Posts tagged “Eco-Friendly Products”

4. Bengal Photo by SolStock/E+ via Getty Images Weight: 8–15 pounds The Bengal has the exotic looks and athletic prowess of a leopard. While they love to nap as much as any cat, they’re extremely active and require ample vertical space for jumping. The Bengal likes to hunt for food, so puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can help to satisfy their predatory instincts and keep them entertained. ,Looking to welcome a supersized feline into your home? Some big cat breeds weigh up to 25 pounds—more than double the size of the average house cat. While their larger size means there’s more to love, these cats require special care and consideration—like extra-sturdy cat trees and carefully measured food portions, because keeping them from gaining too much weight is important.  Here are 10 big domestic cat breeds to get to know and love.

As our cats age, they go through a lot of significant physical changes. Their nutritional requirements change as well. The lack of knowledge in the area of animal physiology has led many pet owners to unknowingly overfeed their aging pets, which has led to a growing population of overweight and obese pets and the illnesses that accompany these conditions. The way the body uses energy changes, along with the amount of substance needed to produce energy. This process, known as metabolism, tends to slow down so that the need for fat and calories decreases. Cats can generally be maintained on the same level of calories into their later years, but still must be observed for weight changes and their diet adjusted accordingly. The Health and Disease Link Older cats are already at an increased risk for developing kidney and heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and various forms of cancer. The immune system also weakens with age, leaving older cats at a higher risk for infection and slowed healing times. For some, there is a genetic breed link that predisposes them to disease. To combat, or to at least mitigate the effects of these conditions, there are diets that have been specially formulated for the special needs of cats. For example, older cats with kidney disease are fed highly digestible proteins, and those with heart disease are fed diets that are lower in sodium content. Cats that have developed problems with brain function may benefit from the addition of certain antioxidants to their daily diets; and cancer patients often benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, along with additional antioxidants in their diets. Depending on your cat’s health status, immediate dietary changes may be necessary to halt the progression of a disease that has come about. Even when the disease cannot be resolved entirely, diet changes can often reduce the more severe effects of the disease. Foods that are made with highly digestible sources of fats and proteins can make a significant difference, as they are more readily absorbed, placing less stress on the digestive system and allowing for the body to balance its energy reserves more efficiently. Maintaining the strength of the aging immune system is also a priority, and this can be done with the addition of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet — both of which are known to boost immunity and improve the body’s ability to heal itself. Even if your cat is not suffering from a diseased condition, changes such as these are a practical disease deterrent. Consult your veterinarian so that you are tailoring your cat’s diet to his or her specific physical needs.

Raise your paws if you spent the past couple of months stress baking! From banana bread to sourdough starters, it seemed like the world spent their time in isolation within their kitchen, kneading and vigorously stirring out their anxieties. But why should only the human members of your family benefit from the fruits, err foods, of your labor? So as not to leave out our fur babies, we whipped up this DIY cat treat recipe that earned us plenty of purrs. At least something good came out of 2020, amiright? Want to give this DIY cat treat recipe a go yourself? It’s quick and easy, consisting of only 10 minutes of prep time and requiring just four ingredients which you probably already have in your arsenal, so no extra trip to the grocery store necessary. So throw on your apron and prepare for your kitty to pounce on these fast (and fishy) goodies!

Reviewed for accuracy on March 18, 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM Ever since Sphynx cats first hit the scene in the 1960s—the result of a genetic mutation, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association—cat lovers have been enamored with these adorable, hairless kitties. Today, the breed is still extremely popular, bolstered both by celebrity fans (Demi Lovato, Lena Dunham and Kat Von D are all proud Sphynx owners) and a photogenic appearance that just begs for Instagram followers. While these kitties are known for their delightful personalities and adorable appearance, they also require special care and considerations. Despite their hairless status, they are a much more demanding pet than many of their furry counterparts. If you’re thinking about bringing a Sphynx into your life, here’s what you need to know. Sphynx Cats Have Big Personalities “Social” is not a word some people would associate with cats, but in the case of the Sphynx, it is a very apt descriptor. Dr. Ariana Verrilli, a veterinary oncologist at Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, New York, owns three hairless cats and reports that they are attention-seeking machines. “My hairless cats run to the door to greet me when I get home. I can’t sit down without having at least one of them on my lap… At night, they want to be under the covers.” She adds, “If you’re looking for a cat that’s going to sit in the window and sleep on the bed but is overall kind of aloof, don’t get a Sphynx.” Sphynx cats are also generally known to be very vocal. “If they want something, they’ll let you know,” says Dr. Verrilli. “One of my cats will sit outside closed doors and scream if she wants to be let in.” While many cat owners welcome Sphynxes’ outgoing personalities, some people are just not up to the breed’s social demands. “My youngest Sphynx kitty was a rescue. Someone dropped her off at the vet clinic where I was working and said she was too much for him to handle,” Dr. Verrilli notes. “I believe it. She’s crazy, but I love that about her.”