Articles
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Eclampsia, also referred to as hypocalcemia or puerperal tetany, is an emergency medical condition associated with a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that occurs in nursing mothers. Mothers that are especially attentive to their kittens seem to be more likely to develop eclampsia. Signs and treatment are discussed.
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Enriching a pet's environment with food toys and puzzles at mealtimes can encourage mental stimulation and fulfill the need to forage, effectively increasing daily movement in inactive pets.
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Esophagostomy tubes are placed through the skin of the neck into the esophagus to enable ongoing nutrition in cats that either refuse to eat or are unable to chew and swallow food. A diet will be recommended by your veterinarian but must be liquefied with water before it can pass through the tube. Medications can also be administered through the tube. Step-by-step instructions are provided. The decision to remove the tube will be determined by your veterinarian.
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Cats may overindulge in food for several reasons, including not feeling full, boredom, or simply because they enjoy the taste of their food so much. If your cat’s intake exceeds their daily calorie requirement, it can contribute to excessive weight gain and obesity. This article outlines some helpful strategies that can help your cat eat a healthy amount.
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The goal of feeding growing kittens is to lay the foundation for a healthy adulthood. Growing kittens need higher amounts of all nutrients in comparison to adult cats, but excess energy and calcium can create serious problems. Work with your veterinary healthcare team to give your puppy the best chance for success at growing into a healthy adult cat.
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Dogs and cats need different nutrients, and their food is not interchangeable. Different ages, sizes, weights, and breeds have unique nutritional needs, which is why separate commercial pet foods are made for each species. Treats should be no more than 10% of your pets' daily calories.
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Orphaned kittens need extra care to compensate for the absence of their mother, and this article outlines the basics, including how and what to feed, how to monitor their weight, how to help them eliminate, and how to keep them safe from infection.
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Senior cats should be assessed by a veterinarian at least every six months. A nutritional assessment can help the veterinarian identify changing energy or nutrient requirements, which may warrant a diet change. Senior diets vary widely in nutrient profiles as there are no established standards. It remains vital that older cats stay well hydrated. Recommendations for senior cat diets need to be based on regular evaluations and discussion between veterinarian and owner.
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Interactive feeders that require a pet to think and work for their food call upon pets’ natural instincts to hunt or forage. Besides being fun, these food puzzles may help both physical and behavioral problems in cats and dogs. When used correctly, interactive feeders may benefit pets that eat too quickly, become bored when alone, or suffer from separation anxiety.
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It's important to ensure your pregnant cat receives adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her kittens thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.