Cat owners concerned about chemicals and toxins in their pets' environment often turn to natural remedies to help manage minor health problems. The most effective way to improve your cat's health is not by adding a vast array of vitamins, herbs or other supplements. Simply eliminating common allergens and toxins and providing your cat with a diet and lifestyle that promotes wellness will improve overall health naturally.
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Skin and Coat
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The most noticeable sign of feline health is a full, shiny, coat. Red, dry, irritated skin and a dull coat may be a sign of food allergy or sensitivity.
Eliminate allergy-causing ingredients from your cat's diet. Food allergies cause itching, licking and biting of the skin. Common feline food allergens include corn, wheat, soy, beef and dairy products.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), "Most animals are not born with allergies to food; their immune systems develop an allergic response over time to some part of their diet." The AAHA recommend feeding cats a hypoallergenic food. These are foods which contain limited ingredients and fewer additives to reduce exposure to allergens.
Omege-3 fatty acid supplements have been used to improve skin and haircoat.
According to Drs. Foster and Smith, of www.peteducation.com, these natural supplements "play important roles in other areas of skin and coat health such as allergies, the control of inflammation, and the function of other body organs in cats and dogs."
Digestion
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A healthier diet will improve more than just your cat's skin and coat. It will also improve digestion. Digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes be traced to food allergies, often linked to low cost, economy cat foods which lack optimum nutrition. Drs. Foster and Smith caution that "cat food made from inexpensive ingredients are not easily digested, and therefore, do not provide the best nutrition."
Look for cat foods that list a named meat as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that contain long lists of fillers such as corn, cereals and by-products.
Lifestyle
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Stress in the form of boredom, confinement, environmental change or ongoing fear can impact your cat's health. The College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University warns, "Particularly susceptible cats may even get sick, or develop behavioral problems such as aggression." Indoor cats in particular are subject to stress-related illnesses.
Provide for your cat's entertainment, fitness and safety. Window perches, climbing towers and interactive toys all help relieve boredom and provide exercise. Give your cat a safe, secure "hideaway" and be sure the litter box and food bowl are not located in high-traffic areas.
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