Archive for the ‘Education’ Category

Life can sometimes take unexpected turns that lead to unanswered questions.  Some cat health issues even leave veterinarians scratching their heads!  I met a kitty named Moo this week when his parents, Lisa and Gary reached out for help.  He began showing signs of abdominal bloating a few months ago which can be a very […]

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons humans take CBD, and it’s also the most common one for giving it to their cats.  Let’s take a closer look at this mental disorder and explore why CBD may help anxiety in cats.

How we cope with cat health issues Cat health issues can be very challenging.  As cat parents we absolutely want what is best for our cats, so when something goes wrong we go straight to the vet.  Just like when our cars break down, trips to the vet are neither cheap nor convenient.  Oftentimes our […]

Consumer demand is changing what kinds of food grocery stores sell as increased amounts of organic, non-GMO, and natural products are taking up more and more space on shelves and displays.  Did you know these trends are now influencing the pet food industry?  Pet food ingredients that were taken for granted for decades are now being scrutinized more closely.

Kensie was a beautiful brown tabby with big green eyes and a sweet, gentle disposition.  She received her round of kitten shots, and was spayed within her first year.  She was also the runt of the litter and began having health challenges at a very early age.  Various visits to the vet and a belief that she had outdoor allergies resulted in repeated antibiotics and steroid shots.  

  What Is Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease? My friend Ingrid reached out to me this week with some really sad news.  Sadly, her daughter’s cat, Apollo, was diagnosed with PKD, polycystic kidney disease.  He is only five years old.  Needless to say her daughter is extremely upset that her precious kitty is facing such a […]

Sooner or later every cat will throw up, and it’s not a pretty sight. Over the years I’ve had many deep sleeps interrupted by the sound of a cat about to hurl, and somehow I manage to wake up coherent enough to grab the cat and put it on the floor before it disposes the contents of its stomach on to my sheets or myself. When you start to notice that your cat is having more frequent episodes it’s time to investigate. Despite what your vet or other cat parents may tell you, chronic vomiting in cats is not normal.

Our pets trust us to care for them and look out for their best interests.  Without question we shower them with amazing toys, plush, snuggly beds, and health care when needed; but how often do we question what we feed them?  Next to vaccines, diet is the second most important decision you will make for your pet. It has far-reaching consequences, many of which most pet parents pay little attention to.  This is why learning to read pet food labels is so important. 

In Part 1 of Understanding Cat Food Labels we covered meat, meat by-products, meat/bone meal, soy products, and fillers.  We also took a closer look at the guaranteed analysis on the label.  Today we’ll explore the elements of fats, vitamins, minerals, and taurine.  Just for fun, go grab a bag or can of cat food and let’s dive in together.

Cat Food Labels–What’s In Your Cat’s Food? Have you ever looked at the label on your cat’s food?  These days it requires not only a magnifying glass but a dictionary!  All kidding aside, I highly recommend you spend a few minutes analyzing what’s in your cat’s food.  I was in a Facebook conversation about a […]