Many types of cat breeds have specific health issues and diseases, the one breed that does not is the British Shorthair cats. To find out what issues they may be susceptible to, it is recommended to take them to a vet regularly. Making sure they are fully vaccinated and do not have any of the common illnesses that most cats have, can help to maintain their lives and keep them happy and healthy.
Having said this, one of the common issues they can face and may pet owners do not realize until it’s too late is their weight problems. Their genetic makeup, love for food and lazy demeanour, can lead them to become obese very easily. This can then lead to other issues such as lack of mobility due to joint issues and can be a painful experience for them.
If you see this happening, you can put them on a recommended weight management program discussed with your vet. They would be placed on a high protein diet that is devoid of artificial ingredients, fillers and genetically modified food groups. Many cat foods have added wheat and corn in them, which, in large quantities can lead them to drastic weight gain. Giving them grain-free foods is highly recommended, and the best way to figure this out is to read the ingredients on the packaging of their food before you buy it.
Examples of Grain By-Products
When looking for grain-free foods on the shelves of pet stores, look for ingredients that include any of the below:
- Corn
- Oats
- Barley
- Rye
- Hull
- Flour
- Starch
- Bran
- Rice
Wheat and anything related to the above list. Go for foods that are raw, holistic, such as CBD, organic products, as mentioned on this website. Always make sure you check the food labels to see how your cat should be fed. This will always be based on a few criteria such as their age, size, current weight, and level of activity.
Spreading out their meal portions is also advisable, to ensure they do not eat everything at one go. A great advantage of giving them meals that are grain or gluten-free is that, if you do not know whether they have sensitivities to these products, you would be playing it safe. As some of these felines can have allergies towards them. This will ensure you keep them safe from any issues.
There are also some foods that we eat that can be given to them as well. We discuss these below.
Human Nutritional Items That You Can Give Your British Shorthair
Did you know that as skeptical as some may be, there are some things that we humans eat that can be shared without furry friends too? Below are just a few of these:
Eggs: a great source of protein for humans, is also a great source for cats, and eggs are one of them. However, always cook the eggs and never give it to them in its raw state.
Fish: with some of the best and highest omega-3 fatty acids, fish can be a great meal option for our kittens. It can help keep their eyesight great and help with issues such as arthritis, heart and kidney disorders. If you want to give them a treat, reach for the cooked or canned kinds, but make sure you do not give them the raw kind, like sushi.
Cheese: another high protein snack, and not as a main meal, is cheese. Although you should keep this to a minimal amount. Try a little piece first and see what their reaction is, as some of these moggies can be allergic or get diarrhea from dairy products. The same goes for milk, start with a small amount and see if it fairs well, before adding a full bowl of it in front of them.
Vegetables: yes, even veggies are a good thing for them. Not all felines like them but if you can sneak a few inside their meals it can help add nutrition to their bellies. Rich sources of vitamins, water and fibre include fresh and steamed broccoli, cucumber, asparagus and cantaloupe. However, steer clear of garlic and onions.
Then there are the items you should stay clear of, and these include:
- Chocolates
- Sweets
- Alcohol
- Bread dough
- Raisins and grapes
- Garlic and onions
- Xylitol (any type of artificial sweeteners)
Not only are these bad for us humans, but abut also for them, and can cause massive digestion and health problems as well as lead to hair loss and more.
Ways to Find Out If Your Cat Has Allergies
Sometimes when cats get these issues it can lead to further problems such as IBD, or inflammatory diseases and keeping what’s and starchy items away may help towards this. Always invest in high-quality and as close to the natural thing, as possible to minimize the risk of health conditions and to prolong their life.
It isn’t always a must to give them grain-free meals however if you find that after eating some of these foods, they start getting scabs on their skin, intestinal issues, hair loss or itchiness, it may be time to stop buying these and instead invest in a better, more organic and natural food substance such as the Holistapet brand of products.
Never overfeed them and give them too many treats just because you feel like it. If you are going the pathway of trying to avoid them from getting obese, always go with small and occasional quantities of food throughout the day. The labels you should be keeping an eye out on should be from the AAFCO — the Association of American Feed Control Officials, which will specify how much to give them depending on their age and sizes.
