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Neutering and castration are the common terms used to describe the surgical procedure during which both testicles are removed to sterilize a male cat. Neutering is recommended to prevent urine marking and other territorial behavior, such as roaming and fighting with other cats, which increases the risk of contracting disease. Spaying and neutering our pets is a vital step in reducing overpopulation and crowding of shelters.
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A nutraceutical is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and/or medical benefits. In addition to diet modifications, exercise, weight loss, and medications, joint support nutraceuticals are also helpful in an osteoarthritis management program. Nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals. Your veterinarian can advise you on products that have been evaluated and have yielded positive effects.
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Pet owners can greatly improve the quality of life for their cats with osteoarthritis through nutrition. Key steps to managing inflammation and joint pain include managing daily Calorie intake and increasing fat metabolism through controlled physical rehabilitation.
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The clinical signs of heart failure are seen in many cats as they age. The two most common causes of CHF are chronic valvular disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may contribute to heart disease and CHF. Secondary diseases, such as obesity, excessively high thyroid, or kidney disease may require dietary changes. Key nutritional goals are to maintain a stable body weight, deliver appropriate calories, and feed a balanced diet that the cat will regularly eat.
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When the digestive tract is upset, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Since the causes of these symptoms are varied, it's best to consult a veterinarian. Often, a gastrointestinal (GI) diet is recommended to support the digestive tract and ensure the gut gets the nutrients it needs to recover. A bland diet of cooked chicken and rice might be recommended, but it has several limitations and is not appropriate for long-term feeding.
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The journey to a more ideal weight is not always easy. This handout discusses how many factors play a role, such as feeding management, portion control, and exercise, and how nutrition is critical to help pets lose weight safely.
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Managing the nutritional needs of an older, less active cat requires more than simply reducing food intake. This article explains how veterinarians assess the causes of inactivity, recommend appropriate diets, and guide weight-management strategies for individual cats. It also reviews the role of treats, activity, and regular weight monitoring.
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This handout discusses the risks and benefits of feeding commercially prepared fresh, whole-food diets, as well as home-prepared recipes for your cat or dog. Topics highlighted include food safety, nutritional imbalances, and the need to ensure that any diet has been well-researched for nutritional safety and completeness.
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Feeding your cat the appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to their overall health and well-being. Each cat has unique nutrition needs, dependent on individual preferences and activity levels. In addition, nutritional requirements and dietary preferences change over the course of the cat's lifetime.
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Obesity in Cats