Fabulous felines | PETS
http://www.petsmagazine.com.au 31
“There are two brands I trust (Hills and Royal
Canin) which are companies that do extensive
research into a pet’s requirements; they do
testing of ingredients before and after the food
is made. Supermarket foods may not have this
background. Working with cats exclusively for
over 10 years, I have seen the diff erence diet has
on general health.”
Every cat is an individual with its own
personality, and any experienced cat owner will
tell you that some felines can be very particular
about what they eat. It’s also worth mentioning
that the shape of your cat’s face can make a
diff erence to his diet.
“In particular, cats with pushed-in noses,
like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs, can have
difficulty picking up food because of the short
jaw as their eyes are level with their mouth,”
Dr Gloria says. Some brands have foods
specifically designed for these cats, while othercats have to be hand fed because they have
trouble picking up their food.
And let’s not forget, an ample supply of fresh,
clean water is another must for any kitty.- MENTAL STIMULATION
According to Dr Jo Righetti, animal behaviourist
and the host of radio show Talking Pets every
Thursday night on 2UE Talking Lifestyle, mental
stimulation is important for a cat’s mental and
physical health. “Cats can get bored and/or
stressed. While most will simply sleep more,
Cats are inquisitive, so off er them adequate mental stimulation.THE IMPORTANCE
OF DIET
“Diet is super important,” explains
PETstock vet Dr Bronwen Slack. “The
right diet can help reduce the risk
of dental tartar, urinary crystals,
obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Having your pet on the right diet
can contribute a signifi cant amount
to keeping their teeth, gums, urinary
tract and digestive system healthy.”ile mostwillsimply slePLF071_pg030-033_6 Secrets to a Happy Cat.indd 31PLF071_pg030-033_6 Secrets to a Happy Cat.indd 31 8/22/2017 10:20:46 AM8/22/2017 10:20:46 AM