Health

Most cats are considered kittens until around 12 months of age. Large breeds, like the Maine Coon, can take 18 months to 2yearsto reach maturity, though. During this period of growth and development, kittens need a complete and balanced kitten food. Once they’ve reached adulthood (according to their breed), it’s time to transition to anadult cat food. Can Kittens Eat Adult Cat Food? Kittens have different nutritional needsthan adult cats, so they need a kitten food to support those needs. If the food label says it’s formulated “for all life stages,” however, that means it’s safe for both kittens and adult cats to eat. When Can Kittens Eat Dry & Wet Food? Although kittens shouldn’t eat adult cat food before they’ve fully matured, they can begin eating dry kibble and wet kitten food much earlier. By three to four weeks, kittens can begin eating moistened dry kibble or wet food. Between six and eight weeks, kittens are fully weaned from their mother’s milk and can eatdry or wet kitten food. Why It’s Important to Switch to Adult Cat Food Kittens experience rapid growth and development, plus, they’re playful and have a lot of energy. Kittenfood has higher calories and moreproteinandfatto support energetic,growingkittens. It’s also formulated with DHA to help support brain and vision development, plus vitamins and minerals needed for their developing immune systems. Once they reach maturity, cats don’t needthe same amounts of those nutrients. Plus, they’re often less energetic, so eating a high-calorie kitten food could result in weight gain. When & How to Switch from Kitten Food to Adult Cat Food Around your kitten’s first birthday (or between 18 months and 2 years for large breeds), it’s time to switch to an adult cat food. We recommend transitioning to adult food over a 7- to 10-day period to help avoid any digestive upset. Here’s how: • Days 1-2:Serve 3/4 of the normal amount of kitten food and add 1/4 of the new adult cat food. • Days 3-4:Serve half kitten food and half adult cat food. • Days 5-7:Serve 1/4 kitten food and 3/4 adult cat food. • Days 8-10:Serve only the new adult cat food. If your cat resists eating the new food, slow the transition and give her more time before you increase the amount of adult food. Consult with your veterinarian for additional tips on making the switch fromkitten food toadultcat food. For more tips and information on kitten nutrition fromourexperts, seeour Pet Expertise page.

Digestibility is the percentage of a food’s protein and other nutrients available and utilised by your cat. Assuming your cat is in good health, digestibility can be judged by their stool quality and volume. FORMULA OF THE FOOD BEING FED The digestibility of the food will vary as the ingredient composition varies. NUTRITIONAL BALANCE The correct ratio of nutrients in the diet helps to ensure efficient utilisation of them by your cat. INGREDIENT QUALITY Lower quality ingredients can affect the digestibility of a pet food. PROCESSING Even a formula of good quality ingredients can have its digestibility reduced by over-cooking or over-processing.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and Blood in Cat Urine One of the biggest health concerns amongst cat owners is the urinary tract health of their cat, known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) that affects the bladder and urethra of cats. This is a serious condition, which if left untreated can result in illness and sometimes death. Often there is not one single reason why a cat will develop FLUTD, as it’s often a combination of many factors that will culminate in this disease. While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged cats. Other factors can include obesity, stress of any kind, too much acidity or alkalinity of the urine, dehydration or a diet high in magnesium or other minerals. In some cases, the cause is never discovered. However there are many warning signs to watch out for which may include: • Prolonged squatting or straining in or out of the litter box (some owners may confuse this with signs of constipation) • Frequent urination or straining and only producing a small amount • Pain while urinating (meowing or howling) • Urinating outside of the litter box • Blood in the urine • Frequent licking of the genital area • Vomiting • Depression Additionally, diet can be a contributing factor in FLUTD cases, with research showing that feeding your cat a specifically formulated diet can help to maintain urinary tract health. PURINA ONE Urinary Tract Health Formulahas been developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists to help maintain urinary tract health by reducing urinary p H and providing low magnesium. And don’t forget,hydrationis really important for cats with FLUTD so ensure plenty of fresh water is available at all times.

Healthy skin and a shiny, well-groomed coat not only enhances your cat’s appearance, these are also good indicators of their health. These makeyour cat feel more comfortable and less prone to skin irritation and external parasites. Signs of Healthy Coat and Skin • Normal, healthy skin colour ranges from pale pink through to shades of brown to black. • Healthy skin is smooth, pliable and free from dandruff and odours. • Normal, healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not coarse, orbrittle. Signs of Healthy Eyes • Clear, bright eyes which are free of discharge are also a sign that your cat is feeling their best.

Healthy cats are usually alert, curious about their environment and anything new they might encounter. They should have a good appetite and keep themselves well groomed. Outward Signs Although the immune system generally functions on the inside, there are some outward signs that indicate robust good health: • Sleek, shiny coat • Active and energetic • Clear, bright eyes • Alert posture • Normally healthy skin; supple skin • Healthy gums • Good lung capacity; easy breathing • Strong muscles, healthy lungs • Resistance to disease

Your cat’s dental health is very important. Healthy teeth and gums are essential to ensure your cat can access the important nutrients that her food provides. The ability to effectively chew food is vital for good digestion. Signs of Healthy Teeth and Gums • Chewing reduces kibbles to smaller pieces that allows for the optimal digestion and utilisation of nutrients. • Feeding an appropriate diet to your pet can help to limit plaque and tartar build-up. • Check your cat regularly for signs of plaque and tartar build-up and see your veterinarian on a routine basis for examination and cleaning, if necessary.

Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? It may be that you’re offering your dog a large variety of foods, which could encourage him to refuse his regular food in order to see what will be offered next. Some dogs are eager to eat a particular pet food for several days, and then suddenly this eagerness vanishes and they eat reluctantly or refuse to eat for a few days. Sometimes this refusal is the dog’s attempt to control calorie intake. Overeating can cause a dog, like a human, to experience an uncomfortable feeling. It can be normal for a dog to attempt to relieve his discomfort by not eating or eating very little of his food. If your dog isn’t normally picky about his food and you’ve avoided creating “problem eater” habits, a trip to your veterinarian may be in order. Any deviation from his normal habits may be a sign of illness. How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight, in Ideal Body Condition or Too Thin • Rib Check: Place both of your thumbs on your dog’s backbone and spread both hands across his rib cage. You want to be able to feel his ribs. Actually feeling your dog is important, as the coat of many dogs will make a visual check difficult. • Profile Check: Examine your dog’s profile – it’s best if you are level with your dog. Look for the abdomen to be tucked up behind his rib cage – this is ideal. • Overhead Check: Looking at your dog from overhead, identify whether you can see a waist behind his ribs. Most dogs at a healthy weight should have an hourglass figure. If you find that your dog’s ribs and waistline aren’t where they’re supposed to be, adjust the amount of food offered accordingly. Digestive Health Gastrointestinal disease is one of the most common reasons dogs are brought to their veterinarians. Some digestive problems can be a result of dog food intolerances, and may resolve once the dog’s digestive system is given a chance to rest. But more serious conditions could result in weight loss, dehydration and debilitation. Your veterinarian can determine the appropriate treatment.

The decision to de-sex is one of the most significant aspects of pet care a cat owner can provide. De-sexing is known as spaying in female cats and neutering in male cats. De-sexing is performed by a veterinarian and is best carried out on your cat while they are still young. Benefits of De-sexing Spaying is good for the health of your cat and reduces the risk of her developing mammary tumours and uterine infection. Un-spayed female cats can breed prolifically, starting as young as 5 months and being able to have up to 15 kittens a year. Spaying avoids unwanted kittens, reduces the number of strays and dumping of unwanted cats. Neutering male cats reduces the risk of them developing testicular cancer. They are also much less likely to be aggressive and become involved in fights with other cats and less likely to spray urine to mark their territory. Entire (un-neutered) male cats that are involved in fights are more at risk of developing abscesses and spreading disease and of course also increase the population of unwanted kittens. Neutered cats are also much less likely to wander and have a reduced chance of being run over by cars. Weight gain Some people are reluctant to de-sex their kittens because they think it causes weight gain. Neutering does not directly cause male cats to gain weight and will not normally affect their activity levels. Spaying can lead to a weight gain because of the decrease in the female cat’s metabolism, as well as a change in her hormone levels. A reduction in oestrogen has also been associated with increased appetite and higher fat levels. Feeding weight management diets or diets specifically designed for spayed and neutered cats (such as PURINA ONE Ideal Weight) will help reduce calorie intake and minimise weight gain.

MAKING YOUR HOME PURR-FECT Bringing home a cat is the start of a long and happy life together. Below are some tips on welcoming the latest addition to your family: Choose a name – be creative and have fun! Just make sure it’s easy to say and doesn’t sound like anyone else in the family’s name, which might make things a tad confusing! Serve fresh food and water every day in clean plastic, ceramic or stainless steel dishes. Make sure your cat’s litter tray is as long and wide as possible. Cats function best when they have a choice of at least two trays, which are easily accessible. Attach an ID tag and bell to your cat so you know when they’re trying to get out! Make sure their collar allows for a ‘quick release’, in case their head gets caught on a branch or similar. Also speak with your vet about microchip insertion in case your cat gets lost. Choose a bed for your cat. There are number of beds in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials available in stores, but even a closed cardboard box with soft bedding and a hole cut into one side will do. Bear in mind, however, that your new pet may prefer your favourite sweater! Choose a variety of sturdy cat toys. Dangle them from a string tied to a stick and watch your pet perform all sorts of complicated gymnastics, before putting them away again when playtime is over. Always check the toys for damage after each play session. Cats don’t need to be bathed but brushing or combing your cat’s coat is a good habit and can help prevent hairballs. Find a vet that you can trust. This relationship may last 15 to 20 years. To prevent damage to carpets and furniture, provide scratching posts of sisal rope or horizontal strips of corrugated cardboard. Position a post near each of your cat’s favourite resting places. Finally, take lots of photos as your new pet will grow up very quickly. Plus, if your cat ever gets lost, recent photos on posters are a huge help to help bring them home. Need more information? Contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

BODY CONDITION A cat’s body is considered ideal when it’s well proportioned. You should be able to feel the outline of the ribs with only gentle pressure of your fingertips. Your cat should have a waist when viewed from above and its belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side. LEARN MORE IMMUNE SYSTEM This is indicated by overall well-being and quality of life. Physical signs of a strong immune system include active and energetic behaviour, alert posture and strong muscle. LEARN MORE SKIN, COAT & EYES Normal, healthy skin colour ranges from pale pink through to shades of brown and black. A healthy coat is smooth, pliable and free of dandruff and odours. Eyes should be clear, bright and free from discharge. LEARN MORE BONE & JOINT HEALTH Signs that may help you identify healthy bones and joints include a normal range of motion and flexibility to perform routine tasks such a climbing stairs, proper posture and continued interest in exercise. LEARN MORE DENTAL HEALTH Healthy teeth and gums are the first step in the digestive process and the ability to effectively chew food is vital for digestion. Check your cat’s teeth regularly for signs of build-up and see your vet on a routine basis for an examination and cleaning if necessary. LEARN MORE DIGESTION Digestibility is the percentage of a food’s protein and other nutrients available and utilised by your cat. Assuming your cat is in good health, digestibility can be judged by their stool quality and volume. LEARN MORE

Keeping Your Cat Healthy Cats can help keep you happy and healthy, and we know you want to return the favour. While good food and exercise go a long way toward achieving that goal, it’s important to understand the health problems your cat may be at risk for. Some of the most common health problems for cats have simple explanations, but a visit to your veterinarian is always the best way to confirm what’s really wrong and assure that your cat gets the best treatment possible. Preventing Obesity for Your Cat It may be simple to ignore your pet’s weight problem, but remember that it could shorten her lifespan, and make her days more laborious and less enjoyable. Obesity can also lead to other health problems, like diabetes, diminished immune function and digestive issues. Helping Your Cat Lose Weight If your cat has become overweight and you can no longer feel her ribs, it’s time to change her habits. Consider feeding your cat a lower-calorie cat food or a veterinary weight loss diet, and make sure she gets some kind of exercise during the day. Cut out table scraps completely, and make sure treats constitute no more than 10% of her daily caloric intake. For the best chance of successful weight loss, work with your veterinarian on making a comprehensive, customised plan for your cat.

Why have you changed the recipe? The previous Friskies range was made in the USA. The new Friskies range is now made at our Blayney factory in Australia. This means we can ensure a more consistent supply of our Friskies products to our key retailers. Nestle Purina Petcare have manufacturing sites all over the world, and it now makes sense to bring our manufacturing closer to where our consumers are located and where we sell our products. Due to the sourcing and availability of raw material ingredients being different in the US to Australia (eg: corn is a commonly grown grain in the US, wheat is a more commonly grown grain in Australia), we have had to change our recipes to reflect this change to Australia now being our place of manufacture. At Nestle Purina Petcare, with every reformulation, we ensure that we deliver a variety of 100% complete and balanced foods made with high quality ingredients for your cat’s needs, taste and preference. How is this recipe different Vs the previous recipe? In terms of recipe, the key differences are: • Non-artificial colours – In 2016, we made a commitment to remove all artificial colours from our pet foods, which we have begun the transition on: by the end of 2022 all Purina dry pet foods will have no added artificial colours in our recipes. However, rest assure that this does not affect the nutritional value or quality of the product. Neither does it affect the delicious taste that your cat loves about Friskies! • Switch to Australian grains - previously the recipe from the US was more corn-based as corn is the most widely available grain grown in the US. However, as we have now moved our sourcing to Australia, we are using grains that are more commonly grown in Australia. Common grain crop grown in Australia include wheat and barley. Grains provide an important source of carbohydrates for energy for your cat, as well as delivering protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre. I noticed that the product used to come from the USA and now it comes from Australia. Why is that? The previous Friskies range was made in the USA. The new Friskies range is now made at our Blayney factory in Australia. This means we can ensure a more consistent supply of our Friskies products to our key retailers. Nestle Purina Petcare have manufacturing sites all over the world, and it now makes sense to bring our manufacturing closer to where our consumers are located and where we sell our products. Will I need to transition feed my cat from the old Friskies to this new Friskies? Yes, we know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging. Why do the kibbles look different compared to the current? The new formula uses non-artificial colours, hence the kibbles look different from the current kibble products. We are continuously monitoring consumer trends and know that trends continue to evolve, and we know that in the same way that people tell us they don’t want artificial colours in their food, they also tell us they don’t want them in their pet’s food either. We are responding to this consumer feedback and will remove artificial colours from all Purina products end 2024 without compromising on quality or taste. Does the difference in kibble colors affect the nutritional value of the product? ​The difference in kibble colours does not affect the overall nutritional composition or quality of the product. I have been giving my cat the old Friskies range, and I notice that the new pack has stated "no added artificial color and preservatives“. Does it mean that it's harmful for my cat which they have been consuming the previous Friskies recipe with colors and preservative? No, we use both nature-identical and artificial colours in very small amounts in some of our products. Like in the human food industry, colours are used to give it a more appealing and appetising appearance, and these colors are completely safe for pets. Consumer trends for foods are evolving and in the same way that people don’t want artificial colours in their food, they don’t want them in their pet’s food either. We are responding to this desire and will remove artificial colours from food by 2024 without compromising on quality or taste. Why are you changing the packaging look and feel? We made changes to help cat owners easily identify and choose between the different Friskies dry cat food flavours available. We have also taken the opportunity to improve how key information is laid out on pack, including improved visibility of flavour variant and nutritional information to make it easier for consumers to find the right product for their cats’ preferences both in store and online. My cat developed gas / soft stools / diarrhea after eating the new Friskies. What caused this and what should I do? We know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging. What meat is used in poultry by product meal, and poultry oil? All poultry products used in Friskies are primarily by-products of chicken processing. My cat is not willing to eat the new formulation and what other cat food is suggested on this case? We know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging.