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Cats
Cats make good companions with most enjoying (demanding?) high levels of attention. It is very relaxing to see the response to some serious stroking. Some cats stay in as house cats, though most are allowed out, where they do become instinctive hunters, catching small vermin mainly, but occasionaly small rabbits and birds. Wear a bell to make it harder!
Pedigree kittens may cost as much as a pedigree dog (£300-500) but many moggies are available from rescue societies in your area. Be responsible and have a pet cat neutered at 6 months of age, before any seasons start.
When a cat is first acquired, it is best initially to continue with the food it has become accustomed to until you decide which diet to choose. Always avoid sudden or frequent changes of diet as this can result in diarrhoea.
At your cat's first health check, Axe Valley will be able to advise you about a suitable diet. This can then be gradually introduced so that after 7-10 days it has replaced the original diet if necessary. Remember that first checks for young kittens are free, so come along as soon you have your new pet. It is possible to feed a home-produced diet, but it can be difficult to ensure that it is well balanced. Mostly, prepared pet foods are used and these can provide the important aspects of a balanced diet i.e. nutrition, palatability, digestibility, suitable energy density, safety and convenience. There is a huge variety in the texture, cost and nutritional value of different foods available and it is advisable to discuss this with us. Always use a kitten food for young growing cat.
To some extent, the choice of presentation of the food e.g. dry, canned or semi-moist is down to personal preference. If your cat only eats some of the food at the first visit, it may be more hygienic to feed a dry food. Cats have a higher protein requirement than many other mammals and several other special nutrient requirements. Therefore, it is not suitable to feed them dog diets. Most cats are normal adults and the majority of foods are supplied for this life stage. However, there are several circumstances when adult foods are not suitable:
Always use separate feeding equipment for your cat and ensure that clean, fresh water is always available. It is commonly assumed that cats need a variety in their diet. This is not the case and often leads to upsets. A cat will eat the same food happily day after day for many years.
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Kittens have very different nutritional requirements to adult cats and different diets are available for their needs. |
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Older cats have requirements that are different again and appropriate preparations are available. Some brands provide diets for all life stages and it is easy to change to the relevant product of the same brand as your cat ages. |
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Pregnancy and lactation also bring changing dietary needs and food for these circumstances can be discussed with Parkside Veterinary Group. |
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Obesity can be a problem among the cat population and special diets are available to help control this. |
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'Prescription Diets' are occasionally prescribed. These are used to help treat certain conditions, but are only available on veterinary advice. More info can be seen at Cats protection - great for finding new pets |