What are the advantages and disadvantages of feeding dry, canned, and soft-moist cat food?
Canned pet foods are about three-fourths water, and deliver fewer nutrients per pound, requiring a larger serving size. Canned foods are highly palatable, but may be more costly and less convenient to serve. Once a can is opened, the unused portion must be stored in the refrigerator. Soft-moist foods have more water than dry but less than canned; they are convenient to store and require no refrigeration. Generally more palatable than dry, soft-moist foods are, however, more expensive than dry foods. Dry food is harder and crunchier than the other two types, making it more beneficial in reducing tartar and plaque build-up on a pet's teeth. There are good choices in all three types of food. Feed according to your cat's needs. For example, an older cat with sore gums and dry mouth might fare better on canned or soft-moist foods than on dry kibble.
I have an old cat suffering from arthritis. The lady at the health food store recommended that I use shark cartilage in her food.
Shark cartilage is a neutraceutical (food used a medicine). Glucosamine and chrondroitin are other neutraceuticals administered for arthritis in pets and humans. I have not used these products in pets; however, this does not mean they aren't worth a try. Drugs used to treat arthritis--aspirin and corticosteroids for instance--can cause side-effects in cats. Shark cartilage is supposed to help arthritic conditions by acting as an anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis agent. This means the product, which comes in powder or capsule form, reduces inflammation of and hemorrhages into the joint, thereby alleviating pain and stiffness. To inquire about shark cartilage and other neutraceuticals, check out
Sea Starr Animal Health and to inquire about glucosamine and chrondroitin, visit the Pet Arthritis Center. This site offers articles and a pet arthritis newsletter.
My neighbor is feeding her Persian a paste that she calls a probiotic for the cat's hair ball problems. I don't understand what a probiotic is and why it would work.
Probiotics are a big thing in the natural or health food industry. Designed to establish, restore, and maintain "good" intestinal microorganisms in the gastrointesinal tract, probiotics may contain digestive enzymes, flavor enhances, and vitamins and minerals as additives. The idea is to create an intestinal environment conducive to the digestion and assimulation of food. This type of product is indicated for certain medical problems--diarrhea associated with prolonged antibiotic use, for one. However, as hair is an indigestible substance, I fail to see the rationale for using probiotics for hairball therapy.
I have seen antioxidants advertised as the cure for everything from cancer to heart disease. Do you think I should be giving antioxidants to my cat?
Antioxidants fall into several categories: naturally occurring enzymes; certain foods such as garlic and soybeans; antioxidant precursors such as wheat and soy sprouts; and supplemental nutrients like vitamins C and E, Beta-carotene, selenium, and coenzyme Q. Antioxidants work within the body by scavenging free radicals (compounds that can cause cellular damage). Oxygen is the most common source of free radicals in the body; hence, the substances above which take up free radicals before they can cause damage are called antioxidants. I suggest that you ask your veterinarian who is familiar with your cat to make a recommendation for or against antioxidant supplementation. I, also, discourage you from purchasing human products as they may contain levels of nutients--selenium and vitamins A and E, for example, which may be toxic to pets. Antioxidant formulations for animals are available through your veterinarian.
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