Cat Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for the health of any animal.  A weakened immune system and improper nutrition will often cause animals to be more susceptible to things such as broken bones, yeast infections, irritable bowel syndrome, infertility, dull and lifeless coats, etc.  In time, these things can progress to even more serious problems.

Many of the commercial foods do not supply all of the nutrients needed to promote and maintain optimum health in our pets.  Supplements are available to furnish the nutrients and trace minerals they may miss in a normal diet.  However not all supplements are created equal.  For instance, if a calcium supplement does not contain the correct balance between calcium and phosphorous, it can do more harm than good.  I found this out the hard way.  I now use  a calcium specifically designed for cats. 

The backyard Predator

Evaluation of Mineral Balance

Nutritional Analysis of Chicken and Turkey Necks

Considerations when designing diets for exotic felines

A Guide to Medical/Nutritional Management of Felids (including hand-rearing information)

Oasis supplements   

Consideration When Designing Diets for Felines

Zoo Standards for keeping small felids in captivity

Heart Problems

Epidemiologic study of relationships between consumption of commercial canned food and risk of hyperthyroidism in cats

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Cat Health

Every pet deserves to be kept in peak condition.  Those that consider breeding owe it to their animals and to potential buyers to insure that their animals are at optimum health before they breed. It is up to the breeder to know whether or not the cat carries inherent diseases and if so, not breed them.    Do your homework, and choose your stock carefully.  Please remember - not every animal should be bred. Below is a list of common health issues and diseases often found in cats:

Reproductive Failure and Infertility in Cats

Feline Health Related Links

Feline Leukemia Virus

Hand rearing kittens

Husbandry Standards for keeping Small Cats in Captivity (including nutritional breakdowns)

The Winn Feline Foundation

Natural Treatment for Ear Mites

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Feline Respiratory Disease Complex

Zoonotic diseases

Vaccines - Other Vaccine Concerns

Abnormal Events of the Feline Luteal Period

The Merck Veterinary Manual

Bordeltella

Feline DNA Testing

Could My Feline Fertility Problems be Caused by G-Strep?

Feline CRF Information Center

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Coronavirus and FIP

The coronavirus is an enteric virus found in most cats.   A 2005 estimate showed the cornoavirus to be present in approximately 90% of all catteries and 40% of single cat households.  At the onset, the coronavirus can be spred through sneezing, but is almost always spread through feces.  After a cat is exposed to the virus an owner may notice the cat sneeze a few times followed by a day or two of diarrhea.  Once infected the cat will continue to shed for weeks or even months without any other sign of illness.  Currently, there is no effective vaccine that will guarantee immunity against this virus.  The cat may completely shed the virus, become a chronic carrier, or the virus may mutate. But, in itself, the coronavirus is of minor importance.  

Unfortunately, approximately 1% of cats exposed to the coronavirus will  mutate into the more deadly form of the virus, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).  FIP is almost always fatal.  Scientists are not sure why some cats are able to shed the virus with no ill effects while a few are lost to the deadly mutation of the coronavirus.   Some research indicates that a genetic link may predispose some cats to be susceptible to the deadly mutation.  Most all scientists agree that stress, overcrowding, unclean catteries, poor immune systems, etc.,  will contribute to the virus mutating into FIP.   At this time, there are no tests that can distinguish the corona virus from FIP.  And, there is no guaranteed cure.

Dr. Addie's Website

Mercks Veterinary Handbook

Page from the University of Georgia

Cornell Site

Cat Buyer's Guide

Morris Animal Foundation

IBHA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Partners.com

University of Bristol, UK

Winn Foundation

Feline Coronavirus serotypes 1 and 2: Seroprevalence and Association with Disease in Switzerland

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Common Pet Poisons

Many things  around the home can be toxic.   Cleaning supplies should be made  inaccessible to a curious kitten.  Rat poisons, insecticides, etc., should be stored in areas away from the family pet.  Also, when creating a garden inside or outside the home, one should make sure the plants are not toxic to pets.

Cornell University Poisonous Plant Informational Data Base

Cats and Plants

Pets and Poisonous Plants

The Perils of Poison

There has recently been some controversy concerning the use of soft wood shavings such as pine and cedar for bedding. The link below explains why.

The Toxicity of Pine and Cedar Shavings

Essential oils are toxic to cats. Many remedies sold for cats contain essential oils and can cause liver damage or even death. Please take the time to look at the following links and become a label reader when selecting a natural product for your cat.

The Lavender Cat - Cats and Essential Oil Safety

Aromatherapy and Your Cat

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