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What You Should Know About Changing Your Cat’s Diet
What You Should Know About Changing Your Cat’s Diet

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Wheatgrass & Wheat For Cats

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Wheatgrass is the fresh shoots of the wheat plant harvested before the grain sprouts. Although unusual, it is a common meal component for cats. Wheatgrass is rich in protein, carotene, and vitamins A, E, and C, making it an added source of nutrition for cats. Cats often nibble on wheatgrass and leafy greens to improve their digestion as fibres present in these plants aid in smoother bowel movement. However, it is important to ensure that your cat only feeds on organic and pesticide-free wheatgrass.

Is cat wheatgrass suitable for all cats?

Generally, all cats that are not allergic to wheatgrass can easily digest and benefit from its nutritional value of it. Wheatgrass for cats is a good source of vitamins, protein, and other essential nutrients. The fibre and selenium help in improving the cat’s gut health. However, you should identify if your kitty is allergic to wheatgrass before letting it nibble on wheatgrass. The following are some signs that will help you identify if your cat is allergic to wheatgrass:

  1. Excessive drooling
  2. Crusty papules
  3. Shedding
  4. Rashes

Even if your cat is not allergic to wheatgrass, you must limit its consumption to less than 10% of its total caloric consumption. Wheat for cats is best served every alternate day instead of daily.

The benefits of wheatgrass for cats

While everyone knows wheatgrass for cats is beneficial for digestion, there are various other benefits of wheatgrass as well. The following are some of the many benefits of wheatgrass for cats:

  1. Weight loss: Cats are inherently carnivorous animals who hunt their prey in the wild. However, domesticated cats have no need to hunt which has led to a drastic increase in their weight. Snacking on wheatgrass while changing the cat’s diet helps in managing their weight better.
  2. Better immunity: One of the many benefits of wheatgrass for cats lies in its nutritional value. The amount of minerals, vitamins, fibre, and protein present in wheatgrass positively impacts the cat’s immunity system.
  3. Oral health: Cat wheatgrass is a healthier snacking option that cats can nibble on without damaging their teeth. Regular snacks can lead to tooth decaying of the kitty’s tooth. Switching to wheat snacks and wheatgrass can improve their dental and oral health as it is organic and healthier.
  4. Antiaging: Chlorophyll present in wheatgrass is known for being a blood booster. This component present in the wheatgrass works as an antiaging component. Consuming wheatgrass helps increase potent blood and makes your cat look and feel younger.
  5. Healthy kidney: Cats rely more on wheat, wheatgrass, and a greener diet when dealing with digestive and gastrointestinal issues. If you notice your cat munching on wheatgrass for cats then they might be dealing with some gut, digestive, or kidney-related issues. Hence, providing snacks such as wheat for cats helps you identify if your kitty needs a veterinarian’s appointment at the earliest for diagnosing their gastrointestinal and kidney health.
  6. Improved vision: Cat wheatgrass contains vitamins A, E, and C. Vitamin A is closely associated with improving vision. Therefore, munching on cat wheatgrass can improve your cat’s vision.

Disadvantages of wheatgrass for cats

While there are many advantages of wheatgrass and wheat for cats, there are a few considerations and disadvantages as well. Some of the demerits of excessive munching on wheatgrass for cats are as follows:

  1. Cats are carnivorous animals. Snacking on wheatgrass and wheat more than usual can cause harm to their overall health.
  2. Consuming too much wheatgrass can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. Please consult a veterinarian doctor at the earliest if you notice your kitty excessively vomiting or pooping.

Cat grass vs wheatgrass

Most cat parents have a hard time differentiating between cat grass and wheatgrass. If you are one of them, fret not. We will understand the difference between the two in this section. 

Cat food brands often market wheatgrass as cat grass. However, you must note that cat grass can be any grass, from barley and oats to wheatgrass and fescue. So, if you see a pack of cat food that says cat grass, check its label. Moreover, ensure that you opt for brands that use organic ingredients.

Now that you know of the benefits of wheatgrass for cats, you can start adding the regulated amount of wheatgrass to their diet. Please consult a veterinarian before deciding to serve wheat or wheatgrass to your feline friend.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why is my cat obsessed with wheatgrass?
  2. If your cat has been munching on wheatgrass or grass more than usual, it might be facing some gastrointestinal issues. It is best to consult a veterinarian to ensure their physical well-being.

  3. Can cats eat whole wheat?
  4. Yes, cats can digest baked or cooked wheat products and wheat bran.

  5. How much wheatgrass can a cat eat?
  6. Total consumption of wheatgrass for cats should limit to 10% or lesser of their total caloric diet.

  7. Is wheatgrass good for indoor cats?
  8. Yes, wheatgrass improves indoor cats’ vision, immunity, and oral as well as gastrointestinal health, and helps keep their weight in check.

  9. Is wheatgrass and cat grass the same?
  10. Cat grass are cereal grasses that cats much on. Wheatgrass is a type of cat grass.

  • Kitten Basics Do Kittens Get Hairballs
    Kitten Basics Do Kittens Get Hairballs
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    How To Take Care Of A Newborn Kitten?

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    Kittens are super adorable, and it is wonderful to have one as a pet. While it’s fun to have a kitten at home, it’s important to understand your kitten’s various needs during the different stages of its life and take care of it in the right way. ‘How to take care of kittens’ is a question that most first-time kitten owners ask. But taking care of newborn kittens can be quite a hassle-free process if you follow a routine and understand a few do’s and don’ts about kitten care. We, at IAMS, are here to help you with this newborn kitten care routine in every way we can.

    Why Kitten Care Is Important?

    Kitty care is extremely important to make sure your kitten grows up to be a healthy cat. While in the kitten stage, it is still trying to get used to the new surroundings. Therefore, we recommend that you be by its side and help the little kitten acclimatize to its new house.

    What Does It Mean To Raise A Kitten?

    A kitten becomes a part of your family right from day one. But raising a kitten might sound like a strenuous job if you’re a new pet parent, but it isn’t. The whole process can be quite fun and will help you bond with your kitten.

    What Are The Important Aspects Of A Kitten That One Has To Look After?

    So, you want to know how to take care of a newborn kitten but are confused as to which aspects to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important aspects of looking after a kitten are:

    • Hygiene –

      This is one of the most important criteria of kitten care. Maintaining good hygiene is always important. You must clean your kitten’s den regularly.
    • Feeding Nutrition-Rich Food –

      Your kitten needs a nutritious, balanced diet for healthy growth and development. It is advisable that you buy IAMS Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten food. Chicken is the basic ingredient of this recipe. This premium kitten food promotes brain development and helps build a healthy immune system.
    • Regular Health Check-Ups –

      Take your kitten to the vet regularly to understand its progress in terms of behavior and health.
    • Grooming –

      It is advisable to start grooming your cat at an early age, especially if it has a furry coat or long hair.

    Understanding Kitten Development Stages

    It is very crucial to know how to take care of a newborn kitten as a first-time kitten owner. You might not be aware of the growth stages your little feline friend will go through, but it’s very important to understand them. So, here’s a table that can help you with the same:

    Growth stage0-2 weeks (Neonatal)2-7 weeks (Socialization)7-14 weeks (Most Active Period)3-6 months (Ranking Period)6-18 months (Adolescence)
    Character traitsLearns to incline towards soundsLearns to socializeThis is the most active play period of your kittenIn this stage, the kitten gets most influenced by other kittens in their litter or even other animals.Asserts maximum dominance in this stage.
     Eyes start to open by this timeSenses of smell and hearing are fully developed by the 4th weekStarts expressing affection through hugging and lickingStarts understanding and asserting ranks on people it lives with.Exhibits sexual behavior if not spayed.
     If the kitten is separated from its mother or siblings, it may tend to get aggressive towards people and other cats.Sight is fully developed by the 5th week, and they can run and pounce without colliding with obstaclesCan paw, mouth, and hold objects as well  
      Starts grooming itselfAlso starts chasing its tail and starts pouncing and leaping around  
      Starts developing sleep patterns, motor abilities and interactions   

    Preparing For A Kitten

    • How Kitten Care Differs With Growing Age?

      Kitten care differs with each growing age. However, the major difference that occurs in taking care of kittens when they grow up is switching their food. Cats need more nutrition and vital elements that keep its body strong and healthy. It is advisable to switch to premium cat food while transitioning your kitten to adult cat food.
    • Impact On The Kitten If Care Is Not Taken:

      If your cat is neglected and does not receive proper kitten care, attention, and nutrition, it may become depressed and weak. Your cat may also contract diseases if it is not kept clean.
    • What Are Some Of The Preventive Care Measures That Could Be Taken Up For Kittens?

      While in the kitten stage, it is advisable to schedule frequent visits to the vet to check on the overall health of your kitten. It is advisable to keep a tab on their allergies while it is in the kitten stage.

    Tips For 1st-time Cat Owners
    Here are a few tips for first-time cat owners on how to take care of a kitten:

    • It is advisable to familiarize your kitten with its litter box right from the moment it is brought home.
    • You may also show your kitten around its crate so that it understands that this is its own space.
    • If, at times, your kitten bites you, sternly say ‘no’ to it. By doing this, your kitten will learn that these actions are not acceptable.
    • You may also reward your kitten every time it obeys your instructions. This will condition them to inculcate good habits as well.

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