Cats

Your pup isn’t just your best friend—they’re your adventure buddy, your partner in fun, your furry ride-or-die. So why would you keep all the summer fun to yourself? Whether your dog is a beach bum, a backyard explorer, or a mocktail connoisseur, these pup-friendly activities are guaranteed to make this the best summer ever. 

In This Article What Are the Signs a Cat Is Dying? View 3 More +

You’ve noticed your cat’s lip is swollen—now what do you do? As a pet parent, your cat’s health is always a priority, and it can be alarming to discover that something is amiss with your feline friend. One issue that sometimes comes up with cats is lip swelling. We spoke to two vet experts about the most common causes of lip swelling in cats, the symptoms associated with them, how to treat them and when to call the vet about your cat’s swollen lip.

For cats, scratching isn’t just second nature; it’s actually first nature. That is, it’s one of their primal, instinctual urges. And it’s not just a kitten behavior—it’s something that felines do their whole lives. As a cat parent, you might not have spent much time thinking about this normal cat behavior. Or maybe the question, “Why do cats scratch” keeps you tossing and turning at night. No matter which is the case, we’re going to let you in on a little cat psychology to explain the what, why, where, how and when of cat scratching.

In This Article Does My Kitten Need to Be on Flea and Tick Preventatives? View 3 More +

Yes, chickens can eat grapes of all varieties, including raisins. However, this fruit is considered a special treat versus a part of a chicken’s complete diet—so it should be fed in moderation, says Anthony Pilny, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), medical director and director of education programs in Phoenix at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital.   Along with keeping grape treats to a minimum, be sure to only feed chickens fresh, frozen, or properly dried grapes (raisins), and always avoid feeding them fruit that’s moldy or otherwise gone bad.  ,Grapes are a well-known no-go for cats and dogs, but can chickens eat grapes? The quick answer is yes, but there are still details to be aware of before feeding this plump and juicy fruit to your feathered friends.   Ahead, we’re diving into everything you need to know about grapes and chickens, including the fruit’s nutritional benefits and drawbacks, how much is appropriate, and some important safety tips.   Psst! Before introducing any new food into your chicken’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

Q: My cat sleeps in the bed with me. Why do cats like to sleep with you? Is this normal?

If you’ve noticed your cat leaving wet spots around the house, they may be unintentionally leaking urine—a condition known as feline urinary incontinence.  Urinary incontinence in cats is not very common. It’s often confused with other, more frequently diagnosed conditions such as feline idiopathic cystitis. However, any change in a cat’s urinary habits should always be assessed by a veterinarian.   If it appears that your cat can’t urinate or is in significant discomfort, you could be dealing with a medical emergency—get them to a veterinarian immediately. 

Establishing a routine, such as feeding and scooping the litter box at the same time each day Providing several outlets for mental enrichment, such as cat trees placed near windows for bird viewing, interactive cat toys to play with, and scratching posts,Cats are complex beings capable of feeling many emotions throughout their lives: contentment, fear, boredom, and—perhaps the most critical—stress. Stress is defined as the psychological and physical strain that’s placed on an animal when they’re exposed to a set of negative environmental conditions. In cats, this physical response to stress can be particularly harmful and manifest as changes in appetite, coat condition, urinary habits, or digestive system function. Because of this, it’s important to understand when your cat is feeling stressed. Here are some of the most common signs of stress in cats and how you can help calm your kitty.

Before we explore the best senior cat food options for more mature felines like Hootie, let’s first take a look at the specific dietary requirements for adult cats. Andrea Fascetti, Ph.D., VMD, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California, says that compared to other mammals, cats have some unique nutrition requirements. “Scientific research has shown that cats have obligatory requirements for nutrients that are not essential for many other mammals,” she says. Turns out our feline friends have good reason to be finicky. No matter their age, cats require protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and water—but they require some very specific amino acids and vitamins, according to the National Research Council Committee on Animal Nutrition (NRC). Here’s what they recommend for each nutrient: Proteins and Amino Acids: Because cats are carnivorous animals, they should derive most of their protein from meat, fish and other animal products. Dietary protein contains 10 specific amino acids, including arginine and taurine, all of which cats require but can’t make on their own. The NRC recommends an adult cat’s diet contain at least 12.5 grams of crude protein (for an adult cat weighing 9 pounds and consuming 250 calories). Fats and Fatty Acids: Dietary fats are also a must for cats. They’re derived from animal fats and seed oils, and they supply essential fatty acids that cats require but can’t make on their own. Fats serve as carriers for fat-soluble vitamins, play a role in cell structure and function, keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy, and make food taste good. The NRC recommends an adult cat’s diet contain at least 5.5 grams of total fat. (Again, for an adult cat weighing 9 pounds and consuming 250 calories.) Carbohydrates and Fiber: Carbs, such as cereals, legumes and other plant foods, aren’t essential in a cat’s diet, but they do provide an abundant source of energy, which they use to sustain the normal activities of the daily lives. Vitamins: Vitamins in your cat’s food include vitamin A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These organic compounds take part in a wide range of metabolic activities. It’s also vital to note that some vitamins are not only essential in small doses, but are also toxic in large amounts, according to the NRC. Minerals: Cats require 12 minerals in their diets, too: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and iodine. Pet food manufacturers typically add a vitamin-mineral mix into their formulas to ensure the diets contains the correct amounts of each ingredient. Water: Though they have a weak thirst drive, cats also require free access to fresh, clean water, according to the NRC. They typically drink 2 milliliters of water for every gram of dry food they eat. When it comes to selecting a particular diet, Dr. Fascetti says that quality does differ across various brands, but a consultation with your veterinarian can help you choose the right one for your individual cat. “The vet knows you, knows your situation, and will be able to help you pick a diet that’s right for you,” she says. “There are certainly good products at every level—grocery store, pet store, veterinary office—that can be used to healthily support a cat’s dietary needs. There’s no reason why somebody shouldn’t be able to find a good quality cat food.”,Jump to section Nutritional Requirements for Adult Cats Understanding Cat Food Labels What Is “Senior” Cat Food? When to Switch to Senior Cat Food Other Senior Cat Food Factors to Consider Senior Cat Foods for Common Issues The Best Senior Cat Foods What Not to Feed Senior Cats Individual Cats, Individual Needs