Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food

Cat food is food manufactured for consumption by cats from the age range of just a few months. Although cats are obligate carnivores, most commercial cat food contains both animal and plant material, supplemented with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Cat food is formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of cats, in particular containing the amino acid taurine, as cats cannot thrive on taurine-deficient food and go blind when fed with dog food, for example.^[1] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 616 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) A cat enjoying her foods on the dish. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 616 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) A cat enjoying her foods on the dish. ... Binomial name Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758 Synonyms Felis lybica invalid junior synonym The cat (or domestic cat, house cat) is a small carnivorous mammal. ... Carnivorism redirects here. ... Retinol (Vitamin A) For the record label, see Vitamin Records A vitamin is an organic compound required in tiny amounts for essential metabolic reactions in a living organism. ... For other uses, see Mineral (disambiguation). ... A nutrient is either a chemical element or compound used in an organisms metabolism or physiology. ... Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid. ...

Commercial cat food

Cat food for sale at an Istanbul animal market

Most store-bought cat food comes in either dry form, also known as kibble, or wet canned form. Some manufacturers sell frozen raw diets and premix products to cater to owners who feed raw. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2560 × 1920 pixel, file size: 2. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2560 × 1920 pixel, file size: 2. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Major brand-name dry cat food manufacturers often use primarily grain-based ingredients like corn and rice with meat by-products or animal digest making up the meat ingredients. Some manufacturers offer 'premium', 'natural' or 'holistic' formulas that are by-product free and contains less or no grains. Grain-free dry diets still contain carbohydrates, from sources such as potato or tapioca as the starch in those ingredients is needed to allow the kibble to hold its shape. Cats have no metabolic need for carbohydrates as the feline system prefers to create glucose from protein. Meat by-products are ground, rendered, and cleaned slaughtered meat carcass parts such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, bones, heads, and intestines (and a small amount of feathers in the case of chicken meat). ... Animal Digest is a common ingredient used in pet foods. ... For other uses, see Tapioca (disambiguation). ... Glucose (Glc), a monosaccharide (or simple sugar), is an important carbohydrate in biology. ...

Dry food

Dry (Extruded) cat food example

Dry food is generally made by extrusion cooking under high heat and pressure. It may then be sprayed with fat to increase palatability and other ingredients to complete its composition. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1068 × 801 pixel, file size: 905 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1068 × 801 pixel, file size: 905 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Extruded aluminium; slots allow bars to be joined with special connectors. ...

Pet owners often prefer dry cat food due to the convenience and price. Besides usually being significantly cheaper, dry cat food can also be left out for the cat to eat at will over the course of several days; whereas, canned or raw cat food spoils or becomes unappetizing after several hours.

Dry food is recommended by some based on the idea that cats break apart dry foods with their teeth, which causes the food to scrape off dental calculus.^{[citation needed]} The degree of benefit this provides has been disputed in recent years.^{[citation needed]} Calculus (dark yellow colour) can be seen on almost all teeth near the gums In dentistry, calculus or tartar refers to hardened plaque on the teeth, formed by the presence of saliva, debris, and minerals. ...

Many dry foods use meals as protein source, such as meat meal, chicken meal, fish meal, or corn gluten meal. This allows manufacturers to produce cheaper foods. Since the occurrence of BSE infection through contaminated meat and bone meal, the use of meat meal in pet foods has been prohibited in parts of the world (e.g. Japan and France) but is still common practice in other parts (e.g. USA). Comparative studies conducted by Japanese researchers have shown that meat meal is superior to the other protein meal sources in terms of dry-matter digestibility and nutritional value for cats, while corn gluten meal is the least nutritional.^[2][3][4] The Three-Letter Acronym or Abbreviation (TLA) BSE could stand for Bachelor of Science in Engineering Baku Stock Exchange Barbados Stock Exchange Battle Space Entity (military simulations) Black Sun Empire - Dutch drum and bass production trio Bolshaya Sovetskaya Entsiklopediya (Большая Советская Энциклопедия, Great Soviet Encyclopedia) - the most comprehensive encyclopedia ever written in Russian... Meat & bone meal Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a by-product of the rendering industry. ...

The same studies showed that cats fed with these dry food diets excreted alkaline urine. Urine pH has been implicated in the formation of struvite crystals in feline urolithiasis, and many dry food manufacturers address this by adding urine-acidifying ingredients to their food. However, this practice may lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones, therefore water intake rather than urine pH appears to be the most crucial factor for the prevention and treatment of feline stones.^[5]
For other uses, see PH (disambiguation). ... Struvite is an ammonium magnesium phosphate mineral with formula: (NH4)MgPO4·6(H2O). ... Kidney stones are solid accretions (crystals) of dissolved minerals in urine found inside the kidneys or ureters. ... Calcium oxalate is a chemical compound that forms needle-shaped crystals. ...

Wet food

Wet (Canned) cat food example (Fish flakes in jelly)

Canned or wet food generally comes in common can sizes of 3 oz (85 g), 5.5 oz, and 13 oz. It is also sold in foil pouch form by some manufacturers. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 622 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Contents of a can of cat food sold in Japan (Fish flakes in jelly). ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 622 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Contents of a can of cat food sold in Japan (Fish flakes in jelly). ... For other uses, see Canning (disambiguation). ... The ounce (abbreviation: oz) is the name of a unit of mass in a number of different systems, including various systems of mass that form part of English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ...

Owners and veterinarians who recommend a diet consisting largely or entirely of canned, homemade or raw cat food point to higher water content of such food and the increased total water consumption in comparison to a dry food diet as an important health benefit.^{[citation needed]} Wet food also generally contains significantly less grain and other carbohydrate material, although many are made with fish ingredients.

Canned cat foods in pop-top containers may play a role in the development of hyperthyroidism in cats^[6]. This may be due to bisphenol A used in the pop-top can coating leaching into the food.^[7] Some cat foods also contain goitrogens, such as soybean products. Hyperthyroidism (or overactive thyroid gland) is the clinical syndrome caused by an excess of circulating free thyroxine (T4) or free triiodothyronine (T3), or both. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... Goitrogens are substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland, and which can also cause an enlargement of the thyroid. ... Binomial name (L.) Merr. ...

In general, canned, homemade, or raw foods are thought to either help treat or noticeably reduce the likelihood of numerous health issues including urinary tract disorders^[8][9], diabetes, chronic renal failure^[10], constipation (sometimes leading to megacolon), and obesity. ^{[citation needed]} Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term that is used to cover many problems of the feline urinary tract, including stones and cystitis. ... Diabetes mellitus strikes 1 in 400 cats and a similar number of dogs, though recent veterinary studies[1] note that it is becoming more common lately. ... Constipation or irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to egest; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. ... Megacolon is an abnormal dilatation of the colon (a part of the large intestines) that is not caused by mechanical obstruction. ...

Homemade food

Many pet owners feed cats homemade diets. These diets generally consist of some form of cooked meat or raw meat, ground bone, pureed vegetables, taurine supplements, and other multivitamin supplements. Although cats are naturally resistant to many of the bacteria that raw meats contain, meat can sometimes also contain parasites and other harmful organisms and for this reason raw meat is sometimes frozen for periods of time before being used.^{[citation needed]} Some pet owners use human vitamin supplements, and others use vitamin supplements specifically engineered for cats. Veterinarians sometimes recommend including digestive enzyme supplements in a homemade diet. Some pet food manufacturers offer packaged versions of a raw food diet that closely resembles such homemade diets. These packaged versions are generally kept frozen, with individual portions being thawed in advance. Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid. ...

See also: Raw feeding

Caution must be exercised in preparing homemade cat food. Some food additives are not suitable for cats. For instance, the emulsifying agent propylene glycol (PG) which is added to many human foods can be deadly for cats. PG was once a common ingredient in moist commercial cat food, but it was found to induce Heinz bodies and oxidative damage.[1] Subsequently, the FDA prohibited the use of PG in or on cat food.[2] This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Propylene glycol, also known as 1,2-propanediol, is an organic compound (a diol alcohol), usually a tasteless, odorless, and colorless clear oily liquid that is hygroscopic and miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. ... Heinz bodies (also referred to as Heinz-Erhlich bodies) are inclusions within red blood cells composed of denatured hemoglobin. ...

PG is a problematic for homemade cat food preparers because under certain circumstances PG can be added to fresh meat and poultry intended for human consumption WITHOUT listing it on the product label. The USDA allows Lauramide arginine dissolved in propylene glycol to be added to fresh meat and poultry, and it may be listed on the label as just plain lauric arginate. Also, in solutions intended as antimicrobials, PG can be added to fresh meat and poultry with no labeling requirement at all.[3] Consequently, the consumer does not know how much PG may be in any given product.

Vegetarian or vegan food

Vegetarian or vegan cat food has been available for many years, and is targeted primarily at vegan and vegetarian pet owners. Most veterinarians recommend against vegetarian diets for cats, as cats are obligate carnivores and require nutrients (including taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and niacin) found in meat sources that cannot be obtained in sufficient amount in plant sources, although many can be synthesized. One study evaluated cats fed commercial and homemade vegetarian diets. The study found that all cats had serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels within the reference range and 3 of 17 cats had serum taurine values below the reference range.^[11] Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid. ... Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 fatty acid 20:4(ω-6). ... The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient. ...

Another study evaluated two vegan diets for nutritional adequacy. The study concluded that the two vegan diets analyzed did not meet the AAFCO minimal nutrient profile for cat diets. The authors recommended that these vegan diets should not be used as a sole source of nutrition for cats.^[12]

Even when adequately supplemented, some claim vegetarian diets present other risks, such as urine acidity problems, which are less common in meat-based foods.^{[citation needed]} A few vegetarian cat food brands are labelled by their manufacturers as meeting AAFCO's Cat Food Nutrient Profile while other manufacturers recommend their products to be supplemented and not used as a standalone. Pet owners can cause their cats to become malnourished when they do not follow the recommendation and mistakenly assume that the latter food is nutritionally complete.

Nutrient profiles and functions

In the United States, cat foods labeled as "complete and balanced" must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. Cat Food Nutrient Profiles were established in 1992 and updated in 1995 by the AAFCO's Feline Nutrition Expert Subcommittee. The updated profiles replaced the previous recommendations set by the National Research Council. AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials is a commercial enterprise which attempts to regulate the quality and safety of fodder and pet food in the United States. ... The National Research Council (NRC) of the USA is the working arm of the United States National Academy of Sciences and the United States National Academy of Engineering, carrying out most of the studies done in their names. ...

Products that are formulated with ingredients to meet the established nutrient profile would include the following statement. "(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles."

Products that are substantiated to be "complete and balanced" by feeding trials will have the statement "animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition." The protocol requires that 6 out of 8 cats complete a 26 week feeding trial without showing clinical or pathological signs of nutritional deficiency or excess. The cats' general health is evaluated by a veterinarian before and after the test. Four blood values, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum albumin are measured after the trial and the average values of the test subjects must meet minimum levels. No animal is allowed to lose more than 15% of its starting weight. Structure of hemoglobin. ... The hematocrit (Ht) or packed cell volume (PCV) is the proportion of blood that is occupied by red blood cells. ... Ball and stick model of alkaline phosphatase Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (EC 3. ... You may be looking for albumen, or egg white. ...

There are two separate nutrient profiles - one for "growth and reproduction" and one for "adult maintenance". The nutritional adequacy statement would include info on which life stages the product is suitable. A product labeled as "for all life stages" must meet the more stringent nutrient profile for "growth and reproduction". Products labeled as "intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding" do not meet either profiles. Maximum levels of intake of some nutrients have been established because of concerns with overnutrition. Overnutrition is a form of malnutrition in which nutrients are oversupplied relative to the amounts required for normal growth, development, and metabolism. ...

Vitamins are organic compounds that take part in a wide range of metabolic activities. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to widely ranging clinical abnormalities that reflect the diversity of their metabolic roles. Twelve minerals are known to be essential nutrients for cats. Calcium and phosphorus are crucial to strong bones and teeth. Cats need other minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium, for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cell signaling. Many minerals only present in minute amounts in the body, including selenium, copper, and molybdenum, act as helpers in a wide variety of enzymatic reactions.^[13]

The table below lists the AAFCO nutritional profiles for cat foods along with the roles of vitamins and minerals in cat nutrition according to the National Research Council. Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food Cat food is food manufactured for consumption by cats from the age range of just a few months. ...

Retinol (Vitamin A) Vitamins are nutrients required in very small amounts for essential metabolic reactions in the body [1]. The term vitamin does not encompass other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids. ... The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient. ... An International unit (IU, alternatively abbreviated UI) is a unit of measurement in pharmacology, and is based on measured biological activities. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that contributes to the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. ... An International unit (IU, alternatively abbreviated UI) is a unit of measurement in pharmacology, and is based on measured biological activities. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin in eight forms that is an important antioxidant. ... Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food Cat food is food manufactured for consumption by cats from the age range of just a few months. ... An International unit (IU, alternatively abbreviated UI) is a unit of measurement in pharmacology, and is based on measured biological activities. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). ... Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food Cat food is food manufactured for consumption by cats from the age range of just a few months. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Thiamine mononitrate Thiamine or thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is a colorless compound with chemical formula C12H17ClN4OS. It is soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. ... For the similarly spelled nucleic acid, see Thymine Thiamine or thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is one of the B vitamins. ... Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food Cat food is food manufactured for consumption by cats from the age range of just a few months. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Riboflavin (E101), also known as vitamin B2, is an easily absorbed micronutrient with a key role in maintaining health in animals. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5 (a B vitamin), is a water-soluble vitamin required to sustain life (essential nutrient). ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin whose derivatives such as NADH, NAD, NAD+, and NADP play essential roles in energy metabolism in the living cell and DNA repair. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Pyridoxine Pyridoxal phosphate Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. ... Main article: vitamin B6 Pyridoxine is one of the compounds that can be called vitamin B6, along with Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Folic acid and folate (the anion form) are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Vitamin H redirects here. ... Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food Cat food is food manufactured for consumption by cats from the age range of just a few months. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Cobalamin or vitamin B12 is a chemical compound that is also known as cyanocobalamine. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Choline is an organic compound, classified as an essential nutrient and usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex. ... Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food Cat food is food manufactured for consumption by cats from the age range of just a few months. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion or a fraction as a whole number. ... Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion or a fraction as a whole number. ... A nutrient is either a chemical element or compound used in an organisms metabolism or physiology. ... Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume, or per unit mass, depending on the context. ... Etymology: French calorie, from Latin calor (heat), from calere (to be warm). ... For other meanings of gram, see gram (disambiguation). ... The Atwater system (after Wilbur Olin Atwater) or derivatives of this system are used for the calculation of the available energy of foods. ... Etymology: French calorie, from Latin calor (heat), from calere (to be warm). ... For other meanings of gram, see gram (disambiguation). ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... For other uses, see FAT. Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. ... Lactose is a disaccharide found in milk. ... Etymology: French calorie, from Latin calor (heat), from calere (to be warm). ... For other meanings of gram, see gram (disambiguation). ... Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume, or per unit mass, depending on the context. ... Etymology: French calorie, from Latin calor (heat), from calere (to be warm). ... For other meanings of gram, see gram (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see FAT. Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. ... For other uses, see FAT. Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. ... Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that are required in the human diet. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Ad libitum is Latin for at ones pleasure, often shortened to Ad lib. ... General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ... In pharmacology, bioavailability is used to describe the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation, one of the principal pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. ... For other uses, see Iron (disambiguation). ... Ball-and-stick model of the carbonate ion, CO32− For other meanings, see Carbonate (disambiguation) In chemistry, a carbonate is a salt or ester of carbonic acid. ... An oxide is a chemical compound containing at least one oxygen atom and other elements. ... In pharmacology, bioavailability is used to describe the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation, one of the principal pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. ... For other uses, see Copper (disambiguation). ... An oxide is a chemical compound containing at least one oxygen atom and other elements. ... An International unit (IU, alternatively abbreviated UI) is a unit of measurement in pharmacology, and is based on measured biological activities. ... Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin in eight forms that is an important antioxidant. ... For other meanings of gram, see gram (disambiguation). ... Fish Oil is oil derived from fishes. ... Kg redirects here. ... Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ... For the similarly spelled nucleic acid, see Thymine Thiamine or thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is one of the B vitamins. ... Vitamin H redirects here. ... An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria (antibacterial activity), fungi (antifungal activity), viruses (antiviral activity), or parasites (antiparasitic activity). ... Methionine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2)CH2CH2SCH3. ... Choline is an organic compound, classified as an essential nutrient and usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex. ... Choline is an organic compound, classified as an essential nutrient and usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex. ... Methionine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2)CH2CH2SCH3. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ...

Diet and disease

Food allergy

Food allergy is a non-seasonal disease with skin and/or gastrointestinal disorders. The main complaint is Pruritus, which is usually resistant to treatment by steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The exact prevalence of food allergy in cats remains unknown. There is no breed, sex or age predilection, although some breeds are commonly affected. Before the onset of clinical signs, the animals have been fed the offending food components for at least two years, although some animals are less than a year old. In 20 to 30% of the cases, cats have concurrent allergic diseases (atopy / flea-allergic dermatitis). A reliable diagnosis can only be made with dietary elimination-challenge trials. Provocation testing is necessary for the identification of the causative food component(s). Therapy consists of avoiding the offending food component(s).^[15] An itch (Latin: pruritus) is a sensation felt on an area of skin that makes a person or animal want to scratch it. ... Eczema-a typical atopic manifestation Atopy (Greek ατοπία - placelessness) or atopic syndrome is an allergic hypersensitivity affecting parts of the body not in direct contact with the allergen. ... Dermatitis is a blanket term literally meaning inflammation of the skin. It is usually used to refer to eczema, which is also known as Dermatitis eczema. ...

Malnutrition

Cats fed exclusively on raw, freshwater fish can develop a thiamine deficiency.Those fed exclusively on liver may develop vitamin A toxicity. Malnutrition has been seen in cats fed "natural", "organic", or "vegetarian" diets produced by owners with good intentions, and most published recipes have been only crudely balanced (by computer) using nutrient averages. Because the palatability, digestibility, and safety of these recipes have not been adequately or scientifically tested, it is difficult to characterize all of these homemade diets. Generally, most formulations contain excessive protein and phosphorus and are deficient in calcium, vitamin E, and microminerals such as copper, zinc, and potassium. Also, the energy density of these diets may be unbalanced relative to the other nutrients. Commonly used meat and carbohydrate ingredients contain more phosphorus than calcium. Homemade feline diets that are not actually deficient in fat or energy usually contain a vegetable oil that cats do not find palatable; therefore, less food is eaten causing a calorie deficiency. Rarely are homemade diets balanced for microminerals or vitamins. Owner neglect is also a frequent contributing factor in malnutrition.^[16] A vast number of species of fish have been successfully kept in the home aquarium. ... For the similarly spelled nucleic acid, see Thymine Thiamine or thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is one of the B vitamins. ... The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For the industrial process, see anaerobic digestion. ... Food safety is a scientific discipline describing the handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent Foodborne illness. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... General Name, symbol, number phosphorus, P, 15 Chemical series nonmetals Group, period, block 15, 3, p Appearance waxy white/ red/ black/ colorless Standard atomic weight 30. ... For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ... Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin in eight forms that is an important antioxidant. ... For other uses, see Copper (disambiguation). ... General Name, symbol, number zinc, Zn, 30 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 12, 4, d Appearance bluish pale gray Standard atomic weight 65. ... General Name, symbol, number potassium, K, 19 Chemical series alkali metals Group, period, block 1, 4, s Appearance silvery white Standard atomic weight 39. ... Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume, or per unit mass, depending on the context. ... Nutrients and the body A nutrient is any element or compound necessary for or contributing to an organisms metabolism, growth, or other functioning. ... General Name, symbol, number phosphorus, P, 15 Chemical series nonmetals Group, period, block 15, 3, p Appearance waxy white/ red/ black/ colorless Standard atomic weight 30. ... For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see FAT. Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with cooking oil. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Retinol (Vitamin A) Vitamins are nutrients required in very small amounts for essential metabolic reactions in the body [1]. The term vitamin does not encompass other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids. ...

Recalls

Main article: 2007 pet food recalls

The 2007 pet food recalls involved the massive recall of many brands of cat and dog foods beginning in March 2007. The recalls came in response to reports of renal failure in pets consuming mostly wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company, beginning in February 2007. After more than three weeks of complaints from consumers, the recall began voluntarily with the Canadian company Menu Foods on March 16, 2007, when a company test showed sickness and death in some of the test animals. Soon after, there were numerous media reports of animal deaths as a result of kidney failure, and several other companies who received the contaminated wheat gluten also voluntarily recalled dozens of pet food brands. Dogs and cats have been the main affected pets of the recall. ... A product recall is a request to return to the maker a batch or an entire production run of a product, usually due to the discovery of safety issues. ... Trinomial name Felis silvestris catus Schreber, 1775 For alternative meanings see cat (disambiguation). ... For other members of the dog family, see Canidae. ... Renal failure is the condition in which the kidneys fail to function properly. ... Wheat - a prime source of gluten Gluten is an amorphous ergastic protein found combined with starch in the endosperm of some cereals, notably wheat, rye, and barley. ... Menu Foods Limited[1], based in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada, is the largest maker of wet cat and dog food in North America, with its products sold under 95 brand names[2], which the company identifies as supermarkets, big box and pet product retailers and wholesalers. ... is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

By the end of March, veterinary organizations reported more than 100 pet deaths amongst nearly 500 cases of kidney failure, with one online database self-reporting as many as 3,600 deaths as of April 11. As of April 8, Menu Foods has confirmed only about 16 deaths. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration refuses to estimate the amount of sick or dead because there is no centralized government records database of animal sickness or death in the United States as there are with humans (such as the Centers for Disease Control). As a result, many sources speculate that the actual number of affected pets may never be known and experts are concerned that the actual death toll could potentially reach into the thousands. Veterinary medicine is the application of medical diagnostic and therapeutic principles to companion, domestic, exotic, wildlife, and production animals. ... is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... April 8 is the 98th day of the year (99th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “FDA” redirects here. ... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta is recognized as the lead United States agency for protecting the public health and safety of people by providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships with state health departments and other organizations. ...

Overall, several major companies have recalled more than 100 brands of pet foods, with most of the recalled product coming from Menu Foods. Although there are several theories of the source of the agent causing sickness in affected animals, with extensive government and private testing and forensic research, to date, no definitive cause has been isolated. As of April 10, the most likely cause, according to the FDA, though not yet proven, is indicated by the presence of melamine in wheat gluten in the affected foods. The Chinese company behind the contaminated wheat gluten has initially denied any involvement in the contamination, but is cooperating with Chinese and American investigators. is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the chemical substance called melamine. ...

In the United States, there has been extensive media coverage of the recall. There has been widespread public outrage and calls for government regulation of pet foods, which had previously been self-regulated by pet food manufacturers. The United States Senate held an oversight hearing on the matter by April 12. The economic impact on the pet food market has been extensive, with Menu Foods losing roughly $30 Million alone from the recall. The events have caused distrust of most processed pet foods in some consumers. Government regulation involves the use of the law, mandated by the state, to produce outcomes which might not otherwise occur, prevent outcomes which might otherwise occur, produce or prevent outcomes in different places to what might otherwise occur, or produce or prevent outcomes in different timescales than would otherwise occur. ... Type Upper House President of the Senate Richard B. Cheney, R since January 20, 2001 President pro tempore Robert C. Byrd, D since January 4, 2007 Members 100 Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party Last elections November 7, 2006 Meeting place Senate Chamber United States Capitol Washington, DC United States... is the 102nd day of the year (103rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... USD redirects here. ...

References

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), founded in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 73,000 US veterinarians working in academia, private and corporate practice, industry, government, and uniformed services. ... The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), founded in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 69,000 US veterinarians working in academia, private and corporate practice, industry, government, and uniformed services. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... 2008 (MMVIII) will be a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (common) era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year (70th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year (70th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year (70th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), founded in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 73,000 US veterinarians working in academia, private and corporate practice, industry, government, and uniformed services. ... The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), founded in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 69,000 US veterinarians working in academia, private and corporate practice, industry, government, and uniformed services. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 289th day of the year (290th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 175th day of the year (176th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... -1... A national academy is a body, usually operating with state financial support and approval, that co-ordinates the activities of research in (nearly always) the sciences and (sometimes) other disciplines. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A veterinary surgeon removes stitches from a cats face following minor surgery on an absess. ... Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. ... The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates the manufacture and distribution of food additives and drugs that will be given to animals. ... “FDA” redirects here. ... The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates the manufacture and distribution of food additives and drugs that will be given to animals. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Taylor & Francis Group is a company that publishes books and academic journals. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A veterinary surgeon removes stitches from a cats face following minor surgery on an absess. ... Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. ... Merck & Co. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Center For Veterinary Medicine
  • Pet Foods
  • Information For Consumers - FDA's Regulation Of Pet Food
  • Information For Consumers - Information On Marketing A Pet Food Product
  • Information For Consumers - Interpreting Pet Food Labels
  • Information For Consumers - Interpreting Pet Food Labels - Special Use Foods
  • Vegetarian Diets For Pets?
• The Vegetarian Society UK on concerns relating to a vegetarian diet for cats
• From Max's House Feline Medical And Behavior Database
  • Feline Nutrition
  • Cat Food Nutrient Profiles
  • Dry food v/s canned (wet) food
  • Dispelling The Myth That Pets Are Used In Pet Foods
  • Dispelling The Myth That Pets Are Used In Pet Foods
• From Animal Protection Institute
  • Get The Facts - What's Really In Pet Food