If you’re a cat parent, you’d already be aware of their eating habits. Cats prefer a variety of meals in small proportions. No wonder we find them grazing over their bowls time and again. Although, if you’re new to the concept of wet and dry foods for cats, dive right in, for we’ve got something for you. There are benefits of serving both wet and dry foods to felines. Mainly because, unlike dogs, they’re difficult to please, and one can’t trick them into things they don’t like. If your cat is a fussy eater, they may enjoy wet food better. Find out the benefits of the best dry and wet cat foods. Benefits of dry cat food While dry cat food is convenient to store and serve, cats may throw tantrums if served the same food every day. However, dry cat foods help maintain their dental health by preventing the buildup of tartar. Dry foods are also the best way to get the cat to chew its food, exercising its jaws. These foods are ideal when cats are suffering from diarrhea as it helps add bulk to their stool. Some best dry cat foods that are readily available in every kitchen include: Cooked sweet potatoes Beef Pork Lamp Dark meat chicken Cooked carrots Banana Green beans/ asparagus/ broccoli (steamed) Melon Spinach Pumpkin Peas Benefits of wet cat food Wet cat food has a potent aroma and taste, making it ideal for fussy eaters. Cats have a stronger sense of smell than taste, and that’s why they tend to lean more towards foods with a fresh aroma. Additionally, wet food is a great way to keep your feline friend hydrated, especially when they don’t consume adequate fluids in a day. Wet cat food helps induce digestion and prevents constipation. It also helps keep stomach issues at bay.

If you have pet cats at home and occasionally feed them from your plate, you must know which foods are safe for them. Cats can be greedy eaters, and irrespective of the cute faces they make at the dinner table, it’s best not to give them anything besides cat food until you’re a hundred percent sure. To help you, we’ve listed a few human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Salmon Cats love fish, and vets recommend feeding them fish-based cat foods. Most options are rich in omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish, in particular, like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, is excellent for their eyesight and joints. However, don’t feed your feline straight from the can; they might lick it too aggressively and cut their tongues. It’s best to provide them with cooked pieces that have no bones. Whole grains Grains are power-packed with nutrients and are healthy for both humans and cats. Oats, mainly, have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer coarse food made from brown rice and cornmeal. If you’re not feeding your cat meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. You can cook smaller grains like millet, couscous, or wheat berries at home. Boiled eggs Boiled eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B and protein and are healthy for your cat. But ensure the eggs are cooked well to avoid bacteria like salmonella or E. coli from entering your feline’s system. Moreover, some cats can be allergic to eggs, so proceed with caution. Fresh veggies and fruits While not all cats are vegetable and fruit lovers since they cannot taste the sweet flavors, some do nibble on fresh fruits and veggies. Cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli or asparagus, baked carrots, and green beans have the proper nutrients and minerals.

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy. It contains unique recipes to boost your cat’s hydration and provide essential vitamins and minerals. The product is excellent for cats with allergies and comes in various flavors, ideal for even the pickiest of eaters. Solid Gold Katz-n-Flocken Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe This delicious dry cat food option from Solid Gold has pearled barley. Your pet will love its taste while benefiting from high-quality and nutritious whole grains. Get it for a discount of 7% at Chewy. Wysong Archetype Burgers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog & Cat Food If you are looking for healthy raw cat food in large quantities, a great option is Wysong Archetype Burgers.

Sharing food with your cat doesn’t always have to be dangerous! Even though it is advisable to keep your pets away from some human food like onions, garlic, sugar, chocolate, dairy, caffeinated products, raw dough, nuts, salt, xylitol, grapes, and raisins, it is safe to treat your pets to some human food every once in a while. Here are 7 human foods that are safe for your kittens to consume. 7 human foods you can share with your cats Fish Canned or cooked fish like salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and crab are good for your cats as it helps their eyes stay sharp and helps them with arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disorders. Fatty fish contains nutrients like omega-3 that can help with your cat’s heart health. However, it is best to avoid giving them raw fish as it can be dangerous for your cat’s health. Whole grains Cooked whole grains are easily digestible for cats and are popularly found in most dry cat foods. Grains like oats are a good source of protein, iron, and fiber, and they’re easy to make as well. Many cats like eating corn, and a coarse cornmeal called polenta as well. Other grains that you can give your cats include brown rice, barley, wheat berries, millet, and couscous. All you need to do is make sure that the grains are fully cooked, so your kitten can digest them properly. Meat By nature, cats are meat eaters. Protein from meat is an important part of their meals to ensure a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. It is safe to give them cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of deli meat for their dose of protein. Avoid giving them any raw or spoiled meat, as this could make them sick. Veggies Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and water to help your cats and kittens with digestion.

As a responsible pet parent, you do your best to ensure healthy nutrition and a happy environment for your cats. But it can be hard to resist feeding them a few tidbits off your own plate. However, there are certain human foods that should not be given to cats under any circumstances as they can prove to be life-threatening. Here are five foods that are an absolute no-no for kittens and cats. 5 human foods that are toxic for cats Chocolate Milk chocolate and dark chocolate, even in small quantities, can trigger vomiting and diarrhea among cats. Some felines may even experience a rapid increase in breathing rate and body temperature, in addition to the risk of seizures. Garlic and onions Both garlic and onions contain compounds that break down the red blood cells. These vegetables are harmful to cats in every form, be it raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. If you notice shortness of breath and sudden weakness in your cats, it could be an anemic reaction. Raw eggs Raw eggs are loaded with millions of bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella. Even mild exposure to these pathogens causes vomiting, diarrhea, and increased fatigue. Eggs also contain an enzyme that destroys essential B vitamins and increases the risk of convulsions. Grapes and raisins It is unclear why grapes and raisins trigger severe kidney problems. However, veterinarians advise against feeding any type of grapes and raisins as they are highly toxic to cats, even in the smallest quantities. Raw dough Raw dough used for baking contains yeast, a type of bacteria that causes gas buildup upon ingestion. It may trigger bloating, stomach pains, and could also cause the stomach to twist. Immediate medical attention is advisable at this stage. Best cat food brands Royal Canin® It is one of the popular pet food manufacturers featuring a variety of ingredients, proteins, vitamins, and essential nutrients in most of their wet and dry foods for cats.

The holidays are a great time to purchase pet supplies, like food, grooming kits, beds, toys, and accessories. Come Black Friday, even the most premium brands selling these products have discounts, helping customers save. Since the sale is only a few weeks away, pet parents should start shortlisting the things they’d like to grab a deal on. Below are the top ten cat food deals expected from different brands during Black Friday 2023. Purina Purina has been in the pet food business for the past 90 years. The brand focuses on raising awareness about the importance of quality pet care alongside driving sustainability efforts. At Purina, customers can find dry and wet foods for cats of all ages. Additionally, they also stock special formulas for pets who may have different nutritional requirements. Last year, Purina’s products were discounted at online retailers like Chewy’s and Petco. Here’s what customers can expect in 2023: 1. Purina’s Friskies Lil’ Soups originally costs $16.71, but buyers can get a 10% discount on a pack of 16 cat food toppers today. The discount margin might increase as the sale approaches. 2. Purina’s Pro Plan High Protein Dry Cat Food costs around $49.88 today. However, one could get specific varieties of the Pro Plan for 33% less during Black Friday a couple of years ago. Customers can hope for similar savings in 2023. Whiskas Whiskas has been devoted to cat food for over 60 years. They work with the Waltham Pet Care Science Institute so pets may receive the best care. The brand offers dry food, wet food, as well as treats to provide holistic nutrition. Customers will also find food for different age groups and health needs. Here’s what to expect on Whiskas products during the 2023 sale: 3. WHISKAS PURRFECTLY Wet Cat Food Chicken Entree (Pack of 24) might be available for less than $25, the current selling price at Amazon.

If you’re frustrated with how your cat uses its litter box, you’re not alone. Most cat owners admit that their furry friends develop issues with their litter boxes, which can be anything from not using the box altogether to defecating or urinating inside and outside the box. Health and behavioral issues could be attributed to this. Thankfully, there are a few tried and tested methods that can help solve your furry companion’s litter box problems. Consult the vet Before you try anything else, it’s best to take your cat to the vet. Sometimes, health issues can prevent your cat from using the litter box properly. These issues may include painful urination, constipation, diarrhea, injured paws, arthritis, dementia, diabetes, or kidney problems. The vet may inquire about your cat’s litter box problem in detail and recommend a urinalysis, stool check, or a blood test. Place the box in an appropriate location Like humans, cats need privacy when they do their business. If the litter box is currently located in a high-traffic area, move it to a quiet place where there’s the least disturbance. However, make sure that the new place isn’t too far or isolated, like in the basement. Also, avoid keeping the box close to their bed or food bowl. Have enough litter boxes If you own more than one cat but only one litter box, you may need to buy one for each cat. This may be especially necessary if you have an adult cat at home because they don’t like to share their private space with anyone else. Also, place a box for each cat in separate rooms. Clean the box frequently Just because they’re animals doesn’t mean they don’t need a clean place to relieve themselves. In fact, their sense of smell is much stronger than humans, so smelly litter boxes can be off-putting to them.

Pet parents wish the best for their pets. They strive to ensure their furry friends live a quality life by grooming them, buying them toys, and letting them move around the house freely. Some even feed their pets snacks from their own plate to keep them happy. However, one must note that not every human food is safe for animals. Here are six everyday foods that can be toxic to pets. Chocolates Chocolates are a popular treat in almost every household. Many love indulging in chocolate bars and other recipes containing chocolates, such as brownies and cookies. While these are safe for humans, they are highly unsuitable for dogs and cats. Chocolates contain a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to them. Consuming even small amounts of chocolate can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and, in severe cases, death in pets. Caffeine Like theobromine, caffeine is toxic to cats and dogs. It’s commonly found in beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas. Ingesting caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, seizures, and, in severe cases, death. Hence, one must keep caffeinated products away from pets. Avocados Although a superfood for humans, avocados are toxic to birds and cattle. A compound called persin makes the fruit harmful to these animals. While avocados are not as toxic to cats and dogs, they are still unsuitable for consumption because they can cause gastrointestinal issues. Grapes Grapes and raisins are highly unsafe for dogs, as their consumption can lead to kidney failure. Even small amounts, if consumed, can cause severe complications like vomiting and diarrhea. Onions Onions are highly toxic to cats and dogs. If consumed, they can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Garlic and chives may have similar effects.

Cats are smart animals who are typically mindful of what they eat. But sometimes, seeds or pollen of a toxic plant get stuck in their fur or on their paws, and cats may ingest toxic substances while grooming themselves. To avoid this and keep your cat safe, all pet parents should take some time to learn the names of plants that are toxic to their health. Some of these plants are mentioned below. Peace lily (spathiphyllum) All its parts, including the leaves, roots, petals, and pollen, should be kept away from cats. If cats ingest peace lilies, they could get acute kidney failure. Other symptoms of poisoning would include vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in rare cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Sago palm (cycas revoluta) Sago palm contains a toxic substance called cycasin, which, when consumed, may result in liver damage in cats. It could also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and black, tarry-looking stool. It could also lead to bruising, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in rare cases, death. Eucalyptus (myrtaceae) Eucalyptus can cause complications like drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea in cats. The toxicity level of this plant is low, and the symptoms often disappear within 24 hours. But higher concentrations can cause serious problems. Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia may be known by its various other names, including dumb cane or tropic snow. It is a part of a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Araceae family. Dieffenbachia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth if consumed by cats. It can also lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Kalanchoe All parts of this plant are toxic to cats, as it contains bufadienolides. This can cause gastrointestinal issues like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If cats eat this plant, they can experience heart arrhythmias and seizures.

One of the main concerns for new pet parents is toilet training their feline friends. Cats are smart species; they understand the tricks within a few weeks. However, teaching them the correct techniques from day one is essential as it will gradually mold the cat’s behavior toward using the toilet bowl or litter boxes. The transition can be challenging, so we have listed seven simple steps to help with the process. Decide and prepare a designated bathroom Choose a bathroom that is easily accessible to your pet. And place the litterbox close to the toilet. The idea is to get your cat to “go” in the litter box and train it to use the toilet bowl gradually. The cat will get familiar with the new spot eventually. Move the litter box closer to the toilet bowl Move the litter box an inch closer to the toilet bowl. It will also be convenient for the pet parent to clean the box when they want to. Get rid of a layer of litter to a point where there’s a thin layer left in the box. Raise the height of the litter box Stack a pile of newspapers, old magazines, or cardboards under the litter box, and gradually raise the height, so that the cat can easily jump onto the box. Initially, the cat will get confused by the height change. But gradually, it will understand the process and jump onto the toilet seat. Make sure you pay attention to your cat adjusting to the new method while training. Use a training box Gradually, replace the litter box with a training box, and place it over the toilet seat; many options are available online. The training box is made for the pets to become accustomed to the new spot. Make the transition After a few days, replace the litter box with a training seat.

Cats are natural but small predators. They believe showing signs of sickness makes them easy prey for other larger predators. That is why they tend to hide their discomfort when feeling unwell. If a cat you care for displays signs of ill health, that can be a major cause of worry, warranting immediate attention from a vet. Watch out for the following changes in behavior or signs that your cat is sick: Vomiting or diarrhea: While vomiting occasionally is not a concern, keep an eye out for the timing and frequency of vomiting and diarrhea, as this may require a trip to the veterinarian. Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits: Changes in appetite and eating habits could result from or lead to hyperthyroidism, fatty liver disease, or hepatic lipidosis in cats. Noticeable weight changes: If your cat has been experiencing unexplained weight gain or loss, it may be time to visit the veterinarian. Breathing problems: If your cat is experiencing wheezing, rapid or raspy breathing, or shortness of breath, rush them to the veterinarian for an emergency check-up. Mood changes: If your friendly and confident cat begins to show signs of aggression or fear, you may want to have them checked. Confused or disoriented cats may need emergency medical intervention. Over-grooming: Over-grooming could indicate that your cat is experiencing a skin infection or pain. Lethargy: If your cat never seems to have the motivation to play, is sleeping more than usual, or has low energy levels, it could be a warning sign for their health. Bad breath: Severe bad breath (halitosis), excessive drooling, and bleeding from the mouth could be signs of an oral infection. This can spread through the body and affect the heart and lungs. Some other signs and symptoms to watch out for include constricted or dilated pupils, neglecting grooming, improper use of their litter box, limping, showing signs of injury such as wounds or swelling, changes in vocalization, changes in urination patterns, discharge from eyes, ears, or nose, ear debris, hair loss, skin irritation, or hiding.

One may have to deal with cat waste if they have a domesticated feline friend at home. Many pet owners prefer using cat litter as they are easy to clean the excreted waste. All pet cats are litter trained, meaning they will only pee or poop inside the cat litter placed in the house. As a pet parent, one must ensure that the litter box is cleaned at least twice daily to keep it germ-free. But are there any dangers to having cat litter? Let’s find out. While having a cat litter box at home may not expose humans to fatal dangers, cleaning the litter box may lead to health issues if one is not careful with this sanitation process. There are different types of litter. Therefore, one must know how to manage them as they can adversely affect human health in the long run. Clumping litter Clumping litter contains bentonite, a substance that allows the liquid to clump together. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is best if humans do not inhale or ingest this substance. Some of these clumping cat litters also contain silica, which has carcinogenic effects leading to an increased risk of lung cancer. However, the amount exposed to humans at home in the form of cat litter is not enough to cause major harm. Non-clumping litter These litter formulas are mostly clay-based and they absorb the liquid, making it less powdery than the clumping litter. Clay is a natural material, so harmful effects are not severe unless, of course, humans ingest or inhale high amounts of it, which may cause health problems. However, many people prefer non-clumping litter over clumping litter to avoid potential health challenges. Plant-based biodegradable litter This type of litter is made using recycled paper, grains, wheat, and corn.