To Your Cat's Health

A less expensive brand of cat food may not really be saving you money. 

Choosing a cheaper food to hold down expenses may not be an economical decision for a couple of reasons. First, studies have shown that cats eat as much as they need to get the nutrients they require. Therefore, they might eat twice as much of that generously-carbohydrate-filled store brand to get the nutrients they need in a normal feeding of premium food. Second, the continued feeding of substandard foods over a period of years will heavily contribute to, or even cause, serious medical conditions that will require expensive veterinary care.

For these reasons, the old maxim, "You get what you pay for," is particularly true where it comes to cat food.

• Named protein source - look for "chicken, lamb, or beef," rather than "meat."
• On canned food particularly, the protein source should be the first listed ingredient
• Check the expiration date for freshness

What to Avoid

• Words such as "By-products," "meat and/or bone meal," "animal digest," most other descriptions including "digest" or "meal," and added sugars.
• Chemical preservatives, including BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and propyl gallate
• Corn meal as a filler
• Excess of carbohydrate "fillers" (Dry food can contain as much as 50 percent grain)

Pet food manufacturers cannot print "complete and balanced" on their labels unless one of the following criteria is met**:

• The food must pass feeding tests for the life stage recommended on the label
• The composition of the food must meet or exceed nutrient levels established by AAFCO
• Preservatives, at the level included in commercial pet foods, have never been scientifically demonstrated to cause any problems in pets (or people) at less than 100 times the levels found in such foods. On the other hand, the current trend for many cat food manufacturers is toward using natural preservatives, such as vitamins C and E.

*The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recognizes pet foods imported from the United States as acceptable as long as the "proof of origin" is acceptable to CCRA (Canada Customs & Revenue Agency).  To import cooked, canned and commercially prepared pet food or bulk/packaged processed pet foods from other countries special import permits or certificates of origin must be obtained prior to importation.

**Most pet foods are produced in the United States and comply with American Association of Feed Control Officials   which among other things:

• Sets criteria for the usage of "complete and balanced" on pet food labels
• Recommends percentage or minimum/maximum amounts of various ingredients in pet foods, depending on age and activity level of cats

If catnip causes your cat to go crazy, it is because it smells just like the urine of a dominant female cat. Cats think that they need to make a good impression on this dominant female and so they will act strangely to get attention.

All cats respond differently to catnip. Some of them walk away because they couldn't care less, but others go ape. The cats that do go crazy are responding to the active ingredient in catnip called Nepetalactone.

Those cats that do react will eat it or lick it; some roll in it and others just sniff it. The catnip reaction is inherited so not all of them respond. Young kittens and old cats rarely respond although large cats like tigers will. If your cat's behaviour doesn't change around catnip it's nothing to worry about. About 10 to 30 percent of cats don't go berserk over catnip.

Although it's safe, keep in mind you can have too much of a good thing. If a cat eats lots of fresh catnip it could vomit or have diarrhoea although this is rare. If it does happen don't give your cat as much catnip or any at all.

Feeding Dish and Water Bowl
Each cat requires their own bowls for food and water.  While plastic is suitable, some types of plastic can release odours or chemicals that may irritate your cat.  Ceramic, glass or steel are the preferred choice.  Change the water daily and it may be advisable to let tap water sit overnight before offering it to your cat.

An Adequate Supply and Variety of Food
Kittens require different foods from adult or senior cats.  Cats can be finicky eaters so you may have to try more than one brand or type of canned or dry food to find one that satisfies your cat's palate.    Cats will only eat as much as they really need to survive so do not worry if they leave some food in the dish.

Place to Sleep
Kittens tend to adopt humans as their litter mates, so it will want to sleep with you.  However, since cats sleep sixteen to eighteen hours a day you may find your cat napping in several comfortable places.  Place a soft fluffy pillow or pad in a basket or box that is about three to four times the size of the cat and place this bed in a location that you find your cat gravitating towards.  Be prepared for your friend to ignore it for the comfort of your lap or a human bed.

Litter Box
The first thing you should show your cat upon arrival in a new home is the litter box.  A litter box is a necessity, especially if you are a responsible pet owner that does not want your new friend to be out wandering in the neighbourhood where it could become a victim of predators or a disturbance to your neighbours.  Of course cats do not especially like the rain or cold winter months so a litter box is even more useful in inclement weather.

When it comes to litter boxes, the bigger one is always better, preferable with high sides or a cover that will reduce the amount of litter that gets kicked onto the floor.   Young kittens may have to start with a shallower pan until they are able to jump over a higher sided box.

There are several varieties of litter to use.  Some are odour fighters, some are clumping.  If you call or come into the Country Junction we can explain the differences to you.   You may have to experiment with several brands before you find a litter that appeals to your cat.  If you use a good quality litter, it should only be necessary to change it once a week provided you scoop the dried feces out everyday.   You should make a point of cleaning  the litter box with hot soapy water , but please avoid strong cleaners and disinfectants, as they can irritate cats.

Scratching Post
A scratching post is a necessity, unless you want the cat to use your furniture instead. Get your cat accustomed to using a scratching post immediately.  Some scratching posts are designed with an attached resting perch.

Name Tag, Collar, Municipal License
If your cat is going to be allowed outdoors it is advisable to identify it with a collar and name tag.  Depending on where you live you may be required to buy a license that is also attached to the collar.  When you have your cat spayed or neutered and vaccinated the veterinarian will also tattoo a number in your cat's ear.  

You should also register your pet with the SPCA Pet S.O.S. Alert which will greatly increase your chances of finding your animal if it becomes lost.

Cat Door
A cat door makes it easy for your cat to come and go as it pleases.   Its probably best to keep the door closed when you first bring a cat into your home until it adapts to its new surroundings. 

Carrier
If you travel and expect that your cat is going to spend time in your car or in an airplane, then you will need a sturdy carrier that is easy to clean, has a large handle, and strong grill that fastens securely.   For those occasional trips to the veterinarian and inexpensive cardboard carrier will suffice.