LADIES, memiliki hewan peliharaan seperti kucing memang menyenangkan, ya. Tampilannya yang imut mengundang rasa gemas. Belum lagi tingkah lucu dan manjanya, menjadi hiburan pereda penat. Tak jarang, terjalin ikatan kasih sayang yang kuat antara pemilik dengan kucingnya, hingga muncul sebutan anabul (anak bulu) untuk peliharaan kesayangan ini.Satu hal penting dalam memelihara kucing, kita perlu memperhatikan asupan makanannya. Sebab, kesehatan dan kesejahteraan kucing bergantung pada nutrisi yang mereka terima setiap hari. Makanan yang baik tidak hanya menjaga kesehatan kucing secara umum, tetapi juga membantu mencegah dan membantu penyembuhan sejumlah penyakit. Berikut hal-hal yang perlu dipertimbangkan dalam memilih produk makanan kucing. Pahami Kebutuhan Nutrisi Kucing Kucing adalah hewan karnivora, mereka membutuhkan daging untuk mendapatkan nutrisi yang mereka butuhkan. Nutrisi utama yang harus ada dalam makanan kucing adalah protein hewani. Sumber protein berkualitas tinggi meliputi daging ayam, daging sapi, ikan, dan hati. Protein adalah komponen utama dalam diet kucing. Protein berperan untuk pembangunan otot dan memperbaiki jaringan tubuh. Selain protein, kucing juga membutuhkan lemak, karbohidrat, vitamin, dan mineral. Baca Label Dengan Teliti Saat memilih makanan kucing, penting untuk membaca label pada kemasan dengan teliti. Label tersebut memberikan informasi tentang kandungan nutrisi dan bahan-bahan yang digunakan. Pastikan bahan utama adalah sumber protein hewani, seperti daging ayam, daging sapi, atau ikan. Bahan-bahan ini sebaiknya tercantum di bagian atas daftar bahan. Pastikan makanan tersebut mengandung protein, lemak, karbohidrat, vitamin, mineral, dan serat dalam jumlah yang seimbang.Beberapa makanan kucing mungkin mengandung bahan pengisi seperti jagung, gandum, atau kedelai yang rendah nutrisi dan kurang dibutuhkan oleh kucing. Hindari produk yang mencantumkan bahan-bahan ini dalam jumlah besar. Hindari juga kandungan pewarna, perasa, dan pengawet kimia. Perhatikan Usia Dan Kondisi Kesehatan Kucing memiliki kebutuhan nutrisi yang berbeda tergantung pada usia dan kondisi kesehatannya. Pilih makanan yang sesuai dengan tahap kehidupan kucing. Anak kucing misalnya, membutuhkan makanan tinggi protein dan lemak untuk mendukung tumbuh kembangnya. Kucing dewasa dan senior juga memiliki kebutuhan yang berbeda, terlebih untuk kucing yang mengalami gangguan kesehatan tertentu.Founder Bridge Petcare Jerry Xu menjelaskan, kondisi iklim tropis dan kelembapan yang tinggi di Indonesia, ditambah dengan karakteristik kucing yang tidak suka minum membuat kucing rentan mengalami penyakit kulit dan bulu, juga gangguan saluran kemih. “Berdasarkan survei yang dilakukan di sejumlah klinik hewan Indonesia, penyakit kulit, bulu, dan saluran kencing menjadi gangguan yang sering terjadi pada kucing,” ujar Jerry.Para pemilik kucing, lanjutnya, dapat memanfaatkan produk makanan yang memang diformulasikan khusus untuk kucing dengan gangguan kesehatan tertentu. Contohnya, seri terbaru Daily Care dari NatureBridge yang baru diluncurkan di Indonesia yaitu Hair & Skin untuk membantu mengatasi masalah kulit dan bulu, Urinary untuk kucing dengan gangguan kemih, serta Mother & Baby untuk kucing hamil, menyusui, dan bayi kucing.“Seri Daily Care merupakan functional daily pet food yang menggunakan teknologi freeze dried, yaitu proses pembekuan daging asli di suhu -38 derajat celcius selama 26 jam. Semoga, dengan makanan berkualitas yang sesuai dengan usia dan kondisi kesehatan kucing, para pet owner dan hewan kesayangannya dapat hidup lebih sehat, bahagia, dan menua bersama,” kata Jerry. Pantau Reaksi Kucing Jangan lupa, ketika memperkenalkan makanan baru pada kucing, pantau reaksi mereka dengan cermat. Perhatikan perubahan aktivitas, kondisi bulu, dan pencernaannya. Beberapa tanda bahwa makanan tersebut cocok untuk kucing antara lain kucing aktif dan energik dan bulu tumbuh sehat. Bulu kucing yang lebat, lembut, dan berkilau menandakan ia mendapatkan nutrisi cukup. Selain itu, perhatikan pencernaannya, kotoran yang normal dan tidak berbau menyengat menandakan asupan makannya cocok untuk pencernaan kucing. Jika kucing menunjukkan tanda-tanda alergi atau mengalami masalah pencernaan, segera konsultasikan dengan dokter hewan dan pertimbangkan untuk mengganti makanan tersebut. (Sumber: 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/

Personalized medicine – care tailored to individual needs of patients – is rapidly gaining traction in human health care and veterinarians are embracing the concept as well. The Foundation has several studies in progress that could help veterinarians customize treatment and optimize care for cats. A core feature of personalized medicine is understanding a patient’s genetic makeup – their DNA. Without this information, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to deliver personalized care. Since 2006, we’ve funded 52 studies on all aspects of understanding the feline genetic code. Our studies fall into two basic categories: studies looking at genetic mutations associated with specific diseases and studies on determining the genetic sequence (code) of all the DNA present – almost 20,000 genes in our feline friends! Our researchers found a gene responsible for heart disease in Sphynx cats, a gene linked to the cartilage abnormalities seen in some breeds, and even a suggestion of a genetic link to diabetes. In addition, our researchers have made a huge contribution to decoding the complete genetic make-up of the cat – a massive feat of genetic wizardry! Current research includes work on learning more about how genetics influences a cat’s response to clopidogrel, a drug used to prevent deadly blood clots. Although the cat is finally catching up to the dog when it comes to genetic research, we still have a long way to go. But we’re confident that the secrets we’re unlocking now will make a big impact in the future for feline health. Source: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/