How and what should your cat eat? Experts weigh in

By Kim Campbell Thornton

How hard can it be to feed a cat? You just set down a bowl of dry food and go, right? Wrong. Feline experts would prefer that you feed cats on a schedule, measure their food so they don't eat too much and switch them to canned food for a healthier diet.

What's wrong with free-feeding -- setting out a bowl of dry food and refilling it as needed so cats can snack at will?

"Pouring a bowl of dry cat food and topping it off is the way to diabetes," says Deb Greco, DVM, senior research scientist at Nestle Purina. "It's unlimited food, and cats often never get satiated. If you're eating constantly, you never have time to burn fat."

Measuring an appropriate amount of food and giving only that amount per meal is one way to ensure cats don't take in too many calories. For the average cat, that might be one-quarter cup twice a day. Use a measuring cup rather than a scoop so you know exactly how much you're giving. The amount recommended on the package is a guideline. Don't be afraid to adjust it up or down depending on your cat's weight.

Why canned food? Cats need high levels of protein and plenty of water. A canned diet provides both. While dry food is convenient and can certainly meet a cat's dietary needs, it has drawbacks.

Dry food is high in carbohydrates, and cats' teeth aren't made for eating it. Their sharp molars are made for tearing meat off bones, not grinding pieces of kibble. A cat's digestive system isn't suited to dry food, either, says Kristi Krause, DVM, a feline medicine specialist at Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital in Lake Forest, California.

"They don't have the salivary amylase to start breaking down the carbohydrate portion of the food," she says. "They preferentially use protein, preferentially use fat, and store the carbohydrates. That's where we start getting our fat cats and diabetics because they eat these higher carbohydrate diets and automatically store the carbohydrates."

Cats who do eat dry food need plenty of fresh water, so make it attractive to them. It's difficult for cats to see still water, Dr. Greco says, so simply setting out a bowl of it may not be enough. Running water is a better option because cats can hear it. Consider leaving a faucet dripping in a bathroom or providing a pet fountain.

Water placement is another important consideration. "They may feel vulnerable sitting at a bowl, especially one that's in a corner with their back to other cats that might jump on them," Dr. Greco says.

Dr. Greco and Dr. Krause advise new kitten owners to give canned food from the start, but if your adult cat has the munchies for his crunchies, or you can't give up the convenience, they recommend giving some canned food every day as a treat or a topper to dry food. That's because cats may require a canned diet at some point in their lives.

"If your cat ends up with some kind of bladder condition, kidney disease or diabetes, I'm going to tell you that he can no longer eat dry food," Dr. Krause says. "I want that cat to at least be accustomed to eating canned food."

And if you feed primarily dry food, give your cat a workout by placing his kibble inside a food puzzle so he has to work to get at it throughout the day. That will help keep him from gorging and ensure that he gets plenty of activity.

Q&A

Chew on this,

not that

Q: We have a new addition, a chocolate Lab. He is now 9 months old, but he still wants to chew. He has every kind of chew toy, but his favorite things to attack are the shake shingles on the side of our Cape Cod house. I've tried sour apple and a hot pepper that I diluted with water, but he seems to like them more. Someone said he needed more exercise. He gets plenty of that. Any ideas? -- via email

A: Dogs do love to chew, and Labs are especially talented at it. Young puppies have a physiological need to chew. It helps them to exercise, develops their jaws and eases the pain of teething. Adolescent dogs like yours chew because it's fun. Chewing keeps them occupied when you're not around to play with them. Some dogs chew when they're feeling anxious or stressed.

But your dog needs to learn to limit his chewing to acceptable objects. He has plenty of chew toys, but have you made it clear that you want him to chew on them? Make a habit of praising him every time you see him chewing on a toy. If he has toys such as Kongs, which can be stuffed with treats, make sure they are always loaded with goodies so that he's drawn to them.

If you catch him chewing on the shakes again, call him and reward him for coming. Then offer him a chew toy and play with him for a few minutes. If you are consistent, he should learn pretty quickly that you want him to chew on his toys, not the house.

Finally, if possible, try to bar his access to the shake shingles so he doesn't have the opportunity to chew on them. By doing that and rewarding chewing on appropriate objects, you can help to remodel his behavior. And in another couple of years, he may be over his gnawing obsession. -- Mikkel Becker Johnson and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Dog gone? There's

an app for that

-- A free smartphone app called Finding Rover uses facial recognition technology to reunite lost dogs (and now cats) with their people, reports Elizabeth Miller for National Public Radio. Pet owners upload a picture of their lost dogs. Shelters and other Finding Rover users upload pictures of found dogs. The app's software, using facial recognition technology, develops algorithms for pets, identifying their unique facial features. When a found dog photo is matched with a lost dog photo, the owner is notified. So far, more than 600 dogs and people have been reunited.

-- How much do you spend on your pet annually? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates first-year costs ranging from $1,035 (cats) to $1,843 (large dogs). Expenses you might pony up for include premium pet food; veterinary visits, vaccinations or titers, and heartworm and flea and tick preventive; pet health insurance; training or activity classes; toys and treats; litter for cats; and carriers. Pocket pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, small birds and aquarium fish have annual costs ranging from $235 for fish to $1,055 for bunnies. Good thing our pets are worth their weight in gold.

-- Hot weather can bring wildlife closer to pets and people as deer, bobcats, coyotes, squirrels and other animals seek out water, shade or food that they may find in your yard. It's also the season when people and pets are more likely to be in wilderness areas where they might encounter wildlife. Keep pets on a leash or otherwise separated from wildlife to protect all involved. If they feel threatened, seemingly timid animals such as deer and rabbits can deliver powerful kicks, and other animals may use their teeth and claws. Your dog can also cause harm to wild animals if he chases or attacks them. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker Johnson. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker Johnson is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Feline dietary requirements and the human love of convenience can sometimes be at war with each other. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Shelters and individuals are using an app to help get lost pets back to owners. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

Include your pets in your family's preparedness plans

Tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods and earthquakes -- there are few places on Earth that are not vulnerable to one or more natural disasters.

We've learned from countless disasters that people often will put their own lives at risk -- and the lives of first responders as well -- if there are no options for relocating with their animal companions. Public planning now includes pets, and your own planning should, too. Here are the basics you need to know:

-- Have a plan. Prepare for all possibilities, and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. Try to figure out now what's most likely for you and your community, and how you will respond. Where will you go? What will you take? You need to get these answers in advance. Get to know your neighbors, and put a plan in place to help each other out. Find out from local shelters and veterinary organizations -- and your family's own veterinarian -- what emergency response plans are in place and how you fit into them in case of a disaster.

-- ID your pets. Many, if not most, animals will survive a disaster. But too many will never see their families again if there's no way to determine which pet belongs to which family. That's why pets should always wear a collar and identification tags with your cellphone number and the numbers of a couple of out-of-area contacts. Better still is the additional permanent identification that can't slip off, such as a tattoo or an embedded microchip.

-- Practice preventive care. Disease follows disaster, which is why keeping a pet as healthy as possible with up-to-date vaccinations is essential. Prepare a file with up-to-date medical records, your pets' microchip or tattoo numbers, your veterinarian's phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, and recent pictures of your animals. Trade copies of emergency files with another pet-loving friend or family member. It's a good idea for someone else to know about your pet, should anything happen to you.

-- Have restraints ready. Even normally calm pets can freak out under the stress of an emergency, especially if injured. You should be prepared to restrain your pet -- for his safety and the safety of others.

Keep leashes, muzzles and carriers ready for emergencies. The means to transport your pet shouldn't be something you have to find and pull from the rafters of your garage. Harnesses work better than collars at keeping panicky pets safe. Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pet owners, but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets safe and give you more options for housing your pets if you have to leave your home.

-- Keep supplies on hand. Keep several days' worth of pet food and safe drinking water ready to go in the event of a disaster, as well as any necessary medicines. Canned food is better in an emergency, so lay in a couple of cases, and don't forget to pack a can opener with your emergency supplies. For cats, keep an extra bag of litter on hand. And pack lots of plastic bags for dealing with waste.

-- Learn first aid. Pet-supply stores sell ready-made first-aid kits, or you can put your own together fairly easily with the help of any pet-related first-aid book or website. Keep a first-aid book with your supplies. If you check around in your community, you should be able to find a pet first-aid class to take that will give you the basic knowledge you need.

-- Be prepared to help. You may be lucky enough to survive a disaster nearly untouched, but others in your community won't be so fortunate. Check out groups that train volunteers for disaster response, and consider going through the training. Disaster-relief workers do everything from distributing food to stranded animals to helping reunite pets with their families, and helping find new homes for those animals who need them. Volunteering in a pinch is not only a good thing to do, it's also the right thing for anyone who cares about animals and people.

Q&A

Quick action can

recover pet bird

Q: A couple years ago, our cockatiel flew out the front door, and we never were able to get her back. We saw her for a couple of weeks in the neighborhood and then she was gone. Can you suggest how we can protect against losing another? -- via Facebook

A: It can indeed be difficult to catch a bird on the wing, which is why the best strategies for preventing a pet bird from being lost forever are preventive. Have your bird microchipped. Keep his wings clipped to prevent him from flying away and make sure everyone in the family knows to keep doors and unscreened windows closed.

Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? But there are things you can do if your bird flies away:

-- Don't waste time. The longer your bird is out, the smaller the chance of recovery. Immediately start searching nearby. If you have some game you play that would elicit a response from your bird, start playing it. If your bird is used to responding to your whistle or call, you'll have an easier time locating him.

-- Lure your bird with his favorite treats. Even without wings, birds can climb far out of reach quickly. Gathering your bird's favorite treats may lure him back down. Put his familiar cage in an area that's easy for him to see and get to, and put treats inside with the door open. Because birds are more likely to eat at dawn and dusk, even a bird who's not immediately interested in treats may come into a familiar cage at feeding time.

-- Use the hose, cautiously. Because being sprayed by the hose is frightening and may injure the bird, don't go for this technique first. Some bird experts are dead-set against it, in fact. But a bird at large is in as much danger of dying as he is if he falls to the ground after being drenched. Using a hose is a judgment call, and you'll probably get only one chance, so play this card wisely.

Expand the search. If your immediate actions don't bring in your bird, don't give up. Put up fliers around the area and at the local bird shop, pet-supply stores, veterinarians' offices (especially avian veterinarians) and pet shelters. Post everywhere you can online as well.

Many birds are found days, weeks and months after they're lost, but they're found by people who don't know just who is looking for the pet. If you don't keep putting the word out, your bird may be lost for good, even if found. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

The eyes can be key

to decoding a parrot

-- Parrots have the ability to change the size of their pupils rapidly in a display known as "pinning" that offers vital clues to what they may do next.

People who aren't familiar with parrots are ill-prepared to avoid a nasty bite from these brilliant but sometimes mercurial beings. To key in on bird body language, watch the eyes. Parrots are able to control their irises, shrinking and enlarging their pupils rapidly in a display that's called "flashing" or "pinning."

Parrots flash their eyes when they're excited or when they're angry. Flashing accompanied by aggressive posturing, such as tail-fanning, signifies a bird who's bound to bite if not left alone. Even people who are familiar with parrots sometimes misread body language. Since the beaks of these birds are well-designed to cause damage, consider a parrot as one pet best admired from arm's length or better.

-- A researcher who has decoded the language of prairie dogs says the ability to understand dogs and cats is less than a decade away. Animal behaviorist Con Slobodchikoff, a professor emeritus at Northern Arizona University, told The Atlantic that his 30 years of work can extend to understanding other animals as well. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Your dog's company can enhance your experience of the great outdoors

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with your dog and wear him out, especially if he's the super-active type. It's quite possibly the most accessible activity you can do with your dog. Wherever you live, you probably have access to dog-friendly hiking trails within 30 minutes of home. We've gathered eight tips to help you both have the best hike possible.

1. Puppies can go hiking as long as you condition them gradually. Start with short hikes of a half-mile to a mile, and slowly work up to longer distances.

2. Watch the weather. It's not just flat-faced dogs who are sensitive to heat and humidity. Plenty of dogs wilt quickly, even in moderate temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Any time the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it's too hot for most dogs to exert themselves. If you're going on a short hike near home, consider hosing down your dog before you leave to help him stay cool, or stop during the hike at a place where he can go swimming or get wet.

3. Bring plenty of water and a snack. For a day hike in optimum temperatures over moderate terrain, a quart of water and some cut-up boiled chicken or hot dogs (frozen the night before) should be enough to keep your dog hydrated and full of pep.

4. Because of the uneven terrain and changes in elevation, hiking is harder on the body than just going for a walk. Pay attention to your dog's condition, especially if he's a puppy or an old dog. You never want to see him panting heavily or unable to go on. Remember that dogs are lower to the ground and may not have the benefit of a breeze.

5. Keep your dog on leash so he doesn't disturb wildlife or other hikers. Accidents happen, though, so he should be trained to come to a whistle. The sound will carry over a longer distance than your voice if you get separated. He should also know and respond to the commands "sit," "stay" or "wait," "down," "heel" and "quiet."

6. Know how to treat injuries. You can find a pet first-aid course in your area through the Red Cross. Carry a first-aid kit that contains items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes and Benadryl (check with your veterinarian ahead of time so you'll know the appropriate amount to give if your dog suffers an insect bite or sting).

7. Tote that load. Your dog can carry his water, snacks, first-aid kit, a folding water dish and poop bags in a canine backpack. Before buying, check the fit to make sure it stays on securely without being too tight or too loose or restricting his movement. You should be able to comfortably fit two to four fingers between the straps and your dog's body. Features that can add to his comfort include a mesh back panel for ventilation and padding beneath the straps. Other conveniences you may appreciate are D-rings for attaching items to the pack, weather-sealed zippers, attachment points for the leash and a handle on top that allows you to hold onto or lift your dog if necessary.

8. Bug out. Protect your dog from fleas and ticks with an oral or spot-on preventive. If the local insect population is especially intense, you can try applying an all-natural citronella spray to his coat. Be aware that the effect probably won't last more than an hour, so you'll need to reapply it regularly.

Most important, have fun! See you on the trail.

Q&A

Can change in

altitude affect pets?

Q: We're moving from Louisville, Kentucky, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We know people can sometimes have issues with the altitude change, but what about our pets? We have two cats and a dog. -- via email

A: Humans and animals can experience physical signs when they go to a higher altitude. Albuquerque's altitude ranges from 4,900 feet to more than 6,700 feet in the foothills. Signs that altitude is affecting you include tiring easily, headaches and vomiting. Usually these symptoms don't kick in until much higher elevations are reached -- more than 8,000 feet -- but it's not unusual for people and pets to experience milder signs.

To ensure that you and your pets adjust without problems, it's best if you can drive to your new home instead of flying, says Julia Veir, DVM, an internal medicine specialist at Colorado State University. That will allow all of you to slowly acclimate to the change.

Once you're settled into your new home, limit physical activity at first to short, on-leash walks. Albuquerque has low humidity, so it's easy to become dehydrated, even if you're not sweating a lot. Be sure you and your pets drink plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day. Encourage your pets to drink with a fountain -- cats, especially, enjoy lapping running water. Another good way to get water into them is to feed them canned food.

It's also a good idea to become familiar with the appearance of your pets' tongues and gums in Louisville. That way, you will more readily notice changes that might be related to altitude, such as having a blue tinge instead of being a healthy pink.

Take things slow, and you will probably find that you all adjust with little problem. Most important, establish a relationship with a veterinarian before problems crop up. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

How to pat the cat?

Stick to the head

-- Do you know how to pet your cat? In case you're not sure, a team of researchers at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom has some advice: Cats prefer a nice head skritch -- especially at the sweet spot between the eyes or beneath the chin. They have lots of scent glands on the lips, chin and cheeks and may view petting in that area as a form of grooming. Avoid the base of the tail and the belly, or your cat is likely to give you a claws-out thwack with his paw.

-- We say it every year, but it bears repeating: Never leave your dog or cat inside a car during the day. The interior temperature rises quickly, even with the windows cracked. A 3-year-old English setter in Wausau, Wisconsin, died of heatstroke recently after being left for more than two hours on a cloudy, 66-degree day. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the owner faces charges of animal mistreatment, a Class I felony. If you can't take your pet into the business you're visiting, leave him home. If you're traveling, take turns staying in the car with the pet when making stops.

-- Looking for a new job? Business Insider lists the Top 10 places to work if you're a dog lover. If being able to bring your dog to work sounds appealing, send your resume to The Nerdery, a custom software solutions company; Eventbrite, a ticket and events marketplace; Indiegogo, a crowdfunding platform; PetPlan, a pet health insurance company; Payscape, an account payment services company; Specialized, a bicycle manufacturer; Glassdoor, a company review website; Procore Technologies, building construction management software; FastCompany, a media company; and Nestle Purina PetCare, a pet food manufacturer. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker Johnson. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker Johnson is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Hiking is an opportunity to see nature through your dog's eyes and nose. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Petting a cat is an art and a science. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1