Guide to choose the best dry food for your indoor cat

It is true, our favorite pets not only take a place in our homes but also in our hearts. If you are a cat owner, we bet that nothing can beat the snuggle of your cat in draining away the day’s tiredness. And what’s the best way to return the love other than giving your cat the best dry cat food?

Indoor cats have different nutritional needs that are very different from outdoor cats. The food you feed your cat will reflect through his health. Feeding him a good high-quality diet is important; however, several options and opinions from other cat owners can leave you drowned in confusion. You should consider several factors before deciding on the best dry food for your indoor cat.

Consider your cat’s age – The food you present your cat with should totally be appropriate for his age. Cats progress through the age phase of being kittens, adults, and seniors. What you feed your cat totally depends on the life phase that it is in. If you have a senior cat, he does not need as much energy food as a growing kitten will. A low-fat diet with easily digestible proteins eases the burden on your cat’s digestive system. Several brands develop dry cat food that is specially formulated for your cat who falls in the senior age category.

Allergic ingredients – When buying dry food for your cat, do look out for ingredients that your cat can be allergic to. A lot of cats are allergic to grains such as soy, wheat, corn, etc. Feeding your cat food that contains such offenders can lead to its stomach reacting.

Special diet restrictions – Do consider the diet restrictions of your cat. If your cat is overweight, further feeding of heavy food will only aggravate the problem. Moreover, a slender cat needs just enough fats and carbs to maintain it’s weight. Also, there is food that is specially formulated for cats who face digestive or urinary tract problems.

Choose from well-known brands – Do a good research on brands that offer dry cat food. Zero in on a brand that is reputed and has been around for a long time. Do not go for a brand that is relatively new, especially if you haven’t heard about it before.

Purchase a trial pack – You are not going to be sure if your cat is going to like the food that you pour into the bowl. Most brands offer smaller or sample packs that will let you test the preference of your cat. Buying a large pack of dry cat food that your cat doesn’t like with put in a lot of money and food to waste.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Remedies for Lupus
    Lupus, an autoimmune disease has serious complications in the later stages. It attacks kidneys and produces Nephritis. Efficiency of kidneys reduces and toxins and other wastes accumulate in the blood. One may suffer from hematuria or blood in urine. Hypertension and swelling in lower legs set in. Untreated it can lead to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Lupus also causes early morning lower leg swelling. Over the counter medication may not offer relief. The swelling starts mild and often goes unnoticed. Meet the doctor for appropriate treatment. It is necessary to eliminate ailments like arthritis. Effect on gastrointestinal systems are dry mouth as the salivary gland is affected. Patients may develop another autoimmune disease called Sjogren's syndrome, a condition where salivary, tear and vaginal glands are damaged. Other symptoms are heart burns or acid reflux. Over the counter drugs are initially effective. Not lying down immediately after meals help. A more serious condition is protein leak from the intestines, causing nutritional deficiency, and diarrhea creating further complications. The condition is called protein losing enteropathy. Lupus patients run increased risks of heart and coronary artery diseases, coagulation of blood in the body leading to thromboembolism which very serious depending on the location of the embolism. This is due to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This also increases miscarriage in women. Advanced treatment involves the use of over the counter NSAID and later prescription level stronger NSAIDs. They have the side effects of gastric hemorrhage, kidney problems and increased risks of heart diseases. Antimalarial drugs are found to be effective in controlling the inflammation. They have the side effects though like stomach bleeding and damage to retina. Other more advanced treatments involve the use of corticosteroids. They are effective in controlling inflammation but have major side effects like weight gain, hypertension, osteoporosis, easy bruising, increased risk of infections and their going out of control diabetics etc. Another avenue is immunosuppressants. They suppress the immune system and have increased risks of infection, liver damage, cancer and decreased fertility. The best option is early detection and treatment which avoids the requirement of advanced avenues of treatment. From the home remedy perspective, turmeric is effective in controlling inflammation and useful in refractory lupus nephritis. Ginger with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve joint swelling and pain. Omega 3 fatty acids reduces inflammation and probiotic food reduces flare ups and reduces their frequency. Confirmation from the doctor is a prerequisite.
  • The Pros And Cons Of Investment With Banks And Financial Institutions

    Almost everyone wants to retire young and rich. That's why most people want to start investing so that they get a high return on the money that they have. This lets the money to continue to flow in. You can choose banks or financial institutions for this purpose. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in conventional methods like Bank fixed deposits, versus financial institute mutual funds.

    Fixed Deposits

    Fixed deposit is an investment plan where you invest a sum of money in a bank for a set period (tenure) with a specific rate of interest. This is one of the most common investment approaches with banks.
    Pros:
    Low risk
    The safest investment with a bank is a fixed deposit. It gives steady growth and provides maximum security to your principal amount.
    Assurance
    When you open a fixed deposit, the interest rate is predetermined and remains the same throughout the term. This means that the growth of your principal isn't subject to any other influencing factors.
    Tax benefits
    You can get tax benefits when you start a fixed deposit. Your taxable amount will be deducted according to the deposit you've made.

    Cons:
    Lower earnings
    When compared to other investment plans, these have a very low rate of return. Although it's risk-free, the earnings are mediocre at best.
    The effect of inflation
    When compared to inflation, FDs don't offer returns good enough to beat the inflation. They're just a decent investment that offers security at most.
    Taxable
    In spite of having tax benefits, FDs don't entirely save tax. The returns you get after maturity are taxable. This means you won't get the full benefit of your investment. That's a major drawback.
    Low liquidity
    FDs come with a lock-in period. This takes away flexibility in your investments.
    A premature withdrawal has two side effects. First, you'll be charged a fee for pre-closure. Second, the interest rate reduces. Both are losses that should be avoided.

    Mutual Funds
    Stock or equity is the ownership of shares in a company or business.
    Pros :
    Highest returns
    From all investments option, equity/stocks are the best when it comes to returns. If invested properly, the average returns ranges from 12-15%. Some good investors can even reach numbers of up to 20%.
    Liquidity
    Another advantage with stock investment is that you can withdraw your money anytime you want.
    This flexibility works better in the long run since it lets you keep control of your money.
    Tax-free Dividend
    Many companies give regular dividends on stocks. That's a great way to generate an alternate income. The best part is that is that it's not taxable.

    Defeat Inflation

    With returns being high, stocks are a great option to beat inflation significantly.
    Cons:
    Highest Risk
    Equity is the least secure investment you can make. With some strategic planning and proper management, this can be avoided to an extent.
    Reallocation
    Equity funds don't perform all that well when you leave them to mature like FDs and PFs. They need to be monitored regularly.
    According to market fluctuation, certain funds might not perform well. In those times, you should reallocate these funds to a more profitable organisation. This isn't easy and needs you to monitor the market regularly.

    Whether you're investing with banks or financial institution, both have their own merits and demerits. You should take a call based on your current status and financial goals that you've set.

  • Severe Psoriasis – Treatment Options to Consider
    Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease associated with abnormal skin patches. These skin patches are typically dry, itchy, and scaly. This condition arises when there is an abnormally rapid growth of the epidermal layer of the skin. Treatment options for psoriasis Psoriasis cannot be completely cured. However, it can be treated by various methods. Psoriasis treatment options are broadly classified into the following three types. Topical treatment
    • Topical cortisol – Mild cortisol can reduce inflammation and relieve itching. These are prescribed for sensitive areas such as the face or skin folds, for treating patches of damaged skin.
    • Vitamin D analogs - Synthetic forms of vitamin D like Calcipotriene treats mild to moderate psoriasis and slows skin cell growth.
    • Moisturizers – Moisturizers and emollients like petroleum jelly and mineral oil, when applied on psoriasis, has shown clearance of plaques.
    • Anthralin – This helps in slow skin growth and removal of scales on the skin. Although it is one of the effective psoriasis treatment options, it can irritate the skin or scalp, if applied for long. Hence, it is recommended that you wash it off after some time.
    • Salicylic acid – It causes sloughing of dead cells, thereby reducing scaling. Available in the form of medicated shampoos and scalp solutions, when combined with other medications, salicylic acid may become more effective.
    • Coal tar – A derivative of coal, it reduces inflammation and scaling. It comes as creams, shampoos, and oils and has a strong odor.
    • Topical retinoids – These are derived from Vitamin A and can decrease inflammation. Avoid using it directly on the skin when exposed to the sun.
    Ultraviolet therapy
    • Sunlight – Psoriasis, when exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight, slows skin cell production and reduces scaling and inflammation. However, intense exposure may be harmful to the condition.
    • UVB phototherapy – Ultraviolet B phototherapy is one of the psoriasis treatment options which can be used to treat single patches of psoriasis. Special lamps are used for controlled light exposure on the affected area. There are two types of UVB phototherapy – broadband and narrow band.
    • Goeckerman therapy – A combination of UVB and coal tar treatment is known as the Goeckerman treatment. When combined, these therapies prove more effective than either one alone.
    • Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) – This is a kind of therapy which involves light-sensitizing medication before UVA phototherapy. The UVA light penetrates deeper into the skin than the UVB light, and psoralen makes the skin more responsive to UVA exposure.
    Systemic agents Oral or injected medicines are psoriasis treatment options prescribed to individuals who are resistant to other forms of treatment. These include the following.
    • Methotrexate – These suppress inflammation and production of skin cells.
    • Cyclosporine – Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system. Hence, its long-term dosages are not recommended.
    • Other medications – Etanercept, Infliximab, Adalimumab, Ustekinumab, Golimumab, Apremilast, Secukinumab, and Ixekizumab are medications that can be considered when other medicines can't be given.
  • Ceiling fans – Types, maintenance and more
    Ceiling fans are a great invention and one of the best add-ons to home appliances. They help to supplement cooling and heating effect. They force warm downward air in winters and stir it up to make it cool in summers. This function also saves few pennies as it decreases the load on heating and air-conditioning systems. Ceiling fans have evolved significantly from their obsolete counterparts in style, configuration, design, better motor system, controls, finishing material, etc. Ceiling fans are mostly mounted in a ceiling box with a control which comes with a capacitor design to manage its speed. Some ceiling fans are highly sophisticated with an inbuilt programmable light and its fan settings. They automatically adjust their speed to the room temperature and turn it off when away from home with the help of remote controls. Various factors like the height of the room, its relative humidity, and air temperature should be considered before buying any ceiling fan. There are different types of ceiling fans such as outdoor ceiling fans, industrial fans, Energy star ceiling fans, Hugger ceiling fans, etc. Industrial ceiling fans consist of three blades and a motor. They are considered to be cost-effective, energy savings and designed for offices, factories, industries, etc. Outdoor ceiling fans are preferred in locations outside the home and have rust-proof finishing. They are made from materials that can bear cold, heat, humidity and other environmental fluctuations. Energy star ceiling fans save up to one-third energy and is a joint program between U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. Hugger ceiling fans are installed in rooms as close to the surface of the ceiling to maximise headspace. A ceiling fan is made up of numerous parts, and troubles develop sooner or later. All the screws and bolts should be tightened without damaging the blades. The house wires should be properly connected to the fan, and its airflow should be checked. Dust can damage it and can be cleaned by using a cloth or a dusting spray. Proper maintenance is crucial for the effective functioning of ceiling fans.
  • What makes a resume impressive
    With the availability of sundry resume writing services, creating a resume has become rather easy. Despite the accessibility of so many professional services, writing a resume still needs some tact and the highest level of professional astuteness that not all agencies can furnish or deliver. It is true that many professionals benefit from hired services; however, for many, these may not be enough to make the cut. It is, therefore, essential to incorporate certain aspects in a resume that not only make it effective but also vouch for your efficient and positive professional personality. Check out some of the tips that can help you create an impactful and impressive resume. Formatting is key While the content ranks supreme in a resume, it is equally important that you pay some attention to the visual aspect of it. Usually, a recruiter browses through your resume for a few seconds to scan through crucial competencies and valuable experience. It is, therefore, important that your resume is crisp, succinct, legible, organized, and most importantly well formatted. A well-formatted resume is a tool that can help you direct the reader’s eye. Using a logical format, clear headlines, clean font, and well-articulated bullet points are aspects that can make all the difference. Highlight accomplishments instead of job descriptions While preparing your resume, you must ensure all generic or overused terms and impersonal job descriptions merely delineating your roles are avoided. It is rather important that you quantify your achievements and acquaint the recruiter with your unique skills on the job. Mold your resume according to the industry Since every resume caters to a specific industry, it is important to be perceptive to the industry requirements. For instance, creative fields like advertising, publishing, or designing offer applicants a more creative license to make a resume in comparison to technical fields like engineering. Simplicity goes a long way Often people tend to incorporate jargons and esoteric terms that are often incomprehensible and misleading. Therefore, it is important that you avoid giving a pedantic exhibition of your knowledge. Applicants must ensure that their descriptions are clear and weaved such that they can easily be processed and understood.
  • Ways to keep away and prevent meningitis
    Meningitis is not a very common but one of the most dangerous infections. It is the inflation of the meninges, a thin membrane that protects your brain and spinal cord. There are several reasons that cause meningitis and they include a weak immune system, bleeding of the meninges, contact with people with infections, etc. Although meningitis can be treated, it can prove fatal. Meningitis is particularly dangerous as it affects the brain and spinal cord. Ignoring the symptoms of meningitis can leave serious lifelong handicap conditions. As the saying goes "Prevention is better than cure," it is imperative to prevent this disease and take steps to avoid it all together. Maintain a healthy lifestyle - It is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle irrespective of the conditions. You should get enough sleep, eat healthy, not smoke, and immediately visit the doctor in case of any infection. A healthy lifestyle is essential to keep your immunity strong. Wash your hands - As kids, we have been taught to wash our hands before and after an activity. However, we often forget to do so. The simple act of washing your hand before and after eating a meal, changing a diaper, coughing, or visiting the washroom can prevent bacteria from entering your mouth. Always use soap and water to wash your hands. Avoid sharing personal items - Refrain from sharing a glass, plate, toothbrush, or lipsticks with another person. Contact with an infected person's secretion such as saliva and nasal mucus can lead to contracting of meningitis. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze - Always place your hand on your nose and mouth when you feel the urge to sneeze. A sneeze can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis. Vaccination - Getting yourself vaccinated at the right time is the best way to prevent meningitis. It is recommended that one must get vaccinated between the age of 10 and 21 as this is the age when the risk of contracting meningitis is the highest. Also, of you are planning to travel or live in a region that is known to be common for meningitis, then it is better to take the vaccine. Consult the doctor - If you do come in contact with a person who has the infection, do visit your doctor at the earliest. Depending on the type of meningitis, your doctor will be able to prescribe you some medication as a precaution. Try and limit contact with any person who is infected. These are a few steps that you should take to avoid being susceptible to meningitis.