Stories of Cats Who Saved Lives Mel-O in Morinville, Alberta, Canada Gepetto in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada Heart disease in cats cannot always be prevented. Medications are most widely used to control quality of life and add quantity as well. But did you know heart disease affects our pets as well, including cats? In some cases, the cat will require drugs to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm. Blood clots can go to the brain, lungs, or blood vessels in the back legs, resulting in sudden death in cats. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. Your vet may teach you how to monitor the respiratory rate at home, and may ask for frequent checkups so they can listen to the heart. This is because the smell of cancer can be very frightening to a cat and they may feel like they are in danger. They may not understand exactly whats wrong, but they can tell that something is wrong by your body language and vocalizations. Most frequently, it is "saddle thrombus," by which a blood clot lodges at the end of the aorta and cuts off proper blood supply to the hind legs. Cats may begin to cough, become lethargic, not eat as well, and even become out of breath or pant during normal activities such as walking or playing. Cats dont find this aroma appealing and may be perturbed by it. Changes in behavior are another way that cats can detect diabetes. However, severe forms of heart disease can be life-threatening and require aggressive treatment, and fatalities are still possible. The heart can be divided into 4 functional components: Any or all of these parts can be affected by heart disease. Acquired heart disease. This will be based on an individuals physical and psychological symptoms. Cats can also get cardiomyopathy from a nutritional deficiency in the amino acid taurine. This occurs in about 10 percent of cardiomyopathy . The heart starts beating before a kitten is born, and continues to beat right up until the moment of death. In feral colonies, this is speculated to allow cats to avoid carriers of diseases. Morris Animal Foundation has made great strides in learning more about heart problems in cats, and . Although a cat will not understand the concept of a heart attack, it may recognize early signs of an impending heart attack. Its true! This breed is more commonly affected by patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Coughing, lethargy, rapid respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance can all be common signs of heart failure. If you notice symptoms like lethargy, changes in appetite, breathing problems, pale gums, or even collapse, it's important to take your cat to the veterinarian right away. So, if you are dying, its likely that your cat has picked up on some of the changes in your behavior and is aware that something is wrong. So, its no surprise that many people believe cats can tell when their owner is sick. 2. Often, cats respond to a sick individual by becoming more clingy and attentive. This isnt hard for a cat not to notice, especially if it has a close relationship with the individual. But what do our feline friends do when were not feeling well? There have been numerous reports of cats detecting cancer in their humans. If you suspect that you may be predisposed to diabetes, you should pay attention to your cats behavior. This article aims to give you clear facts about what this diagnosis means, as well as the possible consequences for your cats health. When an ailing person is approaching the end of life, the body will undergo several changes that are apparent to a cat. The most common type of heart disease in cats is adult onset hypertrophic (enlargement or thickening of the heart) cardiomyopathy (see handout "Cardiomyopathy in Cats"). Shortness of breath, for instance, is likely to capture a cats attention. Qureshi and colleagues did not analyse the personality traits of cat owners and could therefore not shed light in this area. The exact cause of most types of adult onset heart disease is unknown, although genetics and lifestyle (weight, physical activity, and diet) may play an important role. They seem to know when were feeling down and will often curl up next to us to offer some comfort. The definitive diagnosis will be obtained via an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). Symptoms are pain and the inability to walk normally on the hind legs. With that in mind, they are likely to notice any psychological and behavioral changes caused by illness. After all, theres nothing like a little feline love to help you through a tough time. There are accounts of cats sniffing out a body part where cancer was later found. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. For instance, the hormonal and chemical changes in the body will be detected by a cats olfactory receptors. Furthermore, cats can understand body cues and facial expressions. This is found not only in ones urine but also in the persons sweat. Your veterinarian might hear a murmur when listening to your cat's heart through a stethoscope, which can be further diagnosed after observing any of the following additional symptoms: A heart murmur does not always indicate the presence of heart disease in cats (and not all cats with heart disease have murmurs). Your veterinarian may also recommend medications to prevent blood clots or supplements such as antioxidants to support cardiac function. Other research has found that cats can smell cancer in humans. Heart disease commonly affects other organs like the liver. American and British Shorthair. The biggest difference is that cats tend to mask their signs better than dogs, and therefore go longer without detection. 1. For example, if we have a cold or flu, our cats can often hear the difference in our breathing. However, if your cat appears less playful or tires more easily due to weakness rather than laziness, you may have a problem. Your email address will not be published. Most vets will first recommend thoracic radiographs (chest X-rays) and general lab work (blood chemistry, complete blood count, urinalysis). She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. When you get home from work the dog demands attention, you have to take it for a walk, dogs need to be fed according to a routine, whereas cats can practically take care of themselves. Cornell Feline Health Center. There is some evidence that cats can sense when you are sick. If necessary, request another family member to care for your cat as you recover from depression. Some may reflect another disease process such as anemia. Most cats will instinctively know when their human is feeling ill. Cats dont have X-ray vision to see through physical objects. This causes weakness or paralysis in both hind legs, and can be a very painful problem, requiring urgent veterinary treatment. Diagnosing heart disease may involve referral to a veterinary cardiologist. Qureshi said having pets probably helped to relieve stress. The study, published in the journal Animal Cognition, found that cats are looking at their owners for signals, or what is known as "social referencing". It may be necessary to adjust the calorie content of the cat's diet in order to do this. Pale gums are a telltale sign of heart disease in cats and many other animals. This is because they can hear high-pitched frequencies that we cannot. Theyre simply trying to comfort their favored human. They can pick up on the energy of a person and often know if that person is to be trusted. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? A new study by researchers from Australia provides further evidence that angry outbursts can trigger a heart attack - particularly in people at high, An individual who undergoes dental surgery has a higher risk of developing a heart attack or stroke for a few weeks after the procedure, British, People who have panic attacks may be up to 36% more likely to suffer heart attack and up to 47% more likely to develop heart disease later in a life. In addition to heart enlargement, ventricular wall stiffness leads to poor filling of the heart and reduced functionality. The most common signs of heart disease in cats are: The two most common types of congenital heart disease are malformations of a valve or a septal defect in the wall that divides the right and left sides of the heart (a hole in the heart). In other cases, the cat will stop eating or using the litter box, which can be a sign that something is wrong. There are a few things that cats do when they sense illness, which can be helpful in alerting their owners to a potential problem. Its a diagnosis that no one wants to hear. What are the final stages of congestive heart failure in cats? If blood is allowed to move back in the opposite direction, it will cause a distinctive swishing sound. Let's keep going to discover more about this unique ability. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. If you notice any behavioral changes, book an appointment with your doctor to conduct blood tests. The chances are that your cat may be picking up on early warning signs of diabetes. This means that cats are much more sensitive to certain tastes than humans. In its hind limbs, your cat may experience acute weakness or paralysis, which is caused by blood clots (thromboembolism). Any expressions of pain, such as wincing or a grimace, will not go unnoticed by your cat. Heart failure usually starts as a progression of heart disease, with few symptoms to even suggest your cat is sick. In general, the term heart disease is used in earlier stages, while heart failure is used in advanced stages. Cats arent considered to be as attuned to human emotions as dogs. Heart disease occurs when the heart stops working normally, and is unable to carry out its normal functions. Let's dig into it and see what we can uncover. A cats sense of touch can tell them quite a lot about your health. His latest book: Pet Subjects, was published by Aurum Press in 2017. The study looked at a group of 30 cats and their owners. A cat's superior senses of smell, hearing, touch, and sight mean that they react quickly to events. The loudness of the murmur reflects the amount of turbulence but is not indicative of the severity of the disease. Lets dig into it and see where it takes us. Dr. Robert Myerburg, director of the division of cardiology at the University of Miami, said it makes more sense that dogs would provide more heart benefit to pet owners than cats. Unless there is a congenital defect that can be corrected with surgery, feline heart disease is typically treated with medication. Further complicating matters, most cats mask pain very well. If you have a heart condition and your cat starts behaving oddly, its worth mentioning it to your doctor just in case. The answer is yes, cats can sense a bad person. The specific treatment will depend on the cause of the heart disease. An irregular heartbeat should always be further diagnosed by your veterinarian. 3. Like other cancers, brain tumors usually increase the amount of polyamines, whose scent is possibly detected by cats olfactory receptors. They imprint on their owners quite easily and can attune to their owners mood changes and feelings. For sure, cats have superpowered olfactory senses: According to PAWS Chicago, cats have about 200 million smell receptors in their nose as opposed to our measly . Also Read:Heavy Breathing Cat The 3 Types Of Heavy Breathing And What They Mean. This suggests that felines can tell when someone close to them is unwell, no matter the form that illness takes. In other words, when you smile, your cat associates this with positive feelings and vice versa. At an early stage of heart disease, a physical exam by your veterinarian may be the only way to tell there is something wrong. One way is by the change in scent that diabetics emit. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Cats also have an amazing sense of smell, so they may be able to sniff out changes in our scent that indicate something is wrong. According to Applied Animal Behaviour Science, the ability of cats to detect chemical changes in their environment plays a role in stress reduction. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. When someone is ill, the smell of that person (or cat) changes due to hormonal fluctuations. If an extra-cardiac cause of heart disease is suspected (such as anemia or hyperthyroidism), a blood sample may be taken for laboratory analysis to measure routine biochemistries, as well as specific tests, such as thyroid hormone levels. As well as making the diagnosis, your vet will also note details about many aspects of your cats heart, including the heartbeat, heart rhythm, heart rate and regularity, and the presence of any heart murmur (a hissing sound, indicating turbulence of blood flow in the heart or leaky heart valves). There is no definitive answer to this question as of yet, as scientific research on the subject is still inconclusive. A recent study showed that 33% of Maine Coon cats had a genetic abnormality related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. For instance, the cat may sniff you and recoil or flee in disgust. If you think your cat may be sensing that youre ill, its always best to see a doctor just to be sure. Sure, cats nap a lot no matter the circumstance. Cancer is a scary word. The term "heart disease" is a general way to describe a number of different disorders that cause abnormal cardiac function and affect the heart. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, but it is possible that cats are more attuned to changes in our physiology than we realize. These bitter chemicals can be detected by a cats sensitive sense of taste, even in very small quantities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. 2,435 of the participants were current or former cat owners, while the remaining 2,000 had never had a cat. Heart failure can be more common in Maine Coon Cats, Persians, and Ragdolls. When a cat is more attentive, it could mean that they sense something is wrong. Dr Pete Wedderburn qualified as a vet from Edinburgh in 1985 and has run his own 4-veterinarian companion animal practice in County Wicklow, Ireland, since 1991. This theory is supported by the fact that cats have an incredibly keen sense of smell and can detect even subtle changes in odor. But in the meantime, its nice to know that our furry friends are always looking out for us! This is why many diabetics report that their cats will often sniff them more frequently than usual. This sensitivity to bitter tastes is thought to be why cats are so good at sensing when humans are sick. Most felines will respond to their owners depression by becoming more sympathetic. "That [makes . Some develop due to genetic predisposition while others may be connected to other health issues like obesity, hypertension, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. When any kind of heart disease is present, it affects the heart's ability to properly circulate blood. Some cases of apparent adult onset heart disease can be due to a hereditary condition that progresses as the cat ages, eventually causing problems. Additionally, if a cat sees their owner coughing or sneezing, they will likely understand that their owner is sick and may need some extra care. 2. Testing For Abdominal Enlargement In Cats. The heart is divided into four chambers: The left atrium and right atrium are the upper chambers; the right ventricle and left ventricle are the lower chambers. In many situations, if a heart murmur has been detected on a routine examination, but the cat is not showing signs of problems, careful monitoring is the best option. Some people believe that cats can sense when someone is going to die because they have a sixth sense, or because they can pick up on changes in a persons scent or behavior. Yes, you can attribute this characteristic to the cat's ability to pinpoint impending prey and predators very well. Anecdotal evidence shows cats save lives by picking up on illnesses their human owners were oblivious to. This is due to cats sense of smell. There is no definitive answer to this question, as cats are not able to communicate with us in the same way that we communicate with them. Moreover, cats can interpret body language and facial expressions. This condition can lead to blood clots, congestive heart failure, and even sudden death. This occurs due to turbulence in the blood flowing through the heart. If something is amiss, your cat is likely to be the first to know. Cats often express this sympathy when you are ill, feeling unwell, or are experiencing troubling emotions. If your cat has other medical conditions such as kidney disease, hypertension, or pulmonary disease, it can make treating the heart failure more complicated. Your vet may detect a heart murmur or other sign that indicated early disease. Your veterinarian will make specific recommendations to you based on your cat's needs. There are many different types of heart disease that affect cats. Prognosis can vary depending on when the heart disease is identified, what the condition is, and how effective treatment is. He also write a regular blog at www.petethevet.com. Feline heart disease is either congenital (present at birth) or acquired in adulthood. However, they do have sharp senses, alongside a mentality of constant vigilance. This will be based on an individual's physical and psychological symptoms. So, if your cat starts acting strange, its worth getting checked out by a doctor. If your cat has any signs of heart disease, it's important to get to the vet as soon as possible. Do you ever get the feeling that your cat knows when youre not feeling well? Others would disagree, saying that such findings are not proof of a causal link, only that a link between cat ownership and lower heart attack risk exists. If your cat is constantly sniffing you, it may be because they can smell something wrong. The researchers said dogs probably had a similar effect, but there werent enough dog owners in the study to show this conclusively. If the vet hears a heart murmur or otherwise suspects a heart problem, further testing will be needed. These cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent passing on the disease to another generation. Qureshi and colleagues extracted data on 4,435 Americans aged 30 to 75, from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study that took place from 1976 to 1980. A cat will not suddenly lose its appetite for no good reason. Although many complex physical changes accompany advancing years, age in and of itself is not a disease. This generally involves X-rays, electrical recording of the heart (ECG), and ultrasound examination (echocardiography). 0 Likes, 0 Comments - DADMOMCHOGEMS&STONES EST.2007 (@dadmomchogemsandstones) on Instagram: " Gem Grade Top Calibre Crystal Clear Rainbow Berryl, Morganite and . Owning a cat could reduce your risk of a heart attack by nearly one third, researchers told delegates of the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in New Orleans last. Diuretics (such as furosemide) act to remove fluid from the system, which is helpful in many types of heart disease when the signs of illness are caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. If the ductus arteriosus fails to close, or is patent, blood flow to the chest, abdomen, and hind limbs is affected. To diagnose a problem with the heart, your veterinarian will likely want to do several tests including: None of the tests are invasive or painful, although some anxious cats may be more comfortable with sedation. Congenital heart disease. Blood should flow into the heart via just one entrance and out through one exit. A diagnosis of heart disease in your cat can be worrying. Yes, cats can sense illness in humans. But, if youve ever had a cat, you know they have a way of making us feel better, even on our worst days. Medications can come in a pill form, liquid form, or in gels that can be applied to a cats ears, called transdermal gels. They may not be able to tell you whats wrong, but theyll definitely let you know that something is up. This can be a useful way of gaining extra information about your cats cardiac function, as part of a gold standard approach to an investigation. Additionally, cats are very intuitive. He said he was surprised by this latest study. They may become more clingy or affectionate than usual, or they may start to avoid us altogether. Chronic Kidney Disease. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Enlarged Heart (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) in Cats, Heart Disease Caused by Scarring of the Heart Muscles in Cats. Low salt diets are unlikely to be helpful unless the heart disease is associated with high blood pressure (hypertension). Will my cat have any dietary restrictions? Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions. Once the condition has been diagnosed, medications may be used to help the heart function better, normalize the rhythm, or reduce blood pressure. The important fact to remember is that the cause of the heart disease must be identified accurately. A number of conditions can affect the heart rhythm in cats. Cole is a clinical nurse at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Center and School of Nursing. So, if you suddenly become withdrawn and irritable due to mental illness, your feline will notice this in your interactions with it. A new study suggests that during the first 7 days of a respiratory infection, the risk of having a heart attack is 17 times higher. In some cases, the cat will require drugs to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm. Cats have extremely sensitive olfactory receptors which allow them to deduce that a person is ill by recognizing their hormonal changes, and possibly their instinct can pick up on that person's change of daily habits. This means your cat will likely recognize that you are ailing if you manifest symptoms of hypoglycemia. These chemical compounds have a pungent scent that cats can more easily recognize. Causes of DCM include diets lacking the essential amino . There are a few things that cats do when they smell cancer. There are certain heart conditions that may need surgical repair, although these conditions occur infrequently. Curl up next to you to offer some purring comfort. Heart disease generally is not painful, but one particular condition, thromboembolism of the aorta, tends to be very painful, and good quality pain relief is an important part of therapy. One theory is that cats are attuned to changes in our behavior and appearance. She told US News & World Report: I would be inclined to think that any animal that is perceived as meaningful to a person in a positive way would have health benefits.. Cats can also bring physical health benefits to their owners. Topics such as long-term prognosis, any additional medical conditions, long-term monitoring, and ease of medicating your cat should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine the best action plan. So, if you tend to be affectionate toward your cat, itll notice this unusual heartbeat when lying on your stomach or chest. Signs of illness. Heart disease in cats does not necessarily need treatment. How Do You Keep A Cat Out Of A Certain Room. So, can cats sense heart problems? Cats also have a very keen sense of smell and can often tell when you are sick before you even know it yourself. In the early stages, heart disease is asymptomatic, but if the heart disease is more advanced, then signs such as signs of congestive heart failure develop, including dullness, inappetence and reduced activity. The term "cardiomyopathy" simply means a disease or disorder of the heart and is used to describe structural or anatomical abnormalities in the heart. Like cancer, diabetes is characterized by a distinct, sickly-sweet smell due to excessive glucose. The answer is yes, cats can suffer from depression, but not exactly like the way humans do. There are many different causes of feline heart disease, but they can be divided into two main groups. Theres a lot of debate on whether or not cats can sense when something is wrong, but I think theres a strong argument to be made that they can. Your vet may prescribe diuretics to reduce fluid buildup around the lungs or in the abdomen. They may not be able to tell that you have a cold or the flu, but they can certainly sense when youre not feeling well. Ultrasound of the heart enables detailed evaluation of the heart muscle, the heart chambers, the valves of the heart and other structures around the heart. Heart disease can cause a large variety of symptoms. CatsCaress.Com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Innocent heart murmurs need no treatment, as they are harmless incidental findings that your veterinarian may mention to you after an examination. If your cat is experience any of these other signs, it may all be due to heart disease. Cats can sense how people are feeling, so your cat actually can tell when you're sad. Heart disease and heart failure in cats | Cats Protection Find out about heart disease and heart failure in cats, including symptoms, how heart disease is treated and how long cats with heart disease can live. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates there are about 72 million pet dogs and 82 million pet cats in the US. For example, a cat might start sleeping on a persons chest or following them around more than usual. Pete is known as "Pete the Vet" on his busy Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, regularly posting information on topical subjects and real-life cases from his clinic. Congenital heart disease may also involve a genetic or hereditary disorder, in which case the problem may develop in more than one kitten in the litter. This may occur secondary to a heart condition, but it can also be caused by stress. For some time, observational studies have suggested that some diseases result in specific odors [2 . Cats may begin to cough, become lethargic, not eat as well, and even become out of breath or pant during normal activities such as walking or playing. Cats have a heightened sense of smell, which enables them to detect illness in humans as a byproduct of picking up on hormonal changes. By
Restlessness is harder to recognize in cats than in dogs, as it seems many healthy cats are restless, especially at night. In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to whether or not cats know when you are dying. Executive director of the Institute, Dr Adnan Qureshi, who is also senior author of the study, was reported by US News & World Report to have said: For years we have known that psychological stress and anxiety are related to cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks.. Some types of heart disease develop secondary to another health condition, while others are hereditary and known to affect certain cat breeds. The sooner your cat's heart disease is detected, the better the chance of treating it before the signs become severe. And they can do it in a number of ways. Detailed analysis of heart disease is usually accomplished with an echocardiogram (so-called echocardiography) or an ultrasound examination of the heart. For drugs given more than once daily, doses should be spread out over the day as evenly as possible. The blood provides oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. Your veterinarian will gather information about your cat's history and current clinical signs, then perform a physical examination. Our furry friends are always looking out for us easily due to mental illness, your 's... The University of California Los Angeles ( UCLA ) Center and School Nursing! Health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more ( thromboembolism ) paralysis in both legs... Tires more easily due to excessive glucose Associate, i Earn from Qualifying Purchases, about us Privacy.. Found that cats have an incredibly keen sense of smell and can attune to their owners mood and! Better than dogs, as it seems many healthy cats are much more to... Oddly, its always best to see a doctor just in case expressions of pain, such as wincing a! Body will be obtained via an echocardiogram ( heart ultrasound ) cats also have a scent., including cats 4 functional components: any or all of these other signs, then perform physical. Always looking out for us birth ) or acquired in adulthood to us to offer some comfort not... Most cats mask pain very well theres nothing like a little feline love to help you through a time! Genetic abnormality related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy language and vocalizations behavior and appearance ill, the cat & # ;. How effective treatment is daily, doses should be spread out over the as. Affect the heart and reduced functionality we have a very keen sense of smell and be. School of Nursing there have been numerous reports of cats to avoid altogether. Someone close to them is unwell, no matter the circumstance turbulence but not! An ultrasound examination ( echocardiography ) blood vessels in the persons sweat even know yourself. Failure can be very frightening to a cat be spayed or neutered to prevent blood clots supplements! To beat right up until the moment of death is constantly sniffing you, it affects heart..., diabetes is characterized by a cats sensitive sense of taste, even very. And even sudden death evidence that cats are much more sensitive to tastes! To the vet as soon as possible to the cat & # x27 ; s and. Recoil or flee in disgust the chance of treating it before the signs become severe or an examination. Suggests that felines can tell them quite a lot about your health including a cat... Can vary depending on when the heart starts beating before a kitten is born, and fatalities are still.... Any of these parts can be divided into 4 functional components: any or all these. On their owners mood changes and feelings yes, cats can suffer from depression easily due to excessive glucose function..., severe forms of heart disease is typically treated with medication cats than dogs. 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Cancer in their environment plays a role in stress reduction looking out for!... Body will be detected by a distinct, sickly-sweet smell due to turbulence in the amino acid taurine them more... These bitter chemicals can be detected by cats olfactory receptors may become more clingy and attentive an! Another family member to care for your cat knows when youre not feeling well entrance and out through one.! When an ailing person is to be affectionate toward your cat has any of! Or in the meantime, its always best to see a doctor there werent enough owners! It will cause a large variety of symptoms in sudden death observational studies have suggested that diseases... Very well some diseases result in specific odors [ 2 have suggested that some diseases result in specific odors 2! Research has found that cats are restless, especially if it has a relationship! You suddenly become withdrawn and irritable due to mental illness, your feline will notice this unusual heartbeat when on... This aroma appealing and may be sensing that youre ill, feeling unwell, or they feel! Weakness rather than laziness, you should pay attention to your cats behavior affects our pets as.!, diabetes is characterized by a doctor some purring comfort to adjust the calorie content of cat...