May 8, 2024

🐈 The science of feline fuel

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“As my cat would say, all hours are good for sleeping.”
― José Saramago, Seeing

Happy Wednesday! Here's the scoop: 
Did You Know?
Crossed eyes and crooked tails used to be breed standard for ___________ cats.

Find the answer below!
Cultivated Cat Food
The pet food industry is boldly going where no cat food has gone before, with the creation of what might just be the world’s first cat food made from cultivated meat. This culinary curiosity is the brainchild of Omni, which previously stuck to plant-based munchies for pets, and Meatly, a brand venturing into the brave new world of lab-grown meat. They’ve just unveiled their new tins of cultivated chicken cat food priced at a bargain £1 each. 

However, these futuristic feasts aren’t hitting the shelves just yet. They're waiting on a green light from UK government regulators, with Pets at Home lined up to be the first to stack them high, possibly in the next three months.

What exactly is cultivated meat? Well, it’s not your grandma’s meatloaf. Also known as lab-grown or cell-based meat, this food of the future is grown from animal cells without the animals. This means no need for farms or actual chickens, which is a relief to chickens everywhere. This process involves taking a few cells from a chicken egg and letting them multiply in a controlled environment, without any controversial ingredients like fetal bovine serum. 

This ambitious dish from Meatly isn’t just aiming to fill your cat’s belly; it’s a hopeful contender in the race to transform the meat industry from the inside out, reducing our furry friends' paw prints on the planet. Who knew cat food could be at the cutting edge of ethical eating?
Cat of the Day: Jolly Roger
Meet Jolly Roger, the grass-loving pirate of the backyard. You can find him sailing through the spring breeze with a belly full of greens and a mischievous gleam in his eye. 
Image courtesy of Rebecca M.
Do You Speak Fluent Cat?

Understanding cat body language is essential for interpreting their moods and needs. Here are some common cat body language cues and their meanings:

  1. Tail Position: A cat's tail can convey various emotions. A relaxed tail held in a gentle curve upwards typically indicates contentment. A twitching tail can signal excitement or anticipation, while a puffed-up tail suggests fear or aggression. A rapidly flicking tail may indicate irritation or agitation.

  2. Ears: Cat ears are highly expressive. Forward-facing ears indicate curiosity or interest, while flattened ears against the head signal fear, aggression, or discomfort. Slightly turned-back ears may indicate relaxation, while fully backward ears can signal aggression or submission.

  3. Purring: While often associated with contentment, cats may also purr when they're in pain, anxious, or stressed. It's essential to consider other body language cues when interpreting purring.

  4. Body Posture: A relaxed and loose body posture typically indicates a content and comfortable cat. Arched back and raised fur along the spine can indicate fear or aggression. A crouched or low body posture may signal fear or submission, while a tense and upright posture can indicate aggression or readiness to pounce.

  5. Eye Contact: Direct eye contact from a cat can be a sign of trust and affection, but prolonged staring may be perceived as a threat. Slow blinking from a cat is often considered a sign of trust and relaxation.

  6. Kneading: Kneading, where a cat alternately pushes their paws in and out against a soft surface, is a behavior often associated with contentment and relaxation. It's reminiscent of the kneading motion kittens make while nursing from their mother.

  7. Hissing, Growling, and Spitting: These vocalizations and behaviors are typical signs of fear, aggression, or territoriality. Cats may hiss, growl, or spit to warn intruders or express discomfort.

  8. Belly Exposure: While a cat may expose their belly as a sign of trust and relaxation, it's not always an invitation for belly rubs. Some cats may become defensive or agitated if their belly is touched, especially if they're feeling vulnerable.

  9. Tail Twitching While Lying Down: A cat twitching its tail while lying down can indicate that they're in a playful mood and may be ready to engage in interactive play.

  10. Rubbing Against You: When a cat rubs against you with its head or body, it's a sign of affection and marking you with its scent—a behavior known as "bunting."

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Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring Daily Purr. 
Can Cats Eat Table Scraps?
As cat owners, we've all been there: You're enjoying a tasty meal, and suddenly, Kitty pops up, giving you those irresistible eyes, hoping for a bite of whatever you're having. While it's tempting to share a taste, dishing out table scraps to your feline friend might not be the best idea. 

First off, cats are picky eaters with a strict dietary code. Their bodies are built for a meaty diet, so while that plain, cooked chicken might be okay in small doses, the rest of your culinary creations might not sit so well in their sensitive stomachs. And while we humans love to spice up our meals, some of those flavor boosters can spell trouble for our furry pals. Garlic, onions, and chives might make your dish sing, but for cats, they're a no-go zone, causing everything from tummy troubles to serious health issues.

Plus, there's a whole list of human foods that are straight-up toxic for cats, including grapes, raisins, and anything containing xylitol. And if you think sneaking them a little extra from your plate will make them love you more, think again. Instead, it could turn them into master thieves, with a newfound talent for swiping food right off the stove. So while a nibble here and there might seem harmless, it's best to stick to kitty-approved snacks.
5 Senior Cat Care Tips
  1. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian at least twice a year for senior cats. These check-ups are essential for monitoring your cat's overall health, detecting any age-related issues early, and discussing appropriate preventive care measures. Your vet may recommend blood tests, dental cleanings, or other screenings to assess your cat's health.

  2. Tailored Nutrition: Adjust your senior cat's diet to meet their changing nutritional needs. Senior cats may require diets that are lower in calories to prevent obesity and higher in protein to support muscle mass. Look for senior-specific cat food formulas that contain essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants to support joint health, immune function, and cognitive function.

  3. Provide Comfortable Environment: Create a comfortable living environment for your senior cat by providing soft bedding in warm areas away from drafts. Consider adding ramps or steps to help them access their favorite resting spots, especially if they have arthritis or mobility issues. Ensure easy access to food, water, litter boxes, and scratching posts to accommodate any physical limitations.

  4. Monitor Weight and Activity Level: Keep an eye on your senior cat's weight and activity level to ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle. Senior cats may become less active as they age, but regular exercise is still important to prevent obesity and maintain muscle tone. Engage them in gentle play sessions or provide interactive toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

  5. Provide Veterinary Care for Age-Related Issues: Be proactive in addressing age-related health issues that may arise in senior cats, such as arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism. Work closely with your veterinarian to manage these conditions through medication, dietary changes, or other appropriate treatments. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort, such as changes in appetite, mobility, or behavior, and seek veterinary care promptly if you notice any concerns.

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Thank you to NativePath for sponsoring Daily Purr. 
Bite-Sized Treats:
  • Did You Know: Siamese.
  •  COTD: Give your purr-fect pet the spotlight by submitting them for the cat of the day! This month's theme is summer purr-adise. Showcase your cat lounging in the sun, exploring the outdoors, or even getting into the summer spirit indoors. Send in your best pics of your cat with a short description and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
  • How To Set Financial Goals: Setting financial goals is a great way to practice financial self-care in a way that's personal to you...
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