Latest news with #CatFriendlyEveryDay
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
New Data Debunks Cat Food Myths with Veterinary Support on International Cat Day
National, August 11, 2025: With the rise of cat ownership in urban India, a new national survey conducted by Eval360 Research, in collaboration with veterinarians, endorsed by SACA (Small Animal Clinicians Association of India) Chandigarh, and SAPA (Small Animal Practitioners Association SAPA),Guhawati, has uncovered significant nutritional challenges faced by cats on home-cooked diets. The study, supported by Mars Petcare India, comes at a crucial time as International Cat Day (August 8), a day dedicated to understanding and creating cat-friendly environments. According to a Mars Pet Parent Survey, 43% of Indian cat owners consider their cats "the most important part of their lives," highlighting the growing need for proper pet care education. This year's International Cat Day theme, #CatFriendlyEveryDay, focuses on precisely this—understanding a cat's needs, which includes their diet, to ensure their well-being. To understand the perspectives of pet nutrition and the gap that exists in the feeding practices across pets, we interviewed more than 500 veterinarians across India. We utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze their views on pet parent awareness, current feeding practices, and common myths, allowing us to gain key insights." said Pankaj Jha (Co-founder, EVAL360 Research and Advisory Services). Cats' digestive physiology is different from humans in handling food or nutrient requirements. Many foods that are fine for humans can cause stomach problems, or serious health issues in them. Our food including vegetarian food can cause inadequate or malnutrition while raw meat/ eggs , garlic or onion, chocolates or grapes can lead to health issues or toxicity. It may be tempting to share our food with cats but their bodies need special diets to stay healthy. Feeding an unbalanced or inadequate diet causes several health issues affecting skin and coat , oral health and digestive health as well as obesity related health problems. Cat parents should provide balanced pet food and check with a vet before giving them any human food. Keeping pets on the right diet is one of the best ways to show love and care.' said, Dr Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare'. Debunking Common Cat Food Myths The survey directly addresses several widespread myths about cat nutrition, providing a clear, fact-based guide for pet parents Myth: People think that milk should be given to cats. But this is a myth, adult cats don't have enzymes to digest lactose Most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest milk. Dr. Saurabh Kumar (Lucknow) said: 'People think that milk should be given to cats. But this is a myth. The reason for not providing milk to adult cats is that they don't have the enzymes to digest lactose.' Myth: Homemade food is always better or sufficient for a pet's nutritional needs. 88% of vets say home-cooked food does not meet a cat's nutritional needs. Dr. Saloni Mishra (Jaipur) said, 'Cats require essential nutrients like amino acids (L-carnitine and Taurine, especially for cats) and vital minerals like zinc, selenium, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids that aid a healthy coat, skin, and immune system for the Indian scenario." Myth: Commercial pet foods are harmful and cause health issues like allergies or seizures. The study reveals vets observe significant health improvements when pets switch from home-cooked to nutritionally complete packaged food. 70% of vets reported weight control, 66% observed increased energy, and 61% noted fewer digestive issues. Myth: Packaged pet food is like "junk food" for humans or made from inferior by-products. Veterinarians highlight the scientific advantages of packaged pet food over home-cooked food. A remarkable 91% of vets feel that nutrient balance and calorie precision are key scientific benefits, and 79% point to safety, quality, and digestibility. Experts note that globally manufactured pet foods are "research based" and provide nutrients in appropriate proportions missing in homemade options. Veterinarians recommend feeding cats scientifically balanced, complete diets that meet their life stage, breed, and health needs. If home-cooked meals are preferred, pet parents must ensure these are vet-guided and supplemented appropriately. Above all, they should stop treating cats like small humans—and start feeding them like cats. This International Cat Day, let's go beyond cuddles and care, let's feed with facts. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
News18
12 hours ago
- Health
- News18
New Data Debunks Cat Food Myths with Veterinary Support on International Cat Day
National, August 9, 2025: With the rise of cat ownership in urban India, a new national survey conducted by Eval360 Research, in collaboration with veterinarians, endorsed by SACA (Small Animal Clinicians Association of India) Chandigarh, and SAPA (Small Animal Practitioners Association SAPA),Guhawati, has uncovered significant nutritional challenges faced by cats on home-cooked diets. The study, supported by Mars Petcare India, comes at a crucial time as International Cat Day (August 8), a day dedicated to understanding and creating cat-friendly environments. According to a Mars Pet Parent Survey, 43% of Indian cat owners consider their cats 'the most important part of their lives," highlighting the growing need for proper pet care education. This year's International Cat Day theme, #CatFriendlyEveryDay, focuses on precisely this—understanding a cat's needs, which includes their diet, to ensure their well-being. To understand the perspectives of pet nutrition and the gap that exists in the feeding practices across pets, we interviewed more than 500 veterinarians across India. We utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze their views on pet parent awareness, current feeding practices, and common myths, allowing us to gain key insights." said Pankaj Jha (Co-founder, EVAL360 Research and Advisory Services). Cats' digestive physiology is different from humans in handling food or nutrient requirements. Many foods that are fine for humans can cause stomach problems, or serious health issues in them. Our food including vegetarian food can cause inadequate or malnutrition while raw meat/ eggs , garlic or onion, chocolates or grapes can lead to health issues or toxicity. It may be tempting to share our food with cats but their bodies need special diets to stay healthy. Feeding an unbalanced or inadequate diet causes several health issues affecting skin and coat , oral health and digestive health as well as obesity related health problems. Cat parents should provide balanced pet food and check with a vet before giving them any human food. Keeping pets on the right diet is one of the best ways to show love and care." said, Dr Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare". Debunking Common Cat Food Myths The survey directly addresses several widespread myths about cat nutrition, providing a clear, fact-based guide for pet parents Myth: People think that milk should be given to cats. But this is a myth, adult cats don't have enzymes to digest lactose Most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest milk. Dr. Saurabh Kumar (Lucknow) said: 'People think that milk should be given to cats. But this is a myth. The reason for not providing milk to adult cats is that they don't have the enzymes to digest lactose." Myth: Homemade food is always better or sufficient for a pet's nutritional needs. 88% of vets say home-cooked food does not meet a cat's nutritional needs. Dr. Saloni Mishra (Jaipur) said, 'Cats require essential nutrients like amino acids (L-carnitine and Taurine, especially for cats) and vital minerals like zinc, selenium, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids that aid a healthy coat, skin, and immune system for the Indian scenario." Myth: Commercial pet foods are harmful and cause health issues like allergies or seizures. The study reveals vets observe significant health improvements when pets switch from home-cooked to nutritionally complete packaged food. 70% of vets reported weight control, 66% observed increased energy, and 61% noted fewer digestive issues. Myth: Packaged pet food is like 'junk food" for humans or made from inferior by-products. Veterinarians highlight the scientific advantages of packaged pet food over home-cooked food. A remarkable 91% of vets feel that nutrient balance and calorie precision are key scientific benefits, and 79% point to safety, quality, and digestibility. Experts note that globally manufactured pet foods are 'research based" and provide nutrients in appropriate proportions missing in homemade options. Veterinarians recommend feeding cats scientifically balanced, complete diets that meet their life stage, breed, and health needs. If home-cooked meals are preferred, pet parents must ensure these are vet-guided and supplemented appropriately. Above all, they should stop treating cats like small humans—and start feeding them like cats. This International Cat Day, let's go beyond cuddles and care, let's feed with facts. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 11, 2025, 11:15 IST News agency-feeds New Data Debunks Cat Food Myths with Veterinary Support on International Cat Day Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
