Pet parents know there are some things that cats shouldn’t eat. What they might not realize is that many more toxins than they know about are present in their cats’ environment. Food, medication, house plants and cleaning products can be dangerous to cats, but our feline friends could access them at any moment. To prevent poisoning in cats, pet parents should learn about toxic substances and the symptoms associated with them. When you’re more aware of your cat’s surroundings, you’re better equipped to seek medical help if poisoning does occur. Here are the most common household toxins to watch out for in your home. Ingredients in human food Cats are very curious creatures. If they find food, they might want to taste it. A cat may steal bits of food from plates and open containers while their owner is in another room. Some cats have also been known to rummage through trash bins and fish out discarded table scraps. In other cases, a pet parent or guest may inadvertently offer food that’s actually poisonous to cats. Cats can develop any number of symptoms from eating toxic food. The symptoms range from mild to life-threatening, and they depend on which toxin the cat ingested. For example, cats that eat chocolate may experience vomiting, diarrhea, panting or a rapid heart rate. Garlic often causes anemia in cats, which is characterized by lethargy, fast breathing and yellow gums. Any toxic food can trigger a range of respiratory, neurological and gastrointestinal problems, as well. The following foods are highly toxic to cats: Chocolate Garlic Onions Leeks Chives Grapes Unripe tomatoes Raw potatoes Alcohol Indoor and Outdoor House Plants House plants (both indoor and outdoor) also pose a risk to your cat’s health. Plants are a common cause of poisoning because cats can come into contact with them while the owners aren’t watching. Cats may nibble the flowers, stems or leaves of potted plants sitting on low tables or shelves. Indoor outdoor cats may roam the gardens and come across plant species that are highly poisonous. Much like with human food, the symptoms of plant poisoning depend on the species that was ingested. For instance, lilies can cause drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, digestive upset and kidney failure. Generally speaking, many plant species cause inflammation in the skin, throat and mouth. The cat may also experience coughing, sneezing or a red, itchy rash. Here are some common plants to avoid: Lily Amaryllis Aloe vera Daffodil Tulip Hyacinth Pothos Poinsettia Pet and Human Medications Many cases of poisoning stem from pet and human medications. Owners might accidentally leave open pill bottles on the counter. Some owners will administer human pain killers and probiotic supplements in the hopes that they’ll work on their cats. Humans and cats metabolize substances differently, which means the ingredient levels in human medications are way too high for cats. Even medication designed for cats can lead to poisoning if they’re given in the wrong dose. Drug poisoning usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea and general discomfort in the abdominal area. Some cats may also develop a fever, lethargy or a rapid heartbeat. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea often lead to dehydration, a serious side effect of drug poisoning that can quickly turn fatal. Keep these medications in a safe location away from your cat: Aspirin Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Antidepressants Melatonin Supplements Flea and tick treatments Household cleaners and yard products Household products contain dangerous chemicals that are highly poisonous to cats. They could inhale airborne particles from air fresheners, cleaning sprays or essential oil diffusers. Cats that venture outside could come into contact with fertilizer, pesticides or antifreeze, which they ingest by grooming their fur. These products can lead to many common signs of poisoning—vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, dehydration and rapid heartbeat, among others. Some essential oils may cause additional symptoms depending on which plant species they’re derived from. For instance, eucalyptus oil may cause drooling, seizures and confusion, while peppermint oil is linked to liver failure and damage to the nervous system. Make sure your cat doesn’t come into contact with any of the following products: Essential oils Fertilizers Antifreeze Cleaning sprays Laundry detergent Pesticides Rodenticides Many toxins exist in your cat’s environment. You can keep your cat safe by recognizing which substances are poisonous and placing them in hard-to-reach locations. Even still, there’s always a chance poisoning could occur, so it’s important to know the symptoms and report them to your vet right away. Acting fast can save your cat’s life! Source: https://petwellbeing.com/

No matter how long you’ve been a cat parent, deciphering your feline friend’s emotions can sometimes feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Our four-legged companions have a unique language of their own. Thankfully, with a little insight, you can learn to read the signs that indicate when your cat is happy, content and thriving. From subtle body language to joyful behaviors, discover the fascinating world of feline happiness. Reading the signs of a happy cat How can you tell if your furry friend is comfortable and happy? Here are the telltale signs you’re raising a joyful cat. Relaxed body language: A relaxed and happy cat will have soft, smooth fur and a body that is neither tense nor stiff. They might sprawl out comfortably on their side or back, showing that they feel secure and at ease in their environment. Purring: Ah, the soothing sound of a purring cat. While it’s true that cats purr for various reasons, it’s usually a sign of contentment. If your cat purrs while cuddling with you or when you’re petting them, it’s a clear sign they’re feeling happy. Playfulness: Playfulness is a strong indicator of a happy cat. Engaging in playful behaviors like chasing toys, pouncing and even “hunting” objects (or you!) around the house suggests that your feline friend is enjoying life and feeling mentally stimulated. Slow blinking: Cats often express trust and affection through slow blinking. If your cat blinks at you in a slow, deliberate way, they’re essentially sending you a feline kiss. Acknowledge it with a slow blink in return! Tail position: The position of your cat’s tail can reveal a lot about their mood. A tail held high with a slight curve at the tip (like a question mark) indicates confidence and happiness. A “neutral” posture, with the tail held gently behind them and curved slightly, shows that your cat is content. Kneading: Kneading—when a cat rhythmically pushes and pulls their paws against a soft surface—is a behavior inherited from kittenhood. It’s a sign of comfort and contentment, often reminding them of nursing from their mother. Relaxed ears and eyes: Happy cats have relaxed ears that are facing forward or slightly to the side. Their eyes will be half-closed, indicating relaxation and trust. Signs of feline stress, anxiety or discomfort While understanding the signs of a happy cat is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize the symptoms of stress and anxiety in your furry companion. Cats are masters of masking illness and stress, but subtle changes in their behavior and body language can help clue you in. “Airplane” ears: When your cat is scared or distressed, their ears might flatten toward the back of their head or to the side. This is often called “airplane” ears because they resemble the wings of a plane. Puffy or thrashing tail: Your cat’s tail will also indicate aggression, fear and distress. Watch the way it moves—if it’s thrashing back and forth, something might be agitating your furry friend. Cats may also puff up their tails or tuck them when frightened and hold their tail stiff and straight when aggressive. Aggressive behavior: Uncharacteristic aggression toward you, other pets or even themselves can signal that your cat is experiencing emotional distress. Your cat might growl and hiss, swat or bite to show aggression. Changes in appetite: A sudden decrease or increase in your cat’s appetite can indicate stress or health issues. Any changes in eating habits should be monitored and addressed right away. Excessive grooming: Cats may groom themselves more than usual when stressed. Excessive grooming can lead to hair loss, skin irritation and even digestive problems. Hiding: If your normally social cat suddenly becomes reclusive and spends more time hiding, it’s a sign they might be feeling sick or anxious. Changes in litter box behavior: Any changes in litter box habits, such as avoiding the litter box or urinating outside of it, can be indicative of underlying stress or health issues. If you notice signs of anxiety, stress or aggression in your cat, don’t ignore them. Cats get stressed for a variety of reasons—some random and fleeting, and others serious and long-term. Determine whether you cat’s anxiety is sudden or normal for them. Some cats take time to adjust to new environments and won’t display happy behaviors right away after adoption. Others have chronic anxiety that will require persistent treatment. You might be able to help calm them with environmental enrichment and herbal supplements. Ingredients like chamomile, valerian root and L-tryptophan are known for their calming effects on cats. However, if your cat is usually happy and relaxed, sudden anxiety might indicate something more serious, like a health problem. Address any household or lifestyle things that might be stressing your cat out, like loud noises or other aggressive pets. Consult with your vet if the anxiety continues to check on their health and build a stress management plan. Clue in to your cat’s mood While it’s gratifying to know that your cat is content and happy, it’s equally important to remain attuned to all their emotional needs. By understanding your cat’s body language and behaviors and taking proactive steps to address anxiety and stress, you’ll help them live as happy a life as possible! Source: https://petwellbeing.com/

  Understanding Your Cat's Nutritional Needs Cats are charming pets. To maintain their health, one of the most important things to pay attention to is their diet. Proper food supports growth, enhances the beauty of their fur, and ensures the health of their internal organs.   Nature Bridge Daily Care: A Solution for Healthy Cats Nature Bridge Daily Care is a specially formulated cat food designed to meet the daily nutritional needs of cats. This food not only supports growth and enhances the beauty of their fur but also helps address digestive problems often experienced by cats.   User Testimony Herlina, a cat lover, shared her experience: “I care deeply about my cat's health. Unfortunately, my cat often suffered from urinary tract issues. Using Nature Bridge Daily Care has given me peace of mind because this food helps maintain my cat's urinary health.”   Local Product Quality Competing on a Global Scale Jerry Xu, the founder of Bridgepetcare, revealed that the pet food market is currently dominated by Western brands. However, Asian producers, including those in Indonesia, are increasingly demonstrating their capability to produce high-quality products. “We see an improvement in Asia's ability to produce high-quality pet food,” Jerry said. “Not only in Indonesia but also in China, pet food production is advancing alongside increased purchasing power and production technology.”   Conclusion Choosing the right food is an essential investment in your beloved cat's health. Nature Bridge Daily Care offers a complete nutritional solution to support growth, enhance fur beauty, and improve digestive health. By choosing quality local products, we also contribute to the development of the pet food industry in Indonesia.