THE STEPS INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING PET FOOD Your cat depends on you for a good diet and the right nutrition. It’s also important that you pay special attention to the quality and freshness of the food you provide to avoid food poisoning. Food poisoning is usually caused by eating raw or inadequately cooked food or from foraging for waste in rubbish bins. Illness from manufactured pet food, however, is very rare thanks to stringent quality assurance and safety checks. However, it’s always best to check the use by date to ensure maximum freshness. From the selection of raw ingredients to warehousing and delivery, the manufacture of pet food is closely monitored every step of the way. Processes, additives, ingredients and product safety are all under strict regulations. COOKING The cooking process prevents the appearance of bacteria or moulds. Canned foods and pouches are cooked by sealed-in pressure cooking. Dry foods are extruded (flash cooking dough at high pressure) or baked. Finished products are segregated from the incoming raw materials to prevent cross-contamination. PACKAGING Canned foods are sealed to prevent any further contact with external micro-organisms or exposure to oxygen which causes spoilage. Lacquered linings for cans and the foil of pouches protect the food and metal from interacting. Damaged cans are at risk because the protection seal may have been broken. Avoid swollen cans or pouches. Dry foods remain fresh over many months because bacteria can’t grow and spoil food when moisture levels are low. Dry food packaging and the fatty coating of biscuits help prevent the entry of moisture and oxygen that can cause food spoilage during storage. Once opened, cover dry foods and store in a cool dry place. Do not store moistened dry foods as moulds may grow, which can harm your pet. INGREDIENT SELECTION AND QUALITY Every ingredient used in commercially-produced food must have a specification sheet requiring suppliers to meet established levels of quality. Suppliers must ensure ingredients are free of or meet the minimal safe levels of toxins and metals while also providing the correct nutrient content. Meats are delivered to factories frozen or chilled to ensure quality. For more information on Cat food safety contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

Cats have four main protective systems that work together to protect, support and promote health and wellbeing. These are the skin and coat, digestive system (gastrointestinal tract), immune system and urinary system. The performance of each is interlinked to the other. Less-than-optimal performance in one will lead to adverse effects in the other systems. The skin and coat system is the largest organ in the body. The skin is the main organ through which the body interacts with the outside environment. The skin and coat have a variety of protective functions. These include providing a physical barrier for the rest of the body against the external environment. The digestive system works to protect the cat in two ways. The first is by digesting and absorbing essential nutrients that can be utilised by it and the other protective systems to promote overall health and wellbeing. Secondly, the digestive system plays an immunologic role to defend against bacteria and toxins that have entered the body from the outside world. In fact, the digestive system is the primary site for the body’s immune system response, containing as much as 70% of the body’s immune cells. The immune system is central to all the cat’s protective systems. It is a complex network in the body designed to provide the host animal with protection against foreign invaders that can trigger disease, negatively impact heath, or affect overall wellbeing. It is the role of the immune system to recognise invading agents and then repel or destroy them. The urinary system is integral to the wellbeing and overall health of the cat. Strong, healthy kidneys and optimal urinary p H can help prevent stone formation. Fatty acids help regulate kidneys, which are the body’s essential filtration system, flushing out potentially harmful substances from the body as urine, ensuring optimal urinary tract health and performance. Each of these four systems operates at its peak efficiently only when supplied with vital nutrients at an appropriate level from the cat’s diet. That’s why PRO PLAN® OPTINUTRITION provides high quality food, made with high quality ingredients, that will help ensure constant replenishment of the vital nutrients necessary for the protective systems to function at peak performance. For more information contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

FUSSY EATERS Cats have a bit of a reputation for being rather particular about what’s in their bowl. Most have their favourite textures and flavours – and can be quick to turn up their nose at anything out of the ordinary. But fussy eaters are made, not born, so the best way to avoid finicky eating habits is to nip them in the bud! DON’T TEACH BAD HABITS Cats may have a mind of their own, but they still learn from how we treat them. A sure way to create fussy eaters is to chop and change their routines, or panic at the first sign of rejection by tempting them back to the bowl with tidbits from your table. They’ll quickly learn how to manipulate you to feed them tasty ‘owner’ food rather than a healthy balanced diet. Think about it from your cat’s point of view: what would you do if you were ‘rewarded’ with a treat every time you didn’t eat? To avoid fussy tendencies, your best bet is to pick a routine and stick to it. IS YOUR CAT REALLY BEING FUSSY? Sometimes, fussiness is more down to the way you serve food rather than the food itself. Cats generally prefer to be left in peace to eat and don’t enjoy an audience. Create a bit of privacy at mealtimes and switch feeding time until after the rest of household has eaten, keeping your cat away from the family eating area during meals. Make sure your cat’s bowl is clean. Many cats won’t eat out of a bowl that has bits of old food in it. Would you? Get into the habit of washing out food and water bowls after each use, since leftovers and bacteria are no better for cats than for humans. If your cat normally enjoys dry food but has suddenly become fussy, you may need to replace the food. Dry food absorbs moisture and becomes stale, especially in warmer weather. If canned food is the problem, it may be because you just took it out of the fridge. Cold wet food doesn’t have much of an aroma and cats won’t eat what they can’t smell. You can make wet food more appealing by heating it until it’s warm to the touch, releasing the food’s aroma and stimulating the appetite. If your cat spends time outdoors, remember there are plenty of opportunities for an unscheduled snack the other side of the cat flap. By dinnertime, your cat just might not be hungry. Like humans, cats react to the weather. Hot summer days suppress the appetite and your cat can’t opt for a light salad as an alternative like we can. Unlike humans, cats don’t have psychological eating disorders and most will give in when they get really hungry. When your cat does eventually eat, offer lots of praise and affection as soon as the bowl has been removed. IF THE STUBBORNNESS CONTINUES If your cat’s fussiness continues, think about trying an alternative high quality cat food. Stick with the previous preference, whether dry or wet. Sometimes a simple change of recipe will get the taste buds working again. You should also check your cat’s teeth. A dental problem or abscess could make eating difficult or painful. If your cat’s gums are red or swollen, or the breath is unpleasant, ask your vet for a dental check-up. REFUSAL TO EAT FOR 24 HOURS OR LONGER If your cat refuses all food for 24 hours or more, consult your vet. Refusal to eat can indicate a developing allergy, or be a sign of a more serious complaint. It may just be fussiness, but it’s always best to be safe and check with an expert.

Prevention is always better than cure – and your cat’s health is no exception. That means understanding what to look out for and conducting regular home check-ups. Every month you should examine your cat carefully for early signs of illness. Just remember that some cats are very good at hiding illness or pain, so you need to be vigilant. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet. HEALTH CHECK LIST Body condition– you should just be able to feel, but not see, your cat’s ribs. Your cat should have a recognisable waistline and a distinct tummy tuck. Watch for signs of unusual weight loss or gain. Ears– these should be clear of any thick brown or black wax and have no smell. For thinly-haired cats or cats with white-tipped ears, consider using sunscreen lotion to prevent sunburn (which in turn can lead to skin cancer). Eyes– should be bright and clear, with no redness, discharge or apparent soreness. Your cat should not shy away from light as if it hurts the eyes. Nose– your cat’s nose is usually soft and damp to the touch. Nostrils should be free of discharge or crusting. Mouth– teeth should be white with no excess tartar, with pale pink or black gums. Look out for dropping food, excess salivation, clawing at the mouth or bad breath as a sign of dental problems. Skin and coat– skin can be pink or black, depending on the pigments normally found in your cat’s skin. There should be no dandruff, fleas, bald patches or sores, and the coat should be thick and shiny, with no broken hairs. Nails– should be smooth and, if you have an indoor cat, clipped regularly to prevent ingrowing. Digestion– occasional vomiting of hair or grass can be normal. But persistent sickness or choking when eating should be checked out. Make sure your cat’s stools are normal in colour and consistency, with no diarrhoea or constipation. If you have any concerns contact your vet. Thirst– healthy cats don’t appear to drink that much, particularly when they eat wet food due to its high moisture content. Outdoor cats will often find liquids away from home. But always have a large bowl of fresh, clean water available, and, in the case of any sharp increase in water intake, consult your vet. Attitude– cats that feel unwell often shy away from human contact, or act aggressively. Keep a close eye on things, as cats are very good at hiding illness. If you want more information contact the Purina Pet Care Advice teamherefor free advice.

How to Feed Your Cat Whether your cat is a finicky or overzealous eater, their instincts may shape their preferences in ways you’ve never thought of. You’ll ultimately have the best handle on your cat’s preferences for taste, smell and texture, but here are a few other factors to consider in making feeding time more effective and enjoyable. Bowl vs. Plate Your cat’s whiskers help them navigate their surroundings, determine if they can fit through openings, and communicate their mood. Here are tips for choosing a dish that works with their whiskers, not against them. Tip 1: Use a shallow bowl that your cat can grab food from without impeding their whiskers. Tip 2: Choose a dish large enough to hold a day’s worth of food, with a lip just tall enough to keep the food contained while letting them easily observe the room. Tip 3: If you constantly find yourself cleaning up after your cat, consider a wide plate large enough to catch stray kibble or canned food. Proper Placement In the wild, cats like to have a clear view of their surroundings in order to detect the approach of rivals or predators. This means that where you place your cat’s dish plays an important role in their level of comfort at feeding time. Tip 1: Placing a cat’s dish in the corner of a room may put them both on edge and on guard because they can’t see what’s around them. This is especially true in homes with multiple cats or a dog. Tip 2: To lessen the tension, try positioning their dish in the open to maximize their sight lines.

Our Global Nutrition Philosophy We’re pet lovers ourselves, and we believe that all pets deserve nutrition that goes beyond industry standards. From advancing the way kibble is made to employing over 400 scientists and nutritionists today, we work hard to push pet nutrition forward for cats everywhere. Learn more about Our Global Nutrition Philosophy OUR GLOBAL NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY What Do Cats Need to Thrive? Cats, just like humans, have complex nutritional needs. Purina complete pet foods provide a 100% complete and balanced diet for pets. At Purina, we study closely what cats eat in the wild, and reflect their natural needs using our quality ingredients. To understand your cat’s needs, let’s look at her physiology: IMMUNE SYSTEM Protein, antioxidants and Omega-6 fatty acids help support your cat’s immune system. SKIN AND COAT Specific amino acids (the building blocks of protein), Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E help maintain your cat’s shiny coat. DIGESTION Wholesome grains and high-quality protein sources make it easier for your cat to digest the nutrients in her food. BONES AND TEETH To help support strong bones, your cat needs calcium and phosphorous. VISION Vitamin A and taurine help keep your cat’s vision sharp.

Choosing the Right Cat Food When choosing a food for your pet, it’s important to consider many factors, from your cat’s age to her size to any special dietary needs she might have – and that’s just the beginning. Consider Your Cat's Life Stage KITTEN At this key developmental stage in a cat’s life, your kitten needs special nutritional requirements that include DHA to support proper vision and brain development. ADULT Our foods contain nutrient and energy levels designed to help keep your cat in ideal body condition when fed properly, with a glossy coat and plenty of energy. SENIOR Choosing a quality senior cat food can help your feline companion continue to live her best life well into her golden years. Weaning Kittens Weaning kittens is a gradual process. If you find that you have a young kitten that is not with its mother due to an accident or is found alone then you may need to help with the weaning process. Whether you choose canned or dry food, adding moisture will help your pet to adjust. How to wean kittens Kittens can usually be started on the weaning process at three weeks of age and should be fully weaned by six to eight weeks. If you serve your kitten canned food, mash it up and mix it with water to form gruel. You can even smear this on your kitten’s lips to encourage her to lick it off. Some kittens will take the food as a mash but make sure there are no big chunks. Dry food can also be soaked and used to make gruel. Feed a little, regularly. As the kitten gets older, add less water to the mixture. Many kittens will eat dry food without it being soaked by 10-12 weeks of age, while most will manage a canned kitten food at six to eight weeks.

Is Your Cat a Picky Eater? Cats may have minds of their own, but they still learn from how we treat them. A sure way to create fussy eaters is to chop up or change their routines, or panic at the first sign of rejection by tempting them back to the bowl with tidbits from your table. They’ll quickly learn how to manipulate you to feed them tasty ‘owner’ food rather than a healthy balanced diet. Think about it from your cat’s point of view: what would you do if you were ‘rewarded’ with a treat every time you didn’t eat? To avoid fussy tendencies, your best bet is to pick a routine and stick to it. If your cat isn’t normally picky about her food and you’ve avoided creating “problem eater” habits, a trip to your veterinarian may be in order. Any deviation from her normal habits may be a sign of illness. How to Tell if Your Cat is Overweight, in Ideal Body Condition or Too Thin Here are 3 simple ways to tell if your cat’s diet needs an adjustment. • Rib Check: Place both of your thumbs on your cat’s backbone and spread both hands across her rib cage. You want to be able to feel her ribs. Actually feeling your cat is • important, as the coat of many cats will make a visual check difficult. • Profile Check: Examine your cat’s profile – it’s best if you are level with your cat. • Look for the abdomen to be tucked up behind her rib cage – this is ideal. • Overhead Check: Looking at your cat from overhead, identify whether you can see • a waist behind her ribs. If you find that your cat’s ribs and waistline aren’t where they’re supposed to be, adjust your cat’s food accordingly.

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.

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