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Your Maine Coon’s Genetic Health Book
2 Congratulations! You’re about to discover the story of your cat’s history and genetic health Thank you for choosing the OriVet Genetic Health Book to uncover the story of Your Maine Coon’s genetic health. Congratulations on taking the steps to learn about your cat’s unique nature and to understand her special health needs. Knowing your cat’s unique genetic makeup is more than a novelty - it is a medical necessity. Your cat’s breed is her ancestral genetic signature and carries unique health concerns much the same as her age, sex and lifestyle. We believe that combining this knowledge enables you to provide a lifetime of excellent care and live a happier life with your friend. In this book, you will find detailed information specific to Your Maine Coon's health. It is important to carefully review your entire report and discuss the results with your veterinarian to gain the most value out of your cat’s Genetic Health Report. Your vet can help you use your report to help better care for your cat. The next time you visit your veterinarian, consider taking this book with you and ask for specific screening that may be available for your cat. Dr. Noam Pik Orivet Managing director
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Table of contents
Chapter 1 Maine Coon’s breed description, history, temperament and behavior,
special needs and requirements
Chapter 2 Genetic diseases and inherited disease information specific to Maine Coon
Chapter 3 Caring for your Maine Coon, a lifetime personalised wellness program
Chapter 4 Making your home a cat's paradise
Chapter 5 Cat nutrition
Chapter 6 Dental health
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Maine Coon Traits
The Maine Coonis a large
breed, and is adapted
to hunting in snow and
cold weather.
The Maine Coon is
the official state cat
of Maine, USA.
The Maine Coon is The Maine Coon has a
also known as the long, shaggy coat that
“gentle giant” due requires less care than
to her relaxed nature. most long haired cats.
Ancestral Genetics
5
Ancestral Genetics
History The Maine Coon, also known as the American Longhair, is the
official state cat of Maine in the USA. Her origins are unknown, and
surrounded in much myth and mystery. Most breeders today accept
that the Maine Coon originated when local short-haired domestic cats
bred with imported long-haired cats brought be sea-faring traders,
possibly Angora-type cats brought by New England seamen, or
alternatively long-haired cats introduced by the Vikings. The Viking
theory is favoured by those who point to the similarity in appearance
of the Maine Coon to the Norwegian Forest Cat, which is also said to
descend from the cat that travelled with the Vikings.
The Maine Coon has bred naturally in the New England area for
hundreds of years, and is specifically native to the state of Maine.
Maine Coons were popular at early cat shows in Boston and New
York, although it is only quite recently that the breed has undergone
planned breeding with pedigrees recorded. The Maine Coon Breeders
A blue silver tabby and Fanciers Association formed in 1968. Hence much of the natural
mackerel Maine Coon form and hunting instinct of the original breed has been retained.
General Breed The Maine Coon has developed to live in a harsh climate, and
has a long, heavy coat that is water resistant and glossy. The
Description coat is shorter on the head and shoulders, and long on the flanks
and belly, often with a thick ruff around the neck. The tail is
bushy and the feet are round, large and tufted with fur to help
her cope in the snow. The Maine Coon is one of the largest cat
breeds, and is tall, muscular and well built. The eyes and ears
are quite large, and the ears are well furred and tufted on the
inside. A tuft on the point of the ear is also desired. The head
is slightly longer than it is wide, with a relatively long, squarish
muzzle, and the body is long and rectangular.
Maine Coon cats
6
Ancestral Genetics
The Maine Coon comes in a wide range of colours and patterns,
with the exception of the colour-point. Early Maine Coons quite
often carried a trait known as polydactylism (which means “extra
toes”) and it is thought this may have aided them in snowy
weather, helping to keep their feet warm and to walk on top
of the snow. This trait has almost disappeared from the breed,
as it disqualifies a cat from the show ring.
Breed The Maine Coon is sometimes called “the gentle giant” due to
her relaxed nature. They are loyal, intelligent cats that enjoy
Temperament being involved in all the activities going on in the family. They
and Behaviour are playful and not generally known as “lap cats”. They get
along well with other pets, including dogs, as well as children.
Males can be somewhat “clownish” in their behaviour, while
all are affectionate, and tend to be quite talkative with their
distinctive chirping trill.
The Maine Coon may be somewhat reserved around strangers.
They are independent, but love to play and remain playful
throughout their lives. They are also quite trainable, and can
learn many “dog-like” tricks and behaviours. They develop
relatively slowly, and do not reach their full maturity until they
are 4-3 years old.
Requirements The long, shaggy coat of the Maine Coon is relatively easy to
care for, compared to other long-haired breeds. A comb once or
and Needs twice a week is all that is required, and generally your cat will
love the attention! The Maine Coon should be kept indoors, as
she retains her well developed natural hunter’s instincts, and
will readily roam widely and expertly hunt the local wildlife.
She will require lots of play activities to keep her intelligent
mind occupied and allow her to express her natural hunting
behaviours in a safe way. She should not be left on her own for
long periods, and if in a home where this is likely to happen
she should have a companion cat for company.
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Ancestral Genetics
Best Suited to The Maine Coon will readily suit almost any family situation, as
long as her needs can be met.
8
Genetic Disease
The list of diseases below was generated by reviewing the latest scientific literature. It
does not mean your pet will ever actually contract any of these diseases.
Please Note
The diseases listed are showing INCREASED RISK ONLY and are a result of calculations
comparing your cat›s details to studies published in the world literature on genetic risk
associated with this breed. This offers an opportunity to be on the lookout for these
conditions, diagnose them early, treat more effectively and in some cases even prevent
them.
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Genetic Disease
Most Common These are amongst the most common genetic and/or breed-associated
diseases and conditions seen in the Maine Coon, or are conditions
and/or Most that have the most serious impact on the health and welfare of the
Severe Breed- Maine Coon. It does not cover all the diseases that the Maine Coon
Predisposed may be prone to.
Conditions
1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart
condition in cats, with familial (inherited) forms of the disease having
been recognised in a number of breeds. The disease in cats is similar
to the disease in humans, where more than 120 mutations located
on 12 different genes have been shown to be able to cause HCM.
Ragdolls, Persians and Maine Coons are amongst breeds with higher
than normal rates of disease due to HCM.
To date genetic mutations have been characterised in the Ragdoll
and Maine Coon and genetic testing is available in these breeds.
The mutations are different in the two different breeds, but are both
located in the myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). HCM may
also occur in these breeds without this particular mutation (i.e. due
to a different mutation). The mutations appear to be dominant genes,
but with variable penetrance. This means cats with two copies of the
mutation tend to have a more severe disease at an earlier age than
cats with one copy of the mutation, who may not develop signs of
disease until late in life. Large scale studies estimate that the Maine
Coon has a prevalence of HCM of approximately 34%.
HCM causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, and this means
that the heart cannot function properly. Thickening of the ventricle
of the heart leads to stiffness of the ventricle, and the inability of
the ventricle to relax adequately for filling. Blood tends to become
“backed up” in the atrium and in the veins of the lungs. Eventually
this increased blood in the lungs leads to leakage of fluid into the
air spaces, which is called pulmonary oedema. When this happens,
the cat has congestive heart failure. As well as congestive heart
failure, HCM can lead to arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and
sometimes this can cause sudden death without any prior clinical
signs of heart disease being seen. Another uncommon complication
of HCM is aortic thromboembolism, where a blood clot forms in the
enlarged left atrium and at some point is ejected from the heart and
lodges in the aorta - commonly where it narrows and branches to go
to the hindlimbs. This leads to a lack of blood flow to the hind legs,
and causes paralysis and is very painful. Clots may less commonly
lodge elsewhere, such as in the lungs or brain.
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Genetic Disease
Diagnosis of HCM is based on a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram),
Screening for and should generally be performed by a specialist. There is no cure
hypertrophic for HCM, although if thickening of the heart muscle is secondary to
cardiomyopathy: another disease, such as hyperthyroidism, treatment of the primary
1. Recommend all condition may resolve the cardiac condition. Treatment of HCM aims to
breeding animals undergo manage signs of congestive heart failure, and reduce the abnormality
DNA test at or before 1 of muscle relaxation as much as possible. Recent studies have shown
year of age.
2. Echocardiography that calcium channel blockers (e.g. diltiazem) have shown good
at 1 year of age and results at improving heart function and blood flow around the body.
recommend yearly for Drugs to control arrhythmias are given if needed. Therapy is often
breeding animals. Also given to try to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart (e.g.
perform on any cat with aspirin), although studies have shown that this treatment is not all
abnormal auscultation that effective, and will not get rid of clots that have already formed.
findings. Consider regular
screening echocardiogram This treatment must be monitored carefully, as it can also lead to an
on any cat if owner is increased risk of bleeding.
concerned.
2. Hip Dysplasia
Feline hip dysplasia is considered to have a genetic component,
and seems to be more prevalent in certain breeds, including the
Maine Coon and Persian. Other factors contribute to clinical disease,
for example obesity increases pressure on the hip joints and their
supporting structures and contributes to degenerative joint disease
(DJD, or arthritis) and pain within the joint.
In hip dysplasia the hip joint, which is a ball-and-socket joint, develops
abnormally and the ball of the femur (thigh bone) does not sit as
tightly as it normally would within the
socket of the pelvis (hip). The socket
part of the joint is more shallow than
usual, and as a result there is looseness
or “laxity” in the joint. This looseness in
the hip joint allows the bones to rub on
each other, causing the cartilage lining
of the joint to be worn away. Once
cartilage is lost it cannot be replaced,
and when bone is rubbing on bone pain
and arthritis results.
Cats are generally good at hiding pain, as they have an instinctive
need to hide disability (and therefore vulnerability) from any potential
predators. A cat with pain from arthritis due to hip dysplasia (or any
other cause) may simply become less active than usual, and rest more.
Often the cat owner may think the cat is simply “slowing down” with
age. Other signs of joint pain may include difficulty getting in and11
Genetic Disease
out of the litter box, which may result in inappropriate elimination,
or even constipation. A cat may groom less, or may groom around
the hip area more frequently. She may be reluctant to jump up onto
furniture or walk up stairs, may limp or show difficulty walking, and
may be “grumpier” than normal when touched. She may also eat
less and lose weight.
Images from Veazie Vet Clinic Hip dysplasia can be diagnosed with
website 2013 physical examination and x-rays by
your veterinarian. Hip dysplasia can
occur at any age, and tends to be seen
in larger framed cats, and is seen in
males more than females, although any
animal may be affected. Radiographic
studies have estimated the prevalence
of hip dysplasia in the feline population
(in the USA) at around 6.6%.
Certain breed predispositions are
recognised, and a study in Maine
Coon cats showed that 50% had evidence of hip dysplasia on x-ray
screening. Not all cats with x-ray evidence of hip dysplasia will show
any clinical signs of disease, and signs that do occur may range from
very mild to severe, debilitating pain. Screening programs for breeding
animals are available in several countries, including through the
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in the USA. In Sweden a registry
has been kept for Maine Coon cats since 2000, and in that country the
prevalence of hip dysplasia in the breed is 32%. This registry has also
demonstrated that parents with normal hips produce less offspring
with hip dysplasia than do parents with unknown hip score. This
underscores the value of screening to reduce the incidence of disease.
Treatment of hip dysplasia may include anti-inflammatory medication
and supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin (to help
Screening for hip maintain healthy joint cartilage). There are also several options for
dysplasia: surgery available. The most common treatment is to remove the head
1. X-ray screening (taken and neck of the femur (the “ball” part of the joint) and allow the
between 12-24 months
of age and assessed by supporting soft tissues to continue to function as the joint. In almost
a certified veterinary all cases this will allow the hip to have an almost normal range of
radiologist) should be motion, but will get rid of the bone-on-bone contact, which is what
considered for breeding causes the pain. The cat will then be able to engage in all of her
animals. Breeding normal cat activities.
registries are available in
a number of areas.12
Genetic Disease
3. Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited disorder that appears
similar to the disease of the same name seen in humans. It is seen in
Maine Coon cats, and is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder,
meaning that a copy of the mutation is passed to an affected kitten
from both parents.
The disease affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord that travel to
skeletal muscle of the body (trunk) and legs. These nerve bodies are
lost in the first few months of life, leading to weakness and wasting
of the muscles of the body. Signs are generally first seen at 15 - 17
weeks of age, and initial signs include weakness in the hind legs
and a very fine tremor in the muscles. Kittens will tire easily and will
develop an odd gait, with a swaying in the hindquarters. By 5 months
of age they are generally too weak to jump, and examination reveals
that muscles of the limbs and body are reduced in size.
The condition is progressive, and initially worsens quite quickly,
however it is not painful and generally not fatal. The condition generally
stabilises with the cat suffering a variable degree of weakness and
Screening for spinal loss of mobility. Cats are not incontinent, but can have a restricted
muscular atrophy: range of mobility and exercise intolerance. Affected cats are disabled
1. Genetic testing of and with care and lifestyle changes are able to live comfortably
all breeding animals indoors. There is a genetic test available for this disease, and breeding
recommended prior animals can be tested to ensure two carriers are not mated, which
to entering breeding will prevent affected kittens from being produced.
program (e.g. at 4 months
to 1 year of age).
4. Patellar Luxation
Luxation means dislocation, and patellar luxation refers to a dislocating
kneecap. The patella (kneecap) is a bone that normally sits at the
front of the stifle joint (knee) in a groove at the end of the thigh
bone (or femur). The patella is embedded in a ligament that joins
the quadriceps muscle of the thigh to the lower leg bone (the tibia).
The patella helps keep this ligament in place while the muscles are
working and the knee is bending and straightening because it stays
in the bony groove of the femur (called the trochlear groove).
With patellar luxation, the patella is able to move out of this groove
during straightening of the joint. This usually happens in cats because
the trochlear groove is too shallow or sometimes if the patellar
ligament is attached to the tibia off centre and pulls the patella
sideways. Usually the patella luxates towards the inside (or towards
the opposite leg), which is called medial luxation.13
Genetic Disease
Patellar luxation can occur rarely in any breed of cat, but is more
common in the Devon Rex, Abyssinian, Maine Coon and Bengal, and
is thought to have a genetic component in these breeds. It is also
seen more commonly in association with hip dysplasia. Signs may
start to develop commonly around 4-6 months after birth. Patellar
luxation causes lameness because the cat cannot bend its knee
while the patella is out of place. This may cause the cat to walk with
her back leg out to the side, or run with a skipping step for a short
period. Most affected cats learn to kick their leg out to the side to
snap the patella back into place. Once this happens they can walk
normally again.
Patellar luxation can be graded from 1 to 4, with grade 1 being mild
and grade 4 being most severe.
Because the movement of the luxating patella wears away at the edge
of the trochlear groove (i.e. the bone) the condition leads to painful
arthritis over time. Once arthritis develops, it cannot be reversed. The
loss of the bone of the groove also generally means that the patella
will luxate more easily over time, and so will slip out of place more
and more often. Patellar luxation also predisposes the knee to other
injuries, especially cruciate ligament rupture.
Grade 1 patellar luxation may be tolerated by a cat for many years
without problems, however surgical correction is recommended for
the other grades. The sooner surgical correction is performed, the less
likely a cat is to develop painful arthritis as she ages. The outcome
Screening for patellar with surgery if it is undertaken before the development of arthritis
luxation: is generally excellent, however if arthritis is already present in the
1. Examination and joint it may continue to progress, even after surgery is performed.
manipulation at 6 months Luxating patella is diagnosed by manipulation by your veterinarian,
of age. and grading is made with the assistance of x-rays. Radiography also
2. Reassess at 12 months assists in assessing any other changes or problems in the joint.
+/- radiography if
required.
5. Cystic Renal Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disease that affects the
kidneys. PKD is thought to be the most prevalent inherited disease in
cats. PKD is an autosomal dominant disease that is seen in Persians,
Persian-related breeds, and cats with Persian ancestry. Various studies
and surveys have reported around 36% of Persians are affected by
PKD. However it is believed that this prevalence is now decreasing
due to the availability of a genetic test for the disease in this breed,
and due to concerted efforts by breeders to reduce the prevalence
of the disease amongst their breeding stock.14
Genetic Disease
In some other breeds, a similar disease has been recognised, but
genetic studies have shown that this type of cystic renal disease is
not caused by the same genetic mutation as PKD recognised in the
Persian and related breeds. For example, in the Maine Coon, studies
have not been able to locate a common genetic mutation in cats
affected with renal cysts. In this breed there may be only a single
cyst in one kidney, or multiple cysts that tend to be relatively small.
This is obviously different to the disease in Persians, where the entire
kidney can become filled with a lot of sometimes very large cysts,
with very little normal kidney remaining.
Whereas PKD will lead to kidney failure in many affected cats, cystic
renal disease in non-Persian breeds does not necessarily cause any
clinical renal disease. Sometimes it may lead to chronic renal failure,
but it may not, as the cysts in the kidney either do not become big
enough to damage enough of the kidney tissue, or there is only a
single cyst in one kidney and the other kidney is functioning normally.
When renal failure occurs, it causes the common signs of increased
water intake and increased urination, weight loss, decreased appetite,
loss of condition, dehydration and intermittent vomiting.
Cystic renal disease is diagnosed by ultrasound of the kidneys to
Screening for cystic demonstrate cysts. There is no genetic test as yet for breeds other
renal disease: than the Persian and Persian-related breeds. Repeat ultrasound may
1. Ultrasound screening of be required in some cases, however most cats will have cysts apparent
kidneys at 10-12 months by the age of 1 year. At this time is would be recommended to not
of age. breed affected animals, although the mode of inheritance is not yet
2. Repeat screen may be understood.
indicated at 18-24 months
of age.15
Other Conditions These conditions are also seen with a higher than usual incidence in
the Maine Coon. These conditions may not be as common as those
Which Are Less covered in more detail above, or may have less of an impact on the
Common or Less cat’s health and welfare when they occur. This is not a complete list
Devastating In the of every disease that the Maine Coon may experience.
Breed
Combined factor I & XI deficiency
Polydactyly (extra toes)
Merosin deficient myopathy16
Caring For Your Maine Coon17
Caring for your Maine Coon
Caring for your So, now you know a little bit more about your breed of cat!
Maine Coon Cats are wonderful companions, as any cat owner knows. There is
nothing quite like the comfort of a purring cat curled up on your
lap. Cats certainly are individuals, each with their own personality
and quirks that we, as their carers, must accommodate. All cats are
creatures of habit, and thrive on routine and familiarity. We need to
avoid upsetting the routine of our feline friends as much as possible,
or run the risk of any one of a multitude of stress and anxiety related
problems and illnesses.
In this guide we will outline some of the basic information that
will help you provide your cat with the care they require for a long,
happy and healthy life. We will focus on the very specific nutritional
needs of the cat, and we will also look in particular on the care and
requirements of the indoor cat. Responsible pet ownership means
that we must ensure that our cat is not just regularly fed, but that
she is safe, happy, healthy and protected from harm at all times.
Contrary to some commonly held beliefs, cats do not need to roam
to be happy. Indeed, a cat spends around 18 hours a day sleeping,
and is perfectly happy living an indoor life, especially if raised this
way from kitten hood. Studies have shown that the average lifespan
of an indoor cat is over 12 years, while that of an outdoor cat is less
than 5 years.
Outdoor cats are exposed to many risks, including traffic, dogs, the risk
of injury from other cats, the risk of exposure to infectious diseases
(such as FIV), as well as the risk from poisons (whether intentional
or not), snakebite and malicious injury from humans. Less than 5%
of cats that end up in shelters return to their homes, and less than
30% will be rehomed with another family. Almost all animal health
professionals and animal welfare experts agree that cats should be
housed indoors, due to the much greater health and welfare benefits.
For further information on responsible pet ownership, . An
indoor cat can still explore the outdoors, either with the provision
of a cat run, or by training to use a harness and lead. This will be
covered in more detail later.
Healthy Cat Plan
We have looked at some of the more common and/or severe diseases
that your breed of cat may be prone to, and we will also look at how
you and your vet can plan together a preventative health initiative
to reduce the risks of your cat developing any of these illnesses, or
if she does to ensure that it is detected as early as possible, so that
it can be treated early with as little impact on your cat’s quality of
life as possible. Remember, just because these diseases are more
common in your breed does not mean she will necessarily go on to
develop any of them, it is just an increase in risk.18
Caring for your Maine Coon
Recommended schedule
for taking your Maine Coon to see your vet
AGE What The Vet Does Diseases Tested For Other Things Done At This Visit
6-9 weeks Full examination. Kitten eye exam. Weigh, assess body condition
First vaccination for core Check for heart murmurs. and growth rate.
feline vaccines. Hearing test in white kittens. Discuss nutrition and kitten
Check and treat parasites. care.
Discuss kitten kindy classes.
12-13 weeks Full examination. Recheck eyes. Weigh, assess body condition
Revaccinate all kittens every Check for heart murmurs. and growth rate.
3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of Kitten classes held between
age. 12-14 weeks.
16-17 weeks Full examination. Recheck eyes. Weigh, assess body condition
Final kitten vaccination Check for heart murmurs - fully investigate and growth rate.
should occur at minimum age any murmur present. Discuss ongoing nutrition
of 16 weeks. Check for patellar luxation. needs.
Ensure parasite control plan If required prepare for
in place. desexing - e.g. blood tests,
DNA testing, blood typing,
retroviral testing.
12-26 weeks* Full examination. Examine teeth, joints etc fully whilst under Weigh, assess body condition
Desexing is undertaken at GA. and growth rate.
some time up to 6 months of Consider DNA testing - eg HCM,SMA. Discuss ongoing nutrition
age.* needs.
1 year Annual full examination. Eye check, heart check - consider Weigh, assess body condition.
1st booster vaccination for echocardiography annually. Discuss ongoing nutrition
core vaccines. Hip dysplasia screening +/- patellar needs.
Discuss non-core vaccine screening.
requirement with your vet Consider renal ultrasound.
(e.g. FIV).
2-7 years Annual full examination. Consider retinal check - for hypertension. Weigh, assess body condition.
Core vaccines recommended Check heart. Discuss ongoing nutrition
to be given no more than Consider renal ultrasound 18-24 months. needs.
every 3 years (your vet will
discuss your cat’s individual
needs).
7-10 years Annual full mature cat Consider retinal check - for hypertension. Weigh, assess body condition,
examination. Check heart. muscle score.
Continue with individualised Minimum data base collection annually - Assess movement and
vaccination plan as discussed CBC, Biochem panel, UA, faecal +/- T4, BP.# cognition.
with your vet. Discuss ongoing nutrition
needs for mature cat.
10-15 years Full senior cat examination Add to minimum data base T4 and BP, Weigh, assess body condition,
every 6 months. continue annually. # muscle score.
Check heart. Assess movement and
Nutritional assessment. cognition.
Discuss ongoing nutrition
needs.
15+ years Full geriatric cat examination Continue minimum data base annually. # Weigh, assess body condition,
every 6 months. Check heart. muscle score.
Nutritional assessment. Assess movement and
cognition, sleep cycle etc.
Discuss ongoing nutrition
needs.
* Due to council laws in some Australian states, desexing before 3 months is required for reduced registration Blue: This is the time when your cat is a kitten, a true child!
fees, and hence may be requested more commonly than previously. Female cats can come into oestrus by Green: This is when your cat is an adolescent, or young adult.
4 months of age, and many studies have shown no adverse health effects due to early desexing, however Yellow: This is when your cat is an adult.
Orange: This is when your cat is considered a “mature” (or middle-aged) cat.
your vet will assess the risks to your cat on a case-by-case basis. Red: This is the time when your cat is a “senior”.
Purple: This is when your cat is considered to be “geriatric” (an old-timer!).
# As recommended by American Association of Feline Practioners Senior Care Guidelines (2008).19 Caring for your Maine Coon Checked √ Details Note there can be some overlap in the ages at which your cat moves through the different life stages, just as there is for people. These coloured stages are a guide only.
20
Cat’s Paradise21
Cat's Paradise
A new cat or kitten in the house is a wonderful time, full of fun and new
Making Your Home
discoveries for both your feline friend and you. However, there are several
a Cat’s Paradise essentials that you are going to need, to ensure that your cat settles in to
her new indoor home happily and with as little stress as possible.
1. The Litter Box
There are a number of types of litter box available, ranging from a basic
pan type, up to automatic self-cleaning boxes and litter boxes designed
to look like furniture items. Most cats will do fine with your basic plastic
pan type of litter box (also known as a litter tray, see Fig 1). Some cats
prefer the added privacy of covered litter boxes (see Fig 2), however many
will not use these as they feel trapped by them, and they do also require
more frequent cleaning, as odours tend to build up within them, which
may cause a cat (with her very sensitive sense of smell) to avoid using one
altogether. Some cats prefer to stand up to wee, and in this case a litter
box with tall sides is needed. This type of litter box may also be preferred
with a cat who loves to dig and throw litter all over the place while in the
litter box. A tall-sided litter box can easily be made by purchasing a large,
smooth-sided storage box (without wheels) and cutting out a doorway in
one end. This option also has the advantage of being roomier for your cat
to move around in. Be sure to smooth off the edges of the door once you
have cut it out – your cat will thank you for having such a spacious, well
designed bathroom! (See Fig 5a & 5b).
Fig 1. Basic pan-type litter tray Fig 2. Covered litter box Fig 3. Litter box concealed as furniture
Fig 4. Automatic self-cleaning box Fig 5a. Make your own high- Fig 5b. Or you can buy a high-
sided litter box from a storage sided litter box
box – plenty of room, less mess22
Cat's Paradise
2. Litter
Various types of litter are available, and the type you use will largely
depend on your cats’ preference. Avoid scented litters, as these are likely
to be unwelcome to you cats very highly developed sense of smell. Also
avoid litters that tend to leave dust, as these may lead to respiratory
problems. Clumping litters should not be used for young kittens; if they
are accidentally ingested they can lead to intestinal blockage and possibly
death. Clumping litters may allow waste to be more easily removed from
an adult cat’s litter tray, or a quieter and less sharp litter, such as recycled
paper pellets, may be preferred. Offer several different types to see what
your cat prefers. Cats are creatures of habit, and in general you should
stick with one that your cat is happy with. Regardless, the litter box should
have waste cleaned from it at least twice a day, and should be completely
emptied and thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. Do not use bleach or
ammonia containing cleaners on the tray – bicarb soda or a mild detergent
will clean the tray and will not leave a smell behind that may put your cat
off using the tray in future! Just make sure you clean the tray/s thoroughly
and rinse all traces of detergent off them.
3. Food and Water
Your cat’s food and water bowls should be located in another “safe” place
(quiet and out of high traffic zones) well away from the litter box area.
Nobody wants to eat where they poop! Some cats can also be funny about
drinking where they eat, so it is a good idea to have several water bowls at
various locations around the house. We will discuss food and cat nutrition
separately later, but food bowls should be clean for each meal, and water
bowls cleaned with a small amount of detergent, rinsed thoroughly and
refilled each day. This prevents bacteria from building up on the inside
walls of the water bowl and fouling the water.
Bowls should be wide enough that a cat can drink freely without her
whiskers touching the sides of the bowl. Whiskers are sensory organs,
used by cats for navigating in the dark and helping them to orientate and
kill their prey with one bite. They are very sensitive to touch, and some
cats do not like the feeling of them touching the sides of the bowl, and
Fig 6. Ceramic water fountain Fig 7. Stainless steel food bowls23
Cat's Paradise
this may lead them to be reluctant to drink. Plates are sometimes a better
option than bowls for feeding. Ensure that bowls are not too big if you
have a kitten, so that she can easily reach her food and water, and that if
she falls in she can easily get out (of a water bowl).
All bowls should be slip resistant and heavy enough that they are hard
to tip over. Some cats like to play in their water when drinking, and it is
important that they cannot tip over the water bowl when doing so. These
cats may do very well with an automatic drinking fountain, as they seem
attracted by the constantly moving water, which may encourage them to
drink more. Ceramic fountains are also easy to clean and almost all varieties
come with filters for removing dust and dropped hair from the water (Fig. 6).
The best types of bowls for food and water are heavy ceramic or stainless
steel. Stainless steel is an excellent surface and can help keep water cool
in summer, but can be prone to tipping over, so ensure it has a well seated,
slip resistant base (Fig. 7). Plastic tends to develop microscopic cracks, and
these can harbour bacteria, which will resist cleaning. This can lead to a
skin condition similar to blackheads on your cats chin. If using plastic ware,
ensure that you replace it frequently. A rubber “cat dinner mat” under the
bowls also helps prevent bowls moving, and catches any spills.
4. Cat Furniture
Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. It helps them to
remove the old outer sheath from their claws, and stretches
out their tendons and muscles. Scratching also leaves
scent marks, which helps them to mark their territory. You
cannot stop a cat from scratching, but by providing her
with scratching furniture, you can ensure that she does
not tear up your expensive couch or carpet! Some cats
Fig. 8. Cardboard scratching pad prefer to scratch vertically (up a post) while others like to
scratch horizontally (along the floor). Scratching furniture
for cats comes in a large range of styles, and to suit all
budgets. At the bottom of the range there are “over the door” hanging
mats and cardboard mats for the floor (Fig. 8). These are great if you are
limited for space, or on a tight budget. You can even make your own out
of old cardboard boxes (see this link for a great ).
You have probably seen the traditional scratching post (Fig. 9), which often
comes covered in either carpet or sisal rope. Note that woven sisal fabric
tends to be a bit more “claw-friendly” than the rope, and I have certainly
known plenty of cats that refuse to use their nice new scratching post,
simply because they don’t like the sisal rope on it!
Fig. 9. Woven Sisal
Scratching Post24
Cat's Paradise
There is now a huge variety of cat furniture available that not only caters to
the feline need to scratch, but also provides climbing and perching options
for your cat, as well as hiding spaces. These are often referred to as cat
trees or cat condos, and are the top of the range in cat furniture (Fig. 10).
Always ensure any cat furniture has a solid, heavy base and is not easy to
tip over. A cat perch, or elevated resting area, is another important piece
of cat furniture. Often placed near a window where a cat can look out and
watch the world go by, a perch provides the cat with somewhere where
she can rest up high, where she will feel safe, and look down on what is
going on around her. Of course, a cat tree is not necessary to provide this
requirement – a blanket or towel on top of a wardrobe or bookcase works
just fine as well!
Fig. 10a. Cat tree/condo Fig. 10b. Cat tower
Cat Perch – with internal Numerous websites advertise cat furniture
hiding areas like those shown above, a popular site in
Australia is Funky Cat Feline Furniture – see
but a search for cat furniture
or scratching posts will turn up plenty of
options to look at.
A scratching post should be provided for
each cat in the house, and is best located in
communal/living areas, or in thoroughfares
leading to where the cat’s food and litter
is located (e.g. in the hall).25
Cat's Paradise
5. The Bed
You will need to decide from the start whether you want your cat or kitten
to sleep in your bed or in her own bed. If you are happy to share your
bed, that is fine, but just remember that your cute new kitten will go on
to be a fully grown cat and will be sharing your bed for possibly 15 or
more years. The cat is a notorious bed hog, and many also make excellent
alarm clocks, ready with a purr and polite poke to the face if you happen
to sleep through breakfast time. If you decide you do not want to share
your bed with your cat, you need to provide her with her own bed right
from the start. Remember that cats are creatures of habit, and changes in
routine can lead to problems with stress and anxiety.
You can buy a cat bed, but remember your cat will be just as
happy with a warm blanket or fleece in a box. Cats love to be
warm and snug, and kittens especially may need an extra source
of warmth in their bed at first. Some cat beds come with an inbuilt
heating pad (Fig. 11) – ensure that any heating source does not
heat above 41°C, as a cat’s skin is much more sensitive to heat
damage and burning than ours. Never use a running electric
blanket to warm a kitten, as this can lead to nasty burns. If you
need to provide a young kitten with heat, a wheat pack can be
warmed in the microwave and placed underneath her blankets
to provide somewhere warm to curl up to. Otherwise place her
Fig. 11. Heated cat bed by bed near a heating vent so that the air around her does not get
Kitty Kat Relax too cold.
(low level heat; 28°C)
6. The Retreat/Refuge
All cats need to have somewhere they can retreat to and feel safe. This
should be in a quiet room away from the main traffic areas of the house,
where they have a safe and warm resting area. They should also have food,
water and litter available in this room, as well as a perch, and children
should be taught not to follow cats into the refuge area. Each cat should
have her own refuge area to which she can retreat and where she will
not be disturbed.
7. Environmental Enrichment
Cats do need exercise. Although they spend much of their time sleeping,
they do become bored, just as we do, if they have nothing to stimulate
them, and exercise is also important for their health and to help avoid
obesity. There are a multitude of toys available to entertain cats with,
and again, you can make cat toys out of the simplest household items.
Cardboard boxes are a favourite with many cats, as are aluminium foil
balls, ping pong balls and pipe cleaners or feathers tied to a piece of string
and pulled along the floor for them to chase. Some cats prefer “bird-like”
toys, for example swatting at airborne toys, while others are happiest with26
Cat's Paradise
“mouse-like” toys that they can chase around on the ground. It is also a
good idea to have a variety of toys and to change between different toys
periodically for variety. It is important to make time to play with your cat
each day, and this will provide you will some good bonding time with your
cat as well as good exercise for her.
Tunnels, scratching posts and climbing furniture are all great
ways for cats to get some exercise whilst having fun, especially
in a multi-cat household. However, not all cats will get along
and want to play with each other, and if this is the case you
will need to spend time with each one individually, giving
them their own special “me” time for play and exercise.
There are a wide variety of products now available for cat entertainment
when you cannot be at home. DVDs can be purchased that are designed
Tunnels are great to play in to attract the attention of cats (e.g. swimming fish, ). The choice
and many cats love them for today’s cat lover is virtually never ending, and is only limited by your
imagination.
You may also wish for your cat to be able to experience the great outdoors
once in a while. Many companies now provide various types of cat runs,
which are designed to let your cat explore the back yard in complete safety
(Fig. 12). You can also build your own cat run. With some nylon mesh a
balcony, veranda or the side of a yard can easily be enclosed so that your
Feathers are popular toys
to chase
Fig 12. A balcony enclosure by Cat Walk City27
Cat's Paradise
cat is able to explore the outdoors without being able to wander and get
into trouble. also installs cat runs and balcony enclosures for
renters, which can be dismantled without leaving damage to the property.
Any outdoor enclosure should always have a shaded area for your cat to
rest in. Cats, just like us, can be affected by sunburn and can also develop
skin cancers. This tends to occur where the hair is thinnest, on the nose,
eyelids and ears, for example. Again, with cat enclosures, modular cat runs
and DIY projects of this type, you are only limited by your imagination. As a
student I purchased a cheap aviary shed at a second hand shop, furnished it
with tree stumps, a pot of cat grass and a couple of hand-made cat perches,
and my cats had a great little shaded outdoor run for less than $200.
A DIY cat enclosure at the front of a house using nylon mesh and steel
cabling from CatNets.com.au, which the cats access from a window.
See lots more cat enclosure ideas at the
You can also train a cat to walk on a lead with a harness (Fig. 13). Cats
generally will not “go for a walk” as a dog does, but they can go out and
explore the outdoors with you this way, and get a bit of extra exercise.
Training cats to a harness and lead is generally easiest when done as a
kitten. Some cats are just anxious about new things, and don’t cope well
with this, however many cats will do great if you take the training slowly.
Often the more outgoing breeds take to this training the best (e.g. a
Burmese). Like anything with cats, never force them to do something they
are not comfortable doing. See the following28
Cat's Paradise
Fig 13. Cat harness and
bungee leash
Many people associated with cats will recommend that indoor cats have a
pot of “cat grass” available. Cat grass generally refers to the common oat,
although often wheat or barley is also sold at cat grass. Various theories
have been proposed as to why some cats like to eat young grass, but to
date there is no scientific validation as to why cats eat grass. It does not
appear to be a requirement for their health, but it probably does no harm
in small amounts either. Some cats will eat grass and then vomit, so this
is something to watch for if you are introducing cat grass into the house.
Usually cats will just nibble at the grass from time to time.
Catnip is a separate plant, distinct from cat grass, and is an herb from
the mint family. The leaves and stem contain nepetalactone, the main
active ingredient in catnip essential oil. Catnip produces a “high” in cats
that respond to it, and acts via special receptors located in the olfactory
epithelium. Hence it acts via the cat’s sense of smell, not by the cat eating
it. Not all cats respond to nepetalactone, and it is thought that the response
Cat grass Catnip (Nepeta cataria)29
Cat's Paradise
is inherited as a dominant trait in cats. Estimates vary widely, but suggest
that 10 – 40% of cats do not respond to the effects of catnip. This is believed
to be higher in cats in Australia and Asia, where as many as 60% do not
respond to catnip. Kittens also will not respond to catnip until between
3 – 6 months of age, and often show an aversion to catnip when young.
Catnip generally induces rubbing and rolling behaviour in cats (for an
example, see ), although some may become hyperactive, or become
aggressive and growl if approached. Catnip affects a number of wild cat
species as well as domestic cats. The effect will usually last around 10
minutes, after which time there will be a period of refractoriness, where
the cat will not respond again for 1 - 2 hours. Catnip is not harmful to your
cat, and they will not overdose on it – when they have had enough they
will leave it alone. You can grow catnip and offer small pieces to your cat
once in a while, or you can dry the leaves for use in toys. Many toys for
cats now will contain dried catnip, as an added attractant. Catnip is also
reported to repel cockroaches and mosquitoes, as well as rats and mice,
who supposedly will avoid places where it grows. Picked or dried catnip
loses potency over time, and will need to be replaced regularly.
A Word about Kittens
We have mentioned kittens above, but there is some information that
is important to cover specifically if you are bringing home a new kitten.
Apart from a warm bed, litter type and feeding, which we will cover in
Cat Nutrition, we also need to discuss the differences in kitten behaviour
and protecting your kitten from injury.
Kittens are very playful, and if they were with their mother and littermates
they would play fight a lot, as this is how they learn the skills of hunting. They
would also learn something called “bite inhibition” from their littermates
and mother, because if they hurt one of their feline family, this other cat
would let them know. A littermate would cry out and stop playing with
them, and their mother would discipline them if they were too rough with
their biting. It is very tempting for us to “play rough” with a small kitten,
however as this kitten grows bigger, they can very easily draw blood with
their sharp teeth and claws. It is confusing for your kitten if you play rough
with her initially, only to yell at her or stop allowing her to play with you
as she grows. You should decide early if you wish to allow your kitten to
engage in play fighting with you. Alternatives are soft toys provided for her
to “attack”. Some people wear gardening gloves so that they are protected
from their kitten’s teeth and claws.30
Cat's Paradise
Be aware that play fighting is a normal behaviour for kittens, and some
will lie in wait for you and “attack” you from a hiding space. Aggressive
posturing is a normal learning phase for kittens, as can be seen in this
video ( ).
Always remember that kittens are small and easily injured. They are also
quick and can have a tendency to get under your feet! If your kitten wants
to climb onto higher furniture, provide objects to allow her to get up and
down in a stepwise manner, as large jumps may injure her growing joints
and bones. Kittens are curious by nature, and learn by exploring and
experiencing their world. Do not try to stop a kitten climbing – rather,
ensure your kitten has a safe environment to climb and explore in.
This is also the time where your kitten will be most open to training for
things such as walking on a harness and lead, going in a carry box to “Kitten
Kindy”, and learning to have her teeth brushed ( ).
All activities should be introduced as fun exercises, and you should never
scold your kitten if she is nervous or apprehensive about a new activity
– this will just reinforce that it is something unpleasant that she does not
want to do. Have patience and use treats, and always give your kitten a
safe retreat to go to if she is unsure.
A kitten kindergarten is a great place for your kitten to learn social skills,
begin training and gain confidence (Fig. 14). This is just as important for cats
as it is for dogs. You will also learn how to go about successfully training
your kitten. Generally these classes will only run for 2 or 3 weeks, as kittens
are only really open to this kind of social activity between around 7 and
14 weeks of age. “Kitten Kindy” is one Australian program designed by
veterinary behaviour specialist Dr Kersti Seksel. Contact your local vet or
the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA) to see if there
is a Kitten Kindy at a clinic near you. These programs are now very popular
in the USA. You can read more about
Fig 14. Kittens at kindergarten class31 Cat Nutrition
32
Cat Nutrition
Cat Nutrition The first thing that we must remember is that the cat is a strict carnivore,
and so relies upon nutrients found solely in animal tissues to meet her
specific nutritional requirements. The cat has evolved eating a diet of
mainly small rodents, as well as birds and small lizards, and in her natural
desert environment would typically have eaten 8 - 10+ small meals a day.
This diet was high in protein, contained a moderate amount of fat, and
was low in carbohydrate (see table 1).
Table 1. Ideal/Natural Cat Diet
(% of calories)
Protein More than 50
Fat 30 - 40
Carbohydrates < 10
(% of diet, approx.)
Moisture 60 - 70
Calcium 1.2
Phosphorus 1.0
Fibre 1.2
More and more specialists in feline internal medicine now recommend
feeding cats a diet of canned (moist or wet) cat food, and NOT dry
kibble. There are three main reasons why dry food is not considered an
appropriate food for cats:
1. The water content is too low (most important!).
2. The carbohydrate content is too high.
3. The type of protein is inappropriate (i.e. plant-based instead of animal-
based protein).
Without looking at specific brands of canned cat foods, think in terms of
the broad principle that ANY canned food is better than ANY dry food.
Many cat food companies (and some vets) will tell you that all wet food
diets will lead to dental disease and that you must feed dry food to avoid
this - in their natural environment this is not how cats clean their teeth!
Cats keep their teeth clean mainly by tearing into fresh meat, with a
smaller contribution from crunching the bones of the occasional larger
kill (Most small kills such as mice are eaten virtually whole). A cat’s saliva
is also well designed to keep her teeth clean, if her diet is appropriate
for her as a carnivore. Feeding occasional large pieces of cooked meat
(without bones) is one way to help keep your cat’s teeth clean. We will
cover dental health more later.33
Cat Nutrition
Dogs, being omnivores like us, do require some meat protein in their diet,
but they have evolved essentially as scavengers, and are able to utilise
nutrients found in plants as well as animals. Cats are very different to
dogs. They lack many of the enzymes and metabolic processes within
the body that allow dogs to process nutrients from plants. Cats are also
unable to make for themselves many of the essential nutrients that
dogs can synthesise within their bodies - such as essential amino acids,
vitamins, and fatty acids. An example of this is vitamin D - cats cannot
convert vitamin D to its active form in the skin with exposure to UV light
from the sun, as dogs and people do. They must eat active vitamin D,
which is found in animal tissues.
Cat Food - What to Feed?
So what should we really be feeding our cats? With the widespread use of
the internet and the ready access to a wealth of information it provides,
the question then arises as to what information is accurate and reliable?
There are a vast number of websites claiming to have “expert” opinion on
what to feed cats, how to make food for cats, and even how to feed cats
a vegan diet! Being an obligate carnivore means that the cat is obligated
to eat meat to get the nutrients that she needs to survive and thrive. Be
careful of misleading internet sites on this topic, however well-meaning
they may be. For a good, detailed discussion on cat nutrition if you would
like further information on the topic, please see the articles written by Dr
Lisa A. Pierson at www.catinfo.org or speak to your vet.
The first question we need to address is commercial food vs. homemade
diets. The formulation of a homemade diet that is complete and balanced
for the cat is very challenging, for the following reasons:
• The cat has very specific and complex nutritional requirements, due
to the fact that the cat is unable to make sufficient amounts of many
nutrients for herself.
• Nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, need to be present in the
correct ratios to one another.
• The diet must be palatable (that is, the cat must like the taste of it
and want to eat it).
• Nutrients such as thiamine can easily be lost by cooking, or by using
certain ingredients such as raw fish or “pet mince” - which may
contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative that destroys thiamine.
• Spoilage and bacterial contamination can easily occur without correct
preparation and storage.
If you have a strong desire towards home cooking for your cat, Dr Pierson
does have some information on this on her website. We will not cover it
here, as it generally is too difficult to do well for most cat owners.34
Cat Nutrition
Commercial Cat Foods
Commercial cat foods do vary widely in their quality, but with a little care
you can obtain a decent range of food that is of good quality and that
your cat will enjoy. Cats can become very attached to the flavour of fish,
to the exclusion of all other foods. However, many feline nutritionists do
not recommend feeding fish to cats. Certainly you should not feed raw
fish to cats, as raw fish contains thiaminase, which destroys the essential
B vitamin thiamine. Cooking the fish inactivates the thiaminase, but may
also destroy the thiamine. Also, fish may contain certain chemicals (called
PBDEs) which have possible links to hyperthyroidism in cats.
So the basic things that we need to look at in the cat food we buy is the
protein level in a food, the type of protein that is present (i.e. to ensure
that the protein comes from animal sources, not grain or vegetable) and
that it is fully balanced with all the vitamins and minerals that our cat
requires.
The easiest way to choose a good cat food is to check the ingredient
list and pick one that does not contain grains or cereals, contains
protein from animal sources such as chicken, turkey or duck (try to
avoid fish all the time), preferably does not contain by-products, is
a tinned (wet) food and is complete and balanced. Some companies
will publish additional information on their website, which can be
useful to help you select a good quality food.35
Cat Nutrition
Grain free cat food tins are available in the supermarket if you look.
Beware that many may contain fish and/or by-products. By-products are
the parts of the animal that are not meat, and may include things like
feet, beaks, feathers etc. Hence foods containing animal by-products do
not contain proteins with as high a quality as those that do not contain
by-products
Lastly, always ensure that the food is fully balanced. This will be stated
on the label somewhere, and if there is no statement that the food is
complete and balanced for the growth and/or maintenance of cats, then
you must assume that it is not a complete food for cats, and should only
be used occasionally (as an example: Fancy Feast Royale/black label, VIP
Fussy Cat Fresh Mince are not a complete and balanced foods for cats).
How much should I feed?
In Australia good quality canned cat food comes in a variety of sizes,
ranging from 85g single serve tins or pouches up to 375g tins or larger.
Adult cats require between 150 - 250 kcal per day (kcal is short for
kilocalories, commonly referred to simply as calories). An 85g single serve
tin of cat food may contain, on average, 60 - 80 kcal. Many companies will
publish the calorie content of their foods on their website. Alternatively
you can refer to published tables, or contact the company directly for this
information.
For a list of the nutritional profiles of some Australian tinned cat
foods, see the attached table of Canned Cat Foods (Appendix I).
Because the amount of food that a cat needs varies depending on the
cat’s diet, activity level, age, size and genetic factors, the best way to feed
your cat is to feed enough to maintain your cat in an ideal body condition.
This means using the above calorie requirements, or the feeding guide
provided by the cat food manufacturer as a starting guide, but adjust
how much you feed to ensure that your cat is not over or underweight.
You can check with your vet if you are unsure how to check this, but your
cat should have good muscle coverage over her bony points (head, hips,
back etc), with a definite but minimal layer of fat under the skin. The ribs
should be easy to feel, but not sticking out.
Cats normally would eat many small meals a day. The closer you can
replicate a cat’s normal pattern of eating the better, so an adult cat should
be fed a minimum of 2 - 3 times a day (More is better if you are able to
do so). Always give each meal fresh, do not leave out old food or keep
uneaten food to be fed later - it is great for breeding bugs and the food
will quickly spoil.36
Cat Nutrition
Kittens and Nutrition
While kittens do not specifically require a special diet compared to
adult cats (just more of it for their size), kitten food often has a higher
quality of protein in it (i.e. less or no grains or vegetables) and hence can
sometimes make a better food for cats of all life stages. Kittens have a
smaller stomach capacity, and a shorter intestinal length and capacity to
process food, and need to be fed more often than adult cats. Start off by
feeding a kitten 6 - 8 times a day, and then start to reduce the number
of meals after your kitten is around 4 months old. By 1 year of age your
kitten can generally be eating an adult number of meals. If your kitten
does not eat an entire meal, do not put it in the fridge for later. It should
be thrown out and fresh food should be given at the next meal. Bacteria
start to breed quickly on food and spoiled food can cause tummy upsets
and diarrhoea.
Mature Cats
It is worth noting that cats have another notable difference from dogs
and other animals in that once they get older, they actually require more
energy in their diet. This happens from around 8-10 years of age onwards,
and occurs for several reasons. Their appetite may also start to wane as
they age. It is important as your cat is getting older to be watching for
weight loss and signs of reduced appetite, and ensure that your cat has
regular health checks with your veterinarian. Older cats may require more
frequent meals, and may require further encouragement to eat, such
as warming of the food to make it more appealing. In order to ensure
she receives enough protein and energy, your vet may even prescribe a
specific diet for your cat as she ages.You can also read
