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#1
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Cat food - dry/wet (this has probably been discussed a thousand times already)
Hey everyone,
I've got two 2 y/o ragdoll kittens - Karma and Cocoa - who I've fed with dry food in the morning and throughout the day (Hills Science) and wet food for dinner (Whiska's canned or pouches).. When I took my babies to the vet recently to get their vaccinations updated, the vet advised that I take them off the wet food and give them just dry food. I always thought it was good to have variety because there are some things the cats get out of wet but not dry food, and vice versa.. But the vet said that the dry would be better for their teeth and would get them drinking more water (my cats are big fans of water, I'm not sure they need much more!). Cocoa has to go back and get his teeth cleaned, which he's being sedated for (which I'm also a bit concerned about).. but Karma's teeth are fine.. So what I'm wondering is, if I start giving the boys dry food constantly, is it going to upset their routine at all? Are they going to think I just haven't fed them at night and not eat because they're waiting for their wet food? Or is the vet just crazy and should I stick to the routine that has worked so far. We've also just moved house, which caused a bit of tension for all of us, but I'm pleased to say I think we (including the cats) all handled it well, and my kitties are loving the new house I know I should have asked the vet this, but even so, it's good to have some more opinions.. Thanks -- Shellie ^.,.^ |
#2
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Hi Shellie,
If this were me I would carry on as before and ignore the vet. -- Alison Links to animal information websites http://mysite.freeserve.com/petinfolinks/ "Shellie" wrote in message ... Hey everyone, I've got two 2 y/o ragdoll kittens - Karma and Cocoa - who I've fed with dry food in the morning and throughout the day (Hills Science) and wet food for dinner (Whiska's canned or pouches).. When I took my babies to the vet recently to get their vaccinations updated, the vet advised that I take them off the wet food and give them just dry food. I always thought it was good to have variety because there are some things the cats get out of wet but not dry food, and vice versa.. But the vet said that the dry would be better for their teeth and would get them drinking more water (my cats are big fans of water, I'm not sure they need much more!). Cocoa has to go back and get his teeth cleaned, which he's being sedated for (which I'm also a bit concerned about).. but Karma's teeth are fine.. So what I'm wondering is, if I start giving the boys dry food constantly, is it going to upset their routine at all? Are they going to think I just haven't fed them at night and not eat because they're waiting for their wet food? Or is the vet just crazy and should I stick to the routine that has worked so far. We've also just moved house, which caused a bit of tension for all of us, but I'm pleased to say I think we (including the cats) all handled it well, and my kitties are loving the new house I know I should have asked the vet this, but even so, it's good to have some more opinions.. Thanks -- Shellie ^.,.^ |
#3
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Hi Shellie,
If this were me I would carry on as before and ignore the vet. -- Alison Links to animal information websites http://mysite.freeserve.com/petinfolinks/ "Shellie" wrote in message ... Hey everyone, I've got two 2 y/o ragdoll kittens - Karma and Cocoa - who I've fed with dry food in the morning and throughout the day (Hills Science) and wet food for dinner (Whiska's canned or pouches).. When I took my babies to the vet recently to get their vaccinations updated, the vet advised that I take them off the wet food and give them just dry food. I always thought it was good to have variety because there are some things the cats get out of wet but not dry food, and vice versa.. But the vet said that the dry would be better for their teeth and would get them drinking more water (my cats are big fans of water, I'm not sure they need much more!). Cocoa has to go back and get his teeth cleaned, which he's being sedated for (which I'm also a bit concerned about).. but Karma's teeth are fine.. So what I'm wondering is, if I start giving the boys dry food constantly, is it going to upset their routine at all? Are they going to think I just haven't fed them at night and not eat because they're waiting for their wet food? Or is the vet just crazy and should I stick to the routine that has worked so far. We've also just moved house, which caused a bit of tension for all of us, but I'm pleased to say I think we (including the cats) all handled it well, and my kitties are loving the new house I know I should have asked the vet this, but even so, it's good to have some more opinions.. Thanks -- Shellie ^.,.^ |
#4
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Hi Shellie,
If this were me I would carry on as before and ignore the vet. -- Alison Links to animal information websites http://mysite.freeserve.com/petinfolinks/ "Shellie" wrote in message ... Hey everyone, I've got two 2 y/o ragdoll kittens - Karma and Cocoa - who I've fed with dry food in the morning and throughout the day (Hills Science) and wet food for dinner (Whiska's canned or pouches).. When I took my babies to the vet recently to get their vaccinations updated, the vet advised that I take them off the wet food and give them just dry food. I always thought it was good to have variety because there are some things the cats get out of wet but not dry food, and vice versa.. But the vet said that the dry would be better for their teeth and would get them drinking more water (my cats are big fans of water, I'm not sure they need much more!). Cocoa has to go back and get his teeth cleaned, which he's being sedated for (which I'm also a bit concerned about).. but Karma's teeth are fine.. So what I'm wondering is, if I start giving the boys dry food constantly, is it going to upset their routine at all? Are they going to think I just haven't fed them at night and not eat because they're waiting for their wet food? Or is the vet just crazy and should I stick to the routine that has worked so far. We've also just moved house, which caused a bit of tension for all of us, but I'm pleased to say I think we (including the cats) all handled it well, and my kitties are loving the new house I know I should have asked the vet this, but even so, it's good to have some more opinions.. Thanks -- Shellie ^.,.^ |
#5
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On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 08:05:45 GMT, "Shellie"
wrote: So what I'm wondering is, if I start giving the boys dry food constantly, is it going to upset their routine at all? Are they going to think I just haven't fed them at night and not eat because they're waiting for their wet food? Or is the vet just crazy and should I stick to the routine that has worked so far. Technically, the dry food is better for their teeth, but I also feed some wet food. I mostly started when I had an elderly cat who wasn't eating enough. I had to feed her canned food to get her to eat, and she would not eat chilled or heated wet food, so I was stuck opening multiple cans a day and having the other cats finish it off. After she died, I felt guilty stopping the wet food, so I give them one can a night, which is split between 3 cats and one dog (can't give a treat to one while another is watching). I use it more as a treat than a meal. They still eat kibble thorughout the day, and the one cat has a daily routine of going up to the bathroom with me when I get ready for bed. She eats kibble there even though she knows I am about to open the can. I'd be a little concerned since one already needs a teeth cleaning, so be aware of how much of each he is eating. You may want to reduce the amount of wet food. How much do they get? Perhaps a smaller serving would be better. Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com |
#6
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On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 08:05:45 GMT, "Shellie"
wrote: So what I'm wondering is, if I start giving the boys dry food constantly, is it going to upset their routine at all? Are they going to think I just haven't fed them at night and not eat because they're waiting for their wet food? Or is the vet just crazy and should I stick to the routine that has worked so far. Technically, the dry food is better for their teeth, but I also feed some wet food. I mostly started when I had an elderly cat who wasn't eating enough. I had to feed her canned food to get her to eat, and she would not eat chilled or heated wet food, so I was stuck opening multiple cans a day and having the other cats finish it off. After she died, I felt guilty stopping the wet food, so I give them one can a night, which is split between 3 cats and one dog (can't give a treat to one while another is watching). I use it more as a treat than a meal. They still eat kibble thorughout the day, and the one cat has a daily routine of going up to the bathroom with me when I get ready for bed. She eats kibble there even though she knows I am about to open the can. I'd be a little concerned since one already needs a teeth cleaning, so be aware of how much of each he is eating. You may want to reduce the amount of wet food. How much do they get? Perhaps a smaller serving would be better. Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com |
#7
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On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 08:05:45 GMT, "Shellie"
wrote: So what I'm wondering is, if I start giving the boys dry food constantly, is it going to upset their routine at all? Are they going to think I just haven't fed them at night and not eat because they're waiting for their wet food? Or is the vet just crazy and should I stick to the routine that has worked so far. Technically, the dry food is better for their teeth, but I also feed some wet food. I mostly started when I had an elderly cat who wasn't eating enough. I had to feed her canned food to get her to eat, and she would not eat chilled or heated wet food, so I was stuck opening multiple cans a day and having the other cats finish it off. After she died, I felt guilty stopping the wet food, so I give them one can a night, which is split between 3 cats and one dog (can't give a treat to one while another is watching). I use it more as a treat than a meal. They still eat kibble thorughout the day, and the one cat has a daily routine of going up to the bathroom with me when I get ready for bed. She eats kibble there even though she knows I am about to open the can. I'd be a little concerned since one already needs a teeth cleaning, so be aware of how much of each he is eating. You may want to reduce the amount of wet food. How much do they get? Perhaps a smaller serving would be better. Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com |
#9
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From: "Shellie"
I've got two 2 y/o ragdoll kittens - Karma and Cocoa - who I've fed with dry food in the morning and throughout the day (Hills Science) and wet food for dinner (Whiska's canned or pouches).. When I took my babies to the vet recently to get their vaccinations updated, the vet advised that I take them off the wet food and give them just dry food. I always thought it was good to have variety because there are some things the cats get out of wet but not dry food, and vice versa.. You are correct. I highly recommend a new vet. Feeding an all dry food is not healthy for a carnivore, especially your boy who can become prone to urinary crystals. I would also recommend a higher quality canned food. But the vet said that the dry would be better for their teeth and would get them drinking more water There is much debate about the efficacy of dry food for cleaning teeth. In my experience, many cats just swallow kibble without chewing enough to get any benefit from the dry food. I give my cats chicken gizzards for their teeth. I feed them raw but if you don't want to, you can just braise them in some butter. As far as drinking more, again in my experience some cats will drink more when fed dry food, but many don't, and then they can get urinary tract problems. I'm sure you'll got lots of opinions here as food is a much debate topic Meanwhile, here is an excellent article on feline nutrition: http://www.homevet.com/petcare/feedingyourcat.html Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm |
#10
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From: "Shellie"
I've got two 2 y/o ragdoll kittens - Karma and Cocoa - who I've fed with dry food in the morning and throughout the day (Hills Science) and wet food for dinner (Whiska's canned or pouches).. When I took my babies to the vet recently to get their vaccinations updated, the vet advised that I take them off the wet food and give them just dry food. I always thought it was good to have variety because there are some things the cats get out of wet but not dry food, and vice versa.. You are correct. I highly recommend a new vet. Feeding an all dry food is not healthy for a carnivore, especially your boy who can become prone to urinary crystals. I would also recommend a higher quality canned food. But the vet said that the dry would be better for their teeth and would get them drinking more water There is much debate about the efficacy of dry food for cleaning teeth. In my experience, many cats just swallow kibble without chewing enough to get any benefit from the dry food. I give my cats chicken gizzards for their teeth. I feed them raw but if you don't want to, you can just braise them in some butter. As far as drinking more, again in my experience some cats will drink more when fed dry food, but many don't, and then they can get urinary tract problems. I'm sure you'll got lots of opinions here as food is a much debate topic Meanwhile, here is an excellent article on feline nutrition: http://www.homevet.com/petcare/feedingyourcat.html Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm |
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