Abyssinian Cat Nutrition
Special Nutritional Needs For The Abyssinian Cat
Shorthaired, firm and muscular, the Abyssinian is a lithe and fast moving cat with the exotic look of an ancient Egyptian animal god.
The Abyssinian cat is known for it's sleek, shiny coat and unbounded playfulness.
It's diet must contain ample protein and balanced fatty acids to meet high energy requirements and maintain a coat in
good condition.
They can usually "free feed" because they are so active, they burn off extra calories - couch potatoes they are not.
Many Abyssinians are prone to gingivitis, so I recommend feeding a quality alternative dry food at least three to five times a week to help prevent tartar buildup and keep gums healthy.
Why Is Life's Abundance Cat Food The Best Cat Food For My Cat?
Life's Abundance Premium Health Food for cats contains only fresh, natural, wholesome ingredients.
It provides 100% Complete Nutrition in accordance with AAFCO feeding protocols.
This premium health food is a high antioxidant formula and contains 4 sources of superior protein ... chicken meal, whole egg, turkey meal, and farmed catfish meal plus flaxseed meal, alfalfa sprouts, fish oil and more.
There is no corn, wheat, dairy, by-products, artificial colors or flavors in Life's Abundance.
- Our chicken is from selected high quality chicken meal derived from human-grade processing plants. Removing the water and moisture provides a more concentrated form of protein.
- Egg is a complete protein. It is one of the most digestible forms of protein and full of vitamins A, B, E, K, biotin, sulfur and amino acids...all needed for cell growth.
- Fish Meal is high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, great for the health of your cat's skin & coat.
- Life's Abundance is rich in powerful antioxidants from whole food sources such as alfalfa sprouts and Activin Grape Seed Extract, one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man.
- Life's Abundance contains ground brown rice ... one of the most digestible carbohydrates supplying your kitty with a superior energy source.
- Life's Abundance is nutrient dense with vitamins, minerals, fats and fatty acids essential for the optimal health of your cat. Our minerals are chelated for maximum absorption.
- Life's Abundance uses Probiotics and beet pulp which promote a healthy digestive tract.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus helps to maintain the delicate balance of friendly bacteria in your cat's intestines.
Beet pulp is a great source of fiber, and unlike many other fiber sources, produces special components called short chain fatty acids which the good bacteria depend upon for food.
Also give 100 to 200 mg of vitamin C everyday.
If using a supermarket cat food (not recommended) you must add a well rounded daily supplement with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fats.
Hot milk before bed may help calm him.
Brewer's yeast or torula yeast given daily will supply the B vitamins that could take the "edge" off this active cat. Hops can be added, especially when the cat is particularly active.
Hairballs Can Jeopardize Your Cat's Health
Cats spend up to 1/3 of their waking hours self-grooming. The tiny barbs on a cat's tongue pull loose hair from it's coat and those hairs are swallowed. Because hair is very difficult to digest, it compacts with undigested food in the intestines.
The accumulation becomes a source of irritation if it is not eliminated in the litter box or coughed up. The result is messy fur-like, cigar-shaped forms on the floor or furniture. Some surgically removed hairballs are almost 3 inches in diameter.
Although you may not see hairballs, there may be a significant accumulation in your cat's stomach and intestines!
Signs of hairball problems:
- Fur-like, cigar-shaped clumps of fur on floor or furniture.
- Dry, hacking cough.
- Vomiting after meals.
- Preoccupation with eating plants or grass.
- Hair entwined with the feces.
- Dry dull coat and/or excessive shedding.
- Poor appetite and/or weight loss.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
Common Treatments: * Single focus products do not address a cat's entire system. * Mineral oil or petroleum lubricants are petrochemical products * Large amount of fiber can decrease intestinal absorption of nutrients and may result in malnourished animal * Enemas for constipation requires tranquilization and can be dangerous.
By: Jane R. Bicks, D.V.M.