LADIES, having pets like cats is indeed enjoyable, isn’t it? Their cute appearance invites affection. Not to mention their funny and affectionate behavior, which serves as stress relief. Often, a strong bond of love forms between owners and their cats, leading to the term anabul (furry child) for these beloved pets. One important aspect of keeping cats is paying attention to their diet. The health and well-being of a cat depend on the nutrition they receive daily. Good food not only maintains a cat's overall health but also helps prevent and treat various diseases. Here are some things to consider when choosing cat food products. Understand Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs Cats are carnivores and require meat to meet their nutritional needs. The primary nutrient in cat food should be animal protein. High-quality protein sources include chicken, beef, fish, and liver. Protein is the main component of a cat’s diet and is essential for muscle building and tissue repair. Besides protein, cats also need fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Read Labels Carefully When choosing cat food, it’s important to read the packaging labels carefully. The label provides information about the nutritional content and ingredients used. Ensure that the main ingredient is a source of animal protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish. These ingredients should be listed at the top of the ingredients list. The food should contain balanced amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Some cat foods may include fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which are low in nutrients and less essential for cats. Avoid products that list these ingredients in large quantities. Also, avoid artificial coloring, flavoring, and chemical preservatives. Consider Age and Health Conditions Cats have different nutritional needs depending on their age and health. Choose food that suits your cat’s life stage. For example, kittens require food high in protein and fat to support their growth and development. Adult and senior cats have different needs, especially those with specific health issues. Bridge Petcare Founder Jerry Xu explained that Indonesia’s tropical climate and high humidity, combined with cats’ natural tendency to dislike drinking water, make them prone to skin and fur diseases, as well as urinary tract issues. “According to surveys conducted at several veterinary clinics in Indonesia, skin, fur, and urinary tract diseases are common problems in cats,” said Jerry. Cat owners, he continued, can utilize food products specifically formulated for cats with certain health issues. For example, NatureBridge’s latest Daily Care series, which was recently launched in Indonesia, includes Hair & Skin to address skin and fur problems, Urinary for cats with urinary tract issues, and Mother & Baby for pregnant, nursing cats and kittens. “The Daily Care series is functional daily pet food that uses freeze-drying technology, where real meat is frozen at -38 degrees Celsius for 26 hours. Hopefully, with high-quality food tailored to their age and health conditions, pet owners and their beloved cats can live healthier, happier lives and grow old together,” Jerry added. Monitor Your Cat’s Reaction Don’t forget to carefully monitor your cat’s reaction when introducing new food. Observe changes in their activity levels, coat condition, and digestion. Signs that the food suits your cat include them being active and energetic, with healthy fur growth. Thick, soft, and shiny fur indicates adequate nutrition. Additionally, check their digestion—normal stools without a strong odor suggest the food is suitable for your cat’s digestion. If your cat shows signs of allergies or digestive problems, consult a veterinarian immediately and consider switching their food. (Source: https://mediaindonesia.com/jelita/688378/jaga-kesehatan-kucing-kesayangan-dengan-makanan-tepat)  

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/

Vaccination is one of the most important ways to keep pets healthy and free from dangerous diseases. Both dogs and cats need vaccines from an early age, and they need to be scheduled regularly. Here is a complete guide to basic vaccinations for dogs and cats in Indonesia:   Mandatory Vaccines for Dogs   Jenis Vaksin Usia Pemberian Keterangan Parvo & Distemper 6-8 Weeks First vaccine DHPP 8-12 Weeks Mixed: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza Rabies > 3 Months Mandatory (according to regulations in Indonesia) Booster DHPP after 1 Year of first vaccination Then 1x a year or according to doctor's advices Booster Rabies after 1 Year of first vaccination Then every 1–3 years   Mandatory Vaccines for Cats   Jenis Vaksin Usia Pemberian Keterangan Tricat (FVRCP) 8-9 Weeks Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia Rabies > 3 Months Mandatory in some areas Booster Tricat 3–4 Weeks after first vaccine Then once a year Booster Rabies 1 Year after first vaccine Then every 1–3 years   Importance Vaccination: Prevents deadly diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, distemper, panleukopenia. Keeps animals healthy in the long term. Protects other animals and humans (zoonosis). Usually needed for boarding, grooming, or pet daycare.   Important Tips: Keep the vaccination book as a medical record. Do not bathe the animal for at least 5 days after vaccination. If the animal is sick or stressed, postpone vaccination.   When to See a Vet? Consult a veterinarian immediately if: Do not know the correct vaccination schedule There is a reaction after vaccination such as fever, weakness, or swelling Adopting a new animal that has never been vaccinated   Therefore, vaccination is a long-term investment for the health and well-being of pets. Don't delay or ignore it — give them maximum protection early on. NatureBridge comes with the Recovery Immune variant to help your pet recover when sick and also maintain their immune system. Get NatureBridge Recovery Immune at your nearest veterinary clinic.