Furry Forum
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Q: I’m worried about over feeding my cat. How much is too much?
– Kiki Sinclair, Philadelphia, PA
A: Each pet food is different, so be sure to follow the label guidelines. When feeding dry food, it’s best to measure the food daily in a measuring cup and only allow your cat to eat that much food per day. If you cannot view a defined waist and are having difficulty feeling your cat’s ribs, she may be overweight. Also, remember that calorie requirements decrease with age and after your cat is spayed or neutered. Be sure to visit your vet if you are concerned about your cat’s weight.
A: Each pet food is different, so be sure to follow the label guidelines. When feeding dry food, it’s best to measure the food daily in a measuring cup and only allow your cat to eat that much food per day. If you cannot view a defined waist and are having difficulty feeling your cat’s ribs, she may be overweight. Also, remember that calorie requirements decrease with age and after your cat is spayed or neutered. Be sure to visit your vet if you are concerned about your cat’s weight.
Amanda K. Jones, AAS, BS, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician, VCA White Lake Animal Hospital, Detroit, MI
A: Obesity is common in cats and can cause diabetes, constipation, and other health problems. Good feeding habits help protect your cat. First, dry food can put cats at risk of obesity because it’s high in carbohydrates, which are unnatural for a cat’s carnivorous metabolism. To prevent obesity, avoid dry food. Second, cats who nibble all day may pack on pounds. Cats didn’t evolve to graze: feeding two meals a day helps keep them in shape.
A: I’ve never talked with an animal who has told me, “I’d like to lose
some weight.” I know it’s hard to know how much is too much because
it’s such a pleasure feeding our furry friends. If my cat became
prosperous in size, I’d do the hardest thing on the planet—cut back on
his food (no matter what he says) until he was leaping around with
abandon!
Emerald DuCouer, Animal Communicator, Doylestown, PA
Q: My vet recommends I takemy pet in for a checkup every six months, but that sounds like a lot. How often should she see the vet for routine care?– Clarence Warner, Novi, MI
A: Pets age a lot faster than we do. Even though your pet seems
well, your veterinarian may be able to detect signs of illness at the
early stages of disease, before they become more serious and costly for
you to manage. As your pet matures, she will require more frequent
examinations and tests. Healthy adult pets should be examined by a
veterinarian once a year. Pets seven years and older should be seen
every six months.
Amanda K. Jones, AAS, BS, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician, VCA White Lake Animal Hospital, Detroit, MI
A: Most veterinarians recommend a yearly checkup for dogs and cats. An older pet or one with health conditions may need to be seen more often. Checkups are important because catching health issues early can allow them to be treated more successfully. As pets reach middle age, we often recommend yearly blood work to screen for any developing problems. And if your pet has any symptoms, it’s important not to delay going to the vet.
Dr. Louise Murray, DVM Director of Medicine, ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, New York, NY
A: My training and expertise as an animal communicator allows me to
see and feel things from my animal’s viewpoint. Even so, I never
hesitate to take my companions to the vet for regular care. Our
family’s well-being depends on a blending of intuitive and medical
knowledge.
Emerald DuCouer, Animal Communicator, Doylestown, PA
Q: Our groomer advises us to get our dog’s nails trimmed once a month. Is there a medical reason for this? – LeShondra Jones, Mesa, AZ
A: Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is a good way to protect him against toenail related injuries. Many times when a dog’s nail is too long it will get snagged on something, causing the nail to break above the quick. Ouch! If left untrimmed for too long, a dog’s nail can also grow right into the paw pad. This is also very painful. Unlike cats, dogs are unable to retract their claws back into their toes, so having short nails simply feels better when walking around, especially on hard surfaces.
Amanda K. Jones, AAS, BS, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician, VCA White Lake Animal Hospital, Detroit, MI
A: The frequency of nail trimming depends partly on your dog’s lifestyle. Dogs who go for long walks, especially on hard surfaces, may never need their nails trimmed. But dogs whose nails do grow should have them clipped as often as needed to keep them short. Long nails can catch and cause injury, can make it difficult for the dog to walk properly, and can even grow so long they become embedded in the skin.
Dr. Louise Murray, DVM Director of Medicine, ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, New York, NY
A: I’d talk with my groomer to discuss my animal’s personal nail trimming needs. Several of my clients have asked me what can be done to make nail trimming a good (or at least tolerable) experience. Often, it’s my client’s animals that have great ideas and suggestions about how to make nail trimming easier!
Emerald DuCouer, Animal Communicator, Doylestown, PA
Have a question you’d like to ask about your pet? Please email FurryForum@TailsInc.com
