8 Cat-Only Pet Stores in the U.S.
Discover the top 10 U.S. cat-focused pet stores, offering exclusive products for feline companions, including food, treats, litter, and specialized services such as grooming and adoption. Highlights include The Kitty Bodega’s community impact, Cat’s Kingdom’s holistic focus, Just Cats Store’s adoption program, and Meow Mini Mart’s handmade cat collars.
Importance of Diet for Purebred Cats
Domestic cats descend from carnivorous big cats and share a natural dietary need for raw meat. Breeds like the energetic Savannah, the affectionate Ragdoll, and the high-metabolism Sphynx benefit from a raw diet that supports dental health, coat quality, and overall well-being, while meeting their unique nutritional requirements.
Prey Model Raw
The Prey Model Raw diet emulates a cat’s natural consumption of whole animals, such as chicks and mice, to maintain health, reflecting the wild feline’s diet devoid of grains and vegetables.
Should I Feed My Cat Fish?
Fish-based cat foods may be enticing but are ultimately harmful to felines. Eating processed fish can lead to vitamin deficiencies, such as Vitamin K and B1, and poses the risk of toxicity due to heavy metals and pollutants like PCBs and PBDEs. Fish is also a common allergen for cats, which can result in itchy skin and hair loss. While cats need omega-3 fatty acids, which fish oil can provide, it is crucial to source it carefully and feed it sparingly to avoid the associated risks.
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: An Environmentally Based Epidemic
Recognized 37 years ago, feline hyperthyroidism, caused by a glandular disorder, is the most common endocrine disorder in older cats. Environmental factors like cat food ingredients (PBDEs, BPA, soy, irregular iodine levels) are likely contributors. Treatments include surgery or radioactive iodine, with dietary adjustments offering prevention and symptomatic relief.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in cats affects the intestinal lining leading to poor nutrient absorption and potential long-term health issues. Often caused by food allergies or low-quality diets, IBD presents symptoms like diarrhea and weight loss. Treating IBD focuses on dietary changes, with many cats benefiting from raw, high-protein diets that aid gut repair. The rise in feline IBD is linked to the degradation of cat food quality post-WWII, emphasizing the importance of species-appropriate nutrition.
Myths About Raw Feeding
IAMS recently published an article titled “Myths About Feeding Your Kitten a Raw Meat Diet”. We have copied their article with our response below. MYTH 1: The benefits [of a raw diet] are proven. IAMS: No scientific studies have shown benefits of raw diets. Their appeal is based on word of mouth, testimonials, and perceived […]
What Diet to Feed a Cat with FLUTD
FLUTD affects cats’ lower urinary tracts and often has no identifiable cause. Dry kibble exacerbates the issue due to low moisture content, leading to more concentrated urine and an increased risk of urinary crystals. Prevention includes high-moisture diets like canned or raw food, rich in protein, and devoid of grains or unnecessary fillers. Holistic approaches to stress management and supplementation can also help. Real-life cases exhibit substantial improvement on raw diets, indicating the potential benefits of natural feeding practices for feline urinary health.
Obesity in Cats
Over the past four decades, domestic cat obesity has soared due to lifestyle changes and commercialized cat food rich in grains, which began in the 1950s. Unlike their ancestors who hunted, modern cats lack exercise and are overfed with carb-heavy kibble, leading to health issues.