CatnipRanger.com
 Wrangle up some bargains for your kitty!
   
  

   
     Home
    Shopping for Cats
    Cat Book Store
    Feline eBay Links
    Cat Health
    Cat Links
    Most Wanted Cats
      Contact Us  

  Check out our bookstore!

Learn Safe, Healthy Cat Weight Management Before It's Too Late!
By Ashley Cloverdale

If possible, your cat should be weighed monthly after reaching the age of ten years because, without proper cat weight management, you may miss the slight changes in weight that are indicative of grave underlying conditions. Felines that are not placed on a cat weight management program tend to gain weight if continued on their normal diet as they age and become more sedentary.

The cats that depend on us for room and board are what they eat. Cats' basic nutritional needs include:

Protein from a meat, fish or poultry source
The essential amino acid known as Taurine
Enzymes, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals
Water
Obesity is connected to a multitude of problems in cats. One of the reasons for feline obesity is that all dry cat foods are higher in carbohydrates than what a cat in the wild might consume. Cats obtain most of their energy needs from protein and fat, and carbohydrates may not be the preferred source. If your cat has a weight problem, you can try switching to a canned diet.

Cat Exercises
A feline workout program can help any cat, in spite of of weight condition, assuming it has a clean bill of health from the veterinarian. Try these exercises:

  • Get a toy with feathers on the end, and move it like a bird to persuade your cat to jump and stretch
  • Slide snakelike toys up and down steps
  • Create an obstacle course by setting up boxes, bags and soft-sided tunnels
  • A small ball in a box works as a mini racquetball court
  • Use toys around a tall, sturdy scratching post to encourage your cat to scratch
  • Buy a multi-tiered cat tree so your cat can jump from one perch to the other during play
  • Drop a plastic cap from a milk jug on the kitchen floor for your cat to use as a hockey puck
Obesity is a serious problem for our feline friends. Prevention is key here: practice cat weight management so your feline doesn't become overweight in the first place.

How can you tell if your cat's too fat? You should be able to feel the ribs easily. There are two major strategies for helping a fat cat lose weight: feed him in timed meals, and feed him more wet food. A high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is truly ideal for your cat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Cloverdale
http://EzineArticles.com/?Learn-Safe,-Healthy-Cat-Weight-Management-Before-Its-Too-Late!&id=721795

 

Home     Shopping     Books     eBay Links     Cat Health     Cat Links     Contact Us     Most Wanted Cats