Cats are very similar to people in many ways. Just as it is important to watch what is going into you cats tummy, you also need to keep an eye on how much is going into your cat's tummy. When people eat too much food, over time they become overweight.
Cats are the same, if they become used to eating however much they want, when they want, it is a sure bet that you will have a pretty fat cat on your hands after a while. This is especially true as your cat gets older and less active. If you aren't sure if your cat is fat or not, there are a few telling signs that you can look for that are pretty similar as to when you can tell if a person is overweight.
• A double chin is always a telling sign of a weight problem. If you find that your cat has a bunch of fat underneath their chin, they might have a weight problem.
• A big stomach is another sign, if their stomach is hanging, they might have a weight problem
• Another is whether or not you can feel your cat's ribs. On a healthy cat you should be able to feel their rib cage, if you cannot feel your cat's rib cage then you cat is definitely overweight.
Just as people think that their weight might not be a big deal, many cat owners might not feel it too distressing that their cat is a little overweight. The reality is that being overweight can cause many health problems in your cat. The more weight your cat has on their body, the more weight and pressure they have to carry around on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what and how much your cat is eating. If you do find that your cat is overweight you should probably speak to your veterinarian about it and look into buying a specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.
Whether you have an overweight cat or not, it's important to make sure that your cat gets the exercise they need. If you can't isn't overweight then the exercise will help keep them active and avoid such a predicament, but if your cat is overweight then the exercise will help them to trim off a few pounds.
The great thing is that exercising with your cat doesn't have to be a tedious activity; it can be a lot of fun. Below are a few ideas that will help you get an exercise program started with your cat.
• Try to get your cat to run around some
• Take a walk with your cat
• Get your cat some new toys that will encourage him to exercise and jump around
• Strategically place toys and treats all around the house to encourage your cat to walk around
• Switch up the games that you play with your cat so he doesn't get bored
• Even if you are away for the day, leave approved toys out for your cat to play with.
• Also, it sometimes helps your cat's activity level if they have another feline companion to play with while you are away
Just because you like to switch your food around because something was cheaper at the store, or a new product looked better, doesn't mean that you cat should jump around from one cat food to another. Pets are funny this way, once they become used to a certain type of food, switching to another brand because it was on sale doesn't always agree with their stomachs.
If it happens that you want to switch your cat's food then you need to do it slowly. Do not just decide to replace cat food A with cat food B the next day, if so you might find you have a cat with a very upset stomach. In order to switch your cat's food without all of the digestion trouble you will need to put just a bit more into each meal, this process can take a few weeks before the switch is complete.
Trying to Feed Your Kitten
Dealing with a kitten is completely different that feed a grown cat. A kitten is essentially a baby in every way and needs the right amount of nutrition in order to go from being a kitten to a healthy grown cat. Kittens are just like babies in that they need to eat right in order to have strong bones, muscles, and nervous system. You can't feed a kitten the same things that a full grown cat eats; they need their own special food until they are old enough to move onto the next step.
It's always smart to consult with your doctor before you start a regular feeding routine for your kitten, but you do need to recognize that because they have such high energy, they need the proper food to fuel their bodies. You will find that your kitten will nibble throughout the day because they have smaller stomach than a full grown cat.
Just as with human babies, there are going to be times that your kitten doesn't seem particularly interested in food such as when they are teething or have lost a baby tooth. In the same instance your kitten may eat a little more during growth spurts and such. Even when you kitten begins to look and act like an adult cat, don't rush out and buy adult cat food, they need to stick with the kitten cat food until they are a year old because of their need for a lot of calories.
There might also come instances that you need to consult with your veterinarian about your cat's food needs such as if your female feline becomes pregnant or if you cat has health problems that are related to what they eat.
To learn about cat worms and cat vomiting, visit the About Animals website.
World Big Cat Safaris launches
World Primate Safaris is a very successful specialist tour operator that sends people out ot Africa and Asia to track some of the most endangered primates in the world, and at the end of 2008 their sister company World Big Cat Safaris was launched.
Again, World Big Cat Safaris relies on their expert knowledge of the areas they specialise in to make themselves different to everyone else. The 3 tour consultants in the office are ex tour leaders and guides from the various regions of Africa and so their first hand knowledge is second to none.
World Big Cat Safaris are specialists safaris to track the Big Cats of the world. They tailor adventure or luxury safaris with a selection of mobile camps and luxury lodges in some of the best wildlife areas in the world...Safari Holidays are our speciality whether it be a tiger safari in India or an African Safari to Botswana.
World Big Cat Safaris donates a percentage of each safari sold towards the conservation of endangered Big Cats throughout the world. Holidays can be tailored to meet each specific clients requirements including luxury honeymoon safaris, family African Safaris, walking safaris and much, much, more.
World Big Cat Safaris offers a selection of traditional Kenya Safari Holidays to see the savannah game of the Masai Mara. Kenya is at the forefront of wildlife conservation and community led initiatives and is perfect for a honeymoon safari or family safari and beach relaxation.
Tanzania is a prime wildlife safari destination. Your Tanzania Safari can combine the wonderful Serengeti National Park, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and the pristine tropical islands of Zanzibar or Pemba. Your Tanzania Safari should make the most of the fantatsic selection of luxury lodges and camps that are now available throughout Tanzania.
Wildlife in Botswana is the highlight. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park provide the ultimate locations for your Botswana Safari. An expensive safari destination, Botswana provides luxury safari accommodation with unique access to private concessions providing the ultimate in wildlife safari viewing.
Your South African Safari can consist of a multitude of interesting activities including a wildlife safari in the Kruger National Park or its surrounding private concessions, the winelands of the Cape and some of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. A luxury South African safari is actually very good value for money in comparison to other African Safari destinations.
Zambia Safaris are up and coming as Zambia is new as an African Safari destination. Your Zambia Safari will concentrate primarily on a few areas, including South Luangwa Valley, Lower Zambezi, Kafue National Park and the renowned Victoria Falls. Walking Safaris are also a highlight with some of the best African Safari guides available on the continent.
A Tiger Safari in India is the highlight of any wildlife enthusiast's career. A typical India safari may consist of the one horned rhinos of Kaziranga, the Asiatic Lions of Sasan Gir National Park and of course the endangered but majestic Bengal Tigers. The best places to visit for your India Tiger Safari include the historic Corbett National Park, Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh and the tiger park of Kanha.
The large predators are what people want to see when they go on a safari and with World Big Cat Safaris they will put you in the best place to maximize your chances of seeing them.............
Again, World Big Cat Safaris relies on their expert knowledge of the areas they specialise in to make themselves different to everyone else. The 3 tour consultants in the office are ex tour leaders and guides from the various regions of Africa and so their first hand knowledge is second to none.
World Big Cat Safaris are specialists safaris to track the Big Cats of the world. They tailor adventure or luxury safaris with a selection of mobile camps and luxury lodges in some of the best wildlife areas in the world...Safari Holidays are our speciality whether it be a tiger safari in India or an African Safari to Botswana.
World Big Cat Safaris donates a percentage of each safari sold towards the conservation of endangered Big Cats throughout the world. Holidays can be tailored to meet each specific clients requirements including luxury honeymoon safaris, family African Safaris, walking safaris and much, much, more.
World Big Cat Safaris offers a selection of traditional Kenya Safari Holidays to see the savannah game of the Masai Mara. Kenya is at the forefront of wildlife conservation and community led initiatives and is perfect for a honeymoon safari or family safari and beach relaxation.
Tanzania is a prime wildlife safari destination. Your Tanzania Safari can combine the wonderful Serengeti National Park, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and the pristine tropical islands of Zanzibar or Pemba. Your Tanzania Safari should make the most of the fantatsic selection of luxury lodges and camps that are now available throughout Tanzania.
Wildlife in Botswana is the highlight. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park provide the ultimate locations for your Botswana Safari. An expensive safari destination, Botswana provides luxury safari accommodation with unique access to private concessions providing the ultimate in wildlife safari viewing.
Your South African Safari can consist of a multitude of interesting activities including a wildlife safari in the Kruger National Park or its surrounding private concessions, the winelands of the Cape and some of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. A luxury South African safari is actually very good value for money in comparison to other African Safari destinations.
Zambia Safaris are up and coming as Zambia is new as an African Safari destination. Your Zambia Safari will concentrate primarily on a few areas, including South Luangwa Valley, Lower Zambezi, Kafue National Park and the renowned Victoria Falls. Walking Safaris are also a highlight with some of the best African Safari guides available on the continent.
A Tiger Safari in India is the highlight of any wildlife enthusiast's career. A typical India safari may consist of the one horned rhinos of Kaziranga, the Asiatic Lions of Sasan Gir National Park and of course the endangered but majestic Bengal Tigers. The best places to visit for your India Tiger Safari include the historic Corbett National Park, Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh and the tiger park of Kanha.
The large predators are what people want to see when they go on a safari and with World Big Cat Safaris they will put you in the best place to maximize your chances of seeing them.............
Detoxification - 5 Vital Foods for Effective Detox
Detoxification or detox for short is one of the liver's most important functions. Your liver has to break down and safely eliminate everyday substances the body produces such as hormones and metabolic waste products as well the more obvious chemical toxins that you consume through our food and water.
It relies on two complicated phases involving enzyme reactions to break down toxins and render them safe for excretion via the bile in the form of feces or into the urine produced by the kidneys. Research has shown that specific foods and nutrients have an inhibiting effect or enhancing effect on these detoxification enzyme systems. Plenty of these foods should be used for the most effective liver detoxification diet. These same foods and nutrients can even be used to treat some common toxicity and immune system disorders.
There are two detox pathways known as Phase I and Phase II. Diet can help regulate and balance their activity for more effective and safe detoxification. For example if Phase I is working well but Phase II is slow the toxins processed by Phase I can build up causing damage while waiting to be dealt with by Phase II.
Many of these intermediate toxins may be more dangerous than the original substance and can have adverse effects on the glandular system, the immune system, and the nervous system causing health problems.
Some of the substances that cause increase in Phase I without the equivalent increase in Phase II are pesticides, cigarette smoke, exhaust and paint fumes, burnt or barbequed food, alcohol, intestinal toxins and certain medications.
Top foods to support liver detoxification:
1) Cruciferous vegetables: cabbage, Brussels sprouts, rutabaga (swede), broccoli, broccoli sprouts, mustard greens, turnips, radish, cauliflower, kohlrabi, collard greens, daikon.
They contain potent phytochemicals and antioxidants that support Phase II activity. They help the liver convert chemicals that could be cancer causing into something far less toxic that can safely be excreted. Broccoli sprout extracts inhibit Phase I but stimulate Phase II. This is beneficial for people exposed to a high level of toxins from paint fumes, cigarette smoke, pesticides and alcohol.
2) Sulfur foods: fish, meat, eggs, onions, garlic, turnips, radishes, celery, kale, string beans. These foods are beneficial for Phase II which uses sulphur for its sulfation pathway.
3) Fresh fruit and vegetables: Eating your 5 or preferably more portions a day helps supply the amino acid glutathione needed for Phase II. If you are exposed to a high level of toxins then eating glutathione rich foods is essential. Commercially prepared foods contain very little glutathione. Frozen vegetables seem to retain their glutathione content.
Especially rich in glutathione are cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, avocado, dill and caraway seeds. Fruit and vegetables are high in antioxidants which help protect the liver from free radical damage caused by toxins. Organically grown are best.
Grapefruit and its juice is an exception. It contains a substance, naringenin, which if regularly consumed inhibits Phase I detoxification. Drugs and toxins can stay in the body longer before detoxification causing damage. So if you are taking drugs or are exposed to a high level of toxins do not eat grapefruit or drink the juice.
4) High quality protein: Meat, fish and eggs supply the amino acids needed for the conjugation pathways of Phase II. It is important to eat organically produced or free range meat and eggs to avoid further toxins stored in the fats of intensively reared produce. Fish is best from deep clean waters or organically farmed.
5) Essential fatty acids: Many diets are sadly lacking in the beneficial fats that are
vital for Phase I detox. Avoid all hydrogenated fats found in many commercially produced and processed foods and meals, and heated fats which can damage them.
Eat fresh nuts and seeds and their unheated cold pressed oils. Oily fish may be contaminated with mercury and other pollutants so it is debatable if they should now be included.
No matter how good your diet or how clean your environment you will always be exposed to toxins. Strengthening detoxification pathways through specific foods mentioned above will help you stay well or can improve existing conditions. Its worth it!
To learn a lot more about detoxification get my brand new Free Report at http://www.thedetoxspecialist.com (c) 2007. Sandy Halliday, a former nurse, is a nutritionist and health researcher with 20 years experience of many different types of detoxification programs. She produces a weekly newsletter full of useful information, tips and reviews of products for effective detoxification. |