How Do You Spell Cat? – “F..I..N..I..C..K..Y”

When I go to the supermarket, I try to be the informed shopper. I read labels for sodium content, the amount of ash in the food and the percent of protein. I’m not alone in my label deliberations. There are usually one or two other consumers agonizing over which items to purchase. No, I am not shopping for myself, it is for my cats.

Cats have a well-deserved reputation as being persnickety munchers. A flavor that your cat enjoys today may be off the list next week. Some cats prefer only canned, some sliced, some ground while others will eat nothing but dry. The majority of commercially available canned and dry foods are nutritious and provide a complete and balanced diet. Which form you feed is really a matter of your cat’s personal preference. Some cats have specific, medically dictated dietary needs. Always be sure to follow your veterinarian’s advice in these cases.

Though cats are truly carnivores by genetics, they can still enjoy some dining diversity. Cats have been known to crave candy, cookies, fruits and pasta. One of my own cats loves milk. Since he shows no lactose intolerance, I indulge him and provide a small bowl a few times a week. It has to be the 1% variety, no whole milk and extra calories for this kitty! It is OK to give in to your cats’ idiosyncrasies but do it within reason. Try and avoid the salty, fatty and sugary items.

Though cats are truly carnivores by genetics, they can still enjoy some dining diversity.

Cats do prefer to nibble as a rule rather than gobble down their repast. All of this stems from their wildcat heritage. The usual dinner for a Bobcat is going to be a mouse, bird or small prey. Such a cat is unlikely to feel satisfied with just one mouse, so they need to enjoy that meal while they wait for the next course to come along. In nature, a predatory feline is also inclined to dine in a secluded, quiet area. Humor your domesticated hunter. Feed it several small meals a day and find an out of the way locale in the house.

Cat’s with their very unique metabolism, cannot go without food for more than a few days. If your feline housemate goes off feed for more than 48 hours, it may indicate a serious underlying medical condition. Call your veterinarian. Why? Because it is “Your Pet…Health Matters.”