A common question that veterinarians get asked is whether cats should eat canned or dry food.

The good news is that most commercial cat foods provide an excellent source of nutrition, whether it’s dry cat food or wet cat food. But finding the best food for your cat will depend on several factors, including:

• Your cat’s weight
• Your cat’s health and any health conditions present
• Your budget

Whether to feed dry, canned, or a mixture of both is a decision that you and your veterinarian can make together to provide the best health for your cat. Here’s some insight on wet vs. dry cat food.

What Are the Main Differences Between Wet Cat Food and Dry Cat Food?

Here are a few big differences between wet cat food and dry cat food.

Moisture Levels

The main difference between dry and canned cat food is the amount of water that the food contains.

Dry cat food contains approximately 10% of water, and the other 90% consists of dry matter such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. Canned food contains much more water—approximately 70%—compared to dry matter.

This can be important to consider when choosing which to feed if your cat has certain health conditions that may benefit from more water intake.

Manufacturing Process

Given the higher moisture content in canned foods, these foods are typically made with fresh or frozen meats in combination with a protein source that comes from grains. The meats are blended with water, fats, and vitamins and placed in a can, where a heating process ensures that foodborne pathogens are destroyed.

Dry food is made by combining and then cooking meats, vitamins, minerals, and fats at a high temperature and pressure, which makes the starches more digestible. Fat may then be sprayed on the food to ensure that it’s palatable.

Nutrients

Dry cat food typically contains more carbohydrates than canned food. The protein and fat in canned vs. dry can vary based on the type of diet. Certain formulations of dry cat food may also contain probiotics.

Should I Feed My Cat Dry or Wet Cat Food? Or Both?

Whether to feed your cat dry food, canned food, or a mixture of both depends on several factors. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of both types of food.

Canned Cat Food Benefits

The largest benefit of feeding a canned diet is the higher water content. Cats with certain health conditions that require a higher-than-normal water intake, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or lower urinary tract disease, may benefit from the additional water in these diets.

Canned food is also highly palatable, and some cats will eat a canned diet over a dry diet, particularly if they are picky eaters.

Canned Cat Food Drawbacks

Canned food is often more expensive than dry food, so this may play a role in your decision.

Once opened, canned food has a shelf-life of 24 hours and must be stored in the refrigerator. If your cat does not finish their wet food, it should be properly stored in the refrigerator or discarded. Leaving canned food out for longer than a few hours can run the risk of contamination and cause gastrointestinal upset.

Dry Cat Food Benefits

Dry cat food is less expensive than canned food, so people who are on a strict budget or those that feed community cats may choose this option.

Dry food also does not have to be stored in the refrigerator and can be left out much longer than can food. This is a good option if you free-feed your cats, but any portion not eaten by the end of the day should be discarded.

You can also use dry cat food in automatic feeders or in puzzle feeder toys.

Dry Cat Food Drawbacks

Studies have shown a correlation between obesity and feeding dry cat food. This could be because a lot of cats that eat dry food are often free-fed, and owners do not realize how much their cats are actually eating in a day.

It can also cause the opposite problem because it’s hard to notice that your cat is not eating when they are free-fed. The amount your cat eats in a day should be monitored or measured out for both reasons.

Older cats with dental disease or those who have had some of their teeth removed may also have a harder time chewing dry food.

Feeding Both Canned and Dry Cat Food

To balance the benefits and drawbacks of both options, you may choose to feed a combination of both. This may be particularly useful with cats who require a higher water intake but enjoy eating dry better than canned.

By either mixing them together or giving canned at one feeding time and dry at the other, you may be able to get the benefits of both diets.

If you are looking to mix wet cat food and dry cat food, talk with your veterinarian to find the best balance. Your veterinarian can help you calculate how much your cat should be eating and how to portion out the two food options.

Every cat is different, and the amount you feed a day will depend on the age of your cat, your cat’s current body condition, and the presence of any underlying diseases.

What Wet and Dry Cat Food Do Veterinarians Recommend?

Regardless of whether you choose to feed a dry or canned cat food, it is important to feed a well-balanced, commercial diet to ensure that your cat gets the vitamins and minerals they need.

Reputable brands such as Science Diet and Royal Canin have been quality-controlled and specially formulated to meet a cat’s nutritional requirements. Your veterinarian can give you more specific recommendations based on your cat’s health history.

Avoid feeding a home-cooked or homemade diet unless it is specially formulated by a veterinarian who is specialized in making these diets. If you don’t have help from a qualified vet, these diets can be deficient in vitamins and minerals such as taurine, which can cause heart disease in cats. 

Involving your veterinarian in your decision of what to feed your cat can be very helpful in ensuring they get the most appropriate nutrition.  

Here are some other things to consider.

AAFCO Approval

Basic minimum nutritional requirements for cats have been established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This is important because all pet foods that carry an “AAFCO statement“ or “AAFCO-approved nutritional guarantee” are considered to be nutritionally complete and well-balanced diets for your cat.

Ingredient List

It’s important to read the label on the back of the package to ensure that the main ingredients, which will be listed first, consisting of meat and meat by-products. This is because cats are carnivores and require a high-protein diet that supplies the appropriate amount of essential amino acids and fatty acids.

Your Cat’s Particular Health Needs

The best cat food for your cat will be unique to their lifestyle and nutritional needs.

For example, if your kitten or cat is of normal weight and healthy, then a kitten or adult maintenance diet should be sufficient. If your cat is overweight, it may be best to look for a low-fat diet.

If your cat has a health condition, your veterinarian may prescribe a specific diet formulated for that disease. For example, kidney diets are recommended in most cats who develop kidney disease, or a urinary diet may be more appropriate in cats who have lower urinary tract disease.

Your Cat’s Preferences

At the end of the day, you may not have a choice in what type of diet you feed your cat. Some cats can be very picky and only eat dry or only eat wet food.

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Is your cat doing something that is driving you batty, like clawing the furniture or meowing constantly? These tips can help you address five of the most common cat behavior problems.

1. Cat Litter Box Issues

When your cat starts going outside of the box, it’s a messy problem, to say the least. There are a number of reasons your cat might be avoiding the litter box, which you might be able to address fairly easily. For instance:

• A dirty litter box – Many cats will turn their nose up at a litter box that hasn’t been cleaned in a while—and who can blame them. Going outside of the litter box might be your cat’s way of telling you it’s time to get out the scoop.
• Bad litter box location – Like people, cats enjoy having a bit of privacy when they go. Make sure the litter box is in a semi-private and quiet place.
• Change in the litter – Have you switched brands of litter lately? Your cat might not be a fan of the new stuff. You can go back to the old brand or try introducing the new one slowly by gradually mixing it in.

If the litter box isn’t the problem, your cat may have a health condition that is causing the issue, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. Older cats with painful arthritis can also have trouble stepping into the litter box in which case you can provide one that has a lower front opening.

2. Destructive Scratching

Scratching is a natural part of being a cat. It allows them to shed the worn-out outer nails and expose the new claws to keep them sharp and healthy. However, it’s a problem if your cat is tearing apart the furniture, curtains, or carpets in your house. Here are a few things you can try to help stop destructive scratching:

• Provide scratching posts – Make sure your cat has access to sturdy scratching posts or mats to satisfy their need to scratch. If your cat doesn’t seem interested in them, you can sprinkle or spray a little catnip on them.
• Trim those nails – Carefully clip your cat’s nails on a regular basis. This can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. Take it slow and approach your cat when they’re calm and relaxed. You can ask your veterinarian for advice at your cat’s next check-up.
• Cap the claws – You can purchase special plastic caps that fit over and adhere to your cat’s nails to keep them from causing any damage. These caps last around four to six weeks, and you’ll need to reapply them as they come off.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) strongly recommends against declawing your cat as a solution to destructive scratching. Declawing has not been proven to resolve behavioral issues plus recovery is painful for your cat. You’ll also be exposing your cat to the risks of surgery.

3. Aggressive Behavior

Cats who act aggressively can cause painful injuries to people and other pets in the home. There are lots of reasons why a cat might exhibit aggressive behavior such as:

• An injury or illness – Cats who are in pain because they are hurt or sick might be irritable and upset, which can cause them to act out. Cats are notorious for hiding or masking symptoms, so you might not even know something is wrong with your ailing kitty (see 5 Signs Your Cat is Sick).
• The shift in routine – Cats are creatures of habit, and if their routines are interrupted, they can feel stressed and anxious, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
• Conflicts with other cats – Some cats live in perfect harmony while others might have trouble getting along. It can help to give each cat its own food bowl and litter box so that they won’t fight over those resources.
• If your cat is acting aggressively, you should talk with your veterinarian. They can help you figure out what might be causing the issue and recommend ways to treat or address it.

4. Too Much Meowing

If your cat is constantly meowing, they might be trying to tell you something. Maybe they are hungry and their bowl of kibble is empty. Perhaps they are thirsty, but their water ran out. Or it could be that they are fed up with a messy litter box. Then again, they might have some sort of ailment troubling them, such as fleabites or an upset stomach.

The first step to try and halt all that meowing is to try to figure out the cause. Check their food and water bowls as well as their litter box. Other reasons your cat might be meowing include:

For attention – If your cat is meowing to get your attention, you can try spending more time together if possible. You should also avoid interacting with your cat until they quiet down or you’ll be teaching them that meowing is a good way to get what they want. Wait patiently until your cat is quiet and then praise them for good behavior.

To demand food – Some cats meow because they want a meal and they want it now. To help stop this behavior, you should feed them at specific times during the day rather than on-demand. It might take a while, but they should pick up on the fact that they only get fed at those times and not when they meow for it.

Because they’re in heat – Excessive meowing or yowling can happen when a female cat is in heat. Spaying will solve this problem and give your cat important health benefits, like reducing the risk of breast cancer.

If there is no apparent reason for all that chattiness, you should visit your veterinarian to make sure your cat doesn’t have a health condition bothering them.

5. Up All Night

Does your cat like to sleep all day and play all night? Housecats are domesticated creatures, but they can still get the urge to romp at night like their ancestors. It’s easier for wild cats to prowl at night when the light is low and there are more critters running around. If your cat is waking you up at night, you can try these tactics:

• Wear your cat out before bedtime with an energetic game.
• Offer a meal or snack before bedtime so your cat won’t wake you up for food.
• Provide interactive toys that can keep your cat active during the day so they’ll be more tired at night.

If your cat is unusually restless or cries at night, they could also be in pain. Bring them to the veterinarian to see if there is an illness or injury that might need treatment.

Seeking Professional Help

If you need help with a cat behavior problem, it’s a good idea to start with your veterinarian, since the issue might be related to a medical condition. Trainers or behaviorists are other good resources to get help with a cat behavior issue. You can learn more about these options and get more information on common cat behavior problems at ASPCA’s website.

Pet Insurance for Behavioral Issues

Cat behavioral conditions can be a big problem that upsets the entire household. Cat parents who are at their wit's end might even consider relinquishing their cat to a shelter. That’s one reason why ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans include behavioral coverage. This coverage can reimburse you for the costs of diagnosing and treating all sorts of behavioral issues.

Like people, cats can suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Find out how you can tell if your cat is struggling emotionally and what you can do about it.

Can Cats Get Depressed?

Of course, we can’t know for sure what goes on in our cat’s minds, but they can certainly show signs of deep sadness and depression. Cat depression can be hard to identify, especially if your cat is the loner type who likes to hide. Some common cues that your cat may be depressed include:

• Lack of appetite, which can lead to weight loss
• Sleeping at times they’d normally be awake
• Not seeking out physical contact, for instance, they may stop brushing your legs, head bumping,      or jumping in your lap for a cuddle
• Decreased grooming, which can cause a dull and matted coat
• Loss of interest in playing or activity

If you notice these signs, you should visit your veterinarian. These same symptoms can indicate a health condition, which needs treatment. Your veterinarian can also advise you on how best to deal with your cat’s depression.

why do cats become depressed _ black and white cat wrapped in a blue and purple blanket?

Causes of Cat Depression

Depression in cats is often a temporary response to a change in their life. Some cats are quite sensitive, and they can experience mild depression over what seems to us like small things, such as moving their litter box or outfitting them with a new collar. Other examples of major changes that can trigger depression in cats are:

• Moving to a new home or apartment
• The arrival of a baby or adopted child
• A new pet in the household
• Construction in the home
• Visitors staying at the house
• Disruption in the family, like divorce or death
• A traumatic event, such as getting hit by a car

In some cases, such as a short-term visitor or home improvements, you may be able to wait out whatever is stressing out your cat. If the change is permanent, they may go back to their happier selves after some time to adjust.

How to Help a Depressed Cat

First, you should visit your veterinarian to rule out any underlying illnesses. They can also help determine the best approach to helping your cat, which could include anti-anxiety medication. Other things you can do to help a depressed cat include:

• Stick to a routine. Cats are not fans of uncertainty, so having steady times for meals, cuddles, and playtime can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
• Play with them. A depressed cat may not be inclined to play, but it’s worth trying to engage them with a favorite toy or activity.
• Shower them with love. If your cat isn’t seeking you out for attention, go find them. Approach them gently and see if they’ll accept a good scratching behind the ears.
• Enhance their meals. If your cat isn’t eating enough, ask your veterinarian for advice on enticing them with added chicken broth or tuna water. These options also add liquid to your cat’s diet, which can help prevent dehydration.
• Turn on the tunes. Your cat may enjoy the calming sound of classical music, especially if their depression is coupled with anxiety. Or perhaps something livelier would spark some energy and encourage them to play.

While you may be able to cheer your cat up, you may not be able to shake them out of their depression completely. They may still need time to process a life change or recover from the event that triggered their sadness. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian with any concerns.

Can Cats Die From Depression?

You may hear people talk about cats who died from a broken heart after a traumatic loss, like the death of their caretaker or a feline companion. Depression itself isn’t fatal, but it can cause your cat’s health to deteriorate to a dangerous point. For instance, cats who refuse to eat or drink may lose an unhealthy amount of weight or become dehydrated. These issues can usually be prevented by early intervention with the help of your veterinarian.

professional help for depressed cats _ cat being held by a girl in a yellow sweater with white headphones

Are There Cat Therapists?

There are people who advertise themselves as cat therapists or psychologists. These folks may be well-meaning, but their titles don’t indicate that they have the skills or training necessary to help your cat.

Always consult your veterinarian first who can refer you to an expert such as a veterinarian with advanced training, certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Anxiety in Cats

Similar to depression, cats may experience anxiety after a change in their environment or lifestyle. Traumatic accidents scrape with other animals, or frightening experiences can also trigger anxiety in cats. Symptoms of anxiety in cats can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Lack of energy and interest in playing
• Pacing or restlessness
• Going outside the litterbox
• Overgrooming can lead to bald patches and painful skin issues
• Changes in behaviors, such as irritability or clinginess especially if your cat is typically independent
• Excessive meowing or yowling

If your cat is experiencing these symptoms, you should visit your veterinarian to check for an underlying health condition and get guidance on managing their anxiety.

what compulsive behavior looks like in cats _ cat with green eyes on a purple blanket

Compulsive Behaviors

Cats with depression or anxiety may develop compulsive behaviors. They can also be caused by boredom, fear, frustration, or other negative emotions. Common compulsive cat behaviors include:

• Repetitive vocalization without any apparent reason
• Constantly sucking on objects, such as toys or blankets
• Chewing on their own paws, tail, or other body parts
• Pacing back and forth or in circles
• Chasing their tails
• Grooming excessively
• Swatting at or pouncing on imaginary prey

Compulsive behaviors may develop as a coping mechanism, which can offer your cat some short-term relief from their anxiety. If the behavior is not hurting them or disrupting your household, you may not need to intervene. Otherwise, you should bring your cat to the veterinarian.

Caring for Cats With Compulsive Behaviors

Your veterinarian can help you figure out the right approach to treating your cat’s compulsive behavior and whether or not anti-anxiety medication would be useful. Other things you can try at home include:

• Distract them safely. Try redirecting your cat from the undesirable behavior by engaging them in a more positive one, like playing a game, being groomed, or enjoying a small treat.
• Reduce your cat’s stress. If you know what is triggering your cat, you may be able to help them by making a specific change in their environment or lifestyle. You can also try to minimize their daily stress, for instance, by maintaining a set routine, providing them with a quiet place to rest, and making sure they get enough exercise.
• Avoid rewarding the behavior. Your cat may look adorable chasing their tail but don’t encourage them by paying attention. You should also avoid offering them a treat or a toy, which can be misinterpreted as a reward.
• Don’t punish them. Compulsive behaviors, like constant meowing, can be frustrating, but you shouldn’t scold or punish your cat. Negative reinforcements can make anxious or depressed feelings worse.
• Be patient. Remember that your cat is dealing with a mental health issue. They need your love and compassion.

If your cat has a mental health issue, pet insurance can help you manage the costs of treatment, including medication. Learn more with a free quote.

Preparing for Special Cases

Providing your cat with quality nutrition is one of the most important things you can do. But how do you make sure you are choosing the best and healthiest cat food?

The cat food market is teeming with cans and bags of food that make all sorts of health claims—some are substantiated by scientific research, and some are not. 

While there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer for what you should feed your cat, knowing the basics of a cat’s dietary needs can help you navigate the options. The best way to start is by looking at mealtime through your cat’s eyes.

What Do Cats Eat?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their diet is primarily made up of animal proteins.

Cats in the wild would eat small rodents, which are estimated to contain 55% protein, 45% fat and very few carbohydrates. The typical small rodent has approximately 35 calories.

An average 10-pound house cat needs about 250 calories per day—so that’s about 7-8 mice per day.

When cats hunt prey, they typically consume most or all of the animal. It is common for a cat to eat the nutrient-rich organs—like the liver—first, followed by muscle, bone and skin.

Why Mealtime for Cats Is More Than Just Eating

Cats are hunters—they would naturally hunt for and eat many small meals throughout the day and night. Feeding domesticated cats from bowls has led to cats being bored, fat and in some cases, even sick. 

Mealtime for a cat is more than just obtaining calories—it is the critical time to express their predatory instinct to “capture” their meal.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends recreating the hunt for cats in their indoor environment. In terms of their behavioral and physical health, this is far superior to feeding them from a bowl.

Put small portions of dry food and treats in hunting feeders and hide them around the house, or put wet food in puzzle feeders to simulate the hunt.

Healthy Cat Food Is All About Balance

To create lifelong nutritional health for cats, we need to provide them with adequate protein and fat and minimal carbohydrates.

Cats require amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. You want to provide enough of these nutrients without overdoing it. Too much of certain vitamins and minerals can be toxic.

Here’s a nutritional breakdown of what goes into a balanced, healthy cat food.

Why Cats Need Animal Protein

Protein is composed of building blocks called amino acids. There are two kinds of amino acids—nonessential and essential.

Nonessential amino acids can be made in a cat’s body. Essential amino acids cannot be made in a cat’s body and must be consumed through their diet.

Uniquely for cats, taurine is a critical essential amino acid that’s contained in protein. Cats must consume an adequate amount of taurine in their diet.

If a cat’s diet is consistently deficient in taurine, in just five months, the cat can develop retinal disease and/or a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy. 

How Much Protein Do Cats Need?

The minimum amount of protein that cats need changes with each life stage. Growing kittens require a recommended minimum of 240 grams of protein/kilograms a day, while an adult cat requires a minimum of 140 grams of protein/kilogram.

The meat proteins listed in the ingredients on the back of the bag are not as simple as they may seem. Beware that marketing does not play a dominant role in your cat food selection.

Kittens and cats can get the animal protein they need from a variety of different sources, including meat and meat by-products. You might think by-products are bad, but that’s not necessarily true.

Meat Matters, But Not in the Way We Think

On some bags, a beautiful deboned chicken breast may be pictured, suggesting that deboned chicken breast is the meat you can be expecting your cat to consume.

But that isn’t necessarily the case. “Meat” as defined by the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) paints a different picture:

“Meat is the clean flesh derived from slaughtered mammals and is limited to that part of the striate muscle which is skeletal or that part which is found in the tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart or in the esophagus; with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels, which normally accompany the flesh. It shall be suitable for animal food. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto.”

The consumption of animal tissue other than deboned meat is a turn-off to many humans. But, when you look at “meat” from your cat’s perspective, it’s natural to consume the entire carcass of their prey. These alternate protein sources are part of their normal diet.

Meat by-products are the non-muscle, edible parts of animals, including their blood and organs, like the liver and kidneys. Remember, in nature, it’s common for a cat to choose to eat the nutrient-rich organ meat before consuming the muscle tissue of their prey.

So despite many pet parents’ long-held belief that meat by-product is a lesser meat, it’s still a source of good protein for cats. So seeing that listed in a cat food ingredient list should not be a disqualifying factor.

Moisture Content Is Important for Your Cat’s Hydration

Cats need adequate hydration to maintain their overall health. One of the most important feline body systems affected by hydration is the urinary system, and without consuming enough water, a cat’s urine becomes more concentrated. 

Concentrated urine is more likely to form crystals and stones that can irritate the bladder wall, increase the likelihood of chronic infection, and most critically, block the flow of urine from the bladder and prevent a cat from being able to urinate. If left untreated, this can be a life-threatening condition.

In nature, cats get much of their daily water needs met by the moisture content in the prey that they eat. They supplement this by drinking whatever fresh water they can find.

Canned food most closely mimics the moisture content found in a cat’s natural prey. Cats that eat canned cat food require less moisture from other sources. 

Obviously, dry cat food has a very low moisture content. Cats that eat dry food need significantly more moisture from other sources.

However, all cats need access to ample amounts of clean, fresh water every day. Some cats prefer running water to still water.

Many cats prefer to have their water source in a different location than their food source. I recommend providing multiple water bowls or fountains around the house that are cleaned and refilled daily.

Fat Content Plays an Important Role

Fats and fatty acids are important parts of a healthy diet for cats.

Fat is made up of building blocks called essential fatty acids. Just like protein’s essential amino acids, essential fatty acids must be consumed in the diet.

Essential fatty acids for cats include the omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid.  Linoleic acid is found in the fat of poultry, beef and pork, as well as in corn, soybean and safflower oil. Arachidonic acid is found in animal fat and fish oil.

There is a wide range of fat content in a cat’s diet depending on their life stage and medical needs. Studies show that as little as 9% and as much as 50% or more of the energy in cat food can safely come from fat (on a dry matter basis).

The Need Carbohydrates Depends On Your Cat

Carbohydrates are a source of great controversy for cat lovers. The obligate carnivore diet is very low in carbohydrates, with as little as 1-2% of the calories in prey coming from carbohydrates, on a dry matter basis. Out of wet and dry food, wet food most closely approximates this.

Adult cats do not require carbohydrates for a healthy life. But, while cats do not require carbohydrates, they can healthfully and efficiently use carbohydrates for energy from their food.

Dry food containing 40% or more dietary carbohydrates is generally well-tolerated by the average healthy cat.

There is concern that the carbohydrate content in dry cat food may cause diabetes in cats. Ample research has been done, and continues to be done, to assess the risk. But current published research does not support a direct correlation between increased carbohydrate consumption and diabetes in cats. 

Risk factors for diabetes do include obesity and an indoor lifestyle.

How Do You Choose the Healthiest Cat Food for Your Cat?

The healthiest food for your cat will be unique to their lifestyle and health.

Your veterinarian is the best resource for discussing your cat’s nutritional needs. You can even bring a list of potential cat food options to your next appointment to discuss which one would be the best fit.

To help you start a list of options to discuss, here are some best-practice tips for finding a healthy cat food.

Choose the Right Life Stage for Your Cat

As a cat grows from a kitten to an adult and then ultimately into a senior, their nutritional requirements continually evolve.

Calories, protein, fat and other nutrients will need to be adjusted to meet your cat’s life stage needs. That’s why you should always choose a cat food that is made for your cat’s specific life stage, or talk to your veterinarian about the all-life-stages cat food you are considering.

Look for Lifetime Studies and Brands That Test Their Food

Studies that follow groups of cats being fed a particular food over the course of an entire lifetime are the most valuable. 

Medical conditions caused by diet can take years to develop. These lifetime studies give a cat parent the most information about how a particular diet will affect your cat in the long run.

It’s impossible to find a deficiency/excess of an important ingredient, or a dangerous contaminant if you do not test for it.

Choose a brand of cat food that routinely test their products for safety and balanced nutrition. You can find more information about how to find this information and other important questions to ask on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association website.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Choosing the best and safest diet for your cat is more complicated than it seems. There are thousands of cat foods on the market and just as many opinions about what is “the best.” 

The pictures on the bag and even the ingredient list should not be relied upon for your cat food selection. These sources do not adequately provide the source or quality of the ingredients or how the individual ingredient affects the nutrient balance of the complete diet for your cat, given your cat’s life stage and medical needs.

The best diet for you to feed your cat may be different than what someone else’s cat needs, even if your cats are the same age. The best way to find the healthiest food is to discuss your options with your veterinarian. Veterinarians are trained in animal nutrition and are most familiar with your cat’s health conditions.

Veterinarians do not get kickbacks from recommending healthy food. A veterinarian’s professional and moral obligation is to provide the healthiest food recommendation for your cat based on the available science.

Additionally, there are board-certified veterinary nutritionists available for more detailed and expert information. You can consult the directory of veterinarians on the American College of Veterinary Nutrition website.

Most emergency veterinarians will admit that they often treat cats when they are in very dire condition. Many cat owners feel guilty for not having realized that their cats were suffering. The fact is that most cats hide or stay away from humans when they are feeling unwell. They become reclusive, which makes it difficult to recognize early signs of health problems. While some cat emergencies occur suddenly, there are those that are easy to miss.

As a cat owner, you need to learn how to recognize signs that your pet may not be doing well. You need to know the symptoms that warrant an immediate visit to the vet. Recognizing some subtle signs early enough can help to save your cat’s life. The following are some common cat emergencies to watch out for.

Signs of Pain or Distress

If your cat is exhibiting obvious signs of pain or distress, you need to make an emergency trip to the vet. There are different reasons why your cat may be in pain, and the pain itself needs immediate attention. Some signs that your cat may be in distress include panting, howling, avoiding contact, and hiding. Your cat may be suffering from different conditions, including urinary obstruction or aortic thromboembolism.

Urethral Obstruction

This is a condition that affects male cats, where a blockage in the urethra makes them unable to urinate. If your cat seems restless and keeps making frequent trips to the litter box, it can be an indication of serious problems. You may notice that the cat is straining to urinate, and when he does, he only produces a drop. Another worrying sign is urine that contains blood. These may be symptoms of urethral blockage, and an emergency trip to the vet is necessary.

Poisoning/Toxicities

Cats are curious animals, and they are constantly trying to consume anything. Curiosity, combined with their peculiar metabolism, makes them vulnerable to poisoning. There are many objects in and around the home that can be poisonous to cats. These are products like antifreeze, rat poison, and Tylenol which are feline toxins. Symptoms of poisoning will differ depending on the poison consumed, but they all need emergency care.

Breathing Problems

Cats often conceal signs of breathing difficulties by reducing their activities. In most cases, cat owners only notice the problem late into a cat’s lung disease. There are several reasons why your cat may be experiencing breathing difficulty. Some common issues are heart disease, asthma, and lung disorders. An emergency trip to the vet can help to save your pet’s life.

Other Emergencies

Other emergency signs to look out for include ingesting foreign objects, bite wounds, and inability to use the hind legs. You should also look out for injuries caused by being hit by vehicles and increased urination and thirst. Upper respiratory infections and sudden blindness are emergencies that call for a visit to the veterinarian.

The color of the gums is often a useful indicator of the cat’s health. A healthy cat should have pink and moist gums. If the gums are grey, pale, bright red, or blue, your cat may be in trouble. It is important to have your cat evaluated by a vet.

If you want to know more about cat emergencies, visit The Little Cat Clinic at our offices in La Mesa, California. You can also call 619-547-0900 to book an appointment today.

According to pet surveys, most people want to get cats for pets because they believe that all cats are gentle and sweet. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. Some people complain about the aggression in their cats. Constant hissing, clawing, and biting from the meowing pet you adore isn’t what you wanted when you took the tiny kitten home. Because most cat owners don’t understand this aggression, their cat ends up in the nearest shelter. If you don’t want to give up on your aggressive cat, here are some of the effective ways to calm your combative feline.

Provide a Safe Place

Animal behaviorists advise that aggression in cats may be a call for help. Your cat may be stressed and would like to have a place to relax. Although all your pets get along, cats still need some alone time. You can create this for your cat by providing a cat condo, steps that lead to a high shelf, or a special room that is only for your feline companion. This quiet place will help your aggressive cat mellow down.

Check With Your Veterinarian

If your cat shows sudden aggression, animal scientists say that you should bring your cat to your veterinarian immediately. This sudden change in behavior may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Veterinarians say that your cat’s aggression may be due to pain from conditions such as arthritis or infection. The earlier your vet detects this health issue, the sooner your cat can go back to being gentle.

Keep Small Kids Away

Animal experts always emphasize that small children and babies should never be allowed to interact with pets unsupervised. Although your pet has proven to be a loyal and gentle friend, a quick pull of a pointy ear or a sudden pinch of furry skin can result in a scratch or a bite. Animal behaviorists say that it’s rare for cats to be tolerant of a child’s movements. To prevent unwanted trips to the ER or the vet hospital, it is best to keep your small kids and cats in different spaces.

Don’t Yell

Yelling is a common reaction for humans if they want to stop a situation or discipline a person. This may work on your dog, but never on your cat. Animal experts often explain that cats do not respond to anything negative. If you want to calm your cat down, it is best to build on your moments together. Bonding with your cat strengthens your connection. This will let your cat know that you are only there for safety and security.

Nip Fights in the Bud

Research indicates that having more than one cat in your house is a setup for a fight, especially if you didn’t neuter or spay them. Make sure you have a spray bottle, a piece of cardboard, or a blanket that could block eye contact between feuding cats. These are effective ways to prevent aggression and bring everything down to calmness.

You can bring back your sweet cat if you understand your cat’s needs. We, at The Little Cat Clinic, are always ready to help you with your cat’s behavior and overall health. Please visit our clinic in La Mesa, California, for a walk-in consultation. You can also call us at 619-465-4900 if you want to make inquiries or set an appointment.