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)  

Vaccination is one of the most important ways to keep pets healthy and free from dangerous diseases. Both dogs and cats need vaccines from an early age, and they need to be scheduled regularly. Here is a complete guide to basic vaccinations for dogs and cats in Indonesia:   Mandatory Vaccines for Dogs   Jenis Vaksin Usia Pemberian Keterangan Parvo & Distemper 6-8 Weeks First vaccine DHPP 8-12 Weeks Mixed: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza Rabies > 3 Months Mandatory (according to regulations in Indonesia) Booster DHPP after 1 Year of first vaccination Then 1x a year or according to doctor's advices Booster Rabies after 1 Year of first vaccination Then every 1–3 years   Mandatory Vaccines for Cats   Jenis Vaksin Usia Pemberian Keterangan Tricat (FVRCP) 8-9 Weeks Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia Rabies > 3 Months Mandatory in some areas Booster Tricat 3–4 Weeks after first vaccine Then once a year Booster Rabies 1 Year after first vaccine Then every 1–3 years   Importance Vaccination: Prevents deadly diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, distemper, panleukopenia. Keeps animals healthy in the long term. Protects other animals and humans (zoonosis). Usually needed for boarding, grooming, or pet daycare.   Important Tips: Keep the vaccination book as a medical record. Do not bathe the animal for at least 5 days after vaccination. If the animal is sick or stressed, postpone vaccination.   When to See a Vet? Consult a veterinarian immediately if: Do not know the correct vaccination schedule There is a reaction after vaccination such as fever, weakness, or swelling Adopting a new animal that has never been vaccinated   Therefore, vaccination is a long-term investment for the health and well-being of pets. Don't delay or ignore it — give them maximum protection early on. NatureBridge comes with the Recovery Immune variant to help your pet recover when sick and also maintain their immune system. Get NatureBridge Recovery Immune at your nearest veterinary clinic.

One untreated health problem often leads into the next, both in humans and in pets. When dogs begin to develop symptoms of a certain disease, their owners might be surprised to learn the real issue isn’t what they expected at all. One common example is the link between periodontal disease and tonsillitis. Here’s what you should know about this throat problem and how it’s connected to tooth decay. What is tonsillitis? The tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of the throat. They’re responsible for fighting off viruses and bacteria in your dog’s body. Tonsillitis is a disease that occurs when the tonsils become infected and swollen. Once infected, the tonsils produce several symptoms such as redness, swelling, gagging, licking of the lips and difficulty swallowing. Tonsillitis can be either primary or secondary. Primary tonsillitis, which has no underlying cause, is rare but is more likely to occur in small breeds. Secondary tonsillitis means chronic disease in the mouth or throat caused the infection. This comes as no surprise, because the tonsils are directly responsible for fighting whatever disease enters the body through the mouth. Most dogs with tonsillitis will experience the secondary form. Cause of infected Tonsils Tonsillitis may develop when bacteria is introduced to the mouth and throat. It’s important to remember that most of the time, tonsillitis is the result of a larger issue. In order for tonsillitis to clear up, dog owners and a vet must first identify the underlying problem that caused it. A wide range of conditions can lead to oral bacteria like recurring bouts of vomiting or a persistent cough. However, one of the main causes for tonsillitis in dogs is periodontal disease. This oral health problem results when tartar is left to accumulate on the teeth for too long. Plaque buildup becomes a breeding ground for bad bacteria, and if left untreated, the plaque will eventually lead to a bacterial infection in the gums. This infection is what causes the tonsils to become swollen. Periodontal disease develops slowly over a long period of time. Dog owners usually aren’t aware of its presence until the obvious symptoms of the disease or tonsillitis start to crop up. By then, periodontal disease would have already caused considerable amounts of damage to your dog’s oral health. Although tonsillitis is easier for owners to detect, the real problem that needs to be addressed is periodontal disease. How to prevent tonsillitis Owners can help their dogs avoid tonsillitis by monitoring for signs of infection. Diseases affecting the mouth and throat are of particular concern. Watch out for behaviors that introduce bacteria to the mouth, such as coughing or vomiting. If anything seems out of the ordinary, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your vet. Early diagnosis of chronic diseases is vital for preventing tonsillitis. Once the primary infection is treated, there’s little chance of your dog developing swollen tonsils. Above all else, avoiding tonsillitis begins with good oral hygiene. Imagine what would happen if you never brushed your teeth. Your mouth would be riddled with cavities! The same holds true for dogs. They require an oral health regimen just as much as their human companions. Our furry friends are susceptible to many of the same dental diseases as us and should receive the same level of attention. There are a few things you can start doing right away to improve your dog’s oral health. Get in the habit of brushing their teeth at least three times a week, ideally once per day. This will eliminate any plaque that builds up after meals. You can also use dental treats, which scrape plaque off the teeth as your dog chews on it. In addition to at-home dental care, your pup needs annual checkups to make sure their oral health is in top shape. It’s possible to prevent your dog from contracting tonsillitis by having the tonsils surgically removed. However, vets generally don’t recommend this medical procedure. While dogs and humans can live without tonsils, these organs are necessary for preventing infections. Tonsil removal is only used as a last resort, usually because the dog isn’t responding to other forms of treatment or has recurring instances of tonsillitis. No dog owner wants to see their poor puppy in pain. While tonsillitis is easy to treat, you’ll be doing your pup a huge favor by preventing the disease in the first place. All it takes are some tasty dental chews, routine brushings and regular checkups with the vet. Monitoring your dog’s oral health is key to stopping infection dead in its tracks and the eventual development of tonsillitis. Source: https://petwellbeing.com/