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Food Alergies In Cats



 
 
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  #1  
Old February 24th 11, 05:55 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.community
Snuggly Pets
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Posts: 7
Default Food Alergies In Cats

What DO cats need to eat? Generally available foods are fine most of
the time, but is it really what your cat needs? Even so-called
"bargain" foods seem to be OK for most cats, but some cats are more
sensitive than others. There are nutritional answers to everything
from hairballs, to diarrhea, to chronic urinary tract infections. What
is a cat lover supposed to do in these cases?

I've had some trouble in this area, and I've found some things that
work. My little Bugsy seems to be allergic to about as much as I am.
She might be a foster cat, but she's become more my cat than a foster!
She started having terrible diarrhea and had to go on special food. It
turns out she is allergic to grains in her food. She won't eat meat so
far, but I keep trying to tempt her.

I began keeping track of what happened on my blog and did a couple of
articles in the eZine about it. In the end, I found some foods that
work and some that don't. Missy Bugsy Bits is doing much better, now.
I have raw food in the freezer, and some canned in the cupboard to
tempt her with. She is becoming very interested in meat, now, which
works in my favor. She still turns her nose up when it's offered, but
she wants to be included in the feeding times and comes into the
kitchen to get a tidbit.

One thing that surprised me was that cats ignore fruit and all sugars!
They developed a mutation several thousand years ago that removed the
tastebuds from their mouths for sweet. They just don't even notice it.
It doesn't taste bad, it just "isn't." That would be very
disconcerting for me! Grains are mostly sugar so that explains a lot
of it.

It seems that cats often have allergic reactions to grains. Many
people also suffer this affliction. For some, it is life threatening.
Think of what it must be for a cat who is always hungry! If nutrition
is not absorbed through food because of diarrhea or other digestive
upsets, where are we to get it?

Now, I believe that corn is only for vegetarian animals like cows and
horses. Corn causes obesity and is processed to the point that "high
fructose corn syrup" is in just about all packaged foods. It sets up a
craving for other carbohydrates and you end up obese. It's an allergic
reaction similar to alcoholism - allergy and craving combined. And,
obesity is linked to diabetes. So, I try to avoid corn as much as
possible.

Wheat and gluten can cause problems as well. There are some people who
cannot eat any at all. It sets up terrible stomach trouble and
nutritional problems. Can this also happen in cats? Certainly! It's
the second-most prevalent food allergy in cats.

Soy is great for those who can tolerate it! I can't tolerate dairy
milk at all and use soy as an alternative. However, there are some who
cannot eat soy at all. Many cats are unable to digest the proteins in
soy. This sets up an allergic response in the body as the body tries
to rid itself of the offending substance.

The same things can happen with rice, rye, and barley.

Cats really need meat. That's what they crave. It's what makes their
fur shine and their weight stay healthy. However, there are problems
with a straight meat diet, too. Whether raw or cooked, cats need
Taurine for ocular, neurological, reproductive, and cardiovascular
health. There are several supplements on the market that provide
taurine, but sometimes knowing how much to give can be a little
confusing.

Many conditions are linked to diet. If hairballs are a problem, add
some salmon oil to her food before you cut her hair off! There are
several preparations specifically for vomiting and hairballs widely
available. If your cat is prone to urinary tract infections and
blockages, you might have to run to the vet every time there is a
problem. Magnesium is linked to urinary troubles. Instead of taking
drastic steps or giving up on your cat, try a change in diet to see
what happens. If nothing changes, at least you have given her a good
nutritional foundation so that your next steps with her will be more
effective.

Morgen Marshall, a cat lover and trainer, invites you into her world
of cats. She created a website dedicated to making the relationship
between cats and people harmonious and healthy. For the Love of Cats
is a place for people facing difficulties in their relationships with
cats to come and find the answers they need from someone they can
trust.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgen_Marshall

www.snugglylilpets.com
  #2  
Old March 1st 11, 01:08 PM
Dominic Dominic is offline
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First recorded activity by CatBanter: Feb 2011
Posts: 4
Default

Hi,..
Usually, food allergies in cats are approached by providing them with meats that they never would have been exposed to before. So hence you see things like duck and trout in the ingredients. And often grains are limited if at all in the food.

regards,..
 




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