Tuesday 22 March 2011

Cats and tuna


Cats just love their tuna don't they? Well, perhaps not....... It's one of those myths that's developed over the years, much like cats loving their milk. And it's since become so much of a cliche that many people believe it. They might like tuna and milk but their digestive systems often don't!!
Think about it...... cats are originally desert animals; where on earth would they and their digestive systems have learnt to deal with tuna, or any other fish? It certainly appeals to them - their diets tend to be protein rich - but it has to be the right sort of protein.

I even fell into the trap of believing that it would be ok. Bella was never that bothered, but every now and again she'd enjoy a little tuna as a special treat. Then one day she got sick. In fact, 3 days of vomiting and the runs. Poor thing was clearly very distressed, as was I, so I took her to the vet to see if there was anything wrong. They asked me about her diet, and I explained she'd had some tuna over a period of 2-3 days - once I'd opened a tin I'd want to finish it!!

The vet felt that this might be irritating her digestive system - hers is rather sensitive! - and explained to me that the protein in tuna is really the wrong sort of protein for many cats. I cut out all fish products, and also red meat for a few days (also the wrong sort of protein), and pretty much stuck to chicken and bland foods. And very quickly she returned to normal. Since then I've not given her any tuna, and only infrequently give her any cat food that contains fish or red meat products. That was 6 months ago, and the problem hasn't returned.

The other day, I was meeting a new cat and her family for the first time. They explained that she has to have tablets as she's been diagnosed as hyper-thyroid, and to help her, they are giving the tablets wrapped in some tuna. I explained that this tuna might upset her system, and they then said they were wondering why she seemed to have an upset tummy recently. They'd thought it might be the tablets, but are going to try to give the tablets without tuna to see if the problem resolves itself.

I work with so many cats who have very sensitive digestive systems and are on vet diets with bland food. It can seem boring for them, but it means that they are more likely to have happy digestive systems. But there are ways you can make even this diet a little more interesting - so just ask your vet for ideas. We are so used to living with our cats as members of our families that we can sometimes forget that they are built very differently to us. Our digestive systems have evolved very differently to theirs, and can tolerate a much wider range of food than our cat friends can.

Or you could have a cat like Dylan who will and does eat almost everything!!! Even the bread crusts I throw out for the birds!!! But I can always tell if he's eaten something that's not right for him - the next time I check his litter tray!

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Brush brush brush!!!


Spring is definitely on its way now, and all the cats I go to visit are shedding hair madly!! Bella has a very thick fluffy coat, so come this time of year, I'm forever sweeping up cat hairs, and now Dylan's joined in.

Now, Bella has always loved her brush, and we're getting Dylan used to it too - although he sees it as more of a plaything, something to be bitten and chewed on!! Through the winter our brushing regime has slackened off a little, but we're now back to daily brushes. And so needed!!!
Brushing is great for so many reasons. First of all, it gathers up all the loose hairs, so that when cats groom they're not having to swallow too many. So fewer fur balls. Secondly, it's great for their skin. It will stimulate the blood vessels under the surface and also encourage production of sebum, which keeps the skin and coat naturally moisturised. Spending winter mostly indoors, in a warm, dry house means that the skin can get very dry. I've noticed that Bella has a lot of dandruff at the moment.

And thirdly - and what I think is the best reason - it's the most lovely way to bond with your cat again. When they love being brushed, they'll love you forever. Just looking at the big smile on Bella's face while I'm brushing her is worth a thousand words.

It's a good idea to get your cat used to being brushed from an early age - that way they get very used to it, and look forward to their regular brushing sessions. But some don't like it - and it's likely to be because of the way a brush has been wielded in their past. If they've been forced, held down, it will have bad feelings for them. Such a shame when this has the potential to be so pleasurable for them.

But even then, I find it's easy to get a cat used to it, and to love being brushed. If any of the cats I look after have brushes, I always give them a good brush when I visit. Some are a little anxious, so it's important it's done on their terms. A good way to do this is just to present the brush to them, put it near their face. Let them sniff it, and come towards it. Chances are that they will then rub their faces in the bristles. You know how cats love the sides of their faces and their ears being rubbed? Well this is the same.

Just keep holding the brush, don't actively brush, just let them get used to this, and build up nice feelings about the brush. It might take a few sessions just doing this, but in time you'll be able to gently brush their body. It's important though that this is still gentle, and if they show signs of being uncomfortable with it, just let them rub their face on it again. With cats patience in most things does pay off, so take this on your cat's terms. Eventually they'll come to love their brush, and may even do what Bella does, and shout at me for her daily brushing!!!