Cats

Is watermelon good for cats? As a daily treat, watermelon is not especially good for cats for the following reasons: Cats don’t need carbohydrates and might not process them well, says Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, based in Silverthorne, Colorado. If they eat too much watermelon, the carbs combined with the sugar can cause gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach, or diarrhea. Cats with health problems (like diabetes) could have unfavorable results, “including issues with their blood sugar,” says Dr. Wooten. But wait! All is not lost for your furry feline friend. In some circumstances, watermelon may be just what the doctor ordered, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, owner of New York City-based veterinary practice Animal Acupuncture. Under direction from your vet, here’s when watermelon just might be considered a healthy treat: To promote urination and clear heat and inflammation. To help maintain hydration: Watermelon has lots of electrolytes and a high water content, so it can aid in hydration on a hot day (it should never replace water however). Do cats enjoy watermelon? Do cats have a sweet tooth? Some cats enjoy watermelon, but no, cats don’t have a sweet tooth. “To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure whether or not they really like it,” says Dr. Wooten. “They don’t enjoy sweet tastes much,” adds Dr. Barrack. The fact is, felines are programmed genetically not to taste sweets (which could be a good thing since that leaves more of the good stuff for you). If you have a cat who loves watermelon, it probably isn’t the taste they’re drawn to but instead the refreshing moisture (and perhaps the mushy quality as well), says Dr. Wooten. Can cats eat watermelon seeds? Cats should not eat watermelon seeds because… Watermelon seeds can be a choking hazard. Watermelon seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to cats, says Dr. Barrack, adding that they should always be removed from the flesh before you serve it. A few pale, soft seeds (which may be found in seedless varieties) are typically fine, but pet parents may want to play it safe and remove them whenever offering a watermelon treat. What is the best watermelon variety for cats? Paws down, the best variety for cats is seedless watermelon. The occasional thin, pale seed from this variety shouldn’t cause harm. What fruits are toxic to cats? The following fruits are considered unsafe for cats and could lead to negative reactions: Citrus fruits (such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, limes and the like) Cherries Grapes Raisins Avocados Will watermelon give a cat a stomachache? Watermelon can certainly give some cats a stomachache. (Sorry, furry ones!) Here’s why: Fruit isn’t a natural part of the feline diet. Because the rind is difficult for them to chew, it can be hard on cats’ digestive systems and may also cause choking. Cats with health issues can be prone to tummy discomfort. Can watermelon cause diarrhea in cats? Yes, watermelon can cause diarrhea in cats. Here’s when: If it’s ingested in large quantities. If it doesn’t agree with them: Since they’re obligate carnivores, some cats may have trouble processing the carbohydrates and sugars in watermelon. If your pet has health issues, like diabetes, even a small amount of watermelon can make them ill.,Jump to section FAQs About Cats and Watermelon Benefits of Feeding Cats Watermelon Downsides of Feeding Cats Watermelon How to Feed Watermelon to Cats

How much bread can a cat eat? Cats can eat a small, bite-sized, plain piece of bread—a 1/4-inch square—every once in a while, says Dr. Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care in NYC. Why such a small piece? Treats should account for no more than five to 10 percent of a cat’s daily caloric intake, and serving too much bread could mess with your cat’s nutritional balance. How often can a cat eat bread? Cats can eat bread a couple times a week; however, be mindful of the carbs in bread. Cats don’t need carbohydrates, and they get all the nutrients they need from a meat-based diet. If they fill up on a food such as bread, it can upset their overall nutritional balance. Is bread bad for cats? What happens if a cat eats bread? Bread can be bad for cats who overindulge. Because bread has no nutritional value for felines, weight gain could be a real problem, Dr. Bayazit says. And for cats with health issues—like obesity, diabetes, heart or kidney disease—the results from eating bread could exacerbate their conditions. Other troubles to look out for would be: Gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, or vomiting: If bread just doesn’t agree with your cat’s stomach, digestive system signs such as these can show up. A full tummy: If a cat overdoes it on bread, they’ll be too full to eat their regular balanced cat food, which is needed to meet their daily nutritional requirements. Can cats eat gluten-free bread? Cats can eat gluten-free bread. Providing they’re in good health and don’t have an allergy to gluten (which is actually rare), gluten-free bread can make for a safe, acceptable treat. The same feeding guidelines apply: Cats can nibble on a small, bite-sized piece of plain gluten-free baked bread once or twice a week. And when we say “plain,” we mean it: no toppings and no spices or flavorings of any kind). Felines with health conditions should stay away: Kitties with diabetes, kidney or heart disease should not be given any bread. What is something similar to bread that cats can eat? “Try a soft tidbit made specifically for cats,” Dr. Bayazit says. Why is my cat obsessed with eating bread? Cats may be obsessed with eating bread due to the carb factor, Dr. Bayazit says.,Jump to section FAQs About Cats and Bread Benefits of Feeding Cats Bread Downsides of Feeding Cats Bread How to Feed Bread to Cats

Scratching is a common and natural behavior that’s observed in wild felines, and it’s no different our domestic kitties, some of which love to utilize the long and textured surface of a wall to satisfy their clawing desires. But, if your cat scratches walls on a regular basis, this normal behavior becomes frustrating and oftentimes destructive. Two behavioral veterinarians assure us there’s a solution to getting your cat’s claws off the walls and onto a more appropriate scratching surface. The first step is figuring out why cats scratch. Then you can implement a behavior management strategy that works for both your cat and your walls.

There are many options when it comes to prevention and flea treatment for cats, such as flea collars and both oral and topical medicines. One treatment to consider discussing with your veterinarian is a flea shampoo for cats. “When used properly, flea shampoo can be one step in the process of eliminating fleas on cats,” says Daryl Conner, CMCG (Certified Master Cat Groomer) and owner of Fairwinds Grooming Studio in Appleton, Maine.

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Many people take melatonin for sleep or jet lag, but can cats have melatonin too?   Melatonin isn’t typically a go-to treatment in veterinary medicine, but you’ll often find it in calming supplements for cats. It may help reduce stress or encourage rest, especially when paired with other soothing ingredients.    Here’s a closer look at melatonin for cats, including how it works, when it may be recommended, and the best way to give it safely.   Always speak to your veterinarian before giving your cat supplements. 

Kittens have a well-deserved reputation of being curious, fluffy balls of energy, but after bringing home a new cuddly kitty, you may find yourself alarmed to learn how much a kitten actually sleeps. Cats of all ages are known to enjoy catching their ZZZs, but young felines log more catnaps than grown cats, snoozing up to 20 hours a day or more.

Our feline best friends often keep out of sight—you may even find them in hiding spots, perfectly content all by themselves. But does this mean they don’t get lonely?  “Absolutely, cats can get lonely, despite the common myth that they’re purely solitary animals,” says Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist in Tampa, Florida. “While they may not crave social interaction in the same way dogs do, most cats form strong bonds with their humans and even other pets.”  The notion of cats as purely solitary creatures “is a misconception rooted in their independent hunting instincts,” adds Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a veterinarian at We Love Doodles. Unlike dogs, cats don’t rely on packs, but they do form deep social bonds with humans and other animals.  Just like humans, many cats enjoy alone time—especially during the day when they’re sleeping, bird-watching, or chasing dust particles in a sunbeam. But if a cat lacks stimulation or is left alone for too long, loneliness can creep in.  

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