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39 results for “cat malnutrition”
Can Cats Eat a Vegetarian Diet Long-Term?
A long-term vegetarian diet is not safe for cats and can seriously harm their health. Cats are obligate carnivores whose digestive systems are built to process meat, and they need nutrients—above all taurine—that only animal protein supplies. Without meat, cats develop nutritional imbalances, poor coats, weak immunity, diarrhea, and vomiting, plus shortages of vitamin A, D, calcium, and phosphorus that hurt vision and bones. For your cat's health, feed a science-based diet with enough animal protein.
How Long Can a Cat with Dementia Live?
Feline dementia (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome) does not kill directly, but its complications shorten life. Mild cases (occasional confusion, sleep disruption) often live 3–5 more years with good care; moderate-to-severe cases (loss of self-care, refusal to eat, disorientation) may survive only 2–3 years; if chronic kidney or heart disease is also present, just 1–2 years. Japanese clinical data show cognitive training and a stable environment can extend life by 47%. Watch for the DISH signs—Disorientation, Interactions lost, Sleep flips, House-soiling—and support the cat with a low-stimulus home, short brain games, and targeted nutrition.
Does Abdominal Fluid in Cats Always Mean FIP?
Fluid in a cat's abdomen, or ascites, is a sign—not a diagnosis. It can stem from liver or heart disease, kidney failure, malnutrition, or peritonitis caused by infection, viruses, or injury, and only one of those causes is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Because the symptom alone cannot confirm FIP, diagnosis needs bloodwork, imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound, and viral testing. If your cat shows a swollen belly, lethargy, fever, or breathing trouble, see a veterinarian promptly to find the real cause.
Why Is Your Cat a Picky Eater?
Picky eating often has a simple cause. A too-deep bowl blocks access; stale kibble loses its smell to a sensitive nose; an unwashed bowl grows microbes that ferment and repel the cat; or the cat simply dislikes the current flavor - some prefer fish, some chicken, and 'digging' at the bowl means try a higher-protein food. Signs: refusing kibble but loving treats, cans or meat; eating a bite then playing; if it ignores even favorite treats, suspect illness not pickiness. Long-term pickiness brings malnutrition, anemia and low blood sugar, so keep meals calm and switch to a palatable food when needed.
Why Cats Become Picky Eaters and How to Fix It
A picky cat risks malnutrition, anemia, low blood sugar, and a weak immune system, so correcting it protects health. The fix is structure: controlled portions, few treats, a gradual mix-down to staple food, and timed meals that teach good habits. This guide covers the harm and the practical methods.
How to Switch Your Cat’s Food the Right Way
Switching cat food badly can trigger refusals, vomiting, or diarrhea, so the job calls for method. The safe route is a gradual seven-to-ten-day transition that blends old and new food in shifting ratios. This guide also covers what to do if diarrhea appears and how to handle the smaller portions needed when moving from home-cooked meals to calorie-dense commercial food.
Three Reasons Why Cats Shed Excessively
Heavy shedding is one of the most frustrating parts of cat ownership, but not every cause is out of your control. While seasonal coat changes cannot be stopped, diet and nutrition often can be fixed. This article breaks down three common triggers: weather shifts, too much salt, and poor nutrition, with practical steps to keep loose hair under control.
Dietary Care for a Pregnant Cat
Pregnancy is a long, delicate process, and a mother cat's nutritional needs rise sharply before and after birth. Poor-quality food or a single, protein-poor diet can slow fetal growth and even cause miscarriage, while too much fat triggers obesity, a leading cause of pregnancy loss. This guide covers balanced feeding and three nutritious ingredients that support a healthy pregnancy.
Treating and Preventing Cat Tartar
Ignored mouth hygiene leads to tartar, common in cats over two on soft food, peaking at five and eight. Plaque hardens into tartar that causes gum damage, loose teeth, and bad breath. Professional ultrasound scaling under anesthesia is best; severely bad teeth should be pulled. Prevent with early brushing using pet paste and gauze, and feed cat kibble.
Daily Care Tips for Exotic Shorthair Cats
Shedding comes from season change, poor nutrition (often human food lacking protein), or illness. Manage it with regular brushing, which also massages and aids circulation, and proper baths (every 5-7 days in summer, 7-10 in winter); over-bathing harms skin. A grooming glove builds bond and cleans fur.