Cats

While the flesh of red, ripe tomatoes isn’t toxic to cats in the way some foods such as chocolate or grapes are, they’re not recommended as a regular part of a feline diet. Why? Because as obligate carnivores, a cat’s digestive system is optimized for meat consumption—not plant-based foods like veggies and fruits. That said, sharing a nibble of tomato with your fur baby is generally safe, as long as it’s the right kind. So, which types and preparations of tomatoes are safe for a cat’s health and which should be avoided? Here are the guidelines to follow: Plain and fresh: Stick to plain, red, fresh tomatoes. Commercial tomato products like canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, ketchup and canned tomato soup often contain a medley of spices and seasonings that are harmful to cats. Garlic and onion are particularly toxic to felines, as they can cause anemia. Red and ripe: Only offer your cat the ripe, red flesh of the tomato. Any portion of the green unripe fruit, as well as the leaf or stem, is not safe for cats to eat, as these parts contain toxic chemicals called solanine and tomatine. Go organic: If possible, opt for organic tomatoes, which are free from pesticides and herbicides. Regardless of whether the tomato is organic or non-organic, always wash it well to remove any residue or dirt. Small amounts: Tomatoes should be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple. A small bit or two is enough for your cat to experience the taste without upsetting their digestive system. Large quantities can cause diarrhea or tummy trouble for cats. Another way to safely give your cat tomatoes is by opting for commercial cat food that contains tomatoes. In such products, the type and quantity of tomatoes are carefully measured and formulated to be safe for cats, taking the guesswork out of the equation for you. Here are a few good cat foods containing tomatoes to try:,Jump to section Can Cats Eat Tomatoes? Benefits of Tomatoes for Cats Risks of Tomatoes for Cats FAQs About Tomatoes and Cats

Purring. It’s one of the sweetest sounds to a cat parent’s ears: the subtle, methodical vibration that comes from our cats when we’re playing or relaxing with them. But what exactly is a purr, and is it always a good thing? We checked in with some experts to find out more about the feline sound we’re all so familiar with.

Snakes are carnivores, so they need to eat prey animals. Pet snakes typically feed on animals like: Rodents (e.g., baby mice and rats, adult mice and rats) Chicks Eggs Invertebrates, insects, worms (e.g., crickets, slugs, snails, earthworms) Fish Amphibians (e.g., toads, frogs) Reptiles (e.g., geckos, small snakes),Jump to section 7 Common Foods to Feed a Pet Snake Snake Diet Considerations What Snakes Can’t Eat How To Feed Your Snake Do Snakes Need Water? My Snake Won’t Eat. What’s Wrong? FAQs About Feeding Pet Snakes

Best Nutramax Supplement for Immune Health Nutramax Imuquin with Beta Glucans, Marine Lipids, Vitamins & Minerals Powder Packets Immune Supplement for Cats Imuquin® is a supplement used to promote a healthy immune system in times of stress for cats over 6 weeks of age. Easy to use, Imuquin comes as a powder packet you open and sprinkle on your cat’s food. This supplement contains vitamins and minerals to maintain and support the function of immune system cells, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain organ and tissue function. It also contains Beta glucan (an extract from brewer’s yeast), which helps decrease immune system reactions. Immune health supplements are great for cats who are battling an infectious disease, general illness, times of stress, or when transitioning diets after a medical diagnosis. Buy now on Chewy, $20.  ,Best Nutramax Supplement for Skin and Coat Health Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Cats Welactin® is an omega-3 fatty acid supplement rich in fish oils and considered a healthy addition to the body. This supplement comes as a liquid that can be poured onto your cat’s food. This supplement can help support your cat’s skin/coat, kidney health, and brain/vision (nervous system function). Omega-3 fatty acids can improve your cat’s overall appearance, activity level, attitude, appetite, and alertness. Buy now on Chewy, $13. Featured image: Adobe/Alena Ozerova,What Is Nutramax®? Nutramax® is a large U.S. manufacturing brand that develops high-quality products to support animal health. The Nutramax family includes various brands of health supplements for dogs, cats, and horses. Every Nutramax supplement is tested for contaminants, backed by more than 80 quality checks, and guaranteed to meet label claims in order to provide the best product to dogs, cats, horses, and people. When it comes to choosing the best Nutramax supplement for your cat, chat with your veterinarian to determine what type of health support is best for their individual health plan.

In your household, especially if it’s a multi-cat household, it is important to have an adequate number of clean cat litter boxes available and accessible at all times to help avoid urinary tract inflammation and issues with urination. The litter box rule is one box per cat plus one (e.g., two cats in the house means you should have three litter boxes). Not only does the number of litter boxes need to be sufficient, but the type of litter boxes and litter you use is just as important. For example, a deep bin-type box may be perfect for your young cat who can easily jump up and get inside, and is on the timid side and prefers privacy. But it may not be so great for your older kitty who may be suffering from arthritis and is unable to jump or even step into a litter box at all. Then, of course, you have to evaluate what to fill the boxes with. You may have cats that do not seem to care, and no matter which brand or fragrance you choose, they still go to their box without complaint. However, you may have a cat that chooses litter how you choose your toilet paper, which for some can be a very unique choice! Typically, cats prefer unscented litters that are as close to the consistency of dirt as possible. But nowadays, corn husk and lightweight litters are popular options. Just remember that fragrances from scented litters may cause allergic reactions for sensitive kitties or give you the false sense that the box is clean when it isn’t. A dirty box can be a major deterrent for any cat in the house, especially a sensitive one that’s prone to urinary issues.,Contributed by Dr. Diana Drogan, DVM.

Before you walk through your front door with your new kitty, there’s one thing you should do: Book an appointment with a vet if you don’t already have one, says Dr. Katy J. Nelson, DVM, senior veterinary relations manager for Chewy and a vet at Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Alexandria, Virginia. That’s right—your first visit to your vet’s office should take place before you actually have your pet. Here’s why: A veterinarian can help you keep the joy and cut the stress of adopting or buying a cat, she says. Though it might seem backwards to choose a vet before a pet, you’ll want to know who to call for medical advice on Day 1 of your cat parenting journey. Your vet can recommend the right type of food and other supplies and act as a reassuring sounding board if your pet hits a few speed bumps on their way to becoming part of the family. Get recommendations from friends and family, and if you can, get a tour of the offices so you can get a feel for the flow there. You’ll also want to save the address and phone number of your nearest 24-hour emergency vet. Whether you post it on your refrigerator or save it in your phone, your future self will thank you if disaster strikes at 2 a.m.!,Jump to section Before Bringing a New Cat Home New Cat Supplies You’ll Need Prepping Your Home for Your New Pet Prepare for a Long Adjustment Period Watch for Warning Signs

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Choosing the right name for your new pet can feel like the most important part of getting a pet (aside from getting the proper pet food, designating a sleeping area for them, and taking them to the vet for their checkups, and all the other items on your new pet checklist, of course). But where can you find inspiration for the perfect name? Many pet parents give their pet a name based on the time of year they were born or adopted—and if you brought your new family member home in autumn, you might want to consider one of the many fall pet names on this list. Whether your new pet is a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or horse, we’ve rounded up these spectacular seasonal selections to get you started.

Jump to section Reasons Why Cats Knock Over Their Water Bowl Is a Cat Knocking Over Their Water Bowl Ever a Cause for Concern? Does a Cat’s Age Play a Factor? How To Stop a Cat From Spilling Their Water Bowl