The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Sherpa’s Squashed Whiskers
Many thanks for the autographed plaque! I received it today in the mail, it's been put into my copy of THE CAT BIBLE. Turns out I have another question for you... I switched Sherpa to wet food and quickly realized that he wasn't eating much NOT because he didn't like the wet food, but rather because he's having trouble eating his food. I guess with his flat nose it means he has to lick his food in his mouth (at least that's what I notice). With wet food, he has problems eating more than a teaspoon because the food gets all squished at the bottom of his metal bowl or at the edge - any suggestions? At least he's off dry food - his coat is already softer!
Many thanks for the book plaque and hopefully you'll have something to suggest for his food.
Bye,
Hélène
Dear Helene,
Oh yes indeed, I can help with that eating problem. Once you read the nutrition section of THE CAT BIBLE you’ll find this suggestion right in there: the problem is that NO cat should be eating out of a bowl- it squashes their whiskers and makes life difficult for any of them. But flat-faced kitties suffer more, as you have seen! A small saucer is the best way to feed a cat and don’t worry if any falls on the floor, they will do fine slurping it up!
I am thrilled to hear that the wet food is already making a positive difference in Sherpa - just wait for the full effect once you’ve been feeding it a bit longer.
Best wishes,
Tracie
[Webmasters note: See also the Nutrition Section on The Cat Chat portion of this site.]
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
