Ragdolls and Other Furry Cats Can Have Major Issues with Furballs!
I love cats, and when I decided to get my first one decades ago, I did not do a lot of research on the particular issues they deal with each day. I'd heard they were finicky eaters, but I assumed they had, within their bodies, everything they need to digest food. They probably do in the wild, but domestic cats are a bit different since we are tampering with their food and natural environment.
Dealing with worms is bad enough, but when you have to ask yourself, "why is my cat vomiting?" and your poor cat is suffering from wretching and puking, you want to do everything within your power to help them.
Cats love to smell good and be clean...at least most of them. Furballs like Ragdolls are extremely popular due to their complacent nature and natural beauty. Each pet owner needs to ensure they have a good understanding about what their particular cat needs to eat for optimal health. Even within breeds, each cat is different.
Excellent Brands to Help Your Cat's Digestive Issues.
Why do cats throw up? I am not a medical professional, just someone who loves cats and have had many years of experience with them. A vet told me about this brand many years ago and I, in my ignorance, thought they were trying to make a quick sale. Soon after I found the Science Diet® brand to basically stop hairballs, and it is packed with Omega -3s and 6s to give my cat a thick full coat -- he also keeps a good temperament. Chicken is the first ingredient in this dry food, and it is much better than some of the food that is available out there, which is literally roadkill and should not be consumed by any living creature.
Most of the time I have not been able to find the food I need in the local grocers or drugstores. You can get on a subscription plan and have food shipped to your door, which is very convenient for large packages that weigh many pounds.
Some suggest that food be wet or moist if you are feeding Ragdolls, however other furry cats like tabbies can eat it directly out of the bag (and they will if you don't secure it somewhere).
Learn more about Ragdolls by clicking here!(AD)
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I've been told by a vet that blood from cat prey helps their gums and prevents tooth decay. If your cat lives outside, don't put a bell around their neck because this can prevent them from getting the outdoor treats they long for! Check with your vet about what is best for your cats teeth and gums because this is extremely important in their longevity!
I supplement my cat's dry food diet with a couple of brands of wet food as well. Similar to the dry food, not all wet food is created equally, and you can spend tons of money on food, but I find these brands satisfy my cat's tummy and does not reverse the work that Science Diet does to contribute to his digestive health.
I like Sheba® because it has broth and meat as its first ingredient also. Cats don't need too much cereal and sugar any more than we do! Sheba also comes in breakable pouches, which prevents overfeeding, which can also lead to more cat vomit. My cat has a great appetite and he usually is satisfied with half a package at feeding times.
You can find Sheba and Fancy Feast® at some grocery stores, and though they are not considered cat luxury with regard to paying the highest prices out there for cat food, they are good wet food options for a healthy cat diet along with the dry food I recommended earlier.
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Please also keep in mind that I am recommending the flavors and food style (with gravy vs pate) that my cats prefer, and it is important for a cat to like the food in order to digest it and be healthy.
Other Tips to Help Your Cat Fight Hairballs and Live a Long Healthy Life!
In addition to the food choices listed above, here are some other tips that will help to keep your cats happy and playful. Who likes a grumpy cat -- not me:
- Visit your Vet at least annually. Bast and all of the other Feline/Lion Gods will thank and bless you! Vets know what your cats need depending upon whether they are completely indoor cats or partially outdoors. Quite frankly, I have never met a cat that did not get outside at least sometimes. Believe me, they make it happen!
- Keep your cat bowls and utensils clean. Wash them after every use. Cats lick their hind parts and use those same tongues to lick their bowls clean. You really want to wash the bowls, especially if you have young kids around. Also, thoroughly clean up any "cat puke" with proper cleaning products.
- Allow your cat to have plenty of rest time. Cats love to clean up and nap after a good meal. The quiet time will help you to decrease cortisol levels as well.
- Invest in a good cat scratching post.(AD) This keeps your cat occupied and saves your furniture as well.
- Cats love to play and run around, especially at night. Afford them the opportunity to do this and get much needed exercise. Fat cats are miserable. Remember Garfield? Also, keep in mind that almost no fencing height will deter them from exiting the premises. Fortunately, they always come back!