Cat owners don’t know what to feed their pets because the quiz shows how much you know
How much of an expert on purrfect cats are you? Take this quiz to find out.
Users can test their knowledge of all things cat to see if they can really tell their tails from their whiskers.
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From the food they should eat to what their average weight should be, cat lovers will end up being ‘feline’, on top of a tree or as a litter box.
It comes after a survey of 1,000 cat owners found that 17 percent don’t know what their cat should eat – or how much (23 percent).
About one in three (29 percent) admit they don’t know how much their cat should weigh, while 63 percent are only somewhat confident in their pet’s overall health.
Nutritionist Sarah McNamara from cat food brand Harringtons, who commissioned the research, said: “Understanding your cat’s nutritional needs is essential for a long and happy life.
“Good nutrition can prevent health problems such as obesity, diabetes and digestive problems.
“Choosing a balanced diet that meets your cat’s specific needs can improve his energy levels and overall quality of life.
“Cats are obligate carnivores and require high-quality, digestible protein to thrive.
“A good exercise when choosing your cat food at the supermarket is to look on the ingredients list for a high meat content and whether the proteins in the recipe come entirely from animals.
“By paying close attention to meat ingredients and portion control, owners can ensure their pets stay healthy and active for years to come.”
The survey also found that 27 percent are unsure how active their cat should be, and 24 percent are unsure what supplements, if any, should be given.
But more than 95 percent believe that food choice is important to their cat’s overall health and well-being.
Although 32 percent have fed their cat without being completely sure they should actually eat it.
This includes cheese (39 percent), bacon (22 percent) and even pieces of potato (13 percent).
TOP 10 CAT HEALTH TRAITS OWNERS ARE NOT SURE ABOUT:
1. What my cat’s gums should look like
2. What signs of illness should you look for?
3. How much should my cat weigh?
4. Nutrients my cat needs
5. What different movements of my cat mean (e.g. tail in the air)
6. How active my cat should be
7. What my cat’s breath should smell like
8. How often should I clean my cat’s claws?
9. What supplements, if any, should my cat have
10. How much my cat should eat
It also emerged that 28 percent of cat owners surveyed are currently concerned about their pet’s physical health.
While 23 percent admit to being concerned about the mental health of their beloved cat, data from OnePoll.com shows.
On average, adult cat owners visit the vet three times a year, with symptoms such as not eating (32 percent) or excessive sleepiness (19 percent).
A spokesperson for Harringtons added: “Cats are very mysterious creatures which is why they have been such popular pets for thousands of years.
“They often live in their own strange cycles, and some days seem to go for ages without eating or playing, only to suddenly eat bowls of food or sleep for twelve hours straight.”
“It can be difficult to know for sure if your cat is actually sick, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to what you feed them.”
