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Recent
research reveals that fully 70% of American feline pets live exclusively
indoors. The days of the indoor/outdoor cat are fading! There is
good news, bad news and new news for indoor cat owners.
First
the good news. Indoor cats are generally healthier and live longer
than their outdoor brothers and sisters. They are less exposed to
cat fights, poisonings and accidents. Living indoors also results
in less contact with other cats and therefore to diseases that can
be costly to treat and sometimes even deadly.
So,
what about the bad news? Indoor living can be boring for these solitary
hunters of small prey. Without adequate stimulation they can become
depressed and/or exhibit troublesome behaviors. Solitary indoor
cats can even become somewhat neurotic and demonstrate separation
anxiety.
One
part of the answer for indoor felines is an enriched environment.
It's a simple thing to provide. First and foremost, play with your
cat. There are many enticing and exciting toys that give your cat
the chance to hunt, pounce and "kill". One toy is usually
not enough. Provide several feather wands and fishing pole toys,
and rotate play time between them. Just ten minutes a day helps
your feline friend release a lot of pent up energy and natural hunting
instinct.
Cats
love to climb up high, so add some "cat furniture" to
your home. The furniture varies in size and number of levels and
is covered with carpet for some productive scratching. Also add
a window perch or two. Cats love to sunbathe and watching the great
outdoors is a great way for them to pass the time.
Now
for the new news! Scientists have recently researched the nutritional
needs of indoor cats and found that their needs are a bit different
than their outdoor counterparts. Indoor temperatures and lighting
impact the health of feline skin and coat and the level of shedding
and resultant hairballs. A sedentary lifestyle often leads to weight
problems. The result of this new research is the recent introduction
of premium foods formulated especially for indoor cats. Now cat
owners can feed a product formulated to address all of their cats'
issues - weight gain, hairballs, sensitive skin, etc. - with one
food.
Feeders
Supply is proud to offer Nutro Natural Choice Complete Care Indoor
Adult and Indoor Senior Cat Foods and Eukanuba Indoor Cat Formula.
One of the specially-trained Feeders Supply cat care specialists
can help you choose the food that's right for your cat. |
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