LADIES, having pets like cats is indeed enjoyable, isn’t it? Their cute appearance invites affection. Not to mention their funny and affectionate behavior, which serves as stress relief. Often, a strong bond of love forms between owners and their cats, leading to the term anabul (furry child) for these beloved pets. One important aspect of keeping cats is paying attention to their diet. The health and well-being of a cat depend on the nutrition they receive daily. Good food not only maintains a cat's overall health but also helps prevent and treat various diseases. Here are some things to consider when choosing cat food products. Understand Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs Cats are carnivores and require meat to meet their nutritional needs. The primary nutrient in cat food should be animal protein. High-quality protein sources include chicken, beef, fish, and liver. Protein is the main component of a cat’s diet and is essential for muscle building and tissue repair. Besides protein, cats also need fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Read Labels Carefully When choosing cat food, it’s important to read the packaging labels carefully. The label provides information about the nutritional content and ingredients used. Ensure that the main ingredient is a source of animal protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish. These ingredients should be listed at the top of the ingredients list. The food should contain balanced amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Some cat foods may include fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which are low in nutrients and less essential for cats. Avoid products that list these ingredients in large quantities. Also, avoid artificial coloring, flavoring, and chemical preservatives. Consider Age and Health Conditions Cats have different nutritional needs depending on their age and health. Choose food that suits your cat’s life stage. For example, kittens require food high in protein and fat to support their growth and development. Adult and senior cats have different needs, especially those with specific health issues. Bridge Petcare Founder Jerry Xu explained that Indonesia’s tropical climate and high humidity, combined with cats’ natural tendency to dislike drinking water, make them prone to skin and fur diseases, as well as urinary tract issues. “According to surveys conducted at several veterinary clinics in Indonesia, skin, fur, and urinary tract diseases are common problems in cats,” said Jerry. Cat owners, he continued, can utilize food products specifically formulated for cats with certain health issues. For example, NatureBridge’s latest Daily Care series, which was recently launched in Indonesia, includes Hair & Skin to address skin and fur problems, Urinary for cats with urinary tract issues, and Mother & Baby for pregnant, nursing cats and kittens. “The Daily Care series is functional daily pet food that uses freeze-drying technology, where real meat is frozen at -38 degrees Celsius for 26 hours. Hopefully, with high-quality food tailored to their age and health conditions, pet owners and their beloved cats can live healthier, happier lives and grow old together,” Jerry added. Monitor Your Cat’s Reaction Don’t forget to carefully monitor your cat’s reaction when introducing new food. Observe changes in their activity levels, coat condition, and digestion. Signs that the food suits your cat include them being active and energetic, with healthy fur growth. Thick, soft, and shiny fur indicates adequate nutrition. Additionally, check their digestion—normal stools without a strong odor suggest the food is suitable for your cat’s digestion. If your cat shows signs of allergies or digestive problems, consult a veterinarian immediately and consider switching their food. (Source: https://mediaindonesia.com/jelita/688378/jaga-kesehatan-kucing-kesayangan-dengan-makanan-tepat)  

If your pet has a sensitive stomach, mealtimes can turn into a daily guessing game. The right food can make all the difference — calming their digestion, reducing discomfort, and improving their overall well-being.   Pets with sensitive stomachs often react poorly to low-quality fillers, artificial additives, or sudden diet changes. For both dogs and cats, it’s best to feed them easily digestible, high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, lamb, or salmon. Avoid proteins that are heavily processed or mixed with artificial flavors.   Look for pet food labeled as “limited ingredient” or “sensitive stomach.” These typically contain fewer ingredients, which can help identify and reduce potential irritants. Ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, and rice are gentle on the digestive tract and provide natural fiber that helps firm up stools.   Cats benefit from moisture-rich diets (like wet food or raw food) since they’re less inclined to drink water. Dogs may do well on specialized kibble that includes probiotics and prebiotics for gut balance. Whatever the food, make sure any changes happen gradually over 7–10 days to avoid shock to the system.   Tips for Feeding a Sensitive Pet: Introduce new food slowly by mixing it with the old one over several days. Avoid giving table scraps, dairy, or fatty human foods. Stick to a regular feeding schedule — irregular meals can cause upset. Try single-protein diets to isolate allergy triggers. Always provide access to fresh water to support digestion.   Conclusion: Gentle Food, Happy Belly Finding the right food for a sensitive-stomached dog or cat may take a little trial and error, but the payoff is worth it. A calm gut leads to a calmer, more comfortable pet. Stick with gentle, consistent nutrition and you’ll both feel the difference at mealtime and beyond.

Stress has negative consequences on the health and well-being of animals, and shelter cats are especially vulnerable to stress-induced health problems such as upper respiratory infections. In addition, stress can make cats exhibit unwanted behaviors, including biting and scratching. Cats that are ill, or have behavior issues, are less likely to be adopted. Sadly, these conditions can lead to euthanasia. Providing hiding spaces has been proposed as one way to reduce stress in cats in these types of environments. A new study will test this theory by giving shelter cats access to a small, enclosed cat den within their larger kennel space, to see if the addition of this simple tool can improve outcomes for these animals. "Euthanasia rates for cats in shelters remain stubbornly high, with estimates of up to 70% by some organizations, including the ASPCA," said Dr. Kathy Tietje, Chief Program Officer at Morris Animal Foundation. "We need to take action to help more cats make their way to their forever homes. This study is an important step." The study is part of a unique partnership with Morris Animal Foundation and the Dumb Friends League, both based in Denver, and EveryCat Health Foundation. "We’re excited to be conducting a field trial of this simple but potentially powerful intervention," said Katie Parker, Vice President of Sheltering at Dumb Friends League. "We know that improving health has a direct correlation with adoptability. Anything we can do to improve our cats' health is a win for everyone, but especially our cats." Source: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/