Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Cat Food

My gang of five can sure be finicky when it comes to their cat food and water! This month chewy.com sent me Science Diet Cat Food, Adult Savory Variety Pack with chicken, liver and turkey pate to try and we just couldn't wait.  I find that from time to time my cats get tired of eating the same food so I am always on the lookout for a variety pack of several different types of high-quality food that has balanced nutrition that goes into every serving. Best of all chewy has discounted this food 13%!

Benefits of Science Diet Variety Pack

• This wet food smells good and each recipe loaded with hearty vegetables.
• The variety pack comes in three flavors, turkey, chicken and liver so your cat will never get bored!
• The tender pate is made with real turkey and is in a savory sauce that will tempt the most finicky cat.
• This balanced adult cat food is recommended for cats one - six or older. It is made to promote kidney health and has to ensure easy digestion.
• This food also contains taurine to help maintain vision and heart function and it is free of artificial flavor and preservatives.
• This food is made in the United States and every ingredient meets strict requirements for purity and nutrient standards that exceed industry standards.

The Star System @ chewy.com

I always read what other "pet" parents have to say about items offered by chewy.com.  The Savory Turkey Entree by Science Diet got a 4.3-star rating out of 5 stars and 67 reviews.  Several reviews noted this food was a nice soft pate and that Science Diet's quality is always consistent. A negative was that some people did not like the consistency of the pate, but my cats loved its pudding-like consistency.

Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing Pet Food

• The age of your cat dictates the type of food they should be eating.  Generally speaking, you should feed your cat kitten food for the first year and adult cat food up to 7 and older cats should have senior food to reduce the risk of kidney issues, mobility problems and other health issues associated with age.
• It is also good to consult with your vet for your cat's nutritional needs. Some cats like my Himalayans need food to keep their coats healthy and to help with hairball control. Some cats prefer a pate (like Max) because it is a softer food that helps with dental issues and other cats need a food with fewer calories for weight control. 
• Always start to serve a new cat food in small quantities in a clean dish to get your cat use to this change in diet.

A real perk of being a chewy customer is that items qualify for free shipping with orders of $49 or more and are delivered to your doorstep within two days.  If you subscribe to automatic shipment you save an additional 5%!

The Importance of Vet Visits @ a "new" Chewy.com Goody Box

Ok let's face it, who likes to go to the doctor, I think most of us dread the annual visit, especially when you are feeling ok.  At least we understand the importance of an annual check-up, unfortunately, our feline friends don't understand how important their vet visit is to their overall health.

The first step is tricking my cats into the cat carrier with treats.  I always try to bring the two Tonkinese together and the three Himalayans together for "cat moral support" and fewer trips to the vet for me! There are many reasons why it is important to visit the vet once a year, here are three of the most important reasons.

1. Puts your mind at ease
 We all know cats are stoic and it is not easy to detect a medical problem.  Cats age more rapidly than people, so a once a year annual visit to a vet is like seeing your doctor every four years.  Cats over ten sometimes see the vet twice a year because things can develop rather quickly.  It helps to see the vet once a year so you don't have to worry about your cat's health and if there is a problem, hopefully, you have caught it in time and with the help of your vet, a plan can be put in place.

2. Importance of Vet Records
Taking your cat to the vet once a year allows your vet to compare the vital signs of your cat - such as his or her weight, vital signs, and blood work in order to determine what if anything is changing. This is really important in determining developing conditions and possible future treatments.  If your vet sees your cat is gaining weight, for example, a food plan can be put together to deal with obesity and prevent diabetes.

3. Relationships and Prevention
If you bring your cats to your vet annually, you will inevitably develop a relationship with your vet, who will see you as a trustworthy animal guardian.  An annual visit may stave off a serious illness. In the long run, annual visits are much less expensive than treatment for a cat that rarely went to the vet.  If something goes wrong with your cat, you have a relationship with your vet and plenty of backup records that will see you and your cat through any difficult times or serious illnesses.

I believe in rewarding good behavior and was really excited when www.chewy.com sent me their "new" Grain Free Goody Box that was the perfect treat for the gang of five stoically letting the vet poke and prod them!  Thankfully are all in purrfect health, even Max who will be eleven this month!

Contents of the Grain Free Goody Box

The gang of five are excited about this Grain-Free Goody Box that was chock full of food, treats, toppers, and toys.  This box is the perfect option to try the food, treats, and toys that you have always wondered about.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken and Duck Recipe Treats.  These soft, moist meat rich treats are perfect on their own or to add as a fancy topper to wet or dry food. They are loaded with real chicken and duck meat and have no by-product meals. I like the fact that the duck makes these treats a little different giving my cat's refined diet with some variety.

Purina Muse Natural Tuna and Tilapia Recipe in Broth.  They gobbled up this tasty food that is made with large chunks of hand filleted fish that is topped with baby clams - it looked and smelled so good and disappeared in an instant!  I guess this food is on my must-have list.

Vital Essentials Salmon Freeze Dried Treats.  Freeze drying in the pet industry is all the rage because it locks in all those vital nutrients.  These treats are made from one single food source, Wild Alaskan Salmon.  These are perfect toppers for wet food to add a little variety to their diet and to stimulate their senses.

Solid Gold- Tropical Blendz Salmon Pate.  This is one that I would not have thought to try, but I am really glad that I did because this super soft holistic grain and gluten free pate was a real hit.  The salmon and coconut oil are loaded with healthy fatty acids that are good for their coats.

Caru Beef Bone Broth.  The Tonks, especially Sabu loves all wet food that has a broth, the more broth the faster he licks it up. Cats need hydration and broth added to wet food is a win-win in this case and I can't wait to try it plain as well as added to Sabu's favorite wet food for an extra special treat.  The broth is made with 100% human grade ingredients and is grain and gluten free.

Toys.  I suppose it wouldn't be a "goody" box if there weren't any toys included in the mix!  There are two toys the 24 "Karat" toy that is in the shape of a carrot replete with a feathered top and, of course, filled with catnip.  They loved it!  The other toy (already missing probably under a piece of furniture) is the Fat Cat EEKS! Catnip Toy.  This cute little mouse is stuffed with organic catnip and is the perfect size to bat around...which all of them did endlessly...now, all I have to do is find it!

The Grain-free Goody Box is available at chewy.com and is $19.95.

Royal Canin Purrfect food for Himalayans!

A Himalayan Cat is a crossbreed between Persian and Siamese cats; in Europe, it is considered a variety of the Persian cat with "points" and in the U.S. it is considered a breed.  One outstanding characteristic of these gorgeous cats is their long, thick shiny coats.  The hair is long all over their body and includes a ruff about the neck and a deep frill between the front legs, plus long ear and toe tuffs in additional to a full bush tail.  One of the most important things to understand about caring for a Himalayan is the need for grooming. The long beautiful coat doesn't stay clean and tangle-free on its own!  Their coats should be gently combed at least three times a week.

There are two basic reasons for grooming, the first is to avoid allowing knots to form, Himalayan fur is fine and knots have a tendency to form on the stomach and between their front legs.  The second reason is to minimize the intake of hair as Himmies love to lick themselves and preen. Grooming helps to avoid hairballs.  One food I do use to help my cats in regard to hairballs is Royal Canin Hairball Dry Cat food that chewy.com sent me this month to try.

Key Benefits 

Because my Himmies spend a large portion of their day grooming (and sleeping) they tend to swallow large quantities of hair, even though I groom them. I was excited when chewy.com sent me the Hair Ball formula by Royal Canin to try.  My cats love the Persian Royal Canin formula as well and have eaten it for years.  Best of all chewy.com is selling this cat food at a 19% discount, put it on autoship and save another 5 %! Thank-you chewy.com!

Hairball Care is a special nutritional formula that naturally helps reduce hairball formation in adult cats including neutered cats.

The nutritional formula is composed of a specific blend of dietary fibers including psyllium seed husk and insoluble fibers to help naturally stimulate intestinal transit. As a consequence, hair swallowed daily can be eliminated in the stools rather than building up in the stomach and being regurgitated.

The formula is also rich in mucilage and encourages the daily elimination of hair in order to prevent hair buildup that results in hairballs.

The formula is also nutritionally balanced and provides a balanced diet that meets all of my cats' needs.

The size of my Himalayan's mouth is rather small and the size of this kibble is easy for them to chew. In addition, the shape of the kibble and texture promotes a brushing effect helping to reduce the formation of plaque on their teeth.

Ratings

Looking at chewy.com's website, Hair Ball Care Cat food got 4.7 stars out of  5 stars by reviews.  Most everyone reviewing this food noted that their cats loved the food (all mine do, even the Tonks) and, all noted a reduction in hairballs with use.  The only negative was that with the formula change the calorie count increased a bit.  As for my gang of five, they love it and I am hoping for a reduction in hairballs with use of this food.

About Himalayans

In the 1930s breeders started to selectively create a Persian cat with the pointed pattern of a Siamese cat and by the 1950s the Himalayan was accepted for recognition. Himmies  The Himalayan or Himmie as they are affectionately called is a sweet docile cat that can exhibit kitten like bursts of speed and playfulness.  My three Himalayans can be sleeping on their favorite chair in the sun when all of a sudden one of them explodes into motion by running around the room and rolling around on the carpet, with the Tonkinese close behind.  All in all, my Himmies are friendly with everyone, even strangers, with Zivah being the most curious out of the three and Max the friendliest.

Victor Cat Food- Summer Fun & Sheffield Island Lighthouse

This July has been particularly hot and humid... and cats need to drink and one way to get them to have water intake is by serving up wet food.  Chewy.com   sent me a new premium cat food by Victor that was purrfect!  This tuna and salmon food by  Victor for cats is a pate, and, my cats, loved it.  Sabu is just waiting for this blog to be finished... I bet he is hungry!

Healthy Highlights 

Victor Pet Foods, made in Mount Pleasant, Texas is passionate about providing pets with the highest standard of nutrition and their cat food formulas are developed using the most advanced nutritional knowledge to support cat metabolism that promotes healthy digestion and strengthens their immune system. My cats loved the turkey and salmon dinner... here is why....

• Free from all unwanted Corn, Wheat, Soy, and Gluten

• No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives.

• Naturally Formulated Cat Food with added Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Nutrients

•  Ingredients include turkey, turkey broth, turkey broth, salmon, peas, carrots, egg, chicory root, yucca schidigera, taurine, and flaxseed

• Omega fatty acids found in flaxseed contribute to healthy skin and a shiny, lustrous coat, and added taurine supports heart health

• Antioxidant-rich cranberries and blueberries that help support the immune system and fight inflammation.

The Bottom Line

My cats are enjoying this new cat food that provides them with lots of moisture during these hot dry days of summer.  Check out chewy.com  for this and many other goodies for kitties-- dogs and... the endless number of critters --- they offer an amazing inventory that is easy, discounted and fast, that is why I am a chewy fan...and, so is my gang of five!  If you don't believe me and my gang of five, all you have to do is to check out  chewy.com website where this food got 4.7 out of 5 stars from reviewers

Travel Tip for Summer Fun...

I made the Victor cat food pate into a lighthouse shape for a reason...  in Connecticut, we are celebrating a 150-year-old maritime landmark, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse... it is amazing.  The Norwalk Seaport Association not only supports and curates Sheffield Island and the 150-year-old Sheffield Island Lighthouse, they are actively involved in initiatives to protect marine life in Long Island Sound and raise funds to make sure that children experience this National and Connecticut treasure. For more information visit info https://seaport.org/

Tiki Time - A Luau for Cats!

Tiki, the very word conjures up  Luaus and  Hula dancers along with other romantic images of the South Pacific Islands.  A Luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast called an ahaaina meaning a gathering meal where delicious Poi, a pounded taro root that acts like the Hawaiian baked potato, and Kalua pig that is prepared in an imu, or underground oven is served amid many other delicacies.

According to their website, Tiki Cat was the first true gourmet cat food to hit the market that featured whole human grade shredded or sliced meat and chunks of seafood. When I got the new specialty box of Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack  from chewy.com I immediately decided it was high time for a kitty luau of sorts!  My cats, especially Sabu really enjoys Tiki Cat food that is distributed out of Charleston, Illinois.  Tiki products are made in Thailand with dedicated human grade canning lines so I have no problem serving this to my cats, and they love it!

About Tiki Cat Food

Tiki specializes in making high-quality wet cat food that provides moisture that helps cats digest meat or fish while maintaining a healthy kidney, digestive and urinary tract, and, a healthy liver. Most cats don't drink enough water so feeding them Tiki wet food helps them remain hydrated which is especially important during the hot months of summer.

All my furry felines said "Aloha" with enthusiasm to the fabulous Variety Pack by Tiki that comes in a box of 12 easy to use and dispose of  3 oz pouches.  The flavors include three packs each of  Tuna with Shrimp and Pala'ai, Hawaain for pumpkin, Tuna with Calamari and Pumpkin, Tuna with Ocean Whitefish and Pumpkin and Tuna with Tilapia and Pumpkin.  The food pours out of the pouches easily and consists of big chunks of fish swimming in broth, and it actually smells good.  I was impressed that I could see whole salad size shrimp and rings of calamari!

Key Benefits

These packets will provide your cat with a healthy and delicious "Luau" of Flavor!  This product is grain free and is made with wild caught dolphin (not Flipper) safe flaked tuna, tilapia, shrimp, ocean whitefish and pumpkin that is simmered in a rich and tasty broth. Each packet contains a dash of sunflower oil that is rich in omegas and good for the skin and coat as well as pumpkin that adds a boost of fiber and antioxidants to promote healthy digestion.

This food is made with real broth and provides cats with moisture which is essential to hydration; and is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, omegas, and taurine and contains zero grains, gluten or GMOs. This food is also low in carbs with less than 2%.

Another plus is that this is a variety pack that offers different flavors for picky eaters, not that I would know anything about that!

Customer Reviews

People consistently give this catfood high ratings. On the chewy.com website, 56% out of 147 reviewers give this pet food five stars.  Most reviewers have cats that love the product and think it is a high quality cat food at a great price.  

One sticking point was those customers that preferred the canned version of Tiki Food as opposed to the pouch; personally, I like the pouch.  Many customers loved this food because it is grain free and because it looks like real food.  The only other problem was that some cats did not like the chunky texture, so keep that in mind when you purchase this product.

Kitty on the Go - Summer Vacations

It is getting to be summer vacation time, and, a tradition in the Northeast for many families is to rent a house by the water and enjoy the gorgeous New England summer, which is usually too short!  Families leave their passports (and hopefully cares) behind; and in some cases, bring their pets with them. 

My cats have traveled in the car since "kittenhood" and seem to enjoy a car ride, so I always take them to our family's summer house on the water.  Thanks to www.chewy.com, I found the most convenient direct disposable litter box made by Tidy Cat that will save me the time and aggravation of lugging extra "cat" things on my summer sojourn.

Key Benefits
There are so many things I love about the convenience of the Tidy Cat Direct Disposable Litter Box in addition to the fact that chewy will ship it directly to any address I select -- so, there is no need to spend time off the beach looking for pet supplies!

• The box comes with easy to use instructions that are printed on the side and the litter box takes only a minute to set -up.  There is a top that you fold under the box that comes in handy when you are disposing of it.

• There is no lugging a separate litter box and a separate bag of litter along with all the other items you bring with you on vacation.  This litterbox is all in one!

• The Tidy Cat Direct Disposable Litter box is prefilled with scoopable Tidy Cat lightweight clumping litter that is half the weight of regular litter and is 99% dust free.

• The box contains an anti-leak coating inside that works as a liner that helps to contain messes.

• The litter in the box provides around the clock control with tight clumps that deodorize and absorb.

• Each box contains enough litter to last up to a month for one cat and up to two weeks or so for multi-cat households.

• Best of all, this litter box is a vacation in itself, because you don't have to clean the box every time you change the litter -- you simply toss the entire thing out!

High Reviews

This product has an 80% Five Star Rating on www.chewy.com. All reviewers loved the fact that you can toss the box and start "fresh" every month.   

Vacationing with your Cat

If your cat is used to traveling since kittenhood and not stressed out by exploring a new house, then by all means, take them along, especially if you are staying in the same place for the duration of your vacation, and that it is ok with the owners of the property for you to bring your pet along. 

Before you go, make sure that your cat is up to date on all his or her shots and make sure they have a collar and tag, or microchip with all their contact information.

Make sure that you bring a carrier with you and that your cat is comfortable in it.  The size of the carrier is important, make sure they are large enough for your cat to turn around in.

It is best to bring the carrier into the "new" house and let your cat explore at his or her own pace.  Bring along a familiar toy or pillow to ease the transition.

Be sure to pack enough food and water for your trip and keep your cats hydrated.  

I and Love and You! Happy Memorial Day!

There aren't really enough words to pay tribute to the men and women that serve our country in the military. This Memorial Day many of us will show our gratitude in many different ways from parades and picnics to attending a memorial service, hanging flags,  paying our respects @ 3 pm on the 30th during the National Moment of Remembrance, and visiting memorials. 

After our remembrance moment, one way that we will be celebrating is by trying a new cat food sent to us by chewy.com made by I and Love And You.  We received the Variety Pack Wholly Cow that contains twelve cans of three different types of food- Purrky Turkey, Beef, Right Meow and Savory Salmon...and, it was LOVE @ first bite!

Healthy Highlights

I and Love and You began as a small pet food store in Boulder Colorado creating raw food for pets knowing that pet parents everywhere wanted better food with real meat and real ingredients for their pawsome friends.  They remain an independent pet food manufacturer that wants our pets to have happier, healthier lives, and, they are just living up to their name, "I and love and you"...it's not crazy its just love! Here are the benefits...

• This pate style food is grain free and carrageenan free.  Carrageenan is sourced from seaweed and is very controversial pet food additive used to thicken many pet foods.  Animal studies have shown it causes gastrointestinal inflammation and can trigger an immune response in the body that leads to inflammation.

• The first ingredient in I Love and You wet cat food is real protein - an ingredient that cats thrive on and need. 

• There are no fillers like wheat or corn, there is zero gluten, no artificial colors and better yet, no by-product meals.

• This food is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as well as  Omega 3 and  Omega 6  that help maintain a shiny coat and is beneficial for bones and joints.

It's Just Yummy!


I and Love and You Variety Pack Wholly Cow is made for cats of all ages which is good for my multi-cat household that has cats that range from nine to two.  I am not the only one to give this food high marks, on the chewy.com website this food is 100% recommended, and to me, that and the way my gang of five gobble it up says it all.