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The Importance of Fish Oil in Kitten Food
The Importance of Fish Oil in Kitten Food-mob

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The Importance of Fish Oil in Kitten Food

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We include fish oil in IAMS™ dry kitten food to help promote healthy skin and a healthy coat in your kitten. Learn more about fish oil and meal, what it does, how it can help your kitten and why it is an important component in all IAMS dry kitten foods.

 

What Is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is extracted from fish and is composed of special types of fats. Fish meal, which is used in IAMS dry kitten foods, is a good source of natural fish oil.

 

The Nutritional Benefits of Fish Oil

Fish oil from deep, cold-water fish contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are a smaller component of fat, and omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fatty acid with important nutritional value. Fish oil has a unique fatty acid composition with high concentrations of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
 

The fatty acids in a kitten’s diet are incorporated into the body’s tissues and are critical for many body functions. For instance, animal cell membranes, including those in the skin, contain fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for the production of substances that promote healthy skin conditions, especially when balanced with omega-6 fatty acids (found in common ingredients such as chicken fat and corn oil) in a ratio between 5:1 and 10:1.
 

All IAMS dry kitten foods, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Healthy Kitten, contain fish oil as a high-quality source of omega-3 fatty acids.

 

The Effects of Fish Oil on Your Kitten’s Skin and Coat

Studies conducted by nutritionists at The IAMS Company found significant improvements in skin and coat when cats1 were fed a diet that contained omega-3 fatty acids in a balanced ratio with omega-6 fatty acids versus the same diet without the balanced ratio.
 

Feeding a complete and balanced diet with a balanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is proven to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. When fed fish oil, cats showed:

  • Decreased shedding
  • A more uniform coat
  • Increased shine
  • Increased coat density
  • Richer color
  • A softer coat
  •  

1 Data on file, The IAMS Company, 2000.

The Importance of Fish Oil in Kitten Food
  • Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean
    Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean
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    Different Types of Cat Sounds

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    Have you ever wondered about the mysteries behind a cat's purr? It is not just a simple sound, but a blend of feline physiology at work. Cats achieve their signature purr through rapid contractions and relaxations of their laryngeal muscles, around 150 times per second. This creates that familiar, soothing and resonant sound we all adore. And as your cat takes each breath, the airflow caresses these vibrating muscles adding more depth to its purr. In this blog, we will look into the secrets behind this enchanting feline phenomenon. 

    Why do cats purr?

    Purring is a feline’s versatile tool of communication. Sure, cats purr when they are happy and comfy, but they can also purr when they are stressed, in pain, or even when they are hungry – it is like a cat crying for some attention. And here is a fun fact: mama cats purr to bond with their kittens, and kitten sounds are indicators of the little ones telling mom everything is fine. 

    Let us dive into the details of different cat sounds because they might just be trying to tell you something important. 

    Decoding the purrs: what does it mean?

    Cats are like mysterious little furballs, and their purring adds another layer to the enigma. So, what exactly are they trying to convey when they turn on the purr engine? 

    1. Happiness

      When your cat is in its happy place – curled up on your lap or basking in a sunbeam – that gentle purring is often a sign of pure contentment. In cat language, it means, 'Life is good right now.'

    2. Bonding and affection

      Cats are known for their independent streak, but when they snuggle close and start to purr, it is a clear sign of love and bonding. It is a cat’s way of saying, 'You are my favorite human, and I adore you.'

    3. As a location signal

      Ever noticed your cat purring when you are in the same room but cannot see her? That is her way of announcing her presence, like a cat crying as a GPS locator, 'Don’t worry, I am nearby.'

    4. Because they are in pain

      It is not all sunshine and rainbows. Cats may also purr when they are in pain or discomfort, which can be akin to a kitten sound or cat cry, meaning something is not quite right.

    5. To self-medicate and heal

      Cats are remarkable self-healers, and purring may have therapeutic effects. The vibrations produced during purring may promote the healing of bones and tissues. I is their natural way of saying, 'I will make myself better,' and it is not unlike the comforting kitten sound that a mother cat makes to communicate love to her babies.

    6. A reaction to being pet or tickled

      That ecstatic purring when you stroke cats’ fur or tickle them? It is the feline version of laughter. They are loving every moment of your attention, and their purr is a joyful response.

    7. To calm themselves down

      Cats have a unique ability to use purring as a stress-relief mechanism. When faced with a tense situation, they may start to purr to calm their frayed nerves. It is like their built-in stress buster.

    8. To let you know they are hungry

      Sometimes, it is all about the food. Cats can be quite vocal when they are hungry, and this may include the sound of a cat crying. When being loud, it could mean that the cat said it is dinnertime. It is like a polite request for a meal. 

      With this information up your sleeve, the next time your furry friend starts to purr take a moment to decode the message. It is like having a heart-to-heart conversation in your cat’s language!

    Why does my cat meow so much? 

    If your feline friend seems to be a chatterbox, you might be wondering what is behind your cat’s meowing. Cats are quite expressive through their meows, and the reasons can vary. A cat’s meow sound may be to seek attention, express hunger, combat loneliness, or signal stress or discomfort. Older cats may meow more due to cognitive changes, and sometimes, boredom can lead to cats meowing excessively. Paying attention to the context and your cat's specific meowing patterns can help you understand its needs and ensure its well-being.

    Different cat sounds: what is the kitty trying to tell you?

    Cats are vocal creatures, and they have an impressive range of sounds to express themselves. Here are five of the most common cat sounds and what they typically mean.

    1. Meow

      Meowing is an all-purpose communicator in cat language. Cats meow to get your attention, ask for food, or simply say hello. The tone and intensity can convey their emotions, from friendly greetings to a cat crying for urgent demands.

    2. Hiss

      In cat language, this is a clear sign of displeasure or fear. When a cat hisses, it is a warning to back off, and it is best to respect their boundaries.

    3. Chirp 

      This quirky cat sound often happens when a cat spots a bird or other prey through a window. It's like their way of expressing excitement and frustration at not being able to catch it.

    4. Growl 

      This kitten sound is a signal that your cat is feeling threatened or territorial. It is a low, guttural sound meant to deter potential intruders.

    5. Yowl or caterwaul

      This is the sound of a cat crying, meaning it is mating season. This cat crying sound is also heard when an unspayed female is in heat. It is a cat's way of announcing its presence and seeking a mate.

      Understanding these sounds can help you connect better with your feline friend and respond to its needs and emotions appropriately.

    Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean