Every cat owner will agree to the fact that cats are adorable and intelligent too. They do know what kind of food is best for them, but may sometimes swallow food that may not go to well with their digestive system.

The best kind of food to feed your indoor cat is dry cat food. You may do all the best that you can, but will admit to the fact that feeding your cat indoor cat can leave you confused most times. Cats are picky about the food they eat and may appealingly plead while you eat. There are times when you may lovingly feed them but here are foods that are commonly dangerous for your indoor cat’s well being.

Alcohol – If you are ever in a fun mood and want to get your cat drunk too, Do Not! Alcoholic drinks have the same damage on a cat’s body as it has on a human. However, the effect is a lot worse and it takes far fewer amounts to do the gravest damage. A cat is a small creature and even a spoon of alcohol can leave your cat in a coma or with severe kidney and liver failure.

Chocolate – You may be under the impression that chocolate is a treat to your cat as much as it is to you. Chocolate is made of a bitter-tasting agent called theobromine that is found in every type of chocolate. Cats are not known to be fond of chocolate, but consumption in any way can prove fatal.

Chewy Candies – Candies are loved by most people, but can cause severe harm to your cat’s body. Swallowing a candy or gum can cause severe digestive problems. Not only this, but most candies and gums contain xylitol that acts as a sweetener. It can lead to a severe drop in blood sugar as well liver failure.

Raw Meat – Raw meat can contain bacteria that can cause an infection in your cat’s body. Besides, raw fish contains thiaminase that breaks down thiamine that is an essential B vitamin. This deficiency can lead to severe convulsions.

Dog food – Your cat does not have the same dietary needs as your dog. A dog’s body is different from that of a cat and the food is specially formulated for your dog’s needs. Cats have certain protein and vitamin needs. Dog’s food may not nourish your cat’s body as per its requirements.

Human medicines – Medicines that are prescribed for you can even lead to your cat’s death if ingested. Be alert and keep all your medicines away from the reach of your cat.

If you suspect that your cat may have consumed any of the above substances in your absence, immediately seek your vet’s advice.

Moody, naughty, and anti-social is the image of cats we all carry, but here’s a list of a few cat breeds that talk otherwise. They are the kind of pets you will long to have and receive lots of love from. Your home sure awaits these.

The oriental
The Orientals have a curious personality that’s smart and social. They bond well with the family and can be really loyal and playful. They have a sleek body, are rather muscular and have pointy ears. Attention is something all cats love, but Orientals can be really loud and openly demanding. Unlike the general perception, these cats are friendly, and would play with other pets too. Their life span is about 15 years and weigh about 8 pounds when fully grown.

The American shorthair
Colorful cats are hardly a sight, but these cats not just come in a variety of colors but patterns too. They are athletic and are known to have descended from the British shorthair. They have a comparatively longer lifespan of about 20 years. Kids would love these cats, and the shorthairs reciprocate just as much too. They are the one breed that would even be good company to dogs. Low maintenance with cats is a myth, but this cat breaks it all. They are gentle, easy going and don’t need too much grooming. They weight about 8 pounds.

The birman
Cats are really sharp beings and according to one certain myth, this particular breed of cats were known to be the protectors of the Burmese temples, from where they seem to have originated. Silky hair, long and sturdy, with blue eyes, pointy ears and milk white boots on all paws, these cats are extremely attractive. They are very loving, playful and yet can be really quiet when it realizes your needs. They are perfect for most families as they get along well with children and other animals too. They weigh about 12 pounds.

The sphynx
Sensitive and exotic are the two words that accurately describe these cats. They have fuzz all over their body that would remind you of peaches. Unlike popular belief, these cats are not completely hairless. They are very sensitive to the sun and should be kept indoors. Cuddly is another thing that most cats aren’t known for, but this holds as an exception to that rule. High on energy and very affectionate, they cuddle and snuggle with you. They weigh just about 15 pounds, but they have to be looked after well.

All of us want our pets to be as healthy as possible. With today’s sky rocketing prices of pet care, maintenance and food, it’s becoming exceedingly difficult to manage budgets. Sometimes, people who are struggling to make ends meet, tend to just serve the leftover food to their pets. Cats need a balanced and nutritious diet to remain healthy. They are obligate carnivores, so optimum nutrition starts with meat. It is important to feed your cat with whole meat that is easily digestible and delicious. While you can prepare homemade cat food, there are certain commercial food items and treats you would have to spend on, on a regular basis. Cat food can be expensive, depending on the brands you choose. The surest way to buy good quality cat food within your budget is by looking for cat food coupons online. There are plenty of cat food coupons, discounts and combos available which will help you buy nutritious cat food at reasonable prices.

Below are a few brands you can purchase the coupons from:

Halo

Halo is America’s most loved holistic pet brand. They sell a variety of cat food formulas that contain whole meat, digestible whole proteins, vitamins and mineral rich vegetable blends, moist stews and dry kibble. This is highly recommended since it provides all the nutritional requirements to your pet. All you have to do is subscribe to their mailing list to avail coupons via email.
halopets.com

Goodlife

Goodlife is another preferred brand by most cat owners. It’s products are made of real chicken or salmon, fruits and vegetables and do not contain any artificial ingredients or flavors. Sign up on their website to avail combos, discounts and coupons for nutritious cat foods.
thegoodliferecipe.com

Friskies
Friskies prides itself for providing tender and crunchy food combos for your feline friends. These double texture combos include chicken, beef, turkey and vegetables. They offer an extensive range of wet cat food, dry cat food and cat treats coupons.
friskies.com

CouponCat
CouponCat has showcases an updated list of cat food coupons on its homepage from several sources. They also list manufacturer coupons in a alphabetical order by brand name. The website also connects you to major coupon providers such as Coupons Inc., RedPlum, Hopster and Smartsource.
couponcat.net

Regular commercial dog foods are not always good for your pooch. They contain meat by-products, fillers and general junk harmful for the dogs. On the other hand the organic dog foods and treats are very expensive. The best alternative is to prepare homemade food to keep your dogs healthy. Following are some of the best homemade dog food ideas.

Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter is a hot favorite for dogs, and through these cookies you will be able to feed your dog with some fish oil too. This will make the dog’s coat healthy and shiny. If you do not get organic peanut butter in any shop you can make it at home using raw peanut, peanut oil and mixing it in a food processor.

Chicken Jerky
Homemade chicken jerky acts as the substitute for the raw hides brought from the market. The chicken contains protein which is essential for your dog’s muscles. Moreover it is tough and chewy which makes the dog stay busy for a while.

Frozen Yogurt Pops for Dogs
Made up of yogurt, fruit juice and carrots this frozen treat is very healthy for your pet. If your pup loves ice cubes, then this is the best food for him. You can use non-fat yogurt if you do not want your pup to consume too much fat.

Fruit and Vegetable Strips
Organic chewy treats bought from the market can be replaced with these strips. You can easily tear them up so you can serve them into pieces. The fruits and vegetables serve vitamins, good for their immune system.

Beef and Vegetable Balls
Sometimes your dog may prefer to have meaty treats over sweet treats. These meat balls have a delicious smell and a meaty flavor, favored by all dogs.

Turkey and Vegetable Dinner
Turkey contains protein and the vegetables contain added vitamins and minerals. Altogether it will be a very healthy and tasty dish to make your pet happy. Moreover turkey contains less fat than beef.

Chicken Casserole
Again a rich source of protein that is chicken mixed with vegetables to add vitamins and a good flavor to the recipe. You can use green beans which will help in keeping your dog’s intestinal tract healthy.

Doggie Chili
To be healthy and active your pet needs tons of proteins. Large amount of meat and beans can fulfill the need of protein.

Beef Stew
This replaces the wet commercial dog foods. It has protein-rich meat, vitamin-rich vegetables, and gravy for flavor.

Fruit Parfait for Dogs
Your pet may also want desserts sometimes. This tasty parfait, a mixture of dairy and fruits, is also rich in vitamins and proteins.

You can choose the best small breed dog food, puppy food, and dog food from the options given above.

Although many people consider cats as solitary and aloof creatures, they make for playful companions. Cats need the same care and attachment like any other pets, even if they are not as emotionally dependent as dogs or any other pets. It is quite comforting when a furry cat snuggles on your lap, or when it rubs its head against your leg. Some people believe that the sound of a cat’s soft purr can be a stress buster and lower blood pressure. Running fingers through a cat’s soft fur can be quite therapeutic.

Once you have decided to get a cat as a pet, the next step is to think of a suitable name by perhaps making a list of names for cats. Whatever name you choose to give your cat, it should be compatible with the cat’s personality. The cat should be responsive to the name. Here are a few tips to choose names for cats:

• A short name: Cats associate sounds with the words humans say out loud. When you give a short name to your cat, he or she will know that you are calling out to them when they hear the sound of their names. Giving a long name, such as Sir Henry-oats Fluffmister George Michael, would only confuse your cat. Your cat may refuse to respond to you, or will just respond to one of the parts of the long name. So, make a list of short names for cats to make your as well as your cat’s life easy.
• Take help from family and friends: If you are unable to figure out any names for cats, ask your family and friends to help you out. Take suggestions from them, discuss the different names for cats, and perhaps take a vote as well. You never know someone might have an interesting name that would be suitable for your cat’s personality and that your cat might like.
• Your favorite character: One of the best sources for names for cats is fictional characters. If you have any favorite character from a show, or movie, or a book, you can give a name to your cat based on this character. It would be quirky as well fun. Have multiple character names; pick the one your cat instantly responds to.
• See whether your cat likes the name: When cats do not like their names, they will take their own sweet time to respond to the name or ignore. While picking names for cats, make sure your cat likes it.

It is definitely not always possible to make food at home for your kitty and you may not have enough time to go to the pet shop as well. Fret not! In this era of online shopping, the number of stores that sell online cat food samples is plenty. Here is a list of some famous online dry cat food brands. You can choose yours easily but you must consult with your vet before treating your cat with any of them.

Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
This is a 16-pound bag. This will give 100% balanced and complete nutrition to your pet. It contains chicken, turkey, salmon and many ocean fishes. Hence it is rich in vitamins, minerals and high-quality protein to help to grow strong and healthy muscles.

Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Adult Premium Cat Food
It is a 16-pound bag. It is made with real turkey, 42 grams protein without any added fillers and omega-6 fatty acids. These are helpful for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin. Antioxidants present in it improve immune power. Crunchy kibble helps to whiten the teeth. It is recommended by many veterinarians.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Cat Food
One bag weighs 12 pounds. It has a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is made up of only fine natural ingredients. It does not contain any of the chicken or poultry by-product meals, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat or soy. It works as an alternative to a raw diet. It is available in some other flavors also.

Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor Dry Cat Food
It is a 13-pound bag. The diet contains an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Natural fiber blend helps to control hairballs, to promote healthy weight. It has no added artificial flavors or preservatives. It is made from real chicken and turkey. It is 100% balanced and completes diet for adult cats.

Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Formula Dry Cat Food
It also weighs 16 pounds. It is easily digestible and made up of real chicken. It helps in maintaining urinary tract health by reducing urinary pH and providing low magnesium content. It is specially made for adult cats. It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids to make the skin and coat into healthy. It is also vastly recommended by veterinarians.

Taste of the Wild Cat Food
It is a grain-free formula with peas and sweet potatoes to provide your cat with a lot of energy. Antioxidants are present to give them a healthy immune system. Roasted venison and smoked salmon make it very tasty for your pet.

You may find a lot of cat food out there in the market but they are not always healthy. Homemade food is the best for providing your cat with nutrition. You can start making some homemade samples and try it with your cat initially.

A word of warning here – Before starting to make food for your pet you must know what ingredients to be avoided. Chocolates are not at all healthy for cats. Some other unhealthy ingredients for your kitty are garlic, onions, raisins, raw egg whites, tomatoes, and grapes. Besides avoiding these ingredients your cat’s diet should contain a large amount of animal protein. Cats are carnivores so they need anywhere between 60-80% meat proteins to produce amino acids. Lack of it may make your cat blind.

Things you need to know before preparing homemade cat food samples:

Animal proteins are essential for your cat. It may come from chicken, poultry, beef, pork, fish or liver. You should give your pet, liver frequently as it gives vitamin A which they cannot produce on their own. However, you must not use the same source of protein every day and variety is necessary.
Besides making the food tastier, animal fat also helps to make the fur and skin healthy and shiny. It develops the circulatory and urinary systems. Kittens need 35% and adult cats need 30% of fat.
Calcium and phosphorus ratio should be 1:1.3. To accomplish this ratio you can use calcium supplements.
Homemade cat food should ideally have 10-30% water in it.
All food should contain less than 10% carbohydrates.

Here are a few homemade cat food sample ideas:

Basic Cat Food
You can mix olive oil or salmon oil, feline vitamin or mineral supplement, cooked potato without skin, cooked pasta or white rice or barley or oatmeal or peas, cooked animal protein altogether. You can use a blender for perfect mixture and store it in the fridge until you need it.

Tuna Patties
You have to drain the tuna first and then mix all the ingredients like the tuna, boiled rice, pureed liver and chopped parsley. After that make balls and form them into patties. Store in the fridge and serve.

Rabbit Stew
You can fry boned rabbit meat chunks in olive oil. Then sprinkle parsley, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme. Then add unsalted vegetable stock water and boil. Cover it and cook in a low to medium oven. Next add chopped sweet potato, carrot, celery, leek, turnip, peas and cook. Once cooked, cool it and then serve to your kitty. It is good for human beings also!

Some of the best cat food reviews include brands that have been analyzed keeping in mind one important factor, the formula. For the top brands to make this list of cat food reviews, the formula had to contain a high protein diet essential for cats, should not contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and dyes. The formula should also not contain rendered fat, meat by-products, any sugar or garlic for that matter.

Here are the popular cat food brands available globally on major retailer websites:

Herbed duck confit entre by Addiction: The primary ingredient of this product is a duck with carrageenan, cassie gums, taurine, brushtail, venison, dried seaweed, potatoes, peas, among other added vitamins and minerals. The product is rich in omega 3 and 6 which is good for the skin and coat and is reasonably priced at $60 which will vary depending on the retailer. The product is available in 5.5 ounces and 6.5-ounce variants and is recommended by many happy consumers based on various cat food reviews found online.

Chicken meal and field pea by Blackwood: This is a dry cat food with its primary ingredient that consists of chicken meal. The recipe is all natural, and the product is grain free, allergy relief and is made in the country and exported globally. The recipe also contains proven probiotics and the overall composition of the product consisting of 40% protein, 18% fat and 4% fiber. Dry cat food is comparatively cheaper to canned cat food which can be purchased for under $20 depending on the retailer.

Wild sea catch by Earthborn Holistic: Salmon meal is the main ingredient for wild sea catch optimal for providing all the nutrition your cat or kitten will ever need. Apart from a salmon meal, the formula is a good blend of natural vegetables and fruit fiber which is good for aiding digestion. The formula is also rich in antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Wild sea catch comes is a preferred brand as suggested by popular cat food reviews that can be found online and consumer reports available by regulatory agencies.

Gold holistic adult by Fromm: Made with duck, gold holistic is a dry cat food with a natural formula. The chicken, liver, whole eggs and cheese in the formula compliment the fresh duck well, to provide a complete and balanced nutrition regardless of the age of your furry, fuzzy feline. Suited for all ages, a gold holistic adult comes in a five-pound bag priced at $46 to $50 depending on the retailers online.