First diet and lifestyle plan developed – for cats
SCIENTISTS claim to have created the world’s first diet and lifestyle plan for cats which could make them healthier, happy and improve their behaviour.
Scientists from International Cat Care have developed a diet and lifestyle plan for cats
Dr Sarah Ellis and Dr Lizzie Rowe from International Cat Care have based their “plan” on imitating the way the animals would eat in the wild.
The two experts say that the key is feeding pets smaller portions more often and moving feeding bowls around the house so they have to ‘hunt’ for it.
Dr Sarah Ellis, Feline Behaviour Specialist, advised: “The way we feed our cats generally does not match the lifestyle they were designed for. Cats have undergone little in the way of selective breeding during the domestication process and therefore have an instinctive need to hunt.
“This modern lifestyle could be dangerous to pets, but by making a few simple changes to the way we feed them, we can help our cats to live longer, healthier and happier lives. The plan, based on scientific evidence, helps every cat owner mimic the conditions cats would usually contend with to get their food.”
They have based their ‘plan’ on imitating how animals eat in the wild
There are 10million domestic cats in the UK and nearly 50 per cent of those are overweight or obese.
The way we feed our cats generally does not match the lifestyle they were designed for
Scientist say moggys’ modern lifestyle could lead to pets not being mentally stimulated and overeating.
To beat the problem Drs Ellis Dr Rowe are recommending pet owners give their cats five or more small portions of food a day instead of fewer and bigger bowls of food.
They also urge the use of ‘puzzle feeders’ to get the animals thinking about how to get hold of their food, moving the bowl around the house so they have to hunt for it and making sure they have plenty of water.
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Paul Jackson of EngineeringUK, organisers of The Big Bang Fair, said: “Innovations in science and engineering shape our world, making a real difference to our lives and this plan shows how they also play an important part in animal welfare.”
The Five A Day Felix Plan and instructions on how to create puzzle feeders can be found at: thebigbangfair.co.uk.