Cat Diets Ц How to Help Your Kitty Retain that Pampered, Lithe Figure

Articles on Cats | Topics: cats, cat, kitten, kitty

by Cherlin Quinn

You love your cat and your cat loves you. There is nothing more rewarding than returning home after a long day at work or school and be greeted with a happy meow from your furry little companion, as she rubs against her legs and loudly announces to the world how happy she is that you have finally returned. After giving her a lot of attention and a good back rub, you fix yourself some dinner; but one look at the big eyes convinces you to make up an extra little plate for your furry friend. Sure, she has a bowl of cat food sitting next to her, and it pretty much holds as much food as it did when you last filled it this morning before you left for work or school, but what possible damage could a little bit of "human food" do to your meowing friend? As a matter of fact, it could do quite a lot of damage! Here are four tips on how to help your kitty retain that pampered, lithe figure.

First and foremost, resist the urge to give in to those begging eyes and loud meows. Table scraps may smell heavenly to your little feline companion, and it may make you feel like a wonderful bonding time to be eating dinner with your cat, but keep in mind that some foods, such as chocolate and onions, are actually toxic to your cat and your giving in to her does her no favors. Additionally, considering how much fat is in our foods, it is only a logical conclusion that your table scraps will introduce to much fat into her system to be properly digested. The result of this will be an overweight, unhealthy cat. Quite possibly the worst consequence of your giving your furry companion some of your food for dinner is the fact that it will sate her appetite, and she will turn up her little nose at her own food. Now cats have special dietary requirements that are germane to the species, and a lack of intake of these nutrients will result in sickness and might even cause death. This is not to say that a little plate for Thanksgiving, Christmas or your kitty's birthday or adoption day will spell death and destruction for her. As a matter of fact, a little bit of turkey will be good for her! Just make sure that this is the exception rather than the rule, and resist the temptation to feed her from your table and instead fix her a special bowl before the meal.

аBit of History

When cats run home and light is come,
And dew is cold upon the ground,
And the far-off stream is dumb,
And the whirring sail goes round,
And the whirring sail goes round;
Alone and warming his five wits,
The white owl in the belfry sits.

—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)

Secondly, inappropriate feeding may lead to a number of health risks in your cat. Fatty liver disease, obesity, and painful urinary tract disorders are at the top of the list of problems encountered when cats are not properly fed. Please keep in mind that these illnesses are not only the result of being fed table scraps, but Цdepending on the cat- may also be the result of inferior quality commercial cat food. Probably the biggest myth that many cat lovers fall victim to this the tale that all cat food is created equal. This is simply not true, and you will do well to discuss cat food options in general and those for your little furry companion specifically with your veterinarian.

Third, and probably just as importantly, get into a good working relationship with a veterinarian. Cat food choices have become so complex, with each manufacturer touting its own brand over all others, that the average cat owner will become quite confused by the varied claims. Additionally, keeping in mind that a lot of cat foods have been manufactured keeping our human sensitivities in mind, such as the idea of shape, size, color, and even smell, it is no wonder that it is hard to discern which food is actually meeting your kitty's nutritional needs and which is simply making her bloated and maybe even sick. A veterinarian will be able to help you maneuver through the maze of a cat's nutritional needs, understand the difference between taurine and other nutrients listed on the label, and she or he will also help you to finally put to rest the nagging question: dried or canned?

We strive to provide only top rate articles on our website. If there is a specific topic about cats that you would like us to cover, please contact us here.

Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Cat Diets Ц How to Help Your Kitty Retain that Pampered, Lithe Figure" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by DogsPetsCats.com.

Pet Essentials Ц What You Need to Pack in Case of Evacuation
By Delvine Kirk
If you are a pet owner, you know how close the family pet can be to your heart. When an evacuation is necessary and you and your family must flee your home, it is necessary to take your pets along....

How to Incorporate Favorite Pets in the Wedding Ceremony
By Darrene Robbins
If a dog is really man's best friend, why shouldn't your favorite puppy be a part of your wedding ceremony? It may sound strange, but animal lovers agree that having their cat or dog present to share in their big day is important. Seeing a kitty or pup stroll down the aisle would have been unheard of years ago, but that's no longer the case....

Eight Common Causes of Lameness in Horses
By Heng Kerr
Horses cannot tell people when or where they hurt. Unlike dogs that will whimper or whine to show pain, horses are prey animals, making them reluctant to express their pain....

Pillow Fight! Pamper your Princess Kitty with a Plump Pillow
By Zachary Joyce
Want to really pamper your princess kitty? For the truly pampered cat, pick out a plush new pillow for her to doze and nap on. Hip new pet boutiques are quickly coming into fashion across the United States, and one of the top selling items at pet boutiques, besides clothing accessories, are stylish beds, pillows and other sleeping accessories that your pet can use to nap during the day....

Differences in Training for Hunting Dogs
By Malik Rutledge
As the old song said there is a time for every purpose and the same is true for training your dog. Just as different jobs require different skills and different tools, dogs used in specialized areas require specialized training....