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Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Understanding the benefits of well-made packaged food for cats
Formulated, tested and trusted Measured portions for better weight management Convenience and consistency Extended shelf life Dental health support Tailored formulas for different needs Palatability and acceptance Regulated safety standards Support for skin and coat health Digestive wellness In a nutshell Author : Dr Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare India References Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Mars International by Times Internet's Spotlight team. In recent years, many cat owners across India have expressed challenges around portion sizing and nutritional balance for home-prepared meals. One significant hurdle is the lack of accessible, standardised guidelines on daily caloric requirements for cats, leading to potential issues of underfeeding or overfeeding. According to veterinarians, both extremes can contribute to long-term health complications, including obesity and nutritional this backdrop, good quality commercially prepared cat food is becoming a go-to choice for pet parents, offering a more structured approach to feline nutrition. Here's a breakdown of the key benefits associated with well-manufactured cat food:In India, pet food is not regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) since it is not meant for human consumption. However, imported and domestically produced pet foods are required to comply with import health certifications and animal quarantine norms set by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Additionally, many brands voluntarily align with global standards, such as AAFCO (USA) and FEDIAF (Europe), to ensure nutritional adequacy and consumer is a leading cause of obesity in cats worldwide. A recent study 1 noted that accurate portion control is a significant factor in weight management for domestic cats. Packaged foods often offer feeding guidelines based on a cat's age, weight, and activity level, helping pet parents serve more appropriate meal urban lifestyles can make meal preparation challenging on a daily basis. Ready-to-serve cat food offers a convenient alternative, providing consistency in portion sizes and nutritional content without the variability often associated with home-cooked prepared foods, particularly dry kibble and sealed wet food, have a longer shelf life when stored correctly. This makes them a more practical option in households where refrigeration or storage space might be dry cat foods are formulated with kibble textures designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. While not a substitute for professional veterinary dental care, incorporating these foods into a cat's diet may support oral hygiene.A study published in the Journal of Nutrition observed 2 that cats fed dry diets exhibited better oral health compared to those on wet diets. The research indicated that diet plays a significant role in oral health, with a diet rich in dry foods contributing to reduced plaque offer variations of cat food tailored to different life stages (kitten, adult, senior) and specific health concerns, such as urinary tract care, digestive sensitivities, or hairball management. Such specialised formulas are typically developed in consultation with veterinary commercial brands conduct palatability testing to ensure that cats are more likely to accept the food. While preferences vary among individual animals, higher acceptance rates have been reported in cats when introduced to familiar textures and flavours in these prepared pet foods in India are increasingly adhering to global safety protocols. Reputed manufacturers conduct quality checks for contamination, ingredient accuracy, and hygiene, offering greater assurance compared to raw or inadequately stored home-cooked commercially available diets include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which have been associated with improved skin hydration and coat quality in felines. Peer-reviewed studies, including those in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 3 , have highlighted the role of fatty acids in supporting dermatological health in sensitivity is a common concern among pet cats. Packaged foods often contain prebiotics, dietary fibre, and highly digestible protein sources that support gastrointestinal function and reduce odour in litter no single feeding approach fits all, the growing interest in packaged cat food reflects a larger shift toward structured and evidence-based pet care. Pet owners are advised to consult with veterinarians to determine the most appropriate diet for their cat's individual needs, whether through commercial options or customised home-cooked the pet care sector in India evolves, informed decision-making and access to nutritional knowledge will remain key to improving feline health outcomes nationwide. To support pet parents in making informed choices, companies like Mars International are playing an active role in advancing science-backed nutrition and pet health. Globally trusted brands such as Royal Canin, Pedigree, and Whiskas aim to offer not just quality nutrition but a holistic approach to pet well-being. By fostering an ecosystem that combines expertise, innovation, and care, these initiatives help ensure that no moment in a pet's life is compromised.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Understanding the benefits of well-made packaged cat food for cats
In recent years, many cat owners across India have expressed challenges around portion sizing and nutritional balance for home-prepared meals. One significant hurdle is the lack of accessible, standardised guidelines on daily caloric requirements for cats, leading to potential issues of underfeeding or overfeeding. According to veterinarians, both extremes can contribute to long-term health complications, including obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Against this backdrop, good quality commercially prepared cat food is becoming a go-to choice for pet parents, offering a more structured approach to feline nutrition. Here's a breakdown of the key benefits associated with well-manufactured cat food: Formulated, tested and trusted In India, pet food is not regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) since it is not meant for human consumption. However, imported and domestically produced pet foods are required to comply with import health certifications and animal quarantine norms set by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Additionally, many brands voluntarily align with global standards, such as AAFCO (USA) and FEDIAF (Europe), to ensure nutritional adequacy and consumer confidence. Measured portions for better weight management Overfeeding is a leading cause of obesity in cats worldwide. A recent study 1 noted that accurate portion control is a significant factor in weight management for domestic cats. Packaged foods often offer feeding guidelines based on a cat's age, weight, and activity level, helping pet parents serve more appropriate meal sizes. Convenience and consistency Busy urban lifestyles can make meal preparation challenging on a daily basis. Ready-to-serve cat food offers a convenient alternative, providing consistency in portion sizes and nutritional content without the variability often associated with home-cooked meals. Extended shelf life Commercially prepared foods, particularly dry kibble and sealed wet food, have a longer shelf life when stored correctly. This makes them a more practical option in households where refrigeration or storage space might be limited. Dental health support Certain dry cat foods are formulated with kibble textures designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. While not a substitute for professional veterinary dental care, incorporating these foods into a cat's diet may support oral hygiene. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition observed 2 that cats fed dry diets exhibited better oral health compared to those on wet diets. The research indicated that diet plays a significant role in oral health, with a diet rich in dry foods contributing to reduced plaque accumulation. Tailored formulas for different needs Manufacturers offer variations of cat food tailored to different life stages (kitten, adult, senior) and specific health concerns, such as urinary tract care, digestive sensitivities, or hairball management. Such specialised formulas are typically developed in consultation with veterinary nutritionists. Palatability and acceptance Many commercial brands conduct palatability testing to ensure that cats are more likely to accept the food. While preferences vary among individual animals, higher acceptance rates have been reported in cats when introduced to familiar textures and flavours in these prepared diets. Regulated safety standards Commercial pet foods in India are increasingly adhering to global safety protocols. Reputed manufacturers conduct quality checks for contamination, ingredient accuracy, and hygiene, offering greater assurance compared to raw or inadequately stored home-cooked diets. Support for skin and coat health Several commercially available diets include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which have been associated with improved skin hydration and coat quality in felines. Peer-reviewed studies, including those in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 3 , have highlighted the role of fatty acids in supporting dermatological health in pets. Digestive wellness Digestive sensitivity is a common concern among pet cats. Packaged foods often contain prebiotics, dietary fibre, and highly digestible protein sources that support gastrointestinal function and reduce odour in litter boxes. In a nutshell While no single feeding approach fits all, the growing interest in packaged cat food reflects a larger shift toward structured and evidence-based pet care. Pet owners are advised to consult with veterinarians to determine the most appropriate diet for their cat's individual needs, whether through commercial options or customised home-cooked meals. As the pet care sector in India evolves, informed decision-making and access to nutritional knowledge will remain key to improving feline health outcomes nationwide. To support pet parents in making informed choices, companies like Mars International are playing an active role in advancing science-backed nutrition and pet health. Globally trusted brands such as Royal Canin, Pedigree, and Whiskas aim to offer not just quality nutrition but a holistic approach to pet well-being. By fostering an ecosystem that combines expertise, innovation, and care, these initiatives help ensure that no moment in a pet's life is compromised. Author : Dr Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare India References :
Local Spain
11-04-2025
- General
- Local Spain
What cat owners need to know about Spain's animal welfare law
Spain's Animal Welfare Law was approved towards the end of 2023, but despite the fact it's been in force for a while now, it's still causing confusion among pet owners as to the exact rules. Because there are so many dog owners in Spain - at least 27 percent of Spanish households have one - most articles have been directed at them, but many of the laws are applicable to cat owners too. It may seem like Spain is a nation of dog lovers, and while it's true that there are more, there are a total of 5.8 million pet cats according to the European Pet Food Federation (FEDIAF). We may not see them out and about as much, because many cats in Spain are house cats, particularly in cities where it's not looked upon favourably for them to be outside, but there are a lot of them. Microchipped Firstly, the law states that it's mandatory for cats to be registered and microchipped. In many regions, it was already mandatory, but since the law came into force, all cats nationwide must be properly identified with a chip. Identification is obligatory in order to locate missing cats, those that have been stolen or abandoned. According to La Gatoteca website dedicated to cat owners in Spain, only 51 percent of domestic cats were identified and microchipped before this. Failure to get it microchipped can land you a fine of between €10,000 and €50,000. Sterilisation Secondly, all cats over six months of age must be surgically sterilised, whether they're male or female. If you get a kitten younger than this, then you will have been given it under the condition that you must take it to be sterilised as soon as it's old enough. Only registered breeders are allowed to leave their cats un sterilised. How long can cats be left alone? Thirdly, cats may not be kept regularly on terraces, balconies, rooftops, storage rooms, basements, or patios, and they may they be left alone for more than three consecutive days. If you're gone longer than this you should either take them to stay with someone else, take them to a pet boarding facility or get a pet sitter to stay with them at your home. But many cat organisations and experts believe that even three days is too long for a cat to be left alone, and advise that it's not on its own for more than 48 hours. Vaccinations There are no direct rules in the Animal Welfare Law for cat vaccinations because each region manages this individually, so it's important to contact your vet to find out which ones your cat needs. La Gatoteca always recommends giving your cat a primary vaccination, with the RCP cat vaccine, also known as FVRCP, which protects cats against feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia and a booster vaccination at approximately 21 days of age. After this, they recommend administering boosters throughout the cat's life, depending on each individual case. It's worth noting that although it's not mentioned in the law, most cat shelters or adoption agencies in cities in Spain, won't let you adopt a cat, if you don't have the necessary protection on your home, which can include cat nets installed on your balconies. Fines There are hefty fines for not abiding by the Animal Welfare Law. Minor violations carry a warning or fines ranging from €500 to €10,000. Serious violations carry fines ranging from €10,001 to €50,000; and very serious violations range from €50,001 to €200,000. Therefore, it's important comply with your obligations as a cat owner. In April 2025, a resident of the Madrid municipality of Ciempozuelos was fined €9,000 after being caught trying to abandon a cat in the street. Fake cat news There has been a lot of fake news regarding the law doing the rounds, specifically in regards to cats, so it's important to know what's true and what's not. For example, a video on social media has recently surfaced with a man saying that Spain has made it illegal to feed street cats under the Animal Welfare Law and has been shared and commented on many times. This is not true at all, the law does not prohibit you from feeding street cats and in fact there are several organisations and groups all over Spain that organise volunteers to feed colonies of feral cats.
