Really Fat Cats

Doris Canova asked:


As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat means that a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.

However, the most important parts of cat health is also often overlooked. People spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a cat to keep it healthy, but believe it or not most cat owners don’t pay nearly enough attention to the proper cat food. The right cat food is absolutely essential to a healthy, happy cat.

But what is the best cat food for your cat you ask? While each cat may have slightly different nutritional needs, there are some general rules that you must be considered when looking for cat food.

First of all, cats like us humans need a high quality diet. This means the best types of protein, fats, carbs, and the less preservatives and chemical additives, the better. Most of the research that you can find available online does not compare specific brands of cat food, as much as specific ingredients to feed your cat, and which particular type to stay away from!

Almost all cats need a high protein diet. Feral cats are very carnivorous, and cats derive a great deal of their nutritional needs from protein. House cats, are not wild, but still have many of the same nutritional needs as their wild feline ancestors. So, the most important ingredient in any cat food is protein. You can check the label for contents of the cat food so you will be able to get the right mixture for your cat.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a cat’s diet, though it is not as important as protein! Cats really should basically receive the majority of their nutritional needs from protein, so cat foods that are high in carbohydrates may not necessarily be the best for them. So again check the label on the cat food first.

Interestingly enough, there are many of the premium brands of cat food, such as Eukanuba and Innova offer exactly what most cats need, and aren’t necessarily more expensive in the long run. This is because high end cat foods need a smaller serving amount than the low end cat foods to give a cat all the nutrients they need to be satisfied and healthy.

When comparing a premium brand such as Eukanuba, to a lower cost brand such as Purina, the cost difference for the recommended serving size is only a few cents a day. Also because a cat will eat less of the high end cat food, their waste will be reduced. This can cut down on the frequency of litter replacement and litter box related chores.

Another thing about cat food to be considered is the quality of the protein in the food. Because of the way many pet food companies describe the meat in the food, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what the difference between “chicken flavored”, and “chicken dinner” is.

When cat food that contains “chicken meal” it can only be made from the skin, flesh, and bones only. This is really the best type of protein for a cat. Food that has what is called” meat byproducts” can contain nearly any animal parts, and are of lower quality than “chicken meal”. Food that is called “chicken flavored” only has to taste like chicken, but more then likely may not contain any animal meat at all. Also, chicken is generally better than beef for cats.

NOTE: It goes without saying of course, preservatives, as well as artificial colors, should be avoided whenever possible. Although specific research is lacking on this subject, we do know that preservatives and artificial colors can have a negative impact on human health. It is only logical that cats will also be negatively affected by artificial colors and preservatives in their cat food.

NOTE:  This article is for information only.   See your veterinarian for medical advice.

Claris Rivers asked:


In recent times pet nutritionists have come to the conclusion that many of today’s health problems in animals, including physical and behavioral conditions have their roots in poor nutrition. Many of the leading manufacturers of so-called ‘quality’ pet food are responsible for this decline in your pet’s health.

Veterinarians are noticing this deteriorating health in pets and believe that chemical additives and preservatives play a part.

So, just what is in your dog or cats pet food?

The fact that when you open up a can of dog food you turn your nose, is a sign that there are all sorts of gases and odors released that are unfit for human and animal consumption. The heavy use of preservatives such as BHT/BHA and Ethoxyquin are likely to be responsible as well as urine, faecal matter, hair, pus, meat from sick or adrenalin filled animals (most animals just prior to the kill in abattoirs release a rush of adrenalin into their bloodstream as they intuit they are about to die). Ethoxyquin is actually an herbicide and has had detrimental effects on humans who were working with it in the rubber industry. Reports of liver/kidney damage, cancerous skin lesions, hair loss, blindness, leukemia, fetal abnormalities and chronic diarrhea were noted and in animals it has been linked to immune deficiency syndrome, spleen, stomach and liver cancer, as well as the above mentioned diseases.

It is no doubt that the increased use of chemical preservatives in pet food is linked to the rise in pet disease over the last 25 years.

Rancid animal and poultry fat (by-products of the meat industry) that have escaped human consumption are the staples of most canned pet food. These unhealthy putrid fats are difficult to digest and are likely linked to stomach and liver disorders resulting in bloating, gas, diarrhea and the notorious bad breath our pets are known for.

At present, the department of agriculture does not have mandatory inspection of the ingredients used in pet food. They are allowed to use “4D” classification sources such as meat, tissues, skin and insides of animals that are dead, dying, disabled, or diseased (AND UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). Some of the animal meat used will be loaded with heavy hormones, steroids and antibiotics from the farming industry that continue to be ‘active’ in dead tissue!

Add to this a host of artificial colorants, preservatives and sweetening agents such as cornstarch and sucrose and you have a chemical concoction bound to cause disease in any animal that ingests it. Cat food manufacturers use corn syrup, which cause addiction and over stimulate the production of insulin and acidic digestive juices. These empty sugars put a great deal of stress on the pancreas and may result in diabetes. They also interfere with the animal’s ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins from their food. As with humans, artificial sweeteners can cause hyperactivity and behavioral problems in animals and destroy friendly bacteria that aid in digestion. The added sugar content could also be responsible for diseases such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, obesity, allergies, loss of vision and cancer.

Another harmful chemical is propylene glycol, which is responsible for prolonging the shelf life of dry products. However, they also dehydrate the colon, causing constipation and the formation of small, dry,hard stools. These kinds of stools may be uncomfortable for your pet to pass as well as leading to diseases of the digestive tract in the long term.

The addition of salt to canned pet food is also a health hazard. Too much refined salt can lead to hypertension, water retention, kidney damage, palpitations and other ailments.

To add fiber, soybean meal is added to pet food, which hinders digestion in dogs. Peanut hulls are also used but can be an irritant to the colon and cause constipation.

As you can see from the above, properly feeding your pet is an essential part of caring that you, the owner is responsible for. Just as there is a growing awareness today of what’s healthy for humans to eat, it is just as crucial to make sure your pet is also getting the proper healthy nutrition it needs for optimum health.

A happy pet = a happy owner. Give YOUR pet the best chance of optimal health through proper nutrition today.

May you both live long happy healthy lives together.

Kate S asked:


Pet ownership in the United States is on the rise. A recent survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that four in ten (43 million) U.S. households own at least one dog, and three in ten (37.5 million) households own at least one cat.  This increase in pet ownership reflects more people realize pets can truly enrich their lives.  Pets not only provide companionship, unconditional love and affection, research now shows they also provide significant health benefits. Pets can help to reduce stress, relieve loneliness and depression.  Moreover, pets can provide opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities, and socializaton.  Published scientific studies show that pets can decrease their owner\’s blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and feelings of loneliness. Older people who have pets tend to have better physical and mental health than those who don’t.

In parallel to the increase in pet ownership, gift-giving to pets continues to rise.  A recent survey shows eight out of ten dog owners buy dog gifts and 63 percent of cat owners purchase gifts for the family feline.  Moreover, the gifts are not just purchased at Christmas, but also for birthdays, Easter, Halloween, Valentine\’s Day, or for no special occasion. This article reviews some popular dog gifts and cat gifts available online.

Popular dog gifts include natural dog treats, dog gift basket, gift tower, and care package. The natural dog treats are bone-shaped biscuits that come in one pound gift bag and in three different flavors: peanut, carob chip and oatmeal cinnamon.  These crunchy delicious treats will be received by your pet dog with excessive tail wagging and plenty of kisses.  These inexpensive dog treats are ideal gifts for dog lovers.  

Another popular gift, the dog gift basket, consists of a chrome bone shaped wire basket filled with a chew toy, a package of chewy treats and special dog biscuit mix that the dog owner will bake. Dog biscuit mix comes with simple instructions and a bone shaped cookie cutter to cut out and bake the biscuits. Anyone feeding these treats to the dog can look forward to plenty of wet kisses from that pampered pet.

The dog gift tower consists of a set of adorable boxes stacked on top of one another and make great storage for doggie\’s toys later. Every box is filled with pleasant surprises, including doggie shampoo, plaster dog print kit, doggie chew ball, 2 doggie chew toy, washing mitt or brush, a paw print box filled with beef flavored dog bones, and an 8\” playful puppy toy. This gift will delight your favorite pooch or pooch lover.

Another fantastic gift to spoil the dog in your life or its owner is a pet care package designed specifically for the dog lover. This adorable dog paw print gift box comes filled with doggie ball, doggie chew toy, doggie shampoo, plaster dog print kit, doggie washing mitt or brush, and a paw print box filled with beef flavored dog bones treats.

Popular cat gifts include cat gift box and cat gift basket. The house shaped cat gift box is full of treats for a good kitty. It includes over a cup of tuna flavored snacks and a mouse play toy. These cat snacks are low fat and low calorie, so you don\’t have to worry about the cat\’s weight.  It is a perfect gift for any friend or family member who has a cat.

The cat gift basket consists of a chrome cat-shaped wire container as a keepsake.  It is filled with a seed mixture of herbs and cat grasses to grow in any sunny place, a cat toy, and a bag of kitty treats mix that the cat owner will bake after cutting out with a metal fish-shaped cookie cutter.  All the cat owner needs is a bowl, water and an oven to make these treats. This gift basket is sure to pamper any feline.

In conclsuion, gift-giving to pet dogs and cats is on the rise, probably as a result of increasing pet ownership, and scientific confirmation on the benefits of pet ownership. Great selections of dog gifts and cat gifts are available.  These gifts are not only ideal for showing your affection to your pets, but also make great dog lover gifts or cat lover gifts. 

Kate S. is the CEO of Gift Basket for All, LLC. You can visit her site by clicking on the link below:

Gift Baskets

Gift Basket for All.com offers sensational gift baskets for all occasions, including anniversary, holidays, new baby, birthday, corporate events, get well, sympathy.

For information on products reviewed in this article, please click on Dog Gifts, Cat Gifts

Bob Alexander asked:


My cat Spike was mad!  He is used to eating breakfast around 7:00 a.m., but I did not awake until almost 8:00.  I heard his meowing in the garage and from the sound I knew he was still in his bed, but complaining that breakfast had not been served! He gets loud when he is not fed his Meow Mix on time.

The sight that welcomed me was not pretty.  The vagrant band of raccoons that visit my garage on a regular basis had discovered the buckets of pecans I had picked up during the day.  I had collected more than I had time to process, but this did not bother the raccoons.  They proceeded to crack and shell pecans all over the garage. 

Over the last several years my garage appears to have become a half-way house for raccoons.  They use my cat’s food dish to treat themselves to human food without having to scatter the contents of my garbage can all over the yard.  Spike’s cat food is also more nutritional!

Packed with vitamins and minerals, one of the three raccoons that currently visit almost every night is getting so fat that he can hardly get through the pet door designed for cats.  Spike is partial to the tuna flavor of the cat food, but occasionally he will get the chicken flavor.  It does not matter to the raccoons what the flavor of the day is; they simply devour anything placed in the food dish.

I had not given much thought to leaving the buckets of pecans out in the open, practically inviting any hungry animal to grab as many of the nuts as it could eat. Since our home is near a small woods complete with vegetable gardens on the side, my house is a natural target for a raccoon’s nightly snack. 

In the wild, there’s not much that raccoons won’t eat.  They like grasshoppers, grapes, corn, worms, mice, bird eggs, berries, garden vegetables and walnuts.  I have discovered they also love pecans.  They don’t carry the nuts out of the garage; they just crack them with their teeth and spit the shells all over the floor.

Raccoons are slobs!  If they were standing on the table or the work bench eating a nut, that’s where they would leave their scraps of pecan shells. The tops of the washer and drier were also covered with debris from their midnight scavenging of my pecans.  I can see why Spike ignores the raccoons and tries to sleep through the commotion each night!

Spike has a box, complete with several pillows for comfort, where he sleeps while all this is going on.  The box is on a table in the middle of the garage and he occasionally raises his head over the edge to see what the racket below is all about; that’s the extent of his involvement in the chaos below.

Cats sleep more than humans, about 13 to 16 hours a day.  Spike spends almost two-thirds of his life snoring, without letting hungry varmints disturb that blissful state of relaxation.  When morning comes and his cat food dish is empty from the assault on it from masked bandits, my cat wails almost like a dog.  Unfortunately this is in cat language and sounds really weird.

Normally an early riser, Spike gets impatient when he has to wait on breakfast.  A cup full of cat food, Tuna Surprise, calms him down.  By now the raccoons, like vampires, have retreated from the sun and are peacefully snoozing in their dens.  Once again, all is right with the world.

Darlene Norris asked:


You may be shocked to learn that the rate of feline diabetes is skyrocketing.  You may be even more shocked to find out that diabetes in cats can often be prevented.  Preventing your kitty from becoming a feline diabetic is much easier than treating the disease once it’s developed.  Here are three ways to prevent this illness.

Feline Obesity Is The Number Reason For A Diabetic Cat

We feed our pets too much of the wrong kinds of foods.  Some experts go so far as to say that feline diabetes is a man-made disease, and that it’s completely preventable by feeding the proper diet.

Here’s what you need to know about the problems associated with dry cat food:

1. The protein is plant-based, not animal-based.

2. The carbohydrate levels are too high for kitties, which leads to weight gain.

3. The water content is too low.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means most of their protein must come from animal-based sources.  They aren’t meant to eat large amounts of carbs.  Plus they have evolved to get most of their water from their food.  You can see that feeding dry food for years on end can lead to a health disaster for your pet.

Feeding your pet a high-quality canned food now is the best way to prevent a feline diabetic in the future.

Daily Exercise Is Essential

Like us, cats tend to be too sedentary.  Regular exercise, in the form of rousing games, is essential for burning calories and keeping your companion in top shape.  Exercise also helps to keep blood sugar levels normal, too.

Natural Remedies For Cats Can Help Prevent Diabetes In Cats

Research has shown that certain herbs and supplements can help to regulate blood sugar levels in pets.  Interest in natural remedies for pets is rising as more and more people are turning to natural and alternative medicine for their own health issues.

Goat’s rue has been used in Europe for centuries to support pancreatic health.  Studies have confirmed that this herb helps the body to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Fenugreek was used both in ancient Egypt and in traditional Chinese medicine for many ailments.  Now modern research agrees that it’s another herb that helps to keep glucose blood levels normal.  It’s also a kidney tonic, and promotes urinary tract health, preventing infections.

Astragalus was called huang qi in traditional Chinese medicine.  It’s been shown to prevent cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats.  Again, it also helps to promote healthy blood sugar levels.

Bilberry is an antioxidant that promotes eye health.

Chromium picolinate is a form of chromium that’s easily absorbed by the body.  This mineral is essential to metabolize sugars and fats, but most diets are very deficient in it.  Taking this supplement daily can reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

You’ll be happy to learn that these five ingredients have already been combined into a safe and effective remedy formulated especially for pets.  It’s reassuring to know that the company producing this remedy has an excellent reputation for producing only the highest quality remedies for companion animals. 

Some food for thought:  it’s much easier to prevent feline diabetes than it is to treat it once it’s developed.  Take steps today to protect your beloved pet from this dread disease.

Tristan Andrews asked:


These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly.

When you get a cat, you’ll need to think about the costs. You’ll obviously need food, and you’ll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. You’ll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost.

Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesn’t have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat’s teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. You’ll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cow’s milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you don’t have to bathe them that often, you’ll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you’ll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean.

Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time – knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.

Anne P Jackson asked:


If you have a particular breed in mind be sure to do some research about the characteristics of the breed you have chosen and the particulars of the care it may need. For instance the Persian Longhair are very difficult to care for. They need to be combed/brushed every day or

their fur will quickly become matted. Because of their thick and luxurious fur, a Persian Longhair will not do well in a hot and humid environment. They are an extremely calm breed, but not overly loving and do not like to be held overmuch. Siamese cats are usually high strung and excitable. Rex cats are extroverts and lots of fun and the American Shorthair loves to play with children. Then there is the Chartreux, which is a tenacious hunter.

If you are looking for a particular breed, but don’t want to spend as much money, you can often find breeders with kittens that don’t quite meet the breed standards and are willing to sell these kittens at a much lower price. Look for local cat shows where you can meet the breeders. Most should be quite willing to answer any questions you may have.

Once you have decided on a breed (or mix) be sure that the kitten you are considering is happy and that it’s weight is in proportion to it’s age. Look for infections (eyes, nose, ears). Bad signs are running or smelly ears, bloated stomach, coughing, sneezing, lack of appetite and diarrhea.

Male or Female?

If you are going to have your cat neutered, then there will not be a whole lot of difference in the temperament of your cat. A male cat, once neutered, loses it’s more aggressive characteristics very shortly after the procedure.

Males grow a bit larger than females, may be more aggressive, independent and will have a tendency to keep to themselves sometimes, but as stated above, neutering will alter much of this.

Females is more affectionate than the male, easily purrs and, except for when in heat, is more house oriented.

It is a bit difficult to discern the sex of kittens in the first weeks. One of the first kittens I purchased, I named Bob because the owner told me it was a “he”. It wasn’t until “his” first vet visit that we found out I had a lovely girl. In my case that was perfectly all right – but you may have a specific preference. The rule of thumb is that there is LESS space between the anal hole and the genitals in a female than there is in a male.

A kitten is ready to go to it’s new home no sooner than 2 months of age. Any sooner than this and the lack of mothers milk with it’s protein richness and fat content could cause health problems down the road.

Your kitten should be well acclimated to it’s new home within 24 hours or so. Cats are extremely adaptable!

Leo D Pierson, Jr. asked:


known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. They are also extremely susceptible to immune malfunction and immunosuppression, and are very self-sufficient (as most people are aware) and excellent hunters, and thus able to live in the wild just fine. They are usually on smallish dosages of medicines. Cats are not stupid, and are very territorial and will defend their territory to the death, if challenged by another cat. They are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments!

Cats are not little dogs, and are also adept at manipulating their owners; those whose cats enjoy playing fetching games might reflect on who taught whom the game. They are very clean pets because they always clean themselves. They are loving, playful, charming and cute companions, and are all together another animal. Cats are just like people in that many traits of their personality are a result of their genetic background.

Cats are not a natural part of the ecosystem. They are absolutely spectacular, and are highly sensitive to fragmentation and loss of habitat, and declines in their prey. They are the ultimate narcissists. Cats are attracted to food that has a strong meat or fat flavor.

Cats are so like women: they are lovers of luxury, and they groom themselves incessantly, and aren�t as fussy about plastic food dishes. They are particularly vulnerable to poisoning since they often lack key enzymes for metabolizing or detoxifying OPs. They become accustomed to their own situation and habitat while being aware of the importance of their survival, and are usually asymptomatic, but uveitis, endocarditis, neurological signs, fever, necrotic lesions at the inoculation site, lymphadenopathy, and reproductive disorders have been reported in naturally or experimentally infected cats.

Cats are extremely agile; they can run faster than any other mammal for short distances and are remarkable jumpers. They are undemanding, low-maintenance, and self-sufficient.

Elyse Grau asked:


Proper nutrition is the number one protection against disease in dogs and cats. Feeding a high-quality dog food or cat food will keep your pet healthy and in good condition throughout its life

How do you know what dog/cat food is right? For many the choice is a homemade diet. If you have the time and the resources, I agree that this is the preferred way to go. This is usually the best, and occasionally the only choice for animals with multiple food allergies. The choice is yours whether to go cooked or raw, with bones or without.

Basically, a homemade diet should consist of 40-60% meat for dogs, 60%-90% for cats, 20-50% vegetables (dogs, or 10%-40% for cats), and the rest, optionally, grains. The choice within each category is vast, and depends on your budget, availability, and what the dog or cat prefers. Food allergies often dictate what is used.

Each dog and cat is unique and what is best for one may not work well for another. Feeding a variety of foods is the best way to provide all or most of the nutrients that your pet needs.

A good quality multi-vitamin and calcium supplements will help make sure the diet is complete. Because it can be tricky to get the right balance of calcium and phosphorus when making your own pet food, you will need to add a calcium supplement.

If you like the idea of homemade pet food, but lack the time, there are pre-mixes available, or complete ready-to-serve meals. Pre-mixes come freeze-dried, dehydrated or frozen. Usually they are grain and vegetable mixes, along with some supplements such as calcium, to which you add the meat. Ground meats, sometimes with bone, are also available where pet foods are sold. You can then add your own vegetables and/or grains if you so desire.

Complete raw-foods diets are also sold as frozen, dry or freeze-dried. Some areas may have local entrepreneurs who make and sell these diets fresh. They may also custom make meals to your pets specifications.

If you prefer to feed a commercial product, choose one of the many premium dog foods now available. though the cost may be higher than grocery store brands, what you save in vet bills will more than make up for the difference.

Whether to feed canned or dry pet food will depend on you and your dog or cat. Canned food is usually more expensive, kibble is more convenient. Pets usually prefer canned foods and some need the softer, wetter consistency. Canned pet foods generally contain higher quality proteins than dry pet food, and a higher percentage of protein and fat. The higher moisture content of canned foods can be beneficial to dogs and cats with kidney or urinary tract problems. Dry pet foods contain more preservatives. Some people choose to use both.

The most important criteria in choosing a pet food is the list of ingredients. Whole meats are always better then meat meals, and meat meals are preferable to by-products. Single source meals, such as beef meal or chicken meal are more wholesome than those marked simple meat or poultry meals. Single source meals contain the muscle meat from that animal, along with accompanying tissues, such as nerves, blood vessels and skin. Generic meals may contain other organ tissues and fatty tissue. By-product meal is a catch-all term for anything that doesnt fit the other meal definitions – avoid these at all costs!

Look for the meat source (or sources) to be listed first on the label. If grains are included (which they always are in kibbles), they should be whole grains, rather than fractions, such as wheat bran, brewers rice, etc. Watch out for multiple listings of grains, they may add up to be more than the meat portion!

Avoid foods containing artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Colors are added for your benefit, not to appeal to dogs. Artificial flavors are added to enhance palatability or cover up off tastes of poorer quality ingredients. Most natural foods stores and holistic pet supply stores will carry premium brands of pet food. If you are unable to find a satisfactory dog food in stores near you, many of them can be found on the internet.

Rebecca Prescott asked:


If you’re finding it difficult to choose a name for your new kitten or cat there are a few pointers which might help. Cats are notoriously independent and although they become accustomed to routine, they are not as ‘trainable’ as dogs. It’s well known that dogs can hear hard consonants (T, D, K) easiy and this helps when naming them. Research shows that cats find it easier to learn names with one, or two syllables and easier still if they end in ‘ie’ or ‘y’.

Aristocats…

Cats are naturally disdainful and give the impression of being high-born. For this reason, it’s tempting to give them a long-winded aristocratic name. That’s fine, but be prepared to shorten it for every day use. Does the shortened version sound good – or not what you had in mind?

Call My Name

New kittens are adorable and the names that spring to mind may reflect this gorgeous bundle of fur. But kittens grow into cats very quickly. Try to choose a name that will suit the cat for the rest of it’s life. Once you have made a choice, stick with it so that the cat can learn to make the association. If you keep changing your mind the cat will become very confused and may lose interest altogether!

Don’t Be In A Huge Rush

Waiting a few days can make choosing the name a lot easier. Get to know your cat and watch as a character and personality emerges. A name may emerge naturally! Don’t forget that you will be calling for the cat. Will you really feel comfortable shouting Tibbles within earshot of the neighbors?

Inspired By Fame…

Here are some famous cats to give you inspiration.

Duchess – the elegant Persian in Disney’s 1970 animation, The Aristocats. O’Malley – the alley cat who adored Duchess. Garfield – a fat, lazy, adorable comic strip cat created in 1978 by Jim Davis. Felix – the star of the first ‘talkie’ cartoon (a year before Mickey Mouse!) and NBC’s TV test pattern until the 1930’s. Sylvester – cartoon cat always chasing Tweetie Pie. Morris – a fourteen pound, orange colored tabby cat. Spokes-cat for a cat food company, Morris was invited by President Nixon to co-sign the National Animal Protection Bill. Morris did this – with a paw print! Socks – President Bill Clinton’s cat. Tom – beloved ‘partner’ of Jerry mouse. Mimsey – the MTM kitten, a parody of the MGM lion.

What Have Famous People Named Their Cats?

Sir Winston Churchill had a ginger tabby called Jock who was apparently present at many wartime cabinet meetings. Abraham Lincoln’s cat was called Tabby – one assumes it was! Nostradamus had a pet called named Grimalkin! Edward Lear’s tabby was named Foss – the inspiration for The Owl and the Pussycat. Sir Walter Scott owned a tabby named Hinx. Sir Isaac Newton adored cats and invented the cat flap! Joni Mitchell had a cat named Nietzsche.

Get Help Online

If you still can’t decide what to call your cat, do a search for cat names. There are many sites with extensive lists of suggestions to help you. Enjoy!