Is Gourmet Cat Food Really Tastier?

By Derek Rogers

Looking along the aisles of your local pet food store, you will find an enormous selection of so-called gourmet cat foods available. These foods usually claim to include exotic human-like ingredients, such as shrimp, lobster, filet mignon, prawns, and even rare Kobe beef from Japan. The question is whether or not these foods taste better and are better for your cat.

Cats and Their Food

Cats need a different type of diet than humans and dogs. While the latter can eat and digest animal and plant matter fairly easily, cats are considered obligate carnivores. This means they are physically better able to digest meat products than anything else.

Another reason for the meat-heavy diet is a need for taurine, an acid found in the flesh of animals. Cats need taurine in their diets because their bodies can't produce it. Without taurine, cats can end up losing their sight.

You might think that offering your cat any type of meat-based food would appeal to them but that's not always the case. Cats can be such picky eaters they will literally starve themselves if they don't want to eat what is being offered.

And that brings us back to the main question: Are gourmet cat foods tastier?

Does it Taste Better?

The truth is that there's no real way humans can determine what tastes better for their cat. Cats are unique creatures. They have their own preferences when it comes to food. No third party can really predict what any one cat will like anymore than someone who doesn't know you can guess your dietary preferences.

Gourmet cat foods can be appealing because of their variety of flavours. Cats do enjoy a variety of flavours and can become bored if they are fed even something scrumptious day after day. However, some cats like to keep it simple and are just as happy eating the cheap foods.

The only way to know for sure what tastes best is to ask your cat.

The Bigger Question

While cats may have their own preferences for food, you need to make sure the food they choose from provides them with all of the nutrients they need for a healthy diet. Gourmet foods may cost more to buy but that doesn't necessarily mean they will provide the best health benefits for your cat.

When you choose a cat food, you need to look at the list of ingredients carefully. Here are some pointers:

* First ingredient - On any cat food, the first ingredient should be some type of real meat or fish. You do not want "chicken meal," for example. If possible, the first handful of ingredients should all be real meat.
* Anything artificial - Most foods do need some types of preservatives to keep it from spoiling. However, the food should not include artificial flavours or colours.
* Filler ingredients - Cheap pet foods often contain a lot of filler, such as rice or grains, which doesn't do much for your pet's health but do help them cut their own production costs.

If you pay attention to labels using the pointers above, you'll be able to find the tastiest and the healthiest food for your cat.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For information on gourmet cat foods, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of cat foods.

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Is A Homemade Cat Food Diet Really Good For Your Pets?

By Jennifer McVey
If you are thinking about making homemade cat food, then it is important to follow a few simple rules. Not only can making cat food at home save you money on feeding your cat, but homemade cat food recipes can also provide better health, happiness, and longevity for your cat. If you decide on serving homemade pet food to your animal, then you should also consider adding certain supplements to provide your cat with the essential vitamins it needs.

There are many different types of cat food you can make. Some people like to make their own dry cat food at home because it saves them money. You should always talk to your veterinarian before changing your cat's diet or if you are considering homemade food. Find out what you can feed your cat. If your cat needs to be on a low protein diet then you need to know this too. A veterinarian will be able to tell you which foods are harmful for your cat and which foods are beneficial. Your cat also might need a daily vitamin. It's important to discuss all of these options with your veterinarian, to be sure you are providing the healthiest diet possible to your pets.

Your cat needs a protein source. When you make homemade cat food you should combine at least one source of protein. The proteins you can add to this recipe include ½ pound of minced boneless chicken thigh or breast, 6 ounces of ground or minced dark turnkey meat, ½ pound minced lean beef, or ½ pound ground or minced beef, chicken, or turkey heart. You should include a chopped hard boiled egg into your cat's diet at least three times a week. You can feed your cat a can of tuna but it should be packed in water and not in oil. Sardines and salmon with bones are also good for your cat but only once every two weeks. Keep in mind that feeding your cat canned fish may not be a good idea as it causes urinary tract problems. So use it sparingly.

If your veterinarian suggested a low-protein diet for your pet, then you should add one cup of cooked white rice with the meat to fill out the meal.

There are supplements you should give your cat for essential vitamins and minerals it needs like calcium, vegetables, salt, and more. You can add two teaspoons of olive oil or one teaspoon of flaxseed oil to the homemade cat food. You should include two tablespoons of pureed vegetables or vegetable baby food. Be cautious with spices however; for example adding onion powder to any cat food recipe is a no-no, as it could make your cat ill.

When planning to switch your cat from a commercial pet food diet to homemade cat food, talk to your veterinarian first. Regardless of the food you feed your pet, be sure you are providing him with all the essential ingredients he needs to live a long, healthy life.

Learn more about homemade cat food and healthy pet food recipes at http://www.saferpetfood.com

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My Cat Spike And New Raccoons

No one has ever accused my cat Spike of being smart. It's not that he's excessively stupid, it's just that he has a one track mind and if he decides he wants something, it's full speed ahead for him. Forget about the consequences!

Last year during the great raccoon raids, he was dumb enough to be caught three times in the animal trap provided by the city. These are the kind of traps that do not hurt the prey, but lures them inside a cage with a tidbit of food. Then, when the varmint steps on the trigger near the bait, a trap door slams shuts and the animal is caught. They're then carted off to a better and safer environment away from humans. Pets that are captured are released to their owners. They're stuck with us!

A few nights ago just after dark, I baited a new trap with a can of cat food and explained to Spike that this trap was just like the ones I used last year and for him to stay away. Turning his back on the trap and the cat food, he calmly strolled to his bed in the garage. I took his silence to mean that he understood and agreed.

A little later in the evening I heard a pitiful yowling from outside the garage door. I knew immediately that I had not caught a raccoon. It was Spike again! As I approached the cage, I heard a rustling in the neighbor's yard and looked up to see two young raccoons sitting together and looking at the scene before them. They were no more than 75 feet from me and I would have sworn they were laughing at both Spike and me.

For the last two years I have had raccoon problems that have almost driven me nuts! Last year a family of raccoons decided that Spike's cat food that I kept in my garage was much tastier than anything they could find in the wild.

Even though I kept the exterior door of the garage closed and locked each night, they seemed to find the pet door I'd installed for my cat a great source of amusement. I watched from my hiding spot one night when all five of last year's litter crawled into the garage one at a time, then turned around and went back outside. After all were back outside, they turned around again and came through the little door again. It doesn't take much to entertain raccoons.

Raccoons are cute; I'll give them that. Regrettably, they're also slobs! There's nothing they won't eat, including my waders that I once used for fishing! They learned to crawl up shelves that held tools to get to cat food I had stored in 5 gallon cans. There were lids on the cans but they figured out how to chew them off. Often they wouldn't be content to just eat the food but would push items off the refrigerator, chew upholstery off a chair I had in the garage and generally make a nuisance of themselves.

Last year I tried trapping them to no avail. I even ordered some coyote urine over the internet that was guaranteed to keep raccoons away. This method of eradication is based on the premise that coyotes are natural predators of raccoons. When he gets a sniff of the coyote urine, he becomes so terrified that he runs for safer territory leaving my house and Spike's food alone. I sprinkled some around the perimeter of my house and hoped for the best.

It didn't work! Actually nothing drove the raccoons away until they latter part of autumn when the nights started getting cold. By Christmas all the cute little critters were gone to warmer climes.

Now, faced with two new masked terrors that have already begun tearing up my garage, I know that probably the only thing I would catch if I kept setting the trap would be my stupid cat. I'll keep trying to keep a raccoon free house, but there's no doubt I'll have to wait for winter.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at: http://www.homeandgardenbob.com http://www.redfishbob.com

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A New Pet Food For A New Year

As the holiday approaches, you start to think about the mistakes that you have made over the last year and what you would like to change in the New Year. New Year's resolutions allow us to put into perspective what it is that we actually want to achieve with our lives in the following year.

If you are a pet owner then one thing that you might like to do, is to make a New Year's resolution that involves your pet. This resolution should be that will make them even healthier and happier than they are today and there is no better way than to start with their diet.

Improving Your Pets Diet

Whether you own a cat or a dog, what you feed them has a direct effect on their health and well being. Many owners do not think about this when they look out for a type of food to feed their pet. In fact, many owners do not realize the difference between the various brands of dog and cat food. To them all dog and cat food is the same and it is all equally as good for their pet as the next brand. However, that is sadly not the case.

If you were to look into the ingredients that actually go into cheap pet food, you would soon realize just how bad for your pet it actually is. It is not just food either; pet treats can also be extremely bad for them. The effects that it can have on your pet can be devastating. So wouldn't it be kinder to pay a little bit extra for a type of food that will improve your pet's health?

Premium dog and cat food is designed with your pet in mind. Providing them with only the finest ingredients, premium pet food helps to keep your pet looking and feeling healthier. Generally meat is the main ingredient in healthy dog food, along with vegetables and anti-oxidants too. You can spot poor quality pet food by looking to see if it contains any artificial colorings and flavorings as well as BHA and BHT.

Generally poor quality dog food can cause your pet to become obese. This is not a laughing matter as obesity in our pets can cause:

• Heart and Respiratory Disease
• Joint Problems
• Diabetes
• Liver Disease

As you can see from the above list, you pet could be seriously ill if you do allow them to become obese. Giving them too many poor quality treats will result in obesity and so it would be a good idea to look at the alternatives available to you. Purchasing premium quality treats will help to keep your pet happy and healthy and it will also put your mind at ease, too.

Feeding your pet a healthy, premium grade pet food will really help to keep your pet well. Once you realize exactly what goes into cheaper dog food brands you will soon realize that it is a lot safer to opt for a slightly more expensive food, than it is to risk your pets health with a cheaper alternative.

Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit healthy, premium dog food for more information.

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Tips For Getting Your Cat To Eat Canned Food

You've decided your cat would be better off eating a high-quality canned food to prevent feline diabetes, obesity, bladder infections, kidney problems, and other health problems associated with commercial dry food. But she turns her nose up at it! How do you get her to eat it? Your kitty is a creature of habit, and she doesn't like changes, especially in what she eats. She's used to the crunchy texture of dry food. If she's never eaten canned food before, she may not even recognize the stuff sitting in her dish as something edible.

Pet food manufacturers coat dry food with meat "digests," a tasty blend of fermented animal entrails. This is what makes a cereal-based dry food attractive to an animal that is designed to eat meat, not grains. It's similar to sugar-coating breakfast cereals to make them more attractive to children. And like a child, your buddy may resist eating a diet that's healthier for her, since she really does like the taste of dry food.

Be patient, as it may take a couple of months to switch her over.

To make the transition from dry to canned, the first step is to stop leaving dry food out. You need to establish a routine of set mealtimes. If you're like most cat owners, you're in the habit of leaving food in a feeder all the time so your buddy can have a nibble any time she wants. Contrary to popular opinion, your feline friend does not need food available 24/7. Feeding her twice a day is fine.

Yes, she'll be pitiful, and she'll try to convince you she's going to expire from hunger right in front of you. But don't fall for it. You have her best interests at heart, although she may not think so! Remember, your objective isn't to starve her into eating a new food, but you do need her to be ready to eat at mealtimes so she's more likely to try something new.

Once she's used to eating twice a day, try giving her a little canned food along with the dry. Over the course of a week or so, increase the amount of canned and decrease the amount of dry until she's eating only canned food. It may not be that easy, though, as some kitties are pretty set in their ways. In this case, try giving her only canned food at one feeding. If she doesn't eat it, wait a couple of hours and try again. You may want to try a different flavor or another brand. Whatever you do, don't cave in and give her dry food just yet.

If she hasn't eaten anything in 18 hours, give her about one-quarter cup of dry food. Don't let your cat go more than 24 hours without eating, especially if she's overweight, as she could develop hepatic lipidosis, a potentially fatal condition.

You need to be sure she's eating at least 15 calories per pound of body weight every day. You don't know how much she weighs? Weigh yourself, then pick up your buddy and weigh both of you together. Subtract your weight from the combined weight of you and your kitty, and you'll have a ballpark figure. If she weighs about 18 pounds, but should weigh 12, she needs 180 calories a day, which is 12 pounds times 15 calories. If she doesn't need to lose any weight, the formula is the kitty's weight in pounds times 13.6 plus 70. So if she weighs 12 pounds, 12 times 13.6 plus 70 is 233, the number of calories needed to maintain her body weight.

Canned food labels don't list the calorie content, but canned food with about 78 percent moisture averages about 30 calories per ounce. It can vary from 20 to 40 calories, so you may need to contact the pet food manufacturer to get this information.

Most kitties do lose weight when they're transitioned to canned food. This is usually a good thing, as feline obesity is a huge problem. Your cat shouldn't lose more than one to two percent of her body weight per week. If she weighs 20 pounds, 20 times 16 ounces is 320 ounces. One percent of 320 is 3.2 ounces per week, which is less than 1/4 pound. With care and patience, you can train your kitty to eat a healthier diet, and help her lose weight in the process.

Darlene L. Norris has been owned by many kitties over the years. Now I've combined my love for cats and my life-long interest in herbs and healing at Your Cat Care Guide - Information on natural remedies for cats can be hard to find. Stay up-to-date on the latest herbal and homeopathic treatments for your feline friends!

Does your favorite kitty have feline diabetes? Visit http://www.your-cat-care-guide.com/diabetes.html now to discover a safe, effective natural remedy to lower his blood sugar levels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_L._Norris

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Cats and Toxic Substances

We all know that cats are curious creatures and tend to stick their noses into things, just to give them a smell. Cats live by using their noses to decide what is good or not and will not eat anything that does not smell good to them.

However, we tend to think of dogs as the critters that get themselves into situations where they can be poisoned, as they tend to put everything, good and bad, into their mouths.

I will agree that in the situation of putting things in their mouths, cats have much more sense, but on the other hand, because of their natural curiosity cat tend to get into as much trouble as dogs.

There are many household items that tend to present dangers of a toxic nature to cats, some things that we would not even think about.

Potpourri for example can be toxic to a cat. No, not the smell, but the liquid, as many of us simmer potpourri to create a calming atmosphere. I can almost bet a cat would not drink the liquid, but should some spill on a cat's fur and the cat in turn lick it off, when it is grooming itself, it can be toxic. As there are cationic detergents and essential oils present in the water.

Essential oils are another thing we have around the house and do not spend much time thinking about. However, these too, can present a danger to a cat, as they are easily absorbed through mucous membranes and a cat's skin.

Hard to believe but the cationic detergents used in fabric softeners, sanitizing products used in the home and soaps and lotions we use to kill germs can cause a cat serious skin problems. If this product is absorbed by the skin, it can cause ulcerated sores and if ingested, inflammation of the mouth, tongue and esophagus. It is important that you keep your cat away from these products. Should your cat suffer any of these symptoms call your vet at once.

Jewelry can also be detrimental. No, not rings and things, but the new fun stuff like the glow jewelry bracelets and glow sticks. They contain a liquid that can cause death to a cat through respiratory paralysis. How does a cat get into the liquid, usually through play by biting into the glow stick or bracelet? The liquid tastes horrible. As a result the cat will more than likely over react to the taste and may drool or throw up. Should this happen quickly try to get the taste out of the cat's mouth by diluting it with milk, tuna fish water or some of the cat's food. To be certain the cat did not get any of the liquid on its fur, take the cat into a dark room and if it glows, quickly wash the residue off the fur with warm soapy water and rinse.

Snail bait, something we use to kill snails and slugs, has a product called metaldehyde in it that can cause neurological problems in a cat. The bait usually comes in the form of tablets, powder, granules or a liquid and if it gets on the cat's fur and is ingested when the cat is grooming itself can cause some serious problems.

If you use this product at home, keep a watchful eye on your cat. A reaction to the product can cause a cat to pant excessively, act disoriented, drool, vomit, have muscle tremor and much more. Should you notice any of these symptoms call your vet immediately.

Another thing you would not think about is the flea treatment used on dogs. Canine permethrin is extremely dangerous to cats. Should you use a product containing this chemical on your dog, do not let your cat near the dog until the product has completely dried on the dog. Should your cat get any of this on its fur and lick it off it could be deadly to the cat.

Easter lilies and any other members of the lily family are toxic to cats. By that I mean all parts of the lily are poisonous to a cat, should the cat bite into it. Chewing on a leaf can cause renal failure and if not caught at once can cause serious problems for the cat and huge veterinarian bills

Antifreeze can be a serious problem also. Cats and dogs too, love the taste of antifreeze and it is toxic to both pets. Should you spill some antifreeze on the garage floor or in the driveway rinse it off at once. Be watchful if your car tends to leak antifreeze onto the driveway.

Over the counter medicines, do NOT give your cat any over the counter remedies for any type of ailment unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

The list of things that can harm a cat are endless and as a result make no attempt to even think of giving your cat an aspirin, Tylenol, any antacid for upset stomachs, cold remedies and be wary of your prescription drugs. A cat's metabolic system is unique and cannot handle products that humans and even dogs can handle. So if you value your cat's life do not attempt to self medicate your cat, call your vet, that phone call may save you many dollars.

Last but not least are rat and mouse poison pellets, keep these away from your cat as they contain an ingredient that stops the activity of vitamin K. Ingesting a pellet can cause your cat to develop a serious bleeding disorder.

One of the most important numbers you can post in your house in case of an poison emergency with one of your pets is the ASPCA Poison Control Number it is toll free (1-888-426-4435.) They also have a website that has a great deal of information on it www.aspca.org.

Keeping our cats healthy is an important job and one each of us should take it seriously.

Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only to the pet, but to our pocketbooks. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

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Recognizing Cat Toxic Plants

A home should never be without plants. In some cases however, the plants in your indoor pots and the ones in your garden could be the cause of illness or death in your pet cat. There are points therefore that you should remember to help prevent your cat from getting poisoned by plants.

Plants Toxic to Cats

Over a hundred listed cat toxic plants are listed online. Others estimate however, that the list of toxic plants could go well over 700. What is important is that you are able to easily identify a potential plant hazard. When ingested, cats will often become groggy, agitated and may vomit or have diarrhea. In severe cases, cats could die of plant poisoning.

Common houseplants that could be toxic to your cat include lilies, mistletoe, poinsettia, poison ivy, aloe vera, eucalyptus, ferns, chrysanthemum, daffodil, holly, jonquil and tulip. Certain plants may not be toxic by nature but they can be harmful to your cat if they have been sprayed with pesticide.

Why Cats Play with These Plants

Since cats are naturally curious, they may consider a big potted plant as a new item to explore. Cats also love to play with grass. If you keep your cat all day indoors, he may start to think of your plant as replacement grass. In some cases, cats may even use the soft inviting soil as a litter spot.

In the course of a cat's play time therefore, he may either accidentally or intentionally nibble on your indoor plant.

Redecorating Ideas

Of course, it's never easy to redecorate your home to make it cat-friendly. This is especially true if you have to cat-proof your garden too.

Keep sprinklers on timer to keep your cats from too much exploration on harmful plants. You may also want to consider putting up a fence around dangerous plants. To keep your cats safe from indoor plants, provide a screened area for these plants. Sprinkling some cayenne powder also seems to be an effective deterrent for cats.

Other entertainment

Your cats are different from toddlers. It would therefore be harder for you to explain why they absolutely cannot have a bite of that fern. It is suggested that you offer your cat other activities to carefully divert his attention. You can offer him a grass patch or a scratching post. Make sure too that he has a variety of toys and regular outdoor playtime. In the long run however, the best solution to keep your cat safe from toxic plants is to monitor him.

Immediate Response

Respond immediately if you notice the symptoms of poisoning in your cat. Carefully inspect your cat's mouth and remove plant leaves that may still be inside. As much as possible, do not attempt to come up with a solution on your own. The vet will know best what to do in poisoning situations.

Read more cat toxic plants that may be dangerous to your cat at the healthy cat.

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Natural Food for Dogs and Cats

by David the Dogman

I have discovered that when it comes to feeding dogs that many owners are blinded by myths and misconceptions. Many owners insist that their dogs are practically human and so should get along fine on the same food that the rest of the family is eating. The irony here, of course, is that most human meals are not all that nourishing. What may be healthy enough and appropriate for humans may be not be suitable for a dog or cat.

I can understand that many owners will not give their dogs and cats conventional pet food. For those who are looking for a healthy diet I offer the following diet, which is on the basis that I have witnessed sick dogs that have been on steroids and strong drugs scratching and licking themselves, failing to put on weight that have completely changed after a few weeks on this diet.

The food has to be naturally fresh, but for food to be fresh and alive it must not be sterile and neutral in biological form. The food must not have any chemical contamination or additives.

The first rule of this diet is that no food can be cooked in a microwave. Bear in mind that dogs and cats are hunters and need fresh food, and it should be varied and always balanced. Meat and fish should be served raw but vegetables and cereals should be cooked lightly.

Exercise your pet every day and only give this diet once a day preferably after exercise in the morning. Cats may have two meals a day.

THE MEAL OF THE DAY

Cook for 2 minutes in boiled water 3 to 4 vegetables (6/800 grams) with brown rice, or oats, pasta cereals, whole wheat bread.

Raw meat or fish approx.

* 200 grams of beef, stomach, heart, jaw chuck (The least expensive meat)

* Give only horse meat if the dog is to have long periods of exercise and training.

* Chicken: Heart, stomach, no liver or kidneys.

* Never give your pet pork or pork products.

Every seventh day no meat or fish, only vegetables with cereals.

Include every day two tablespoons of one of the following: - olive oil, wheatgerm, cod liver oil, brewers yeast, seaweed, honey (always natural).

Never give your dog any snacks of sugar, sweets, and chocolates. Raw fruit or vegetables, raw cereals, nuts (not processed or roasted) avocado, olive, carrot, apple etc.

Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.

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Natural Food for Dogs and Cats

by David the Dogman

I have discovered that when it comes to feeding dogs that many owners are blinded by myths and misconceptions. Many owners insist that their dogs are practically human and so should get along fine on the same food that the rest of the family is eating. The irony here, of course, is that most human meals are not all that nourishing. What may be healthy enough and appropriate for humans may be not be suitable for a dog or cat.

I can understand that many owners will not give their dogs and cats conventional pet food. For those who are looking for a healthy diet I offer the following diet, which is on the basis that I have witnessed sick dogs that have been on steroids and strong drugs scratching and licking themselves, failing to put on weight that have completely changed after a few weeks on this diet.

The food has to be naturally fresh, but for food to be fresh and alive it must not be sterile and neutral in biological form. The food must not have any chemical contamination or additives.

The first rule of this diet is that no food can be cooked in a microwave. Bear in mind that dogs and cats are hunters and need fresh food, and it should be varied and always balanced. Meat and fish should be served raw but vegetables and cereals should be cooked lightly.

Exercise your pet every day and only give this diet once a day preferably after exercise in the morning. Cats may have two meals a day.

THE MEAL OF THE DAY

Cook for 2 minutes in boiled water 3 to 4 vegetables (6/800 grams) with brown rice, or oats, pasta cereals, whole wheat bread.

Raw meat or fish approx.

* 200 grams of beef, stomach, heart, jaw chuck (The least expensive meat)

* Give only horse meat if the dog is to have long periods of exercise and training.

* Chicken: Heart, stomach, no liver or kidneys.

* Never give your pet pork or pork products.

Every seventh day no meat or fish, only vegetables with cereals.

Include every day two tablespoons of one of the following: - olive oil, wheatgerm, cod liver oil, brewers yeast, seaweed, honey (always natural).

Never give your dog any snacks of sugar, sweets, and chocolates. Raw fruit or vegetables, raw cereals, nuts (not processed or roasted) avocado, olive, carrot, apple etc.

Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.

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How to Feed Your Cat

Just like a human being, a cat needs a balanced and proper diet, if it is to remain healthy (although of course the details of the diet differ). Cats can quite choosy eaters and tend to prefer to snack throughout the day. Cats can easily form an addiction to a particular food, especially food such as fresh meat and fish.. so do not give your cat just one or two food types, especially when it is still a kitten. If you give a variety of foods to your cat, it will enjoy it more, and a mixed diet will also give the cat the nutrition it needs.

Time and time again, you'll see cat owners feed dog food to their cats. This is the wrong thing to do, because your cat has different nutritional needs from your dog. Dog food is for dogs, cat food is for cats. This is a very simple rule to live by, yet many people ignore it.

As mentioned previously, cats have different dietary requirements from people. Your cat is not like you and should not be fed like a human! You should not train your cat to eat table scraps as they will not suffice for your cat's nutritional requirements. Additionally, it is myth that cats need to have milk, in fact if you feed your cat too much milk, it can be bad for its digestive system.

The best thing to do is to use good quality cat food. You should also make sure your cat is fed enough meat (remember cats are predators) which is important for your cat's diet as it produces essential metabolites. Additionally, cats need water, so make sure that you provide clean, fresh water everyday.

By S. Tanna. First published at http://www.guide2pets.com/p1_articles_cats_feeding.php

Discover more pet articles, info and shopping at http://www.guide2pets.com/

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