If you’ve recently seen your cat gagging, you may wonder what causes it and whether you should be concerned. Gagging is a confusing term, as it can mean different things to different people. Short of boring you with medical definitions, the various things that people might be referring to when talking of gagging can encompass a variety of different diseases, including true gagging (choking), unproductive vomiting, and coughing, to name a few.

Occasional gagging is potentially nothing serious, but cats that are doing so should still be seen by a veterinarian. Keep reading to learn more about seven common reasons your cat could be gagging.

The 7 Reasons WHy Your Cat Might be Gagging

1. Speedy Eating

Cats that eat their food a bit too quickly sometimes end up gagging. Speedy eating can also cause cats to regurgitate what they just gobbled down. It’s usually pretty easy to identify this sort of gagging, as it happens right after cats eat, and if they vomit, it usually contains undigested kibble.

The situation sometimes occurs in homes with more than one cat where there’s resource competition occurring. Feeding the cats in different locations can cut down on conflict and tension that can cause some pets to resort to speedy eating.

Interactive and slow feeders can assist solo cats that tend to get carried away at mealtime. Not only do they slow cats down, but they also provide mental stimulation that’s critical for their overall well-being.

2. Hairballs

Cats can vomit up hairballs, and some people consider this to be “gagging”, however it is actually vomiting. Hairballs form when cats groom themselves and ingest too much hair, which then doesn’t pass through the digestive tract. When enough fur accumulates, cats attempt to vomit it up, and successful attempts usually produce fur and a bit of liquid. Unsuccessful attempts may sound to the untrained ear like gagging.

While occasional hairballs are usually nothing to worry about, cats that regularly struggle with them should be seen by a veterinarian, as the situation could be linked to health issues such as parasites, gastrointestinal disease, or even allergies.

3. Upset Stomach

Nausea can sometimes lead to unproductive vomiting that some people incorrectly call gagging, but other causes are more common. Common signs of nausea include producing lots of saliva, excessive tiredness, overgrooming, a lack of appetite, or lethargy.

Cats can throw up after eating something that doesn’t agree with them. New cat food can also be problematic. Conditions such as food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disease can also upset feline stomachs.

4. Respiratory Conditions

Cats cough when suffering from respiratory conditions, which can often be mistaken for gagging. Bacteria and viruses can both cause upper respiratory infections, which result in inflammation, sneezing, and excessive mucous production.

Feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus are behind most upper respiratory infections in cats. However, conditions such as pneumonia and pleural effusions can also cause cats to cough.

Cancers of the respiratory tract can lead to the development of signs that can resemble gagging in cats. The occasional cough is usually nothing to worry about, particularly in happy and healthy cats, but a veterinarian should see pets that have  coughs that don’t resolve.

5. Foreign Objects

Cats are well known for nibbling on odd things, which they sometimes end up consuming. Some foreign objects can make it through their digestive tracts without incident, but occasionally, the material gets stuck, which can lead to vomiting and even the development of abdominal obstructions. Toys, plants, and buttons are just a few of the things cats are fond of eating. In these instances, people may again confuse unproductive vomiting with gagging.

String and yarn are particularly dangerous since they can cause intestinal damage and lead to infections such as peritonitis. Signs of foreign body ingestion include lethargy, pain in the abdominal area, lack of appetite, and vomiting.

Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has eaten something harmful. If you see anything hanging from your cat’s bottom or a bit of string wrapped around their tongue, leave everything as it is and take your companion in for professional help.

6. Toxins and Irritants

Vomiting and coughing can be signs that a cat has been exposed to a toxic product or something irritating their airways. Particularly sensitive cats can react to litter dust and fragrances.

Essential oils dispersed through diffusers can make breathing difficult for cats. Droplets from diffusers can land on cats’ fur, where they can be ingested during grooming, which has the potential to make them quite ill. Several essential oils are highly toxic to cats.

Other common items that can cause problems include bleach, rodenticides, deicing salts, as well as plants such as amaryllis and chrysanthemums. Reach out to your veterinarian if your cat consumes anything toxic.

It’s vital to let them know what your cat got into, how much they were exposed to when they ingested the substance, and if your cat is showing any signs such as coughing, lack of interest in eating, bruising, fast breathing, or pale gums.

7. Asthma

Cats with asthma often have dry, unproductive coughs that can sometimes sound like gags. Cats with asthma experience pulmonary inflammation after breathing in dust mites, cat litter particulates, and other allergens. Strongly scented products such as air fresheners and potpourri can cause some cats to react.

Persistent coughs should be evaluated sooner rather than later by a veterinarian. Diagnosis usually involves blood tests, X-rays, and parasite testing, as heartworm disease can sometimes cause similar signs in cats.

Treatment is aimed at managing the condition and usually involves long-term use of anti-inflammatory medication. Inhalers are often prescribed, but other modalities, such as pills and injections, are also available. Most cats diagnosed with the condition need to continue taking the medication even when they do not have difficulty breathing.

Conclusion

Gagging is easily confused with coughing or non-productive vomiting in cats. Various conditions can therefore be described as gagging by owners, when in reality, true gagging is relatively uncommon in cats. The occasional gag (or cough, or vomit) is usually not a huge deal, but a veterinarian should see cats if the problem persists.

Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

The post Why Is My Cat Gagging? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cats have amazing sensory abilities. They can see in low light conditions that people struggle to navigate and can rotate their ears 180 degrees. Their noses even put ours to shame; cats are thought to be able to smell 14 times better than humans! In addition to these amazing sensory powers, cats also receive input from their whiskers!

Each feline whisker rests in a nerve bed, and information picked up by your cat’s whiskers goes directly to their brain. The whiskers are incredibly sensitive, like human fingertips. Cats’ whiskers are arranged in rows on each cheek, and most have about 12 whiskers on each cheek arranged in 4 rows, although this can vary. They also have whiskers on their chins and on the back of their front legs, at the “wrist” aka the carpal joint; these are known as carpal whiskers.

If your cat’s whiskers appear to be a bit short, you may be wondering if there’s a reason and if you need to be worried. Keep reading for seven possible reasons why your cat’s whiskers may be so short.

The 7 Vet-Approved Reasons Why Your Cats Whiskers Are So Short

1. Weight Gain

Cats’ whiskers generally grow to about the width of their bodies, but those who gain a few pounds after reaching adulthood sometimes have whiskers that don’t keep up with their girth. It can be difficult to determine whether your pet is overweight as you see it every day, but using a Body Condition Score Chart can be very useful for objectivity.

Ask your veterinarian for guidance about your pet’s ideal weight; they will be very happy to help.

2. Mange

Mange isn’t just one condition but a term used to describe any parasitic infestation of mites. Several species of mite can live on our cats, each of which causes a different type of mange, including walking dandruff (Cheyletiellosis) and scabies.

Signs usually include intense scratching, during which cats sometimes break off whiskers. Sores and inflammation are also often present. The diagnosis of mange usually involves microscopic examination of debris or skin scrapings. Treatment will involve medication to eliminate the parasite and help with any itching and pain.

3. Auto-immune diseases

Auto-immune diseases such as pemphigus (a complex of five auto-immune skin diseases) and vasculitis, or blood vessel inflammation are relatively uncommon in cats, but they certainly do occur. When they do show up they are accompanied by signs such as redness, pustules, ulcers, crusting, scaling and sometimes dying tissue, as well as some with more systemic signs (in the case of vasculitis). These conditions can be incredibly painful and itchy for cats and they rub and traumatize their faces (in particular) which may lead to the loss or shortening of their whiskers.

Determining what’s causing the condition can be challenging, but possible triggers include certain medications and vaccinations. Diagnosis is usually by a skin biopsy and treatment is usually by immuno-suppression and infection control.

4. Allergies

Cats that suffer from allergies can sometimes end up losing hair and whiskers. Food and environmental allergies are common culprits, but flea allergies are most common. Some cats are allergic to the saliva of the flea, so that even just one bite of a flea can cause a huge reaction including excessive grooming, rubbing and scratching. This allergy is known as Flea Allergic Dermatitis.

Food allergies aren’t that common in cats, but they’re usually related to proteins found in beef, fish, and chicken when they occur. Food allergies are often helped by feeding cats novel protein or hydrolyzed food diets. Cats suffering from environmental allergies sometimes benefit from medications and dietary changes.

5. Acne

Feline acne often looks like bumps on a cat’s chin. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged due to the overproduction of keratin. The condition can happen just once or become more long-term.

Chronic feline acne can result in the development of folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) and lesions that sometimes burst.  If bacteria invade the follicles, infections can sometimes set in and cause the formation of pustules and furunculosis (larger sores similar to boils). The pain and irritation of feline acne can cause a cat to rub and scratch at its face, and in so doing, damage its whiskers.

What causes cat acne isn’t well understood, but it is thought to be linked to the overproduction of sebum (the oils produced by the skin) . Stress, viruses, poor facial hygiene and allergies are thought to be related to the condition but this is still under investigation. Treatment often involves antibiotics, medicated shampoos, and special face-washing routines as well as a change from a plastic food bowl to a ceramic one

6. Trauma

Cats sometimes end up with short whiskers because something happens to shorten them. A run-in with a lit candle or hot stove can shorten feline whiskers in a snap.

They can also break off when cats get into altercations with other animals due to rough-and-tumble play. These injuries are usually not much to worry about as the whiskers will grow back, given time.

7. Infections

Infections around a cat’s face and mouth can often result in hair loss and whisker problems. Skin infections are often incredibly itchy, and a cat’s whiskers can end up broken as pets attempt to scratch aggravating places around their faces. The infections can be caused by fungi (such as ringworm), bacteria, or parasites.

Signs often include inflamed skin that’s accompanied by oozing and scabbing. The treatment depends on what’s causing the problem and can include oral and topical medications. Cats that appear to be suffering from infections must be seen by the veterinarian.

What Do Whiskers Do?

Whiskers pick up air currents and other sensory information and relay it to cats’ brains. Because cats don’t have great up-close vision, they often use the information their whiskers provide to learn about nearby objects.

Cats use their whiskers to communicate if they’re happy and relaxed or not having a good time. Whiskers tell cats whether they can fit into tight spaces and also help them stay balanced; it’s one reason they can right themselves during falls.

Conclusion

Cats’ whiskers are incredibly sensitive, and each one sends sensory information directly to your pet’s brain. Cats can pick up on minute air currents that allow them to navigate low-light conditions and figure out where things are without relying on up-close vision.

Cats’ whiskers can be damaged by conditions that cause coat problems, including mange, fleas, vasculitis, and infections. Your cat’s whisker health is important, so speak with your veterinarian if you have concerns about this vital part of your feline’s body.

Featured Image Credit: Annette Meyer, Pixabay

The post Why Are My Cats Whiskers So Short? 7 Vet-Approved Reasons by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If your cat has regular access to the outdoors and likes to hang out in your backyard enjoying the sunshine, you may have left a bit of food outside for your buddy to enjoy, only to discover that slugs seem to have a soft spot for cat food!

You can do a few things to encourage slugs to head elsewhere for dinner, including keeping pet food bowls nice and clean and using barriers like water to prevent them from getting too close. Below, you’ll find seven tips to keep slugs away from your cat’s food bowl.

Before Getting Started

Slugs are mollusks that lack shells! They’re kind of like snails, just without shells. Several slug species like to hang out in gardens, and they can range in size from ¼ of an inch to several inches long. Slugs like to be active in warm, damp weather and prefer to stay underground until the sun drops. These hermaphroditic mollusks have male and female reproductive organs.

Slugs reproduce by exchanging sperm, which then goes to the other party’s storage organ, and they identify appropriate mates using smell and behavior. Slugs are incredibly valuable contributors to the ecosystems where they hang out. They encourage the decomposition of organic matter and provide food for wildlife such as toads, birds, and hedgehogs!

The 7 Ways to Keep Slugs Away From Cat Food

Although slugs are amazing creatures, most cats would prefer for the mollusks to spend their time snacking on things other than their food! Here are a few ways to keep slugs at a distance.

1. Wash the Bowls

Slugs are attracted to organic matter, and they’re so valuable ecologically because they facilitate decomposition by eating rotting organic material. When pet food sits out, it can attract all sorts of creatures, from flies to slugs. Bacteria can have a field day in cat food that remains out for more than just a few hours.

Use soap and water to ensure your pet’s food bowl gets squeaky clean, and consider sticking with options that are less likely to hold onto smells, such as stainless steel or ceramic products.

2. Use Copper Tape

A strip of copper tape applied to the outside of your cat’s bowl may make dining on cat food slightly less interesting for slugs. Copper gives a slug a harmless but unpleasant electric shock so copper tape appears to encourage them to turn tail and move away.

It’s a non-toxic option that can protect your cat’s food bowl while at the same time allowing biodiversity to flourish. Copper tape is usually easy to find in gardening and home improvement stores, and it’s generally inexpensive and easy to use.

3. Put Your Cat’s Bowl in Water

Slugs like moist material but tend to avoid slithering through the water to get where they want to go. Putting your pet’s food bowl inside a larger receptacle filled with water can create a barrier that most slugs won’t be willing to cross for a cat food snack.

4. Use Vaseline

A layer of Vaseline applied to the exterior of your cat’s bowl can make it difficult for slugs to grab hold and climb up for dinner. They’ll slide right off when trying to latch onto the sides of the bowl. Vaseline has the added benefit of being non-toxic to pets, so your cat will likely be fine if they take a lick of it.

5. Encourage Natural Predators to Come By

Slugs have several natural predators, so you have lots of help when it comes to keeping the mollusks under control. Magpies, hedgehogs, blackbirds, and toads all like to dine on slugs.

Encouraging the predators to come for a visit and stay awhile can be fantastic and natural slug control! However, it’s best to clean your cat’s bowl as soon as they finish eating to prevent the animals from sampling the cat food. You can set up bird feeders away from your cat’s bowl to attract birds to your yard.

6. Move Slug-Attracting Plants to Containers

Slugs are particularly interested in certain types of plants, including dahlias, hostas, and tulips. When it comes to vegetables, they usually like to snack on leafy greens like lettuce, beans, and peas.

Simply moving these plants into containers and placing the pots in saucers of water can discourage slugs from slithering through your garden for dinner, which may help reduce the number vying for a taste of your cat’s food.

7. Be Thoughtful About Using Slug Pellets

Because slugs play such an important role in ecosystem maintenance, using toxic products to get rid of them has a far-reaching impact, and slug pellets and poisons often contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats.

Beetles, birds, worms, and mammals such as hedgehogs and foxes dine on slugs, and they can consume toxins used for slug control. Once these poisons enter the food chain, they can kill small mammals and birds that consume too many poisoned slugs.

Slug pellets featuring the toxic metaldehyde are now banned in the United Kingdom but are still available in many places. Metaldehyde can be extremely toxic not only to wildlife but also to pets like cats and dogs. Signs of poisoning include muscle tremors, anxiety, and a fast heart rate. Other signs include vomiting, hyper-salivation, and stomach pain.

Conclusion

When cat food is left outside, it can become a slug magnet, but there are several steps you can take to keep the mollusks away from your buddy’s lunch. Regularly washing your cat’s bowl can substantially reduce the attraction factor, as can putting your cat’s bowl in a moat of sorts.

Copper tape and Vaseline are other options that sometimes convince slugs to go elsewhere. Encouraging slugs’ natural predators to hang out in your backyard or garden allows biodiversity to flourish and may be just the thing to keep your cat’s food from being shared by resident slugs. Remember that many commercial slug killers contain chemicals that can be toxic to cats, birds and other wildlife, so more environmentally friendly methods should be used where possible.

Featured Image Credit: Patric Froidevaux, Shutterstock

The post How to Keep Slugs Away From Cat Food: 7 Vet-Approved Tips by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If your cat’s stomach is making odd noises, you may be wondering what’s going on and what causes it. Stomach gurgles are often totally normal — they’re often just the sounds caused by everyday feline digestive processes, but these noises can also be an indication that something more serious is going on, particularly when accompanied by other signs of illness such as lack of appetite, lethargy or vomiting.

Cats that appear to be feeling under the weather and who have gurgling stomachs should always be seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later, and reach out to your veterinarian if your cat doesn’t eat for more than a day or so. Keep reading to learn more about eight reasons why your cat’s stomach may be gurgling.

The 8 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat’s Stomach is Gurgling

1. Normal Digestion

Veterinarians call these tummy rumbles borborygmi. They’re often normal and just part of how cats digest food. Stomach gurgling is the sound associated with fluids and gasses passing through the digestive system. These sounds usually appear within a few hours of the pets’ last meals.

Probiotics and prebiotics may help cats with digestive issues, and commercial diets are available for cats with sensitive stomachs. Speak with your veterinarian before changing what your cat eats or adding any supplements to their diet.

2. Food Allergies

Food allergies can occur in cats, and when they occur, signs often include itchy skin, excessive ear wax, and stomach problems. Proteins such as beef, chicken, and fish are common triggers.

There may be a genetic component to allergies, as many cats who suffer from food sensitivities also react to environmental triggers. Ultimately, veterinarians aren’t entirely sure what determines which cats will have allergies. However, elimination diets are used to identify what causes the allergy.

3. Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancers can occur in cats in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Most of these have complex causes and risk factors that are not fully understood. Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased borborygmus as cats digest food.

4. Pancreatitis

The pancreas makes enzymes that help cats digest food and manage blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that can occur suddenly or develop over time. Signs of acute pancreatitis include loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Signs often come and go when cats are dealing with chronic pancreatic problems.

5. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when cats’ bodies produce too much thyroid hormone and is generally caused by benign tumors. The condition could be linked to dietary issues or chemical exposure, and it’s generally seen in older cats.

Signs can include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased appetite. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and blood tests. Treatment options are varied but radioactive iodine therapy tends to be quite successful.

6. Foreign Body Ingestion

Non-food items that cats get into and eat can sometimes get stuck in their digestive tracts, which can lead to gastrointestinal blockages. The most common signs include not eating, vomiting, and withdrawal. These blockages can lead to life-threatening obstructions if they’re not removed by a veterinarian.

7. Hairballs

Hairballs are formed when the fur ingested during grooming gets stuck in their digestive tracts instead of passing along as poop. Hairballs often look like tubes of wet fur, and mucus sometimes surrounds them. It’s often more of a problem with longhaired cats, though pets that overgroom due to stress or allergies can end up with their fair share of hairballs. Frequent hairballs should be discussed with your cat’s veterinarian.

8. Upset Tummy

Sometimes, cats manage to get into things that don’t agree with them, which can lead to tummy problems. Cats that eat a new brand of food can sometimes have difficulty with a particular ingredient. Eating food that’s started to spoil can also cause cats to have tummy problems.

Leftover food should be disposed of to prevent those sorts of issues. Dry food can remain in the bowl longer, but wet food should be removed after an hour at room temperature. Food bowls should be washed after every use, and water bowls should be cleaned daily. Parasites can also cause cats to have stomach issues.

Conclusion

Cats’ stomachs can gurgle for several reasons, from normal digestion to serious illness, but it’s often part of cats’ normal digestion. Cats showing signs of illness, such as lethargy and lack of appetite, should always be seen by a veterinarian, as they often hide indications of illness, making it critical to follow up on these general indicators that they may not be feeling well. Probiotics and food formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs may help minimize gurgling in some cats.

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Featured Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock

The post Why Is My Cat’s Stomach Gurgling? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Rotisserie chicken is a delicious and versatile food that many humans regularly consume. Just the smell of fresh, warm rotisserie chicken brings most cats running, but is it okay for cats to eat?

While plain chicken is a healthy protein that’s fine for cats to enjoy occasionally, rotisserie chicken is often high in sodium and other seasonings, which aren’t great for cats to consume in excess, if at all. This means rotisserie chicken should not be given to cats.

Wait, Rotisserie Chicken Has Lots of Salt?

Rotisserie chickens are usually injected with a solution that contains salt and sometimes sugar. Companies have a unique way of preparing these products; some featuring more salt than others. Some rotisserie chickens have more than 500 mg of sodium in just one 3-ounce serving.

Although cats do need sodium as part of their diet, those requirements are generally met by feeding them a nutritionally balanced diet. Anything in excess of this is unnecessary, and could even be harmful.

But Cats Eat Chicken All the Time!

Cats are carnivores; in the wild, they primarily eat animals like mice, birds, and other small mammals. Their bodies are optimized for digesting protein from animal sources to obtain nutrients.

Protein is at the top on the feline list of nutritional requirements, and chicken is a reasonable choice for most cats, making it one of the most common ingredients used in commercial cat foods. The problem isn’t in the chicken per se, but in all the extras that are added when preparing it rotisserie style.

Plain chicken can be a healthy treat for your cat, but it should not replace their regular food because it does not contain all the nutrients they require. You can cook chicken by boiling or baking, removing any bones, and giving your cat’s small bites as an occasional treat.

Plain, boneless and skinless turkey is another relatively healthy option that most cats can enjoy as a treat. Be sure to talk to your vet before adding any foods to their diet to make sure you are giving healthy choices in proper quantities, particularly if your cat is on a special diet or has any health conditions.

What About Rotisserie Chicken Skin?

Rotisserie chicken skin is an absolute no-no. It’s really high in fat and is often seasoned with spices that can make cats quite sick. High-fat foods can lead to upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats, and if fed regularly, can lead to weight gain.

Depending on the recipe, the skin may be rubbed with garlic or onion powder before cooking to add a touch of flavor. Garlic and onions are toxic to cats, particularly in powdered form, and can make them extremely sick in surprisingly small amounts.

What Sorts of Human Foods Can Cats Eat?

You can treat your cat to “human” food in several ways. Make sure to restrict the amount of treats your buddy gets to less than 10 percent of their diet to keep them nice and fit!

Eggs

Cats can eat eggs as long as they’re prepared in safe ways. The same rules generally apply when preparing all “human” foods for cats: keep the recipes as simple as possible, avoid adding ingredients, and avoid cooking in fats and oils. A healthy adult cat can safely enjoy a nibble or two of an unsalted, hard boiled egg or a tiny bite of plain scrambled eggs.

Meat and Fish

Just because rotisserie chicken is off the menu, that doesn’t mean that we can’t offer our cats some plain chicken and other meats. As mentioned above, plain, boiled chicken can be a very popular treat for our feline friends, as can small portions of other types of plain cooked meat. Just avoid fatty cuts, smoked, cured, or salted products.

Canned tuna in spring water is another tasty option that will drive your kitty crazy. Avoid any fish kept in oil or other flavors, and never feed your cat raw fish; it can contain bacteria or parasites.

Vegetables

Many, but not all, vegetables are safe for cats to eat. Plain pumpkin and sweet potatoes are also okay as special occasion goodies, and can even help with digestive health.

FAQ’s

What if my cat eats rotisserie chicken?

If your cat manages to steal (or even sweet talk) a piece of your rotisserie chicken, it is unlikely that they will suffer any major problems, unless they have particularly sensitive stomachs, or if they manage to eat a large amount. Monitor them closely over the next 24 hours for any signs of gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If these signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, you should make an appointment with your vet.

If your cat manages to eat a large amount of rotisserie chicken (more than ¼ of a chicken), you should contact your vet for advice, particularly if they have eaten any bones. Eating a large, fatty, and salty meal could lead to severe, acute gastrointestinal distress, liver problems, or pancreatitis, and ingesting cooked bones could result in damage to the intestines or even choking.

Can cats be allergic to chicken?

Food allergies and intolerances are a fairly uncommon issue in cats, but they can occur. Food allergies often take time to emerge, so cats can develop reactions to foods that they haven’t had problems with in the past. Proteins such as chicken and beef are some of the most common triggers of feline food allergies. Signs of feline food allergies include itchy skin, frequent ear infections, and sometimes gastrointestinal problems.

How are food allergies diagnosed in cats?

Diagnosing food allergies can be quite tricky. It usually involves following a special elimination diet and reintroducing ingredients to see if there’s a reaction. Special hypoallergenic diets and allergy testing are available as well.

How are food allergies treated in cats?

Managing the condition usually involves avoiding the food that causes problems. Allergies can’t be cured, so the goal is largely to prevent exposure to what causes reactions. This may include special allergy or novel protein diets. For this reason, you should avoid feeding your cat a huge array of different protein types. Variety may be the spice of life, but the more different types of meat that are included in your cat’s regular menu, the fewer options there will be if we ever need to switch them to a novel protein diet.

Conclusion

Rotisserie chicken shouldn’t be intentionally given as a treat to cats. However, most healthy adult cats will be fine if they happen to snatch a bite or two. Just be sure to monitor them for signs of digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if they nab more than a couple bites or ingest some of the skin. Contact your vet if your cat is showing severe signs or signs that last longer than a couple of days.

Rather than rotisserie chicken, you may treat your cat to the occasional bit of plain, cooked chicken breast. Just be sure to keep treats as an occasional food and not part of their regular diet.

Featured Image Credit: Liudmyla Chuhunova, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Eat Rotisserie Chicken? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Queens occasionally reject kittens who appear to be ill or spend less time caring for weaker ones when they have particularly large litters and not enough milk to provide adequate nourishment for all their babies. Mother cats sometimes stop giving their kittens attention but can also actively attack them, for a variety of reasons.

Once kittens get older, the reasons mother cats may go on the attack vary from teaching boundaries to weaning. Contact your veterinarian for advice if you become concerned about your cat’s behavior or the kittens’ welfare. Keep reading to learn more about four possible reasons mother cats attack older kittens.

The 4 Reasons a Mother Cat May Attack Their Older Kittens

1. Weaning

When cats are born, they’re dependent on their mothers for nutrition. As kittens age, their mothers encourage them to eat regular food by pushing them away when they want to cuddle up and nurse.

The process can continue until cats are entirely weaned, and most kittens need about 6-8 weeks before they’re fully weaned. If your cat appears to be reacting assertively, specifically when her older kittens approach to nurse, there’s likely nothing to be worried about as it’s probably just part of the natural weaning process.

2. Teaching Boundaries

Cats sometimes react aggressively when things become too heated during playtime. Mother cats are primarily responsible for teaching their babies how to interact with and get along with other cats and navigate the world. Cats often growl, bite, and use aggression to tell their feline friends it’s time to back off.

If your cat is biting or hitting her kittens when they get carried away while playing, she’s likely teaching them their boundaries. The mother and her kittens usually calm down after she disciplines them.

3. Redirected Aggression

Scared cats sometimes attack people and animals that have nothing to do with what’s upsetting them. For instance, a cat who is upset with the family dog may attack the nearest bystander instead of the dog; it’s called redirected aggression and can also be triggered by things your cat sees happening outside.

If your cat reacts aggressively toward her kittens after a showdown with another pet, it may be redirected aggression. Allowing cats the time and space to calm down is critical when it comes to controlling this sort of behavior.

4. Pain

Cats often hide signs they’re not feeling well; it’s an adaptation that helped them survive in the wild. It’s notoriously difficult to identify signs of illness in cats, as they’re often subtle and marked by minor changes. Cats that aren’t feeling well often withdraw and lose interest in interacting with people they usually want to spend every minute with, and they can even lash out when feeling particularly under the weather.

Some bite and become aggressive when painful parts of their bodies are touched. If your cat generally appears to be lethargic or you’ve observed other behavioral changes, make an appointment with your vet to ensure nothing else is going on that could be causing the behavior.

Conclusion

Mother cats can become aggressive toward older kittens for several reasons, including setting limits and weaning. Pain can also motivate this sort of behavior. Mother cats can go on the offensive when kittens’ play becomes a bit too enthusiastic.

Getting rid of stressors and ensuring cats have comfortable environments that meet their needs can often go a long way toward reducing overly assertive behavior in pets. Keep in mind that punishing cats for aggressive conduct makes the situation worse. Cats showing signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or withdrawal, should always be seen by a veterinarian so that they can be diagnosed and treated.

See also:

• Why Is My Cat Making a Vibrating Noise? Vet-Approved Explanation
• Cat Litter Safety: A Vet-Approved Guide

Featured Image Credit: Volodymyr Plysiuk, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Mother Cats Attack Their Older Kittens? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

While cats make excellent pets who bring love and companionship into our lives, they have specific requirements, such as toys and cat litter. Choosing the right cat litter can take a bit of research.

Traditional products such as clay and silica gel litters are tried and true choices that have been around for a while, but there are also biodegradable options made from materials such as wood, paper, and tofu. So, what is cat litter made of? There isn’t a simple answer to the question due to the variety of choices on the market, but you can keep reading to learn more about nine popular types of cat litter.

Types of Cat Litter

1. Clay Litter

Clay litter comes in two varieties: clumping and non-clumping. Both are easy to find and affordable, and they typically do a nice job of absorbing urine and smells. When moisture hits clumping litter, hard clumps are formed, which you can scoop out so urine doesn’t have to sit in your cat’s litter box, which can go a long way toward keeping odors under control. With non-clumping options, changing the litter box and discarding the litter is the only natural way to get rid of accumulated urine.

Clay litter has a few drawbacks; it’s often quite heavy, so it can be a challenge to carry. It also is a bit dusty. Cats can track clay litter through the house, making regular sweeping or vacuuming a necessity. Unfortunately, clay litter is not environmentally friendly since it’s not biodegradable.

2. Silica Gel Litter

Silica gel litter is a popular alternative to traditional clay options. These products usually weigh less than clay litter and are good at soaking up urine and trapping smells. The feces must be scooped out daily, and the remaining litter must be raked or stirred.

Silica gel litters typically produce less dust than clay and can be good choices if you or your cat have dust sensitivities, but they are often prone to tracking. Silica litters aren’t biodegradable, so they may not be at the top of your list if environmental friendliness is one of your must-haves for cat litter. They’re also more expensive than clay litter.

3. Wheat Litter

Wheat litter delivers natural clumping action in non-toxic, environmentally friendly packages. They also provide natural odor control, but there are several scented products available as well.

Wheat weighs less than many of the other products on the market. They usually don’t create much dust, and what tracing there is tends to be minimal. Some sources suggest that bugs may be attracted to the smell of wheat litter.

4. Tofu Litter

Tofu litter comes in pellets and typically has surprisingly good natural odor control, and it also naturally clumps to make it easy to keep smells under control. It can develop mold if exposed to moisture and improperly stored. It needs to be kept somewhere cool and dry.

It’s a plant-based, biodegradable option that also performs pretty well regarding tracking and dust production. It lasts for a reasonably long time, but it can be a bit on the expensive side.

5. Wood Litter

Wood litter generally comes in shavings and pellets. Both clumping and non-clumping products are available, and there are options featuring natural odor control and scented formulas.

Shaved products are incredibly soft, but they can be prone to tracking. Wood litter isn’t terribly dusty and is a good choice for people and pets with allergies and sensitivities to dust. The wood can come from a variety of sources; some brands use wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, and others use reclaimed wood.

6. Corn Litter

Corn litter is a popular alternative to clay and silica products. It clumps like a charm, making it incredibly easy to scoop out urine. It also provides built-in odor control. It’s non-toxic and biodegradable, so it may be worth considering if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly product. While corn litters are usually excellent low-dust options, they are easy for cats to track around the house.

7. Pine Litter

Pine litter is available in clumping and non-clumping options and usually comes in pellets. It often has a strong scent, which some people and cats may find a bit too much, but it’s also an effective natural odor minimizer. It doesn’t produce much dust or track excessively. Some pets need time to adjust to the product’s texture. It’s biodegradable and often considered more environmentally friendly than types. Many pet parents find this non-toxic option to be quite affordable as well.

8. Walnut Litter

Walnut litter is made of ground walnut shells, and there are clumping and non-clumping products available. The walnut shells provide natural odor protection, but scented products are available for those looking for something extra in the odor control department.

Walnut litters generally don’t produce much dust and can be reasonably good for tracking. They’re eco-friendly choices since they’re biodegradable and sustainable.

9. Paper Litter

While paper products are often soft on cats’ paws, they don’t clump, so keeping the litter box smelling fresh sometimes requires extra effort. On the other hand, paper litters don’t track much, and they produce less dust than other types.

Many brands are made from recycled paper. They’re biodegradable and excellent options if you’re looking for something sustainable. Odor control can sometimes be a challenge with paper litter, but scented products are available to help with the smell.

Cat Litter and the Environment

Pets have a substantial environmental impact through the food they eat, the waste they produce, and how their waste is disposed of. Cat litter in landfills has a steep environmental cost, given the number of companion cats and the amount of litter bought and disposed of by pet parents.

Clay and silica gel litters aren’t biodegradable, so not only do they end up in landfills, but they sit there for a long time. Strip mining, which can lead to environmental erosion, is often used to source the clay in cat litter.

Quartz, which must be mined and is technically non-renewable, is needed to make silica products. Silica cat litter has a pretty high carbon footprint. Litter made from tofu and wheat breaks down naturally over time, and those made with products like reclaimed wood and recycled paper that give existing materials a new life typically have lighter environmental impacts than clay and silica products.

What’s the Best Way to Transition to a New Cat Litter

Cats can be particular about their litter. Giving them time to adjust to new options is a good idea. One way to make the change is to mix the old and new products in the box and slowly lower the amount of the old litter while adding more of the new product until you end up with just the new litter.

Alternatively, you can buy a second litter box, fill it with the type you’d like to transition to, and place it near your cat’s old litter box. If your cat starts using the new litter on their own, give them time to get comfortable before removing the old litter box.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal litter depends on your cat’s preferences and your environmental concerns. Clay litter is easy to find and is available in clumping and non-clumping options. Silica products deliver exceptional odor control and generally don’t require much attention to keep clean. However, clay and silica products aren’t great for the environment or biodegradable.

Several biodegradable and sustainable products are made from wood, recycled paper, and soy. If you decide to switch your cat to another litter, make sure to transition slowly to give your buddy time to adjust.

Featured Image Credit: Anciens Huang, Shutterstock

The post What Is Cat Litter Made Of? Types Explained (With Pictures) by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Click to skip ahead:

• Dangers of Inbreeding
• Prevention

Inbreeding involves the mating of relatives, and it’s often done to select for physical traits when breeding pedigree cats e.g Siamese points. It also happens among unaltered, related domestic cats left to their own devices and in feral cat colonies with few mating opportunities.

Unaltered sibling and half-sibling domestic cats who live together will  mate when subjected to the potent combination of hormone-driven instincts and limited access to potential mates.

Why Is Inbreeding Considered Bad?

Inbred cats have less diverse genomes and as a result are more likely to express specific traits. Allowing close relatives, both of whom may have a genetic defect to breed, increases the chance of that genetic defect coming to light in their offspring.

Genetic Disorders and Breed-Specific Conditions

Inbred animals sometimes suffer from genetic disorders and are often prone to developing inherited diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Sphynx and Maine Coon cats, and amyloidosis, which can lead to liver and kidney failure in Siamese cats.

Pedigree cats are at increased risk for breed-specific health conditions because they (by definition) have gene pools that have been narrowed by inbreeding.

Immune System and Reproductive Issues

Serious and persistent inbreeding can result in sickly cats with compromised immune systems and reproductive problems including decreased fertility, small litter sizes,  birth defects ¹ and high newborn kitten mortality rates.

What About Other Species?

Inbreeding doesn’t just affect domestic cats. Lack of genetic diversity almost drove Florida panthers to extinction as their small population numbers in the ‘80s and ‘90s led to such genetic homogeneity that the cats often had low sperm counts, kinked tails, heart defects, and undescended testicles.

The population grew from a low of 20 to 30 individuals to around 200 ² after the introduction of new panther blood from Texas that expanded the genetic pool. Eventually, many of the physical defects associated with inbreeding, such as kinked tails and heart problems, decreased.

How Much Inbreeding Is Ok?

Coefficients of inbreeding (COIs) provide a scientific way to measure and describe how much genetic overlap exists in potential matings. Brother-sister and parent-child pairings have COIs of 25% ³. Cats born to two completely unrelated parents generally have COIs of 0%. Half-sibling, aunt-nephew, uncle-niece, and grandparent-grandchild matings usually produce kittens with COIs of 12.5%.

Higher inbreeding coefficients often result in increased neonatal death and stillbirth rates. According to the Grand Council of the Cat Fancy, inbreeding coefficients lower than 10% are considered ideal ⁴, and coefficients between 10% and 20% are acceptable. COIs of 20 to 25% represent a close mating and are  at the far end of what this organization suggests many breeders consider acceptable.

The organization generally only allows offspring of parent-child and full sibling matings to be enrolled on the non-active register due to concerns about the health consequences of such close pairings.

How Has Genetic Testing Helped?

Many conditions can now be identified through genetic testing, which can be used to identify carriers of potentially problematic genes and exclude those individuals from breeding programs.

Scientists fully sequenced the feline genome for the first time in 2007 ⁵, and there are currently several tests for conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Genetic testing has largely been responsible for the massive decline in PKD in Persian cats and is also being used to reduce the risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats. Other genetic tests available are for gangliosidosis and for spinal muscle atrophy (SMA). Genetic testing can also identify traits like coat color and length potential.

Are There Ways to Keep Cats from Inbreeding?

Spaying and neutering eliminates the risk of inbreeding since it prevents cats from reproducing. You can speak with your veterinarian about the best time to neuter or spay your buddy, but the procedure can be done when kittens hit 6 to 8 weeks old. Cats typically reach sexual maturity when they’re around 4 months old, so having the surgery before then can prevent breeding entirely.

If spaying or neutering your cats isn’t an option, consider sticking with same-sex pairs, including any siblings you adopt. In homes with unaltered male and female cats, isolating queens in heat is often the only way to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Are There Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Cats?

Spaying and neutering cats is fundamental for feline population control. Every year, about 3.2 million cats end up in shelters across the USA, and many of those who aren’t adopted end up being euthanized. Spaying and neutering also helps prevent the feral cat population from increasing.

Reduces Undesirable Behavior

Neutering also helps reduce hormone-driven behavior in male and female cats. Neutered male cats tend to be less aggressive and often mark less. They also tend to roam less and therefore are less at risk of road traffic accidents, fights with other cats and contracting infectious diseases (such as FIV).  Intact female cats go into heat about every 3 weeks and often become quite vocal and affectionate. Many indoor cats become obsessed with finding ways to get outside to find mating opportunities.

Reduces Risks of Health Conditions

Spaying cats also comes with health benefits such as reducing or eliminating the risk of developing certain types of cancer and infections.  Sexually intact cats have a seven-fold increased risk for mammary tumors compared to spayed cats.  Spaying a cat eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer and prevents cats from developing pyometra, a painful uterine infection that usually requires surgery.

Are There Disadvantages to Spaying and Neutering Cats?

Spayed and neutered cats can sometimes gain weight, but it likely has to do with a mismatch between their caloric needs and actual intake. Altered cats appear to require fewer calories than pets who haven’t been spayed or neutered. A 10-pound altered cat may need around 261 calories per day to meet their nutritional and energy needs, while an unaltered cat of the same size would require close to 305 calories per day.

Extra attention to your spayed and neutered pets’ consumption can help prevent weight gain over time, which can lower their chances of developing obesity-related health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Recovery from neutering surgery usually takes about 1 week for male cats but can extend to 2 weeks for female cats.

Conclusion

Inbreeding occurs when two closely related individuals mate and have offspring. Because it results in reduced genetic diversity, it can result in kittens with physical deformities and health issues, but it’s also used to breed cats with specific physical and temperamental traits.

All pedigree cats are essentially inbred in order to maintain the breed standards. Many breeders are now using genetic testing to reduce the occurrence of breed-specific conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine Coon cats. Domestic and feral cats breed with relatives, particularly when they don’t have access to genetically unrelated potential mates, but female cats are thought to naturally avoid pairing off with close relatives when possible.

Featured Image Credit: Thomas B., Pixabay

The post Do Cats Inbreed? Vet-Reviewed Dangers & Why It’s Bad by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cats are born hunters, and it’s natural for them to pursue and catch prey such as mice. If your cat just consumed a mouse, you may be wondering if you need to be concerned. What if your buddy ate a mouse that was poisoned? Cats can eat mice, and they often do when given access to the outdoors.

If your cat has eaten one mouse that you suspect may have been poisoned, there’s likely little to worry about; cats must consume several poisoned rodents to become sick from rodenticide exposure. This type of poisoning is called secondary or relay poisoning and is more common in cats that subsist on a diet of rodents, namely outdoor cats with access to several mice in areas where rodent-killing chemicals are commonly used.

Just because it’s natural for cats to hunt and eat mice, it doesn’t mean it can’t cause problems. Rodents often carry parasites and bacteria and some of which can lead to health complications in cats and their human companions. It is very important, therefore, that your cat is on a robust anti-parasite medication, as advised by your veterinarian. The frequency may vary depending on how much of a hunter your cat is.

What Are the Diseases Carried by Mice

Like all mammals, mice often carry parasites. When a cat consumes a mouse,  they can become infected with these parasites.

Mice can also carry bacterial infections that can pass onto cats that predate them.

Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis infections can be serious and require immediate evaluation and treatment. Cats that regularly play outdoors often benefit from regular deworming, as it can be difficult to tell if a cat has a parasitic infection based on physical signs alone.

Why Do Indoor Cats Kill and Eat Mice?

It’s instinctual. Mice and other small mammals are part of a cat’s natural diet, and they have never had a good reason to get rid of their natural tendency to chase small creatures. The cat’s mouse-catching prowess is largely what brought people and cats together in the first place!

How Can I Discourage My Cat From Giving Me Dead Mice as Gifts?

It’s common for cats with access to the outdoors to bring home dead rodents for humans to find. No one is quite sure why cats engage in this sort of behavior but there are a number of theories.

So, how can we use that information to reduce the number of dead mice on your doorstep?

Limit Outdoor Access

Cats with regular outdoor access have more chances to catch prey, such as birds and mice. Keeping pets indoors at dawn and dusk when prey species are most active can go a long way toward minimizing the number of birds and small mammals they kill, bring home, or consume.

Catios provide cats with a safe, enclosed area where they can enjoy the sights and sounds of the local birds and squirrels while at the same time limiting their ability to prey on them. However, some cats find being unable to carry out their natural hunting behaviors stressful, so it is important to ensure your cat isn’t showing any signs of stress e.g. inappropriate toileting, cystitis or over-grooming. Speak to your vet if you are concerned your cat is suffering from any stress-related problems.

Provide Lots of Toys

Giving your cat several toys to play with and engaging in short but frequent play sessions with toys that closely resemble natural prey animals may provide an alternative outlet for your cat’s natural predatory drive.  You can play with wand toys to stimulate their hunting instincts and they can enjoy the thrill of the chase without tormenting small rodents.

Importance of diet

Provide a high-quality, well balanced diet to reduce the hunger drive to hunt.  Cats enjoy variety in their diets so add in new foods now and then if possible. Feeding small meals throughout the day and night mimics the cat’s natural feeding pattern. Timed feeders can be helpful with this.

Conclusion

While watching your cat devour a mouse may not be pleasant, there’s probably no reason to panic. Rodents are part of a cat’s natural diet, so it makes sense for them to pursue and eat them. If your cat has eaten a rodent that you suspect died from poison ingestion, there are unlikely to be any complications, but you can always call your vet to have a discussion with them about the number of mice eaten and the type of poison they might have had for peace of mind.

Secondary rodenticide poisoning is extremely rare in cats that seldom eat mice and is more likely seen in cats that hunt for all their food i.e. feral or farm cats.  While mice are part of the natural feline diet, they are also a  significant source of parasites and less commonly bacteria that can cause health complications.  If your cat is a frequent mouse eater, it is very important that they are wormed monthly, with a robust and effective anti-parasite medication. Make sure you speak to your veterinarian to ensure your cat is covered appropriately.

Featured Image Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin, Shutterstock

The post My Cat Ate a Mouse: Vet-Approved Dangers & Prevention by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Bagels are delicious breakfast staples enjoyed by people around the world. To create this wondrous deliciousness, bakers make dough, let it rise, and then shape it into bagels. The rounds are then boiled and baked. But can cats eat bagels? Plain bagels without butter or other toppings are okay for cats to eat, but only occasionally, since they don’t have the nutrients they need and are high in calories.

Click to skip ahead:

• Flavored Bagels Dangers
• Toppings Concerns
• Healthy Feline Diet
• Safe Human Food
• Commercial Treats Facts

What About Flavored Bagels?

Basic plain bagels generally have water, yeast, flour, salt, and a bit of sugar, but it’s also common to add other ingredients to dough mixtures, and that’s where you can run into trouble with cats.

Many popular flavored bagels, including cinnamon raisin, onion, garlic, everything, and chocolate chip, have ingredients that are toxic to cats. Onion and garlic can cause problems in surprisingly small amounts and should never be given to cats.

The only way to figure out if a particular bagel is okay for your pet to eat is to evaluate every ingredient for safety, but when purchasing a fresh bagel from a bakery, it can be challenging to determine precisely what it contains, which can make it hard to determine if it’s safe for your cat to eat.

Everything bagels, for instance, often have garlic and dried onions, making them off-limits to cats. The easiest way to keep cats safe is to avoid giving them human food to snack on.

What About Toppings Such as Cream Cheese?

A small bite of a bagel with regular cream cheese or butter is probably not going to hurt most healthy cats, but bagels are high in fat and calories and don’t belong in their diets.

Cats with difficulty digesting lactose may end up with upset tummies after eating bagels with cream cheese. Some felines can experience gastrointestinal issues if they consume too much fat, so moderation is crucial.

Maintaining a Healthy Feline Diet

Cats get all the minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients they require through their regular food, and treats should only make up about 10% of their total diet. To ensure cats are eating the right amount of healthy food and treats, it’s essential to figure out how much they really should be consuming to meet their health goals.

Calories Required for Healthy Cats

A healthy 10-pound neutered adult cat must eat around 260 calories daily ¹. Active pets and cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered often require more food to meet their energy requirements, while overweight pets may benefit from fewer calories and a bit more physical activity.

Your veterinarian can give you an idea of whether your cat’s weight is in the right range and tailored information about how many calories your buddy should be eating. Online calculators are also available that can do all the math for you.

Protein-Rich Food

Cats most efficiently process nutrients from meat, which means bagels don’t give cats what they need to thrive. Pet cats generally do best when eating protein-rich commercial pet food that ensures all their dietary requirements are being met.

Limiting Snacks and Treats

Felines that eat cat food, in addition to human food snacks and treats, get all their basic nutritional needs met but often consume too many calories, which can easily lead to weight gain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and other problems that can seriously impact their quality of life are often seen in cats that weigh too much.

Which Food Can I Share With My Cat?

Plain meat and fish are almost always hits with the feline set. Avoid adding salt, garlic, onions, sugar, or spices, and cook the meat or fish thoroughly and remove all bones before plating your cat’s treat.

Boiled eggs and steamed broccoli are also okay, but many cats simply don’t enjoy the taste of vegetables. Cats that don’t have trouble digesting milk often enjoy a bite or two of hard cheese.

What About Commercial Treats?

Commercial treats often have healthy ingredients, but they’re still treats and should only be enjoyed in moderation. You can buy treats with everything from duck to beef, and companies make treats in just about every texture imaginable, from crunchy to super smooth and creamy. Dental treats can help limit the buildup of tartar on cats’ teeth.

Keeping track of how many calories your cat has consumed is reasonably easy with commercial treats. The nutritional analysis is provided on the packaging, and they also have the added benefit of already coming in cat-sized portions.

Conclusion

Cats are obligate carnivores and need to get their nutrients from meat. However, a bite or two of a plain bagel won’t hurt most healthy adult cats. Bagels don’t provide cats with the vitamins and minerals they need to be healthy, and they have far more calories than they need, which can lead to weight gain and health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Many bagels are made with chocolate chips, garlic, onions, raisins, and chives which are toxic to cats. Evaluating each ingredient in the bagels and toppings individually is the only way to be sure they’re safe to share with your pet.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

The post Can Cats Eat Bagels? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.