since 30/10/00
PART 2
The Golden Rules:
* Let them eat undisturbed
* Try to feed in the same place, and at about the same time each day, cats are creatures of habit, and frequent changes can be upsetting to them
* Make sure their bowl is big enough so that their whiskers don't touch the sides (they don't like this). If your cat takes it's food out of the bowl, and then eats off the floor...this might be the cause
* Always have a bowl of fresh water available
There are a number of things that are either dangerous, or unhealthy for your cat when it comes to the their diet. Here is a list of the common "no-no's"
Onions....contain a chemical that has been shown to destroy red blood cells in cats and dogs, causing anaemia.
Don't feed them sugary foods, like candy or cake. This can lead to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes in older cats. Also chocolate and cocoa are toxic to cats, one chocolate bar can be enough to kill them. Darker / bitter chocolate is more dangerous.
Baby food....they may be our "babies", but they don't need baby food. Commercial baby foods often contain added onion powder to make them tastier to human babies, therefore it is best to avoid these (see above)
Fish, of course is good for cats, but don't feed them "people" tuna on a regular basis, as it is not a proper balanced food for them, and can therefore cause illness from a lack of nutritional elements. Tuna for us, usually comes packed in either oil or brine (salt water), neither of which puss needs more of! Instead feed them a good quaility tuna cat food, which has all the essential vitamins and minerals added.
Because "people" tuna is so strong in smell and flavour, sometimes cats get too used to this, and start to refuse to eat other foods....a situation you DON'T want, as most cats are fussy enough as it is!!
Raw fish in large quantities, can also cause vitamin deficiencies
Liver...you need to limit the amount to about once every two weeks, and always cooked, never raw. It can lead to an overdose of vitamin A. (I couldn't find a picture of liver...probably just as well really)
Avoid cows milk / cream / cheese. Most adult cats don't have the enzyme, lactase, that lets them digest dairy foods. This usually causes gastric upsets and diarrhoea. Use the "lactose free" cat milks that are available. Don't feed raw or undercooked eggs, due to the risk of salmonella. Raw egg whites can destroy some vitamins...leading to skin disorders. Cooked yolks, or scrambled eggs are OK.
A vegetarian diet is impossible for cats, they are carnivores and MUST have meat and/or fish.
Dog food: doesn't have added taurine (an amino acid) which is essential for cats' vision...but it is added to commercial cat foods. A diet of dog food can therefore cause blindness, and even lead to death from heart failure. It is not a problem if your kitty has the occassional few mouthfuls from the dog's bowl, but don't make it a regular component of their diet.
Coffee/tea/cola.....don't get your cat used to these, cats don't need caffiene
Alcohol....while I am FAIRLY sure that no-one reading this is stupid enough to give their cats alcohol, I included it just in case. It can quickly lead to coma in cats. If you have friends who think it is cute or funny to intoxicate your cat....get new friends. This is never funny, not even on one occassion.
So what is on the kitty menu? Well....cat food of course! There are a number of good cat foods, both dry and tinned. Try to give your cat a variety, don't just stick to one "flavour"...if they stop making it you'll be in big trouble!! Ask your vet to recommend some brands.
Cats are also notoriously "brand loyal", if you need to change her eating habits, mix a small amount of the new food into what she usually has, then gradually add more until she gets used to it.
WHICH PEOPLE FOODS ARE CAT SAFE?
* Plain cooked chicken (no bones), and red meat.

* Cooked liver, no more than once every 2 weeks

* Boiled vegetables...small amounts (no onion)

* Air popped popcorn...no butter or oil

* Cooked rice
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