I found this article and thought cat parents and caregivers might be interested to consider the tips: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/real-life/vet-shares-three-simple-ways-31542520
The three tips are:
1. Hydrate (add water to the pellets, use a water fountain, etc.)
Personally for our cats, the water fountain failed (I hope you had better luck!), but I’ve managed to persuade Samantha and the Blondies, Juno, Tabs, Ginger and the Monsters (sans Robin) to eat soaked kibble whenever they want kibble. So this leaves only Riley and Robin, the two most stubborn ones who will walk away if I add even the tiniest bit of water to the food. However, the consolution is that both of them eat wet food.
Unlike dogs, cats do not have a natural thirst drive. It is hypothesised that this may be due to their ancestors being from Persia, a desert region. It is also believed that their insufficient water intake could increase their incidence of getting kidney disease later on in life.
So, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate your cats, with whatever ways and tricks you can think of!
2. Limit vaccinations after age 9
For our cats, I stop vaccinations after age 7. For kittens, I would do the baby vaccinations (either 2 or 3, depending on the starting age), then one booster after a year. The next would be after 3 years. And maybe another one after another 3 years and that’s that. For those rescued as adults from the street, I would only do one vaccination administered after neutering (before discharge) and that’s that, since they might already have street immunity.
For those who bring in rescued street animals often, you may have to consider more frequent vaccinations. Please consult your vet.
3. Give Omega-3 supplements
Tabs and Ginger are already on Omega-3 supplementation, but not the rest. But after reading this, I will consider putting all of them on it. But I learnt from an experienced animal parent that fish oil oxidises very fast if incorporated into food.
A quick check reveals this:
Yes, fish oil can oxidize when exposed to air. Oxidation is a process where the double bonds in the fatty acids (like EPA and DHA) in fish oil react with oxygen in the air, breaking down the molecules. This process can lead to a rancid smell and off-flavors, and also affects the nutritional value of the oil. Oxygen in the air is the main trigger for oxidation. Other Factors: Heat, light, and even water can accelerate the oxidation process.
So I will consider giving them fresh fish oil with their food or fish oil capsules. I’m researching on krill oil for them too.
Disclamer: This is only a sharing. Kindly consult your veterinarian for expert advice for your cats.
This is a cartoonised picture of me feeding Gerald his favourite canned tuna!
A quick check:
Tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being. Oily fish like tuna are some of the best sources of these omega-3s. Cooked tuna still contains omega-3 fatty acids, though the amount can be affected by the cooking method. While frying can significantly reduce omega-3 content, cooking methods like steaming or baking tend to preserve more of these beneficial fats. While canning does affect the omega-3 content, canned tuna can still be a good source of these fatty acids, especially if you choose brands with higher omega-3 content.
Sardines might have a much higher content of Omega-3, but somehow cats prefer the taste of tuna. Please do not give sardines with the tomato sauce, though. There are canned sardines in brine.
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