Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Delicious, highly digestible recipe, gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition in two delicous flavours to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Water is the most important nutrient of all and essential for life. Animals can lose almost all their fat and half their protein and still survive, but if they lose 15% of their water, it will mean death.
Learn what to look for in healthy pet food & nutrition, including ingredients, quality of the manufacturer, your pet's age, and any special needs they have.
Where you store your cat and dog food can make a big difference in the quality and freshness once it is opened. Here are some common questions and recommendations for optimal storage for all of Hill’s dry and canned cat and dog food.
Although it might be tempting to skip regular trips to the veterinarian when your aging cat appears healthy, however, appearances can sometimes be deceiving. Blood work on your cat needs to be done regularly in order to screen for common diseases in older cats. Here's why it's so important to take your older cat to the vet.
Cats age much more rapidly than humans. Although the rate varies somewhat cat to cat, depending on factors such as body weight and lifestyle, generally speaking, a cat is considered middle-aged by the time she's 6 years old. By the age of 10, cats are considered geriatric. At some point between these ages, typically around 7 years old, cats should begin having biannual senior wellness exams and testing to check for diseases and other health issues that cats are more prone to develop as they age. Getting your senior cat checked and having her blood work done every six months will provide her with the best chance of early detection. This could make treatment easier and more effective in many cases. In some cases, it could even save her life.
While cats can get sick at any age, there are a number of health conditions that cats become more susceptible as they age. The most common is chronic kidney conditions that affect 3 out of 10 cats, says Pet Health Network. Other conditions common to aging cats include the following:
Wellness checks for senior cats will typically include comprehensive blood work to test for these common diseases. Typically, this will include a complete blood count to check the number of red and white blood cells as well as platelets. A biochemistry profile will be done to check organ function and detect whether your cat has diabetes. Your vet will also conduct a urinalysis to check kidney function and screen for urinary tract infections, certain types of cancer and other illnesses, and a separate thyroid test to check thyroid function. Your cat may also be given the symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) test to screen for kidney disease. This is a newer test that can detect kidney disease months to years sooner than standard methods of kidney screening, says Pet Health Network. An SDMA test could vastly improve your kitty's outlook if she's diagnosed with kidney problems. Check with your vet to see if this test is included in your cat's routine wellness testing. If not, you might consider requesting it.
If your kitty is diagnosed with a chronic illness, be prepared for her routine care to change. Depending on the condition, she may require more frequent visits to the vet to treat and monitor her condition. In addition to medications, your vet may place her on prescription cat food to help manage her condition. You may also need to make changes to her environment. For example, for an arthritic cat you may need to switch her litter box to one with lower sides so that it is easier for her to climb into, and provide steps up to her favorite sunny spot. Whether or not your older kitty is diagnosed with a health condition, it's important to keep a sharp eye on your aging cat and report any changes in weight, mood, behavior, or bathroom habits to your vet. Such changes could be symptoms of illness. Don't wait until your cat's next routine checkup to have her checked out by your vet.
Some cats sail through old age with few or even no significant health problems. Still, schedule regular checkups and blood work to help catch diseases early, helping to hopefully lengthen your cat's lifespan and improve her quality of life as she ages. Please, check with your veterinarian regularly to insure proper care.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Precisely balanced nutrition in two delicous flavours to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
HillsPet Nutrition provides information on proper nutrition, fitness and special needs in keeping your cat healthy and happy.
Get helpful information on proper feline oral healthcare and why it's so vital to take care of your cat's teeth.
Being overweight puts a cat at risk for developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.
As a responsible pet owner you owe it to yourself and your cat to understand problems associated with overweight cats.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.