Summer 2010 - PAWS Chicago

PET HEALTH & BEHAVIORpart of the data to treat cat issues.Felines are not pack animals butthey do enjoy a few BFFs. There isa delicate social balance among catsthat may be invisible to the humaneye. It can be useful to know whethera cat is top, bottom or in betweenin the family hierarchy. High stresslevels in cats can really wreak havocon their health. A typical cat sittingon a window ledge can be harboringmany stressors, but showing fewsigns of it. She may be thirsty orneeding to go to the litterbox, but hersister may be blockading the exit bysitting on the nearby chair. A seriousterritory war may only be seen in aslight tail flick, or a slow changein posture. But even these unseenstressors can increase adrenal glandactivity, blood glucose levels, muscletension, or gastrointestinal transittime. All very useful for a short war,but not useful for daily life in closequarters. And certainly not helpfulfor long-term health.Poor nutrition puts stress onthe body making a cat less efficientat fighting pathogens and less ableto maintain optimal health. Mydiet no-no’s for cats are no corn, nowheat, and no white potato. Theseguidelines help not only healthproblems but also behavior issues.The protein content should be atleast 30% (dry matter) and cannedor raw foods are better than dry inmany respects. Expecting a cat tolive in harmony with many othercats while feeding a high-carb dietis like feeding a bunch of kids sugarand expecting them to play nice in asmall room. It always ends in tears…and scratches.Anytime you change diets, besure the cat will eat the new food andthat it agrees with her. Slow changesare best – over 10-14 days. Offerfood first thing in the morning orwhen hungry, just before a meal isserved. If the cat doesn’t eat it, feedwhat she will eat. It’s no use tryingto “force” a cat to eat the food. Catstypically won’t eat what they don’t02-09935 AngelTails09 4/3/09 1:23 PM Page 1 Continued on page 16Of course, the ruleabout cats is thatthere is no rule aboutcats. But that adds totheir mystique andthe fun.We’re Morethan aPet StorePremium Food • Pet Supplies • GroomingDog Training & MoreAt PETCOAnimals Always Come First!That’s why we encourage pet lovers toThink Adoption First!For the location nearest you, visit www.petco.com/locatoror call 1-888-824-PALS (7257)®