Our previous article went into details about why cats should not eat dog food. To recap, dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat meat along with plants. So, while a meat-based diet is nutritionally better for dogs, they can survive without it. Cats, however, are obligate carnivores and require meat in their diet to survive (it should be noted cats do get a small number of vegetables and grains in the wild from the stomach contents of their prey). Most dog foods contain cereal, which is lacking in the essential nutrients cats require. These include taurine and arginine.
Cat Care Articles
Cat care articles.
Cat Questions – Common Cat Information
We see several questions that are quite common among cat owners, especially new ones. This article contains some of the most commonly asked questions about cats.
Cat Rubbing – Why Does My Cat Do That?
Every cat owner has seen this; your cat is hungry, he weaves in and out of your legs, you return home from work, he rubs his cheek against your shin, headbutts you, rubs against a sofa, or a corner. Why is he doing this?
How To Clean Cat Ears – Step By Step Instructions
From time to time it will be necessary to clean your cat’s ears. It is a good idea to get into the habit of performing a weekly check-up of your cat’s ears so that you can quickly spot any problems. The ears are susceptible to several disorders, including:
- Ear mites – Spider-like mites which live in the ears causing discomfort and inflammation. Signs of ear mites include a coffee grounds appearance, itching, and head shaking.
- Ear infection – Bacterial or fungal infection of the ear characterised by itching, bad odour and discharge.
- Ear hematoma – A pocket of blood on the pinnae (outer part of the ear).
- Sunburn (solar dermatitis)
- Squamous cell carcinoma – Cancer of the ear, as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun. This occurs most often in white cats.
How To Clean A Cat Wound
Whenever the skin is broken, bacteria and other debris can contaminate the area. Therefore treatment of the wound is essential to reduce the chances of an infection taking hold.
Feeding Cats – Common Questions Answered
What do cats eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to survive. Humans can live quite happily on a vegetarian diet, cats, however, must have meat.
Cat Grooming – How To Groom A Cat
It isn’t always necessary to groom a cat with a short coat; however, you may choose to for a show or just as a way to spend some time with your beloved feline. Long-haired cats do need some maintenance, or their coat will quickly become matted.
Start from an early age, so your cat becomes accustomed to it. It should be an enjoyable experience for both you and the cat.
How To Clean A Litter Tray – Step By Step Guide
Daily maintenance
Litter trays should be scooped at least once a day (twice is better), with all solids removed. Clumping litter causes cat urine to clump (hence the name), obviously, making this easier to scoop out too. If too much litter has been removed, top up with a little fresh litter.
Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning litter boxes, and if you are pregnant, avoid litter tray duties to minimise the risk of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii.
Cat Christmas Safety – Tips To Keep Your Cat Safe
Christmas is an exciting time for the family, but it always pays to take some extra precautions with our pets. There are many dangers around; below are some ways to ensure your cat stays safe during the Christmas period.
Weaning in Kittens
The weaning process is the transition from drinking milk to eating solids which occurs gradually over several weeks. Kittens begin to show an interest in food around four weeks of age. At this time, they are still nursing frequently from their mother, but begin to eat a small amount of food; this gradually increases as the weeks go by.