From longhaired registered Persians to domestic mixed breeds called “tabbies”, cat lovers – present in more than one third of American households – know that felines are not just pets but friends and companions.  When a cat lacks appetite or doesn’t eat, owners worry because cats are often members of the family.

Remember that unless a cat hasn’t been eating for several days, it’s unlikely there is a problem or medical issue. To understand why a feline friend isn’t eating, cat caregivers must be familiar with normal eating patterns.  Cats are, as cat food commercials portray, finicky by nature.  All foods are not part of a nutritious, healthy feline diet.

Cats are carnivores, which means that they are meat eaters.  A cat doesn’t require fruits, vegetables or grains like their human companions and thrive on an all-meat diet.   Table food or scraps should never be fed to cats.  Nor should raw meats be allowed in the diet.  Outdoor cats or cats allowed to range should be monitored so that they don’t eat raw meat.  Hunters by nature, domestic cats will pounce on a mouse but don’t allow a pet to eat their prey.

Improper food is one of the reasons why cats might lack appetite.  Stick with meat based cat foods.  Never leave moistened dry food or canned out for more than one hour to prevent spoilage.  Tainted food can taste strange and cause kitty to avoid another bite.  Dry cat foods can be left in a dish for cats that prefer to nibble or feeding can happen at a specific time each day.  Cats also require plenty of clean, fresh water so check to make sure that water dishes are full.

Cats are individuals and tastes vary.  When a cat doesn’t eat, try a different flavor of food to tempt taste buds. Try a tuna flavor over a chicken blend or salmon over beef in gravy.  Although cats like milk, it is not a necessary part of a healthy feline diet.  If a cat gets too much milk, he may not be hungry and will not eat at feeding time.

Loss of appetite or not eating accompanied by other symptoms, however, may signal a medical issue.  Dental problems often cause a loss of appetite simply because the mouth is sore.  Check for other symptoms of mouth disorders such as bad breath, raised mouth sores, drooling, dark spots on molars, or bleeding gums.  If any of these are present along with a change in eating patterns, it’s time to see the vet.  He may diagnose gingivitis or peridonitis.  Both are treatable.

Cats who have dined on raw liver could be suffering from Vitamin A toxicity.  Liver is so rich in Vitamin A that even a small amount can be too much for feline bodies to assimilate.  Too much raw meat of any type can leave to a thiamin deficiency as well.  The best rule of thumb is to never feed raw meats.  If raw meat has been eaten and symptoms are present beyond a few days, consult a veterinarian for treatment.

Common household items that homeowners take for granted can be poisonous to cats.  The list of things that pose potential dangers to feline friends is long and includes coffee grounds, cigarette butts, poisonous plants, ant or roach traps, lawn and garden products (herbicides, fertilizers), automotive products, and lead paint.  If poisoning is suspected, seek treatment immediately.  To prevent accidental feline poisoning, remove dangers from cat level.  Parents of young children who have childproofed their home have little to worry about and childless cat households might consider taking the same preventative steps.

Less common conditions that could be characterized by a lack of appetite include toxoplasma, a parasitical disease that is transmitted in raw meat.  Again, never feed cat raw meats no matter what the origin.

Feline leukemia and other cancers are the most serious disease that could begin with a lack of appetite.  Older cats are more prone to feline leukemia, which can be diagnosed only by a veterinarian.  In most cases, additional symptoms would be present.

When in doubt and if more than a few days have passed without a cat eating, it’s time to visit the vet.  Appropriate diagnosis and treatment are the best gift to give a beloved cat.  Cat lovers are far from alone – more than 39 million cat owners give gifts to their felines each holiday season and more than 13 million celebrate their cat’s birthday.  Cats are so special that the ancient Egyptians considered cats to be sacred. Charles Dickens, author of classic works that include Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and A Tale of Two Cities, once wrote, “What greater gift than the love of a cat!”

Cats are special.  If a cat isn’t eating, try a little coaxing with love and then seek professional advice to keep that companion nearby for years to come.

There are two things I hate about feeding my cat. One is left over soft cat food (oh sure, you can buy the little plastic lids to cover the rest and stick it in the fridge, but do you remember it’s in there? When I clean out the refrigerator I usually find at least two) and the other is cleaning out the litter box.

The reason for an exceptionally full litter box is that most store bought cat food contains fillers ( read the bag, if the first few ingredients are wheat gluten or meal, put it back) which go right through kitty, and although leaves the cat feeling full, provides little nutrition. Your cat can eat all day and still not be getting the proper amount of nutrition.

Some cheaper brands on the store shelves are actually dangerous to give kitty. ”Alley Cat” brand has such a high ash content that it can cause urinary tract infections, which gone untreated can cause death. And while it’s okay for humans to eat off brand foods, feeding your cat nothing but cheap kitty crunchies can cause ongoing health concerns.

So the best brands to buy for your cat are name brands that you are familiar with. Top name brand cat food must pass more rigorous testing than off brands because it is shipped nationally.

Eukanuba is by far the best premium cat food; at around $14.00 for a small, seven pound bag. While expensive, it contains real meats which are listed first on the ingredient label. Remember that cats are carnivores-they need meat. Thinking that it’s okay for your cat to have cheap cat food because he supplements his diet with mice is erroneous thinking because rodents can make a cat sick and they’re not catching them for a hot meal anyway, they’re catching them because they are inherently hunters.

Better nutrition means no runny stools and less litter box mess. Because Eukanuba is one of the best you can feed your cat less, which will help offset the cost. However, if kitty is used to having a full bowl of food set out all the time for snacking, he may take awhile to get used to the new routine- so hide your shoes until he gets used to it!

Iams is another good brand. Once upon a time you could only purchase this brand from your vet but now it is available at the local grocery store. I like this brand because it is a little more affordable and comes in specific blends to suite kitty’s needs. The formula for mature cats provides vitamins to help your cat’s immune system stay strong. While corn grits and corn meal is listed third and fourth as ingredients, this brand contains rosemary oil and brewers yeast, which is good for your cat.

Science Diet lists brewer’s rice and chicken as the first two ingredients. The rice helps digestion, and this product is made from more natural products than some of the other brand names, another good choice.

A quick word about soft cat food: along with the whole nasty storage part addressed in the beginning, soft cat food does not help your cat’s teeth. Dry cat food helps scrape tartar away and is important to keep kitty’s teeth healthy, and by the way, giving your cat milk or cream can cause diarrhea. A good rule of thumb is to buy premium dry cat food and feed according to the directions, keep a nice bowl of clean water available at all times, and smother them with love and cat nip.

We love our cats! We treat them like family. When our cat is sick we worry for them just as we would for a close family member. When one dies we grieve for them like we would for a close human being. So to keep them fit and healthy here are some pointers to follow:

Most people think that milk is good for cats because cats love it. This is not true. Milk is bad for cats. The digestive system of cats and particularly kittens is upset by cow’s milk. Vets recommend that you don’t feed cow’s milk to your cat because it will cause diarrhea. If your cat is particularly fond of milk, a small amount watered down is no harm.

Be cautious when choosing house plants for your home. The berries on mistletoe are poisonous to cats. Other dangerous plants to cats include Poinsettia, English ivy, Crocus, and others.

Woolen clothes can make some cats sick.

Your cat’s tail is both a balancing tool and a mood barometer. Keep an eye on it.

A big cause of cat fatalities is the wrong kind of collar.

Get your cat vaccinated against all the common diseases.

Get your cat neutered or spayed preferably at the age of 6-7 months.

Have a thorough annual check up of your cat done by an experienced vet. This should include examination of the cat’s body, from nose to tail; weighing and taking its temperature; listening to the cats heart and lungs; checking for abnormal discharges from any bodily orifices, including eyes and nose; checking its teeth, gums and ears; inspecting for parasites and abscesses; feeling the cats internal organs. Stool test should also be conducted to test the presence of parasites.

Excessive licking and grooming can have several causes: stress, food allergies, and more. The first step is to take the cat to a vet to determine whether it’s a health or behavior problem. If the licking is due to stress, try to remove the source, or simply manage the stress.

Increased thirst is an indicator of diabetes, kidney or liver problems, especially with an older cat. It is better to consult a veterinarian and go for a thorough checkup.

Hairballs are a problem mostly in longhaired cats. Hairballs are caused by too much hair in the cat’s stomach from their own grooming. Brush your cat hair daily, especially during the warm months of the year to prevent hair balls. If the problem persists take your cat to a vet.

Ear mites are highly infectious little pests that feed on the lining of the ear canals. Its symptoms include scratching behind the ear and inside the ear; a dark brown wax inside the ear; and other signs that are not visible without the special equipment a vet uses. Take the cat to a vet immediately if you suspect that she has an ear mite problem.

Older cat health problems can be mental as well as physical: Cat behavior often changes with age and, in some instances, it’s quite possible for an old cat to exhibit signs of senility.

Arthritis affects cats just as it does humans, and can compromise a cat’s quality of life. In addition to the pain that comes from joint inflammation, the cat’s mobility is affected. Cats with arthritis can’t jump up onto beds and other raised surfaces as easily as they used to.

Older cats sometimes produce excessive thyroid hormones. Left unchecked, the excess hormones can lead to cat weight loss and damage to internal organs, particularly the heart. Sudden weight changes and behavioral changes such as restlessness or aggression may indicate a cat with excessive thyroid hormones.

Sudden fluctuations in weight (either increases or decreases) may indicate a variety of health problems in older cats. Hyperthyroidism, kidney problems or other internal organ problems may cause sudden weight loss. On the other side of the coin, obesity can strain and overwork an older cat’s heart, organs and muscles system. Monitor your cat’s weight, and report sudden changes to your vet.

Cat hair loss and some decline in coat quality occurs with all older cats to some degree. As the cat ages, the fur becomes more sparse, and often the cat requires more help grooming. Check your cat occasionally: Hair loss that leaves bald patches may indicate parasites, hormone problems or infections.

Senile cats often display certain behavior patterns. Meowing for no reason is quite common, and can be nerve wracking (It’s 3:00 am, and you’ve got a cat yowling in the hallway because she thinks she’s lost). Wandering and restlessness are also common. Cat aggression may increase as your cat experiences some loss of mental sharpness associated with aging.

About Cat Toys.

Why cats love toys.

All cats have boundless energy and they love nothing more than playing with cat toys of virtually any variety. Many pet stores, supermarkets and other stores have masses and masses of cat toys in stock, but you do need to be careful when you’re considering toys for your cat. Wild cats are hunters by nature so chasing toys is second nature to them. The old adage ‘curiosity killed the cat’ is a very accurate summing up of how cats behave. If you’ve left a bag or a box lying around near your cats you’ll know that they love nothing more to jump in the box and see what they can find.

This natural curiosity and love for chasing things is vital to a cat’s development. It strengthens muscles and increases your cat’s alertness, it keeps them healthy and young and improves their general health.

Important points to consider.

When you’re considering a toy for a cat, remember that simple is often best. A small ball with little bells will provide weeks of entertainment for your cats. Many cat toys use catnip; catnip has an incredible effect on any cat, acting as an addictive hallucinogen.

Making your own cat toys.

It’s quite reasonable to make toys for your cat, as anything that moves is an instant attraction to cats and kittens alike (try taking your socks off and wiggling your toes in front of them!). Screwing up a ball of paper or enticing them with a piece of string, even a table tennis ball especially if used on a wooden floor. You should always remember to be careful though. Make sure the paper has no dye on it, and even though cats like toys much smaller than they are, make sure they can’t swallow and choke on the toys.

The perils of not providing toys.

If you don’t provide toys like this for your cat you may find they create their own toys from anything they can find lying around. In fact, quite often you will find they do this anyway. Anything that they see move, or makes a quiet noise is an attractive prospect for a toy.

About Cat Food.

Why cat food is so important.

Food is obviously very important for your cats as it helps growth and ensures that your cat remains healthy and active. Getting the right cat food is vital to the continued well being of your cat and many different foods have many different advantages and disadvantages. You may well think that any food will do and that you can just walk into your local store or supermarket and pick up the first, and probably, cheapest tin you see. However, recent developments have shown that some tinned cat foods may actually be doing your cat more harm than good.

What to do to ensure you’re buying good cat food.

With the worries over commercial cat food, it is important for cat owners to find a suitable answer and make sure they are buying cat food that is not only safe but also active in encouraging growth and good health in their cats. One such owner, Ann Martin, has brought about a sea of change in the pet food consumer’s world. She proved that her dogs died because the food she was buying them had 20 times more than the daily recommended amount for dogs.

With more and more consumers paying greater attention to the cat food they buy, they have noticed a significant improvement in the appearance and health of their cats; skin, coat, fur and eyes invariably appear much healthier and many health problems their cats suffered before changing the food have now disappeared.

A greater awareness.

One of the most important changes that cat owners have seen is a much-improved awareness. Owners are learning that reading the label on your cat food is just as important as on your own food. Cats have similar dietary needs to humans, in so far as they require levels of certain vitamins and nutrients and that having too much of any of these can be as dangerous as getting none.

The price of health.

Unfortunately, the better the food is the more it normally costs. Even foods like Iams, which still isn’t as healthy as a good cat food should be, are quite a bit pricier than cheap supermarket brands but you can’t put a price on your cat’s health. Do a little research and find out exactly what you should be feeding your cat, and then become accustomed to reading your cat food tins whenever you buy any.

Caring for your pregnant cat.

The facts.

Cats often turn up on the doorstep wanting to be let in, and there’s no way you can tell whether she’s pregnant or not until she shows symptoms. For this reason it is very difficult to accurately predict a birth date for your litter of kittens. However, we do know that the average gestation period of a cat is between 63 and 65 days but the only really accurate way to use this information is to count forward from the day your cat bred. If you think your cat may be pregnant then the first thing you should do is to take her to the vets to get her checked out and then take her for regular checkups.

During her pregnancy and the subsequent nursing period of your cat you should feed her a special kitten food, both meat and biscuits. This contains all the vitamins and additives required to keep her and her kittens healthy. Once she becomes pregnant, your cat will develop even more loving and needy attributes to normal. Morning sickness and a heightened appetite will also be evident with your mother-to-be eating up to 3 times as much as normal.

The delivery.

Cats usually experience very few problems with labour or delivery but you should always try to be there if your cat is to be a first time mother. If this is the first time for your cat, you should follow her to the litter tray because they can confuse the feeling of labour with that of needing the litter tray.

Delivery can take a very long time, often a break of an hour between delivering kittens is seen, although if the break becomes several hours then you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.