HELP! MY CAT WON'T EAT!

If your cat is fussy, a little sick, elderly or you need to change foods, you may have encountered how much your cat dislikes change.

Helping your cat to like a new food or transition onto a special diet, or perhaps even eat when he may be a little under the weather or unable to smell can be a challenge. Here we share some hints and tips to encourage your cat to eat.

Please note: if your cat is not eating, the most important thing is to visit your vet to work out why your cat is not eating. This article is not a substitute for your veterinarian’s advice.

WHY CHANGE DIET?

There are many reasons you may need to change your cat’s diet. For example you may have a cat with kidney problems, food intolerances or allergies, your cat may be overweight, or your cat may need a better diet for dental care. Whatever the reason, it can be a little traumatic for everyone involved. Cats do not like things to change. For the most part they are happy eating the same old thing every day and will be very stubborn about changes.

DO THE CHANGE GRADUALLY

Unless advised by your vet, all diet changes should be gradual, over at least 7 days. Your pet has enzymes and bacteria that have adapted to digest that old food, so a sudden diet change can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. During the first 3 days 25% of the total food should be the new food. For days 4-5, 50% should be the new food, and for days 6-7, 75 % of the food should be the new food.

UTILISE SMELL

Cats are very sensitive to smell. They will often refuse to eat a new food until it is warmed to body temperature. Instinctively they like to eat things ‘freshly killed’ and warm. Try microwaving the food until it is slightly warm, just watch for that hot spot in the middle and never feed them cooked bones.

CHANGING FROM DRY TO WET FOOD

If you have a cat with urinary issues or diabetes your cat may be best eating higher protein wet food. Many cats love dry biscuits, so transitioning them to wet food can result in a hunger strike. Follow the above advice with the gradual transition and start mixing your cat’s biscuits in with just a small amount of wet food.

You can also just add some warm water to the biscuits and let them sit for 5 minutes to soften them a little to get him used to a new texture, but the same taste. Just don’t leave that food out for more than 4 hours and avoid doing this as a long-term solution. Dry foods are prone to forming moulds and adding moisture compounds the problem.

Dry foods are often sprayed with flavour enhancers that make them absolutely delicious, but this does not mean they are healthy. If you have a very stubborn cat, grind up the biscuits into a powder using a mortar and pestle, then sprinkle them onto the new food.

INTRODUCING MEAT AND  BONES

If your vet has recommended some whole raw rabbit, or raw chicken necks or wings for dental health, your cat may want nothing to do with this new and unfamiliar food. Sometimes some sneakiness is required. Invest in a mincer or a good pair of bone-cutting scissors (used for sectioning chicken carcasses).

Start out by chopping those bones up into very small pieces, then mix them in with your cat’s regular food. Gradually increase the size of the bone pieces over time until your cat is on board with the change.

USING BROTHS, GRAVIES AND MXING FOOD

Many cats love a little broth and flavour added to their food, but please check with your vet if this is appropriate for your cat’s situation. For example you can use onion-free, salt reduced stock and mix it in with the new food. To make your own tuna broth, add 3 cups of water to a small can of tuna and mash it up, then freeze it in ice cube trays.

This in particular works well for cats with kidney disease to encourage them to eat a renal diet. Even if your cat is eating a small amount of other food, at least if the majority is the renal food there is still some benefit. Cottage cheese, BBQ chicken, regular canned food or even a few biscuits may be just enough to encourage your pet to eat.

USE TOUCH

Many cats will eat if they are patted or hand-fed. This might be just enough to get them started, so try it and see if a nice long, slow stroke from head to tail helps your pet eat. If your cat is leaning into your pat, chances are they are enjoying it, so continue.

EXERCISE

Encouraging your cat to play can increase his appetite, so get out that laser pointer or fishing-line toy and encourage your pet to pounce. If your cat walks on a harness, you could even head to the great outdoors for some fresh air. You may also find that if you withdraw food, then encourage some activity, your cat is more keen to experiment.

SYRINGE FEEDING

If all else fails, ask your vet about syringe feeding. There are specialised foods that are easy to liquefy, like Hills A/D, and in some cases your vet might recommend human, meat-based baby food for short-term use. Your vet can also place a feeding tube if your cat is not eating.

WHAT IF MY CAT WON'T REALLY EAT?

Cats really do need to eat regularly. If they go on a hunger strike they are at risk of a condition called hepatic lipidosis, which will make them very sick. If your cat is regularly eating less than 50% of his normal ration or is going more than 24 hours without eating, see your vet.

So while many cats will take months to transition from dry to wet food, a gradual approach will eventually work for even the most reluctant cat. Just be persistent and try the tricks listed above. But if all else fails and you need to do a transition fast, ask your vet about appetite stimulants to encourage eating.

With careful planning and the right safety equipment hitting the road with your feline friend can be a positive and rewarding experience.

If you’re a first-time cat owner, you may have heard some horrendous horror stories about traveling with a cat. If you’re a long-time cat owner, you might have experienced some of those horrendous horror stories.

It’s certainly true that cats tend to be somewhat unenthusiastic travelers. But if you’re prepared, have the proper equipment, and plan your road trip with a cat’s eye view, all will go well.

START PREPARING EARLY

Here’s a hypothetical for you: Let’s say that your cat is about 5 years old. Let’s say that you’re planning a road trip with your cat. When should you start preparing for the trip?

About 5 years ago!

That’s because the single most important thing you can do to prepare your cat for car travel is to sensitize it to the experience. For a brief time period, a kitten is very open to experiencing and becoming accustomed to new experiences. That prime time occurs from about 2 to 7 weeks of age.

If you’ll take a kitten on some short car trips during that time period, the kitten will become accustomed to car travel. It may never particularly like it, but it will tolerate it.

But if you take that 5-year-old cat on a trip when it’s never even been in a car before… well, let’s just say the experience might be rather traumatic – for all involved!

CAR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

If you’ve ever traveled with a baby before, you know that 1 baby on the trip equals lots of extra stuff: diaper bags, bottles, blankets, binkies, and so on.

Traveling with your cat will be similar. You’ll need lots of stuff to keep kitty healthy and happy (or at least contented!). Here’s a checklist of must-have items that you’ll not want to leave home without:

• Cat carrier. A loose cat in a car is a recipe for disaster – REAL disaster. A loose cat could very well end up under your brake petal, or with a death-grip claw hold on the back of your neck. Choose a carrier that’s purpose-designed for cats, is roomy and well-ventilated, and secure it in your vehicle so that it can’t move. And make sure that it’s not positioned in direct sunlight for long periods.
• Food, water and bowls. Be sure to bring along your cat’s regular food, and even the water that your cat is accustomed to drinking. If that’s tap water, bottle some and bring it along.
• Toys and bedding. Bring along some comforts of home. Choose some favorite toys and familiar bedding that the cat already uses.
• Litter and accessories. You probably won’t bring your cat’s regular litter box. But DO bring the brand of litter that you use at home, and that’s already familiar to your cat. Also bring along disposable litter trays, OR a small non-disposable litter tray, a scooper, and disposable bags.

STOP, REVIVE, SURVIVE

If you’re the type that likes to hit the road hard and drive 5, 6, 7 hours at a stretch, you’ll need to change to accommodate kitty. Plan to stop every couple of hours to give your cat a break.

If you’re in a safe location, you can let your cat out of the carrier for a few minutes – but BE CAREFUL. If the cat is stressed it might be inclined to bolt at the first opportunity. Be sure your cat is wearing its ID tag.

When you do stop, be sure not to leave your car parked in direct sunlight with the windows rolled up – not even for a couple of minutes. And don’t leave your cat in direct sunlight on a warm day inside or outside of the car.

TALK TO YOUR VET

Before you take that first trip with your cat, have a chat with your vet. There are medications available that can help to make the trip a more pleasant experience for both you and kitty: Medications for motion sickness, for example, or for anxiety.

Your cat may not need them, but it would be good to know what’s available. You might even choose to have some medications on hand – just in case.

ROAD TRIPPING WITH YOUR CAT CAN BE FUN

And at least be tolerated by your cat. Plan ahead, bring along some of the cat’s comforts of home, take things easy with plenty of rest stops, and all is likely to go well.

Let it be someone else who has those horrendous horror stories to tell!

Can’t imagine leaving your cat behind while you go on holiday?  With just a little planning, you can bring all members of your family along on your next getaway, including your beloved cat.

Do you feel that your cat is a genuine part of the family?  Chances are your pet feels the same way.  It is unsettling for animals to be left behind when you go away on holiday.

Not so long ago, you had little choice but to place your beloved animal in a kennel while you were away.  While these are still valid choices, they are costly and simply not suitable for some owners or their pets.

Fortunately, more and more destinations are willing to accommodate people holidaying with their pets.  So with just a little extra planning, you can enjoy taking your furry friend on your next trip away.

TRANSPORT

Train, plane or automobile?  Whether you are taking a driving holiday or flying to your destination, you will need the right restraints to keep your cat safe.

For driving, a safety harness or a barricade across the backseat is important.  Also make sure there is good ventilation.  If you have a cage, be sure that it is an ample size and don’t forget about shade.

For those taking to the skies, check with your airline as they will have strict rules about cat carriers and even cat breeds.  For instance, Qantas provides detailed guidelines online.  Excess baggage fees may also apply so do your homework in advance.

You will also need an authorised crate or carrier to fly on a plane.  Luckily, there is no need to invest in purchasing an expensive carrier just for a one off holiday.  You can easily hire one from places such as Jet Pets which are specifically designed for air travel.

TOILET STOPS AND BREAKS

Head off on your Aussie road trip with a water bowl, treats and food for your cat.  Keep plenty of bottled water on hand in case tap water isn’t available.

Make sure you allow extra travel time for toilet and exercise breaks when planning your drive.  It’s nicest, and safest, to take rest stops at a park or playground so you and your cat can have a walk around.

Cats easily suffer heat stress, so never leave your pet in the car unattended.  Also consider buying shade screens for the windows if the cat will be travelling in the back of your car.

ACCOMMODATION

The internet is your best friend when it comes to finding pet friendly accommodation.  This can range from farm stays to pet-friendly B & B’s, camping and caravan parks.

Before you book, it is important to check the in-house rules.  Do they allow animals matching your pet’s size?  Do you need to bring your pet’s bedding?  Are cats allowed inside or outside only?  Is there a fenced area for them? It is best to pick accommodation which allows a close match with your cat’s usual routine.

Best of all, you are no longer stuck with the outskirts of town.  If you want to enjoy a city-escape, you can now stay in an inner-city Melbourne or Sydney hotel and not compromise on lifestyle.  For instance, right on Sydney Harbour The Sebel Pier One hotel has a pet-friendly policy so why not let kitty enjoy a bit of pampering while you are away?

PET HEALTH

Although we hope it never happens, anyone can get sick on holidays.  So before heading off, find out where the local vet or pet hospital is.  This is particularly important if you are going camping or heading somewhere remote.  Also don’t forget to pack any pet medication you may need and take enough for the whole time you are away.

CAT SITTING

Once you are on your fabulous holiday, what do you do if you want to check out that fantastic new show or gourmet restaurant up the road?  If you think you will want some time without the cat in tow, enquire about a cat sitter.  Check with your accommodation first.  Do they offer this service?  If not, are there any reliable sitters in the area?  Will they come to you or do you take the catto them?  Just look into this before you go ahead and book your accommodation so you will not be disappointed.

PETS ARE A BIG PART OF OUR LIVES

It’s great to be able to include pets in our family fun.  Although a little extra planning is needed, taking the cat with you on holidays is a rewarding experience for you and your pet.  By choosing the right accommodation, taking the cat’s favourite toy, familiar bedding and paying attention to details for your cat’s health and safety while on the move, your holiday can be fun and a stress free for everyone.