Animal Talk – July 2019

I

t is so crucial that your cat consumes important nutrients, and all of the

essential supplements should be contained in her food. A balance of

omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is essential, as well as vitamins and trace

minerals with biotin, zinc, copper and selenium playing a major role.

There are various supplements, mainly in oil form, on the market that can

assist with a healthy coat. All of these mainly contribute to the omega-6

and omega-3 requirement. Oils high in omega-3 are especially helpful in

giving a healthy, shiny coat. However, a scientifically balanced and complete

commercial diet should not need any further supplementation – especially if

you feed your cat a diet designed to promote a healthy coat.

It can take anywhere between four and eight weeks into supplementation

to see a difference in your cat’s coat, but in some cases, it can take a bit

longer, depending on the coat condition prior to supplementation.

Suretha van Breda, nutritionist

Shiny coat

How do supplements make my cat’s

coat shiny?

Cats can be left- or

right-pawed, just

like humans.

Feeding time

S

tick to certain feeding times and don’t keep your

cat’s food bowl filled. Serve the right amount of

food to prevent her from overeating. This will also make

it easier to see if she has gone off her food. The label on

the packaging will give an indication of how much your

cat is supposed to eat. If she wants more food, or is not

eating the required amount, speak to your vet.

Small animal veterinarian

Can I alter my cat’s feeding times?

Causes of deafness

T

he most common cause of deafness in cats is a

genetic disorder, usually associated with white

fur and blue eyes. These cats are born deaf. Other

causes of acquired deafness are ageing, disease,

certain drugs, industrial noise and trauma. Whatever

the cause, the management of a deaf cat is the same.

Cats with hereditary deafness should not be bred

with and sterilisation is strongly recommended.

Deafness due to genetics, ageing, medication or

noise cannot be treated, but if the cat has a

severe middle ear infection that is causing

deafness, this can be corrected medically

or surgically by a veterinarian.

Dr Vanessa Mcclure,

veterinarian

What are the common

causes of deafness in cats?