Cat Food
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CAT FAQ
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Q: Why does my cat wake me up at 5 a.m. wanting to be fed?
Since cats are nocturnal animals, they generally sleep during the day and stay awake at night. Cats in the wild hunt are night hunters making this a the natural time for cats to want to eat. If you want to try and eliminate this behavior, it may help to feed your cat a late evening meal just before bedtime. This may help curb your cat’s appetite until later in the morning.
Q: How are your pet foods preserved?
Star Milling’s pet foods are preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols – alpha, beta, gamma and delta isomers), Vitamin C, and propionic acid, which is a natural mold inhibitor. We do not use preservatives such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
Q: How do I keep my cat from clawing up my furniture?
Cats are predators and use their claws for climbing and hunting, so it’s their natural instinct to keep their nails sharp and ready for action. From an early age, have their nails trimmed regularly so they will be tolerant of the process. It is a simple procedure if done appropriately.
Also, provide multiple scratching surfaces like scratching posts for them to use instead of your furniture. Some cats prefer horizontal ones and others like vertical ones. Try a few different versions to see which you cat likes best. Your couch and favorite chair will thank you.
Q: What if my cat eats dog food or vice-versa?
Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements. Cats are true carnivores, so they require more protein than what is generally found in dog food. It is okay if cats eat dog food occasionally, but they may become malnourished if dog food is their main source of nutrition.
It is normally safe for dogs to consume cat foods, but it is not recommended for optimum nutrition.
Q: What can I do to prevent hairballs?
You can use a hairball paste, which you can give your cat every other day. Most cats love this and will lick it right off your finger. Another option is fiber, such as pysillium, daily. Pre-measured veterinary capsules are available.
Q: How long do cats live?
Indoor house cats can expect to live 15 to 20 years, with some reaching 25. Advances in preventing kittenhood diseases such as distemper and feline leukemia, heartworms and other parasites, are key in extending longevity, along with better diets.
Q: How important is taurine in a cat’s diet?
Taurine is an amino acid essential to the health of your cat. Lack of taurine in a cat’s diet can lead to blindness, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other serious health problems. Ultra Balance Cat Food has taurine because it is important and cats lose taurine quickly. Meat is the best source of taurine and is one reason why cats should not be put on vegetarian diets.
Q: Can I feed my cat raw fish or meat?
Raw fish: Certain types of raw fish can cause cats to suffer from a thiamine deficiency, which can cause anorexia, abnormal posture, weakness and even death.
Raw meats: Raw diets are increasing in popularity, but it is best not to feed your cat raw meat. Many raw meats contain parasites, and diets high in raw meat do not provide the proper balance of nutrients a cat needs.
Q: What is a group of cats called?
A group of cats is called a clowder, or a glaring. Clowder is Middle English and means “to huddle.” A group of kittens is called a litter.
Q: Why is my cat drinking lots of water and urinating frequently?
Two possibilities are diabetes or a decline in kidney function. Both are more common with older cats.
Diabetes occurs when a cat’s body does not make or recognize insulin. Therefore sugar is not used by the body for energy. Separately, sometimes older cats’ kidneys wear out and do not function effectively. Both diseases are controllable. Taking steps to counteract these issues can make your cat much more comfortable.