Dan Cantero – Healthy Whiskers

What Your Cat’s Food Label Isn’t Telling You — And How to Choose Better

Dan Cantero — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:30:29 +0000

How to read cat food labels can feel confusing, even for experienced cat owners. Between words like “premium,” “natural,” and “grain-free,” it’s hard to know what actually matters for your cat’s health. As a cat lover who has had cats his whole life, I’m here to help you decode those cat food labels and understand what “complete and balanced” really means — so you can make confident choices for your feline friend.

As a cat lover who’s spent years caring for cats, I’ve seen how much difference the right diet makes. So let’s decode those cat food labels together — with science, compassion, and a few insider tips.

Why the AAFCO Statement Matters

Every quality cat food should display a nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

AAFCO doesn’t “approve” foods — but it sets the nutrient profiles and feeding trial standards manufacturers must meet before calling a food complete and balanced.

Look for one of these statements:

“Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles” – means the recipe’s nutrient levels were designed in line with AAFCO’s standards.
“Tested in AAFCO feeding trials” – even better! It means real cats ate this food and stayed healthy during testing.

Make sure the statement matches your cat’s life stage — kitten, adult maintenance, or all life stages.

If a food lacks an AAFCO statement, it might not provide essential nutrients like taurine, which cats need for heart and eye health. That’s a good reason to skip it.

How to Read the Ingredient List

Veterinarians often stress the importance of learning how to read cat food labels properly before choosing a brand

Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking. The first few items matter most.

Your goal: look for named animal proteins such as chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on meat for vital nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A.

Once you know how to read cat food labels, you’ll never fall for misleading packaging again

A few quick tips:

Meat meals (like “chicken meal”) often provide more protein than raw meats because they contain less water.
By-products aren’t always bad — they can include organ meats rich in nutrients.
Be cautious if you see vague terms (“animal protein”) or fillers (corn, wheat, soy) listed before any meat.

Understanding “Natural,” “Organic,” and “Grain-Free”

These marketing buzzwords can be confusing:

Natural: Means the ingredients come from plant or animal sources — but doesn’t guarantee better quality.
Organic: Must meet certified farming standards (no synthetic pesticides, etc.), but still needs to meet AAFCO nutrient requirements.
Grain-Free: Not automatically healthier. True grain allergies in cats are rare, and some grain-free diets swap grains for high-carb ingredients like peas or potatoes.

When to call your vet:

If your cat has persistent itching, vomiting, or digestive upset, talk to your vet before changing foods. A supervised elimination diet is the safest way to find the cause.

The Guaranteed Analysis & Calorie Count

The Guaranteed Analysis shows the minimum protein and fat and the maximum fiber and moisture.

Here’s a quick reference for most healthy adult cats (dry matter basis):

Protein: 30% or higher
Fat: 15–20%
Fiber: Under 5%

Also check the calorie content — usually listed as kcal per cup or per can. A typical indoor cat needs around 200–250 calories per day, depending on size and activity level.

If your cat gains or loses weight despite consistent feeding, that’s your cue to schedule a vet visit.

Additives, Preservatives, and Special Diets

Some preservatives, like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), are perfectly safe and help keep food fresh. What you want to avoid are artificial colors and vague chemical names.

If your cat has chronic conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, skip over-the-counter foods and ask your vet about prescription diets designed for those medical needs.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

AAFCO statement present and correct life stage

Named meat or fish listed first

Clear ingredient list, no vague “animal” terms

Balanced Guaranteed Analysis

Calorie information provided

Reputable brand with transparent sourcing

The Bottom Line

Once you know how to read cat food labels, you’ll see past the marketing and focus on what truly matters — nutrition, safety, and quality.

Your cat depends on you to make the best choices for them. By understanding what’s really in that bag or can, you’re not just feeding them — you’re keeping them healthy, active, and happy for years to come.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Cat

Dan Cantero — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:29:02 +0000

Cats are wonderful companions, but owning one is a long-term commitment that you need to be prepared for. It’s really important to understand what’s involved in cat ownership before making the decision. This guide covers the five most important things you need to know before bringing a cat into your life. So let me take you through the 5 things you need to know before getting a cat

1. Cats Are a Long-Term Commitment

Cats are a big responsibility and a long-term commitment. They can live for 15–20 years or more, which means you’ll be taking care of them for a big part of your life. Owning a cat isn’t just about having a cute pet to cuddle; it’s about making sure they’re happy and healthy every single day. This includes feeding them, grooming them to keep their fur nice, and spending time playing and interacting with them. Cats aren’t just independent—they still need love and care from you.

You also have to make sure your cat stays healthy by taking them to the vet regularly. This includes vaccines, check-ups, and getting treatment if they ever get sick or hurt. Vet visits and other costs, like food and litter, can add up, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the responsibility before getting a cat. If you’re prepared to care for them properly, a cat can be an amazing companion and a loyal friend for many years!

2. Expenses Add Up

Owning a cat can be expensive, so it’s important to know what to expect. At first, there are things you’ll need to buy, like a litter box, a carrier, and food and water bowls. If you’re adopting a cat, you might also have to pay an adoption fee. These are the upfront costs of bringing a cat home, but they’re just the beginning.

Once you have your cat, there are regular costs to think about, like food, litter, and toys. Cats also need vet check-ups, vaccines, and sometimes unexpected care if they get sick or injured, which can be pricey. To be a good cat owner, it’s important to plan for all these expenses so you can give your cat the care they deserve.

3. Cats Need Space and a Safe Environment

Cats need a safe and comfy home where they can relax and play. They love having hiding spots where they can feel safe and high spaces to climb and explore. It’s important to make sure your home has areas where your cat can do these things without feeling scared or stressed.

Before bringing a cat home, check for things that could hurt them, like toxic plants, small items they might swallow, or wires they could chew on. Move these things out of reach and create a space where your cat can feel safe and happy. A little preparation will help your cat settle in and feel at home!

4. Behavioral and Social Needs

Cats have natural behaviours like scratching, climbing, and playing. They need things like scratching posts, toys, and places to climb to stay happy and healthy. These activities aren’t just fun for them—they’re important for their physical and mental health.

Even though cats can be independent, they still need your time and attention. Playing with them and spending time together helps them feel loved and keeps them from getting bored. If you give your cat the care and interaction they need, they’ll be much happier and healthier.

5. Choosing the Right Cat for Your Lifestyle

Different breeds and personalities suit different households. Consider factors such as age (kitten vs. adult), activity level, and grooming needs. Adopting a cat from a shelter is a great way to find a companion while giving a pet in need a loving home.

Conclusion

Cats are amazing pets, but they need love, care, and attention to thrive. Before getting a cat, it’s important to understand what goes into being a responsible owner, from the long-term commitment and expenses to creating a safe home and meeting their needs. If you take the time to prepare and think about these things, you’ll be ready to give your cat the best life possible. In return, you’ll gain a loyal and loving companion who will bring you happiness for many years to come!

Why cats make great pets

Dan Cantero — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:04:18 +0000

If you have ever been a pet owner, you know exactly why cats make great pets. Time and time again we see stories about how cats can profoundly transform your life. Sure, cats can be a little moody and aloof at times, but there’s no denying their charm and loveable nature. Whether they’re snuggling in your lap or perched on top of a bookcase observing the world around them, cats are truly part of the family.

Companionship

Cats provide companionship, comfort and joy in ways humans often cannot. They make great housemates because they don’t need to be walked or taken out for playtime; instead they keep themselves entertained with scratching posts, toys and various other distractions. Cats also offer unconditional love – something we all need during difficult times.

Helpful and low maintenance

Beyond the emotional support they provide, having a cat as a pet has numerous advantages. They help control rodents (if you live in an area where that is an issue) and clean up after themselves by grooming regularly – no more smelly wet-dog syndrome! And if you have allergies to animals such as dogs or rabbits, opting for a hypoallergenic breed of cat such as the Russian Blues is a great option.

The perfect friend

For single folks or those just looking for extra companionship, cats make wonderful pets for providing love and comfort without taking up too much time or space. Although cats may not replace human interaction entirely, simply having one around can significantly improve your quality of life. Cats can even be trained! So if you’ve been considering adding some furry joy to your home, consider the advantages of having a pet cat and discovering for yourself why cats make great pets.

The Best Way to Train Your Cat (Including Tips and Tricks)

Dan Cantero — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 00:44:28 +0000

Do you have a cat that needs some training? Are you struggling to get your cat to do what you want? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Cats can be notoriously difficult to train, but with patience and the right techniques, it is definitely possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to train your cat. We will provide tips and tricks that will help you to achieve success. So, whether your cat is refusing to use the litter box or you just want them to stop scratching the furniture, we have got you covered!

One of the most important things to remember when training your cat is to be consistent. Just like with any other animal, cats respond best to consistent rules and routines. If you are trying to train your cat to use the litter box, for example, make sure that you always put them in the box when it is time for them to go to the toilet. If you only put them in the box sometimes, they will become confused and may start having accidents elsewhere in the house.

It is also important to use positive reinforcement when training your cat. This means rewarding them when they do something that you want them to do. For example, if you are trying to train your cat to scratch a scratching post instead of the furniture, give them a treat or some catnip every time they scratch the post. This will help them to associate scratching the post with something positive, and they are more likely to continue doing it. If you are having trouble getting your cat to do what you want, there are a few other things that you can try. Try associating sounds with things you want them to do.

My cat knows that when I tap on the cat food can with a spoon, it means they are going to get fed. This also works with words. Pick a simple word or sentence made up of around 3-4 syllables and speak in a rhythmic manner. We have one for treat time. She knows every time she hears that, it means she is going to get a treat.

You can also purchase an inexpensive clicker training kit that is designed to train cats. These are excellent as cats respond really well to them.

Cats also respond well to catnip. This is a herb that is related to mint, and it has a strong smell that cats love. You can use catnip to help train your cat in a few different ways. For example, you can sprinkle some catnip on the scratching post to encourage them to scratch there instead of your furniture. You can also put some catnip in the litter box to help encourage them to use it.

Our daughter has taught our cat to sit on command. She did this by holding on to a cat treat and repeating the word “Sit!” every 4 -5 seconds until she eventually sat down. Only then is the treat given to her. She did this over a period of a couple of weeks. Now, you just have to say the word “Sit!” and she will do it on command.

If you have a cat that is resistant to training you just need to continue the training a bit longer than expected. Some cats just take a little more time but they always get there.

The most important thing when training your cat is to have patience and always show them a positive attitude. Cats can sense negative energy so always keep it positive. Remember that they are very smart animals but they will take time to adapt and understand human instructions.

We hope that these tips will help you to train your cat successfully. Remember to be patient, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement, and you will see results in no time!

Do Cats Sense Negative Energy? The Truth about Cat Superpowers

Dan Cantero — Fri, 13 May 2022 00:51:30 +0000

There’s no doubt that cats are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. They have been worshipped as gods in some cultures, and many people believe they have supernatural powers. But do cats really possess special abilities that we don’t understand? Do cats sense negative energy in their environment? In this article, we will explore the truth about cat superpowers!

It’s often said that cats are the most intelligent animal on Earth and this is because they maintain a constant gaze, look at everything around them with great detail while also being observant enough to notice when something doesn’t seem quite right. This is one of the reasons why cats are such great hunters. They can sense when their prey is trying to hide or escape and they are quick to react.

But what about their ability to sense negative energy? Can cats really pick up on bad vibes in their environment? The answer is yes they can. Cats are very sensitive to their environment and will react negatively if they sense bad energy.

So, it’s a good thing to remember that if you’re ever feeling down or negative, just remember that your cat is probably picking up on those vibes and they will do their best to make you feel better!

So, Do Cats Sense Negative Energy?

Overall, cats are very good at reading the energy of any room probably better than most humans. Because cats are very observant creatures, they notice any change in behaviour which can include shouting and body movements that are out of character. Most cats, will adapt their response depending on what they sense. In the case of anger, they will tend to leave the area and find a safe a cosy place to retreat to.

The reaction that your cats has, will depend on a few different factors. Things such as the personality of the cat, the age of the cat and its environment, all play a part on how your cat will respond to negative energy but generally, they will do one of all of the following.

Different Ways a Cat Responds To Bad Energy

Run Away and Hide

This is the most common response that you will notice if a cat picks up on negative energy from someone or from its environment. The cat will quickly leave the area and find a safe place to hide. They will normally choose areas that are small and feel safe. They will also try to find places where they cannot be seen easily. This provides cats with a feeling of safety. It is quite common that they will remain in this spot for a considerable about of time before they feel safe enough to come out again. This mimics the behaviour of cats in the wild and it is hard wired as a survival mechanism. In some cases they will even cover their faces with their paw.

Agressive Hissing

If your cat reaches a point where they feel threatened, this is the most common response before it potentially attack. This is the most definitive way to tell that your cat is feeling threatened. At this point, the best thing to do is to leave your cat alone. They will go off and do their thing until they feel safe again. It is not recommended that you tried to comfort your cat by patting them when they are in this frame of mind. Doing so I will probably lead to the cat lunging out and scratching the person.

Comfort their human

This is probably one of the most impressive ways that the cat shows how sensitive they are to their environment. It is very common for a cat to enter the room of a crying child. They will often rub up against them as a show of affection to try and comfort them. In my case, I have experienced this multiple times when I daughter is upset.

Give you the cold shoulder

Just like us humans, cats also choose when they wish to be around humans or other pets. If the volume of your voice is too high or you tried to overhandle your cat too much, they may choose to stay away from you. In the case of our cat, she doesn’t like to be picked up. Our daughter on the other hand, loves to pick up our cat. Because of this, our cat tends to assume that any time our daughter walks towards her, she’s going to try and pick her up and therefore runs away.

Final Thoughts

Just like humans, cats have an innate ability to sense energy. This is something that they are born with and it’s very slight but can pick up even on subtleties most people would miss! Cats are also very good at remembering and noticing changes in behaviours of those around them. With all this information, they can accurately read the energy in the room or in person.

Just like our cats observe us, we should also observe them. This will give you a good indication of how your cat is feeling. You may be unintentionally doing something that your cat is interpreting as a negative. This is a clue that you should change your behaviour so that you don’t stress out your cat.

This may be raising your voice, sudden movements or other behaviour that you can’t interpret as negativity. When this happens, take the time to change your behaviour and spend a little time with your cat to ensure them that everything is okay. They will pick up on this and in turn, alter their behaviour. This will result in a happier cat.

Do you think cats have supernatural powers? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Kitty Litter Storage Ideas

Dan Cantero — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:41:13 +0000

If you’re a cat owner, then you know that kitty litter is a necessary evil. It’s not the most pleasant thing in the world to have to deal with, but it’s a fact of life when you have cats. One of the biggest challenges with kitty litter is figuring out how to store it so that it stays fresh and doesn’t get smelly. In this blog post, we will explore some kitty litter storage ideas and explain why each one is best for certain situations. We’ll also give you some tips on how to keep your kitty litter storage area clean and odour-free!

Kitty litter is usually supplied in large plastic bags. This packaging will do fine up to the point when you open the packaging. Once you open it, it’s best to store the kitty litter in an dedicated container. This will keep the kitty litter fresh for longer and prevent any odours from escaping. One of the things that kitty litter does, is absorb moisture and liquids and if the product is not stored correctly, it will start to absorb moisture from the environment where it is stored. The other thing to keep in mind is that kitty litter often smells. It is not a terrible smell but it’s also not a nice smell.

Lastly, if you’ve ever tried to store your kitty litter in the same bag it was sold in, you’ll know that it falls out and it gets everywhere! Kitty litter pallets are often cylindrical shaped which means that they roll under furniture and everywhere else.

Because of this, we recommend having a dedicated method for storing kitty litter to ensure it remains fresh and effective as well as tidy.

In this article I’m going to share with you some fantastic options for storing your kitty litter. Some of these solutions are specifically made for storing kitty litter and I’ll also share with you some DIY solutions that can work just as well. Everyone’s needs are different so just see which one of these would work best for you.

So with all that said, let’s explore each option in more detail so that you can decide which one is best for your needs.

Kitty Litter Storage Ideas

Option # 1

PetFusion BetterBin Portable Litter Storage Bin Container

Best suited for: Apartment and home owners with average storage space. Rolling handle and wheels make it easier to move around.

This is a great solution that checks all the boxes. Not only does it doe a great job at storing the kitty litter, but it is also has a pourer that allows you to easily pour the kitty litter easily. It has a large handle on the side that makes it really easy to refill your kitty litter tray and can hold enough kitty litter for several refills as well as a couple of complete changes. Overall, the container can hold 10gal.

Kitty litter can be heavy so having wheels is an extra bonus. The heavy wheels are large enough so that it should not be a problem to roll over carpet and it has an extendable handle to move it around with minimal effort. This is great if you are unable to store the kitty litter near the kitty litter tray.

If you are looking for the best solution then this is our recommendation for the best kitty litter storage solution.

Option # 2

Rice Storage Container

Best suited for: People with limited space such as small apartments.

This product is designed to be used with rice but it works great as a kitty litter storage solution. If is smaller than then the Petfusion product which may work better if you are a little tight with space.

This product is ideal if you can store it next to the kitty litter tray which makes it really practical to refresh your cat’s kitty litter tray. This product will hold 3.96gal which is not as big as the Petfusion but it still has sufficient capacity to store enough kitty litter for several refreshes and at least one full change.

Option # 3

Eagle 1654 Yellow Blow-Molded HDPE Salvage Drum

Best suited for: People with lots of storage space such as a garage. People who bulk purchase.

This is a great idea if you have plenty of space such as a garage where you can keep your kitty litter. Although not specifically designed for kitty litter, this product is in many ways, the best storage solution for kitty litter.

One of the best things about this product is it’s size. This product can hold 20 gallons which makes it a fantastic solution if you purchase kitty litter in bulk. Buying bulk often saves you money but it also requires that you store the kitty litter carefully. Because kitty litter an absorb moisture from the environment it is kept in, it can degrade over time. To prevent this, you should store the product in an air tight container. This is where this product has an advantage over the other two products. Because it can store so much more than the others, it is essential that the container is airtight because it is likely to be stored for a longer periods of time.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the goal is to store your cat’s kitty litter so that you can’t smell it, it is easy to access and that it is air tight to prevent moisture from getting into the product. There are many other ways to store it and it comes down to what works for you. We would love to hear of any other way that you may be using to store your cat’s kitty litter. Let us know in the comment section below.

Why do cats cover their face when they sleep?

Dan Cantero — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 06:23:48 +0000

So why do cats cover their face when they sleep?

Have you ever wondered why do cats cover their faces? Are they trying to look adorable or is it a favourite cat sleeping position? This is common behaviour with all cat. Just like us humans cats also have preferences in how they like to sleep and covering their face is one of them.

If you’ve ever used a face mask while sleeping, you will know the comfort it can give you resulting in a better sleep. A mask keeps light out and the gentle pressure on the eyes results in a “comforting” feeling. Cats also enjoy covering their faces for the same reasons as we do. In this article I’ll share with you why cats likes to do this so much.

Cats find covering their face really comfortable

Just like us humans, cats also have favorite positions when sleeping. Cats find covering their face while they sleep, really comfortable. Their legs and paws are long and soft thanks to their grooming which makes them the ideal cat eye mask. When cats lie on its side, they often bring their paws up. One paw will act like a pillow and the other naturally will cover their face. This is naturally comfortable position that cats really like.

A cat sleeping positions that makes them feel secure

We often refer to cats as hunters and predators. Sometimes, we forget that they also are prey. In the wild, cats are often hunted by a variety of other animals. Because of this, cats like to feel secure when sleeping. They will seek out places that feel safe to them and they will also assume a sleeping position they feel is the safest. It’s not known for sure why they like to cover their face but, if you look at it from a human perspective, we also like to cover our face when feeling exposed and probably so do cats too when they sleep. It seems to be one of cat sleeping positions that they really like. Children will often cover their face then they are scared. People will often feel the face is the most important part of the body to protect since it protects your vision, hearing and smell which are critical senses that help you stay alive. It may be that cats also realise the value of those senses.

Blocks out the light

Most animals are programmed to sleep at night. Even us humans, the lack of light promotes sleep. Just like when we wear a eye mask to keep the light out, cats also enjoy the sensation of a darker environment. This is not always possible so they bring their paws over their face to cover the light. Apart from their paws, they will also push their face under a cushion of find some nooks that they can cover their face with. If they are on your lap, they will often push their face up against you to get the same effect.

Keeps things quiet

It may look like they are only covering their eyes but, quite often they also cover their ears. This is to keep things quiet. Cats are super-sensitive to noises. They can be in a deep sleep and yet awaken and be on full hunting mode in a second once they hear a noise. When they are trying to keep the noise down, they will often push their face into or under a pillow or cushion. Basically, any position that either covers or folds their ears to cover them up.

It’s nice and warm

A sign of a healthy cat is when they have a wet nose. This means that they are hydrated and it indicates good health. Unfortunately, a wet nose can also mean a cold nose which can result in your cat feeling cold, so sometimes, a cat will cover their face by either using their paws over their nose, or push their face up against a blanket or cushion. If they are on your lap, they may even push their nose up against your skin to gather some of the warmth from you.

I cover my face because I’m so tired!

Even though cats look like they don’t do much during the day, they are actually quite active. While we sleep is when they are often the most active. We don’t get to see this of course because this is when we are asleep ourselves. Cats are very clean animals and self grooming is a big part of their personality. This can be exhausting for a cat. A cat will often clean their face whilst lying on their side. This is the perfect position to do this. They will lick the inside of their paw and then rub it on their face. This also seems to induce sleep in a cat and so often, they just don’t bother to move and simply leave their paw over their face. This is a sign that your cat is enjoying their nap.

Conclusion

Cat’s love to sleep! According to the Sleep Foundation, cats can spend up to 18 hours of each day sleeping. Wild cats need to get plenty of sleep to conserve energy for chasing and hunting their prey. Their survival depends on them being able to have enough energy to get their kill.

Although domesticated pet cats don’t need to go hunting to get their next meal, the wild behaviour is still very much present. This is just they still behave as if they were out in the wild. It is important that they get enough quality sleep so they are rested and full of energy for their next hunt.

Covering their face is a good way for a cat to get into the comfortable sleeping position. It blocks the light, makes them feel secure, keeps them warm and helps to block out all those annoying morning sounds from the early risers in their home. They are the ideal conditions for your cat to have the best sleep ever!

Do Cats Get Cold?

Dan Cantero — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 03:47:16 +0000

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are concerned that your cat may be cold. First, do cats get cold? The answer is yes, cats can get cold. Just like humans, when the weather dips below a certain temperature they can start to feel the effects.

Cats are very resilient creatures. Generally speaking they are very good maintaining the correct body temperature. However, they can still get themselves in trouble if they are exposed to very cold conditions and there are a few things to keep in mind if you are concerned that your cat may be cold.

Don’t all cats regulate their own temperature?

How well they can combat the cold can largely depend on the breed. Different cat breeds have different types of fur some of which are better at keeping out the cold than others. A healthy coat will not allow air in but also protect from getting wet due to rain for example.

Their coat is not the only thing that can determine how well they deal with the cold and can also depend on the age of the cat as well as their overall heath status.

So how can you tell if your cat is feeling the cold?

Luckily, there are some obvious signs that you can be on the lookout for that will tell you that your cat is feeling the chill.

If you are feeling the cold then it’s likely that they are too. We are not so different when it comes to temperature and a cat’s normal body temperature is a little higher than that of a human so if you are feeling the chill, there is a good chance they do too.
If your cat is very cold, you may notice that they will be shivering or trembling. If you notice this make sure you take action immediately and provide them with a cosy spot where they can warm up.
Curling upon your bed, couch or near a heater. Cats will naturally seek out warm spots when their temperature falls. They will normally sort themselves out by finding a warm spot and generally curling up and taking a nap.
You may also find that they will avoid cold surfaces if they are feeling the cold. Tiles or concrete floors can get very cold and cats will avoid these if they are cold.
During the night when heaters are off, your cat may jump on your bed. They will curl up against you to get warm from you. In some cases such as with our cat Mimi, she will climb under the sheets when she is really cold and place her paws up against me.

Can cold affect my cat?

Specially with older cats, you might notice that they are not as active during the colder months. This is due to stiff joints that is made worse by cold weather. Generally they will look a bit more lethargic. This is not because they are tired but because it takes them a little longer to warm up and get those joints loosened up.

What can I do to help my cat keep warm?

What should you do if you think your cat might be too cold? One of the best things you can do is provide them with a warm and cosy place that they can retreat to and control their body temperature. This is really not that hard. There are cat beds both open and enclosed that your cat will love. However, you don’t have to spend any money to provide your cat with a warm bed that they will love. A simple cardboard box on its side with a soft blanket will do very nicely. Cardboard provides excellent insulation against the cold and on very cold nights your cat will love you if you place a blanket that that you have warmed up in the dryer.

Another thing you can do to help your cat keep warm during the colder months is to make sure they are eating enough food. A healthy diet combined with plenty of good quality food can help keep them warm from the inside out. If your cat seems like it is shivering or huddled up in a corner trying to stay warm, it might be time for a trip to the vet. Your vet can help determine if there is an health problem causing your cat to feel cold

If they do get cold there are a few things you can do to help them. It is mostly about their fur and the surrounding environment which needs to be taken into consideration when trying to keep your cat warm.

Conclusion

As long a you provide your cat with a warm place to sleep and a good diet, they will be well prepared to deal with the cold weather.

Cats do get cold, but for the most part they are well equipped to handle it but, there are some things you can do to keep your kitty stays nice and cozy when winter hits!

Can dry cat food go bad?

Dan Cantero — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 03:08:29 +0000

Yes. Dry cat food can go bad. But I can’t take a long time. What we need to know is how long can you keep dry cat food before it goes bad.

In this article we are going to discuss the following things

How long does dry cat food stay fresh for?
How can you tell if dry cat food has gone off
What are some of the things that can accelerate dry cat food going off
Why you should not feed your cat food that is no longer fresh
The best ways to prevent dry cat food going off

Exactly how long can dry cat food stay good for?

Most cat food manufacturers suggest that dry cat food should be consumed within 6 weeks of opening the packet. The truth is that dry cat food can stay fresh for longer than that if stored correctly. The main reasons why cat food can expire are air, moisture and heat. Any of these will start to break down the food product. More importantly, it will also reduce the nutritional value of the food.

How can you tell if dry cat food has gone off

Most people will be able to tell by the smell of the food. Even though this is cat food and not human food, you will still be able to tell a difference in smell from when you first open a packet to food that is not so fresh. Your cat is also quite sensitive to food that is no longer fresh. Cats are not as tolerant to bad food as dogs are and they will let you know if they are not interested in the food which likely means that the food has gone off. If too much moisture is present in the dry food, the food pellets will become soft and mushy rather than hard and crispy.

What are some of the things that can accelerate dry cat food going off

Pet food is susceptible to the elements as human food. Just like our food, dry cat food will eventually go bad but the real damage starts the second you open the packet. The main culprits are air, moisture and heat. Most dry cat food is provided in a air-tight packet. This helps to maintain the freshness of the product and keep air and moisture out. When you open the packet for the first time, you are introducing air and moisture in the packet and this is what accelerates the process of the food going bad. Storing the food in a hot place will also have the same effect even for an unopened packet.

Why you should not feed your cat food that is no longer fresh

The main and obvious reason why cats should not be given old stale food is that they could get sick from food that might have bad bacteria. Dry cat food is organic and so can develop bad bacteria that can be dangerous to them. You would not eat food that has gone off so why would you feed it to your pet? Additionally, food that has expired will not have the nutritional value that your cat needs for good health. Cats can be very sensitive with their food and they are unlikely to eat food that has gone off.

The best ways to prevent dry cat food going off

I’m sure you’ve heard this before. “Store your cat food in a dry and cool place”. Typically, you’ll be doing the right thing if you store it along with all your other food in a pantry. This is going to extend the life of the product and keep it tasting good but, there are some additional things that you can do to extend it even further.

Most common dry cat food packs come in a large pack. These packs usually contain enough food for feeding your cat for a few weeks. Instead of filling up your cat’s dish straight from this packet, store 1 week’s work of food in an air-tight plastic or glass container.

This reduces the amount of time you are opening the original packet which reduces the amount of air and moisture that it is exposed to.

With even larger packs such as the ones you can purchase at wholesale stores, you should consider splitting the original packet into smaller portions this will also reduce the food’s exposure to moisture and air.

In our household, we use a vacuum sealer that extracts all air from the product. We divide the larger pack into smaller packs and we have been able to extend the life of the product to several months. Removing air is the most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your cat’s food.

Finally, start by choosing carefully before you purchase the food. Always pay attention to the expiration date on the packet. It’s a good idea to choose packets with later expiry dates. I usually try and find the ones that will expire as far into the future as possible.

Conclusion

Taking care of your cat’s dry food is not complicated and doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. Just by storing it correctly, you can not only extend the life of the product, but you’ll be saving money by not having to throw away food that your cat won’t eat. It’s really not that different from keeping human food fresh. Your cat will love you for it.

10 Myths About Cats Explained

Dan Cantero — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 01:05:52 +0000

Myth #1: Cats will always land on their feet

While cats are known to instinctively fall head first and may survive falls from high places, they also receive broken bones in the process. Cats are naturally curious and adventurous, but they still need some protection. If you have a balcony or window consider installing insect screens to prevent them from falling. This will allow your cat to take in the fresh air while still keeping them safe.

Myth #2: Tapeworms are caused by bad food

Some people think that tapeworms come from bad food, but pets can become infected with the parasite when they eat fleas which can carry the parasite. Cats may also get tapeworms from eating mice or birds who have been infected with these so always provide a healthy diet and be vigilant about fleas.

Myth #3: It is bad for pregnant women to own cats

Some cats can be infected with a disease called toxoplasmosis, which occasionally is spread to humans through cat litter boxes. The cat’s urine contains Toxoplasmosis and this organism can be found on your cat’s paws as well as in their faeces so it could be passed on to you when you clean out the litter box. Expecting mothers should assign cat cleaning duties to another member of the family to help prevent problems.

Myth #4: Cats can’t get rabies

Yes they can. Rabies is a viral disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats and people. If you want your cat to live a long and happy life, it is important that she gets vaccinated against rabies. The disease can be transmitted through animal bites as well as scratches so make sure she gets this vaccination regularly!

Myth #5: Cats can drink milk every day

Most cats like milk, but should not drink it. Cats are lactose intolerant so any type of dairy can cause digestive issues. A small amount of consumed milk may result in mild digestive issues but larger amounts can lead to serious problems.

Myth #6: Indoor cats don’t get diseases

A lot of people think that Indoor cats cannot get diseases, but they still are exposed to organisms carried through the air or brought in on a cat owner’s shoes and clothing. Even if your pet is permanently indoors, they still are exposed to organisms carried through the air or brought in on a cat owner’s shoes and clothing.

Myth #7: Spayed or neutered cats get fat

Regardless of these procedures, cats can become overweight or obese by eating too much. Cats need the right amount of exercise to stay fit and healthy. If your cat continues eating what it has been used to without adjusting its diet then you could see them gain weight over time if not careful about maintaining an active lifestyle with plenty more playtime.

Myth #8: Put garlic in a pet’s food to get rid of worms

The internet is full of misinformation on how to get rid of worms in cats. There are many treatments that purport garlic as an effective cure, but it’s not true; you might actually be doing more harm than good for your pet with this treatment! Garlic can cause toxicity even at low doses which could lead to problems so keep them away from it.

Myth #9: A cat’s balance comes from its whiskers

There are many people who say that cats have amazing balance because of their whiskers, but the truth is better than any fancy explanation. Whiskers work as feeler-like organs which detect things around them. The cat’s sense of balance comes from their ears just like us humans.

Myth #10: Animals are able to heal themselves by licking their wounds

Some people think that animals heal themselves by licking their wounds, but this is not true. Licking can slow down the healing process and further damage to their injuries so always make sure you consult with a vet.

Like us, you want to be a responsible cat owner and provide your pet with the best possible care. This is why it is important to always get the right information from the right sources like your vet and us of course! Have you heard any other myths that need to be de-bunked? If so, make sure you leave them in the comment section below.