post their great information

And now…may we present

            Tips for Bringing a Kitten Home

We (Tamale and I) felt that this website would not be doing our cat-loving readers justice without offering some information about one of life’s greatest joys – bringing a new kitten home.  Like a new human baby, kittens require extra care, but they bring so much delight and happiness to their families.  But first, here are some

Fun Facts About Kittens

• Kittens are born with their eyes shut and ear canals closed. They can’t see and hear fully until they are 2-3 weeks old.
• They sleep around 22 hours a day
• Newborn kittens purr
• They have a great sense of smell
• All kittens are born with blue eyes
• The average kitten litter is 1-9 kittens

It’s highly recommended that you take your new kitten to your vet even before you bring it home.  If you adopt from a rescue group or animal shelter (which you should – remember, “Adopt, don’t Shop!”)  You should receive a medical record with your kitten’s health information as well as an immunization record and information on when your kitten’s next immunizations are due.  Very important!  Some adoption places, like the one I volunteer for, will not release a kitten for adoption until it has been neutered.  If whoever you get your kitten from doesn’t, please have your vet do this safe and simple procedure.  Your cat will be much healthier and happier for it, and there are enough unwanted kittens without adding more.  Kittens can be neutered safely once they reach 2 pounds.

Also, be sure to check your kitten for fleas—have your vet give the kitten a flea bath if that is the case.

If you have other pets in the house, you want to introduce them gradually.  It is best to let your new kitten adjust to its home in a separate, closed-off room that has a litter box, toys, a soft bed, and of course, food and water.  You can serve your kitten its meals (3 a day for kittens) by the door so that other pets can get used to its scent.  I have five cats.  My oldest cat is 17 and doesn’t like the others; she may hiss at them if they get too close but most of the time simply ignores them.

Playing with your Cat the Right Way

Playing with kittens helps them learn important survival and social skills, plus it’s fun.  But there must also be boundaries. You can help your kitten learn boundaries but not using your hands when you play with them.   Overstimulated kittens may bite, and that is NOT okay.  If they do, stop playing and leave the room for a few seconds to give them a chance to calm down.  That way the kitten learns that biting means it will not get the attention it craves.

You must also be careful that your kitten is not under-stimulated.  Kittens (and cats) can get bored, just like people, but they will exhibit some behaviors such as over-grooming, chewing inappropriate items, picking on other pets, becoming isolated, overeating and other negative behaviors.  Ideally, you should have at least 2 cats or kittens in your home, so they can keep each other company and play together.  In any case, it’s important to have some toys for them to play with, it need not be expensive – you can even make your own.  Buy some baby socks at your local Dollar Tree, stuff them with catnip and sew them closed.  One of my cats loves playing fetch with the rings from mayonnaise jars!  Be creative.

Potty Training for Kittens

While in my experience this has not been a problem –( I just put my kittens in a clean litter box and that’s where they went from then on) some kittens  (or cats) may not always use the box.  You want to feed your felines on a regular schedule to help them eliminate on a regular schedule.  Put your cat into the litter box after you have stirred the litter a bit, about 2 hours after its nap, if it hasn’t gone yet.  While training the cat you should leave a bit of poop or urine in the box so it knows that’s where to go.  When your cat does use the box, praise the cat and even give it a treat.  NEVER punish your cat or they will associate the box with bad treatment.  If the cat does its business elsewhere, clean the area with part vinegar and part water, or a commercial pet cleaner, and put a plastic sheet over it so they will not repeat their bad behavior.  Cats will usually correct their behavior in just a couple of days, but if not, take your cat to the vet to ensure there is nothing physically wrong, like a bladder infection.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A LITTER OF KITTENS

Kitten season starts in early spring and runs through late fall.  It’s the time of year when unspayed cats give birth.  Rescue groups and shelters are usually overrun with litters of unwanted kittens.

If you find kittens in a box, it means someone probably dumped them there.  But if kittens are found behind a bush, you should monitor them and see if their mother returns.  The safest place for kittens to be is with their mothers, but sometimes something happens to the mother, and she will not or cannot return.  Newborn kittens need to be fed at least every 3 hours.  As a foster mom for a rescue group, my suggestion is to get in touch with your local rescue group or ASPCA.  They can advise you.  Please do not ignore them – if you feel you cannot help, find someone who can.  Their lives depend on it.  Besides taking in motherless kittens, our group (and I am sure many others) will put out traps and capture the mother cat if possible and then foster the mother and her kittens and try to get them all adopted.

If the mother is too feral, too “wild” and unadoptable, she will be neutered, given medical treatment and returned to the area where she was found.  This is called TNR, where unadoptable cats are neutered, trapped and released after having medical treatment as well.  This is the best way to reduce the birth of unwanted kittens.

POPULAR KITTY BREEDS 

This is a question I get asked frequently, so here info on some of the most popular cat breeds:

SIAMESE – This breed originated  in Thailand (formerly Siam.)  There are 2 varieties – one has an “apple” shaped head and is chubbier than a Siamese with a bigger head and slender body.

PERSIANS —  these “smushed face” beauties have long, gorgeous coats.  As purebreds, they are prone to diseases, including renal and cardiac problems.  T his breed is also known as the Shirozi cat and Iranian cat.

BENGAL – While Bengals may look wild, they are domesticated house cats.  Bengals are very talkative and very active – they need plenty of exercises.

SPHYNX – I know – people say to me “oh, they’re so weird and ugly.”  To me, they look like adorable little aliens.  Aside from their strange appearance due to lack of fur, the Sphynx is a very social and active cat.  Plus, if you love cats but have allergies, this may be the cat for you.  Since their body oil is not absorbed by fur, vets recommend a weekly bath to avoid skin problems as well as oil stains on furniture.  They must also avoid too much sun as they can get a sunburn.

MAINE COON – These sweet cats are much larger than your average cat, and many have polydactylism, which means they have extra toes.  They can come in almost any color.

ORIENTAL SHORTHAIR – This very exotic looking cat usually has green eyes.  They come in many colors and there’s also a longhair variety.  But most of them do get cold due to lack of fur, so they are one breed that appreciates a little cat sweater.  They are also prone to skin cancer.

There are many other beautiful breeds, but if you’re looking to add a furry (or non-furry) feline to your home, please ADOPT, DON’T SHOP.  There are many rescue groups and shelters with wonderful cats. Petfinder is a terrific website to look for your new pet, also.  There are also rescue groups dedicated to specific breeds.

As a foster mom for kittens, I can tell you it gives me no greater joy than to see people give these precious babies loving forever homes.  I have 5 rescues, and they have given our home so much happiness and laughter.

If you’re not ready or are unable to adopt, please consider becoming a foster mom.  The work you do is priceless.  The joy you will get and the satisfaction of knowing you have helped save lives is very rewarding too.

Tamale and I hope you have enjoyed our website and found it helpful.  See you soon!!