YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PET CARE

FURRY FRIENDS

Working CANINESTHE CRUCIAL ROLE OF A GUIDE DOG

PET FOOD FOR A YEARSee inside for details

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY PET

We love our

contentsWhen it comes to pets, there’s no

doubting that Australia is a big fan. We have one of the highest rates

of pet ownerships in the world, so keeping our furry four-legged friends healthy and happy is a high priority most of us share.

So, flick amongst the pages in this issue and discover the best pet for your family, with Dr Chris Brown’s advice (p3); keep your pet happy and, most importantly, healthy with our guide to feeding and portion control for dogs (p10) and cats (p15).

You can find everything you need, at an affordable price, for a happy and healthy pet, under one roof at your Woolworths.

Head in store for our great value,

The Woolworths Pet Team

3 Vets’ corner Dr Chris, Dr Jo and Dr Lisa give their expert advice on pet issues

5 Danger zone Keep your pet safe from common household dangers

6 Tech pooch Your pet could be soon joining you on the catch to watch TV

7 PET project Maintain three major factors for your pet’s health and wellbeing

8 News/recipe

9 Guide dogs

10 Winter wellness How to keep your pet happy and healthy during winter

11 Dog years Everything you need to know about keeping senior dogs happy

12 Indoor cats How to keep your indoor cat as active as it’s outdoor contemporaries

13 Enter and win! Win pet for a year! 15 Flabby cat Avoid the bulge in your cat’s health

Jen and Buster cosy up against the cold; while David styles Little Jeans to be our cover star!

Join the conversation on facebook.com/woolworths

To shop our range online, visit us online at woolworths.com.au/petcare

Download the Woolworths App for iPad, iPhone or Android.

3 Vets’ corner Dr Chris and Dr Lisa give their expert advice on pet-related issues

5 Play it safe Keep your pet safe from these common household hazards

6 Tech pooch Your pet could be soon joining you on the couch to watch TV!

7 P.E.T project There are three major factors to your pet’s health and wellbeing

8 Love bites Tasty treats for your happy canine

9 Lead the way Guide Dogs work hard to assist vision impaired Australians to get about

10 Winter wellness How to keep your pet happy and healthy during the cold winter months

11 Age matters A must-read for those pet owners helping senior dogs live comfortably

12 Inside benefits How to keep your indoor cat as active as its outdoor contemporaries

13 Enter and win! Win pet food for a year 15 Flabby cat Avoid the bulge in your cat’s health

contents

Happy & healthy pets with

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Dr Chris Brown highlights the benefits of pet ownership for children, and how to find the right pet for your family.

Vets’ cornerWITH DR CHRIS

Is it time for your family to get a pet? The benefit for a child’s development makes pet ownership a significant consideration for a family. Not only are pets good in terms of exercise and responsibility, but they also help children understand relationships. Playing, taking care of and talking to animals can have a really positive impact on a child. So when is the right time and what is the best sort of pet for young children? There are no hard and fast rules but you should consider these factors:

Household arrangements If there is no-one home during the day, a cat may be a better choice than a dog, although two cats (or two very relaxed dogs) may be an even better choice as they will keep each other company. If you have a small backyard, you can still own a dog as

most need to be walked to get sufficient exercise, and they prefer to spend their time indoors with you.

Level of care Consider how much exercise and grooming you will have time for. Children may want to help with these tasks but you will need to supervise any interaction between young children and pets, just to make sure they’re doing it right. And always remember that it’s more than likely that you’ll be the one doing all the exercise and grooming.

Long-term lifestyle considerations A well-cared for cat or dog can live for more than a decade, so consider how the needs of your family might change over that period. Getting a pet when your children are younger can allow them to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership throughout their childhood.

Proof kids are in control of Aussie homes is in the local dog park. The sound of grown men calling out for “Schnoofy”, “Buttons” and “Squirty” should remind you that little ones, and their chosen pet’s name, are the kings and queens of your

castle. While they might jostle for the title of smallest family member, the bond between child and pet is almost always incredibly close. In fact, research has shown that pets are much more than a child’s furry friend, they also play a significant role in their development.

The University of Liverpool found that almost 50 per cent of children talk to a pet as they would to a close friend, while more than one in three actually confided in their pets. The study also revealed that more than a third of children believe their pets understand how they feel, demonstrating the important role that pets play in their lives, particularly in times of difficulty. The connection with pets is particularly strong for children who do not have siblings. The study authors found pets offer an only child the chance to care for and nurture others; a vital skill in early learning and development. They also discovered the youngest siblings in a family have a stronger attachment to the family pet, which is thought to be linked to not having younger, more dependent siblings to care for. As the youngest of three boys, it’s research that I can relate to!

Pets are much more than a child’s furry friend, they also play

a significant role in their lives, particularly in times of difficulty

OPTIMUM Adult Dog 7+ with Chicken, Vegetables & Rice, 2.7kg Specially formulated with nutrition to meet

the needs of adult dogs.

OPTIMUM Cat Food Oral Care, 500g Designed to help reduce the build-up

of plaque and tartar, promoting healthy teeth and gums.

woolworths pets |

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About one in five dogs will suffer degenerative joint disease, commonly known as arthritis, during the course of their life. Arthritis is a painful inflammation of the joints. It occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones starts to break down. This causes the body to grow small spurs on the edge of the bones to try and stabilise the joint. It’s these growths that restrict joint movement, cause inflammation and make moving painful. The good news is the condition can be managed.

Signs of arthritis Slow to rise out of bed, especially

on chilly mornings Not participating in physical activity Irritability or reluctance to jump into

the car or climb stairs

While there is no cure, there are a number of ways you can make your pet as comfortable as possible, including:Weight management It’s important you monitor your dog’s weight for a healthy life. Not only will your pet feel better, but they will also be much healthier. This includes extending your dog’s life by up two years if they are kept at the correct weight for breed, age and size throughout their lives.Home comforts A coat; extra blankets in bed for padding and warmth; and ensuring the bed is raised off the ground in a draught-free location will get your pet through the cold months in comfort.

It’s also important to allow freedom of movement around their environment. Slippery flooring, access to stairs and having to jump up onto places like the lounge, bed or car can all become difficult for a dog to navigate with arthritis. Using things like ramps and covering slippery floors with non-slip mats can help your dog get around comfortably.

Movement Gentle, short walks are great for lubricating joints and will help prevent them from stiffening. Swimming is a non-bearing way to ease the pressure on joints, while exercising muscles and keeping your dog fit at the same time.Vet check If you’re concerned for your pet’s joint health, it’s best to visit your local vet for a check-up. There are medications and natural supplements that may be of benefit to your furry family member.

Have you got a question for our vets? Post it to our Facebook page at facebook.com/woolworths

Arthritis and ageing dogs

Purina ONE Biolife Digestive Small Breed, 1.3kg Made with gentle ingredients, such as multigrains, rice, chicken and oats.

Purina ONE Biolife Healthy Weight, 1.3kg A reduced calorie formula to help with healthy weight management.

WITH DR LISA

“About one in five dogs

will suffer with arthritis in their

lifetime.”

woolworths pets |

Your furry friend has a naturally inquisitive nature – so keep them safe by removing these common household hazards.

Did you know a recliner chair can cause your pet a serious injury? This item and many more common ones

around your house can look harmless, but are actually a serious risk to your four-legged family member. Look out for these hazards: Beware of poisonous baitsNot only is rat poison dangerous for your pet, but eating the infected rat is just as harmful. Lay baits where only rodents can reach, such as the roof, between walls, and along known rat runs. When applying snail bait, which contains highly toxic Metaldehyde, to your garden, place a barrier around the bed and mesh over the top to prevent any pet visitors. Same goes for ant insecticides, which contain toxic Boric Acid. The sweet smell and taste that’s attractive to ants is

also appealing to pets, so place it an area that can’t be accessed. Store baits and toxins in sealed containers, out of reach. Stop the shredThe motor on a paper shredder can often be warm and inviting for your cat, but the self-feed option can easily be turned on – there has been incidents of cats getting foot, tail or hair caught after walking across the top. Keep the shredder turned off at the wall and only turn on when you are using it.

Hidden treasureYoung puppies and kittens love to run under and hide in reclining chairs, making it highly dangerous when someone sits or starts rocking in the chair. Always check where your pet is before adjusting the chair.

Zap zoneIf your pet chews on an electrical cord and exposes the wire it can cause serious injuries like burns to the mouth, lips or tongue. Some severe cases can result in seizures, difficulty breathing or cardiac arrest. Keep cords covered and, if any become chewed, replace immediately. Laundry tips Dogs and some cats are notorious for seeking out interesting smells – something the clothes basket is full of! Socks can often cause an obstruction in the digestive system, which can be life-threatening and will require emergency surgery.

If your pet comes into contact with a toxic substance, please contact your vet.

Play it safe

SHARE &WIN!We would love to hear your ideas for our summer and winter issues of Pets. Tell us in 25 words or less about a hot topic you would like answers on. Send your entry and contact details to freshmagazine@woolworths.com.au Entries close July 23, 2014. For terms and conditions, visit woolworths.com.au/promotions

$50

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Now you can watch TV with your favourite furry friend.

Are you one of the many thousands of pet owners who loves to post photos of your four-legged friend on social media sites?

Well, now your pet can join in on the technology action. Realising the images on old-style analog TVs were too slow for a dog to see the picture, technology experts discovered that the speed of digital TV improved their ability to see.

For some dogs, it doesn’t matter if they are watching cartoons with the kids or taking in a movie on a Sunday night, but the discerning dog can now enjoy a special DOGTV channel that’s launched in the US and may make its way to our shores. The good news for owners is watching TV may help keep dogs occupied and prevent the bad behaviour associated with boredom. And, even better, you won’t have to fight over the remote control, since your pet will be happy with whatever is on.

PET APPS

From puppy to fully grown pooch, the Dog Nutrition Calculator App can help you provide

your furry friend with the right nutrition as they develop. It even calculates your canine’s age in human years. It also comes with bonus behavioural correction videos and tips.

Do you love playing games with your cat? Make them chase a fish

around on the Cat Fishing App. It’s a simple game of a swimming fish your cat will love to squash with their paw. The fish swims faster and faster, making it harder for your furry feline to catch!

Know your Daschund facts from your Beagle? Than the Dog Quiz

App is for you. There’s plenty of facts about each breed to read up on before you take the quiz. There are also plenty of levels to keep you interested. Bonus feature includes dog names and their meanings.

For those newbies with puppies, the Dog Training

App is a handy tool to help you teach your dog skills and commands. Dog Training comes with 10 free easy-to-follow videos, with the option to purchase extra video tutorials for as little as 99c each.

DOG TRAINING DOG QUIZ CAT FISHING

While you wait for your beloved pet to take over your technology, there’s plenty available to keep you entertained and informed. We took a sneak peek at four to give you our rating.

TECH pooch

DOG NUTRITION CALCULATOR

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P.E.T projectMaintaining your pet’s health and happiness requires more than a good diet – play and training also play a key role.

Maintaining the health and wellness of your pet is essential for them to enjoy a long, happy life. A pet needs

more than just good food for their wellbeing, they also need attention through play, and stimulation through training. Not only will these three factors – play, eat and train – impact your pet’s overall health, but it can also help you bond with them.

PLAYTIMETake time out to play with your pet – this interaction gives them attention, which can enhance their wellbeing. Plus it’s a great way to keep your pet active and healthy. Choose the right toy, so they get even more enjoyment from their playtime with you.Benefits:

Improves the bond between a pet and their owner

Releases endorphins CLEAN EATINGIt is important that you feed your pet a complete and balanced diet that is formulated for their particular lifestyle and life stage. Choosing the right food for your pet can be determined by age, size and activity level. Always use the recommended feeding guide as a way to monitor your pet’s portion size. Benefits:

Healthy skin and coat Feeding a good-quality diet can also

support a healthy immune system TRAINING GUIDETraining your pet is an important bonding experience, helping to keep your pet physically and mentally alert, as well as ensuring a strong and healthy relationship. Affection, encouragement and the use of treats are great ways to reward your pet.Benefits:

Increase mental alertness Teach basic commands and social skills

Increase your pet’s socialisation with other pets and people P.E.T projectWoolworths and Purina are on a mission to improve the health and wellbeing of pets and their owners. “We understand the need for every pet and their owner to lead happy, healthy lives,” says Woolworths’ Pets Category Manager, Jen Rogers. “Our aim is to help inspire them with hints and tips to lead an active lifestyle.”From August 6, 2014, pet owners will have the opportunity to go online and join the P.E.T mission by pledging to play more, eat healthier or train better. The website will assist pet owners by providing a balance of information and inspiration to fulfil their pledge, as well as help track their progress along the way.By joining our P.E.T Project, you could also be in the running to win a share in $100,000 worth of prizes, and every completed pledge will be celebrated with your own certificate that will also feature your pet. Look out for more information about P.E.T Project in your local Woolworths store.

Beneful Healthy Small Bites, 3kg Real beef to build strong muscles.

Supercoat Dental Chews Dog, 7pk Shaped to help reduce

build-up of plaque and tartar.

Supercoat Healthy Weight, 500g Well balanced food

free of artificial colours.

woolworths pets |

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Love bitespeanut butter bonesPrep 1 hr 15 mins | Cook 25 mins | Makes 22

Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. In a bowl, whisk 2 eggs, ½ cup smooth peanut butter (no added sugar or salt) and ¼ cup flaxseed oil together until smooth. Add 2 cups wholemeal flour and ¼ cup reduced-salt chicken stock or water and mix until a dough forms. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1.5cm thick. Cut out shapes using a bone-shaped cutter and place on trays. Place trays in fridge for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 170°C. Transfer bones to oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool. Store in an airtight container. Use within eight days.

Treats galoreIf you don’t have time to make up a batch of the peanut butter bones, don’t worry. There’s a whole range of suitable treats for both dogs and cats in store. Head to

the pet aisle to see the range.

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This treat can be frozen – use within three months

Share a photo of your homemade dog treats on our Facebook page facebook.com/woolworths

Reward your furry friend with this homemade treat.

Lead the wayA Guide Dog undertakes a crucial role in the life of a person who is blind or vision impaired.

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Many of us take our daily routines for granted, but for those required to tackle the commute to work

without sight, a Guide Dog plays a pivotal role in providing independence and safety.

Aspiring Paralympian, Kate Murdoch, relies on her Guide Dog, Trixie, to help her navigate train stations, stairs, a bridge, driveways and through a busy hospital on her daily commute from her home in Penrith to her workplace at Cumberland Hospital in Western Sydney, where she works as a Disability Employment Consultant.

“I was in denial for a long time. The cane was difficult because I didn’t want anyone to know I was losing my sight,” says Kate, who was declared legally blind 11 years ago as a result of her cone-rod dystrophy. “My first Guide Dog, Otis, gave me independence and helped to build my confidence.”

Guide Dogs Australia says Labrador and Labrador Retrievers are temperamentally suited to Guide Dog work. The dogs need to pass a rigorous assessment to find the most suitable dogs that can be trained to guide.

“We are looking for settled dogs that are happy to flop down under a desk at work, but equally keen and willing to go when the person needs them to be up and guiding,” says Kerry Peirce, Client Services Guide Dog Coordinator for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. “So a dog that fits in with home life, social situations, as well as with working life.”

Pups are raised by volunteer families from eight weeks old to 14 months old, when they return to a Guide Dog Centre for assessment for Guide Dog training.

“We put our dogs through a fairly intensive training regime, where they learn all the skills to guide a handler,” says Peter McKenzie, Guide Dog Orientation and Mobility Instructor for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

Guide Dogs are trained to stop at curbs, stairs and sudden changes of surface; avoid obstacles and find destinations. Training a Guide Dog takes about two years and costs more than $30,000.

Towards the end of the training process, Guide Dogs are matched to a suitable candidate, taking into consideration aspects like their lifestyle requirements, age, speed of gait and matching it to a dog’s gait and temperament. Once a match is made, an instructor works with both dog and handler to train them in travelling designated routes together.

“We are still in the training process, but I know that Trixie will enable me to continue living the life I’ve set up for myself with my previous Guide Dog,” says Kate.

The first dedicated Guide Dog training school was established in WWI to assist veterans who had been blinded in combat. Today 900 hard-working Guide Dogs across Australia assist those with impaired vision to get around independently.

Take the lead, Australia!Keep your pet dog on a lead so Guide Dogs can do their job safely.

Distracting a Guide Dog from its job affects the handler it guides. Guide Dogs Australia is calling on all dog owners to ‘Take The Lead’ and put a lead on their pet dog, preventing them from interfering with or attacking Guide Dogs. “Any distraction to a working Guide Dog can put its handler’s safety at risk,” say Dr Graeme White, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, who points to distractions while crossing the road as risking both dog and handler.

The Labrador is the preferred Guide Dog breed; Kate with her Guide Dog, Trixie; and Kate in training for the 2016 Paralympics

woolworths pets |

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Winter wellnessTime and attention are just as important in the cooler months as they are in summer. Here’s our guide for a happy winter pet.

Don’t let the winter weather put you off taking your dog for a walk. Every dog needs exercise,

each day, as do you. Exercise is especially important for owners of pets with arthritis, as a regular program of gentle exercise during winter can actually help with joint mobility.

Watch your pet’s diet during winter. Some pets, especially dogs with fine coats, may use more energy keeping warm in the colder months and need an extra treat or a little more food at dinner time. However, it’s likely that your pet will be less active during winter, so don’t go overboard. It’s no fun spending spring shedding extra weight gained over winter.

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Beneful Healthy Weight with Chicken, 3kg Wholesome grains

for energy and high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle mass.

My Dog Light Tender Beef, Rice & Vegetables, 400g With 20 per cent

less fat, it’s perfect for keeping your special friend healthy and happy.

Pedigree Light Turkey & Vegetable Loaf, 700g Australia’s favourite dog

food, now in a light recipe.

Play for warmth With a little imagination, you can exercise your pet anywhere. Here are some ideas:

Scattering your dog’s kibble throughout the house to get your dog up and about using their nose. It has the added benefit of encouraging natural foraging and will see your dog burning calories as they eat.

Rolling your dog’s ball down the hallway and playing hide and seek is another great way to get your dog moving.

Encourage your dog to move with you around the house while you are doing your housework by carrying around their favourite toy and a few treats.

Get involved with training classes such as obedience, agility and even fly ball. In some cases, 10 minutes of focused training can equal an hour’s walking time.

Winter wellnessTime and attention are just as important in the cooler months as they are in summer. Here’s our guide for a happy winter pet.

Age mattersYour four-legged friend may have slowed down a little, preferring a snooze to a walk, but there is no reason to think that you and your aged dog can’t still enjoy the good times.

Just like humans, dogs age at different rates and it is important to know the difference between the normal

signs of ageing and indications that you may need to take extra care of your dog.

As your dog ages, he will slow down and become less active as a natural part of the ageing process. If he struggles to get up or walks stiffly, he may need to be checked for arthritis, as this is a common condition in older dogs. If your dog’s bed is on a hard surface, placing a piece of carpet next to the bed will help him to get up more easily.

It is important that you continue to exercise a senior dog. The walks may be shorter and slower, but a daily walk is important for the mental and physical health of dogs of all ages.

Older dogs will feel extremes of temperature more than they did when they were young. Make sure your dog has a warm comfortable bed for winter and a shady spot in summer, with plenty of fresh water at all times.

Your senior dog will enjoy having his coat brushed to maintain its condition.

This is also a good opportunity for you to check for any lumps or bumps that may need to be looked at by your vet. Maintain all of the health programs you have in place, including annual vaccinations; flea and tick treatments; worming and grooming.

And remember to enjoy all the great things about owning an older dog. No more toilet training, no more obedience classes, all the love and affection you have always received and – just once in a while – you might get to sleep in rather than go for an early morning walk.

Pedigree Joint Care, 70g Includes stabilised

green lipped mussel powder, which may relieve arthritic pain.

OPTIMUM Adult 7+ with Chicken, Vegetables &

Rice, 2.7kg Formulated with concentrated nutrition for healthy older dogs.

Supercoat Light & Mature, 3.5kg

Specially formulated for weight management

in older dogs.

woolworths pets |

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Inside benefitsAn indoor cat can have as many benefits of an outdoor lifestyle with a little help from owners. Here are our tips.

Cats are living on average, longer, healthier lives and that’s thought to be because

they are mostly indoors cats. Living inside certainly has the benefits of keeping your kitty safe from cars and predators, but it also means that your cat is less likely to pick up contagious diseases from other animals. Many owners, however, can be concerned that their cat is missing out on the outside world. But the life of an indoor cat can be as exciting and eventful as a cat that lives outside. Keep them happy and active with our tips, below.

Cat napCats sleep for up to 18 hours a day, and it’s certainly easier to find a nice, comfortable quiet spot inside, rather than out. Create snuggly places for your cat to relax in around the house – up high, down low, dark and even hidey holes are all popular. Natural instinctsCats have a predatory nature and, when not sleeping, they love showing off their athletic side through leaping, pouncing, tackling and jumping. Make sure your cat has toys and activities which encourage these behaviours, as active cats are happy cats and are also less likely to be overweight!

The grass is greener... inside By placing small pots of catnip and grass around your home you can bring some of the outside in. These plants are safe to be nibbled on and can provide different scents and tastes to their environment. Litter critter Cats are very clean by nature and some have very particular preferences when it comes to the location, type and cleanliness of their litter boxes. The general rule for litter trays is have one tray per cat, plus one extra. So a one-cat home should have at least two litter trays and a multi-cat home of three should have at least four trays.

No time? Shop online, visit us at woolworths.com.au/petcare

Whiskas Indoor Adult Cat Food With Chicken, Turkey, Vegetable & Cheese Flavour, 1kg Meets the nutritional needs of indoor cats.

Catsan Lavender Crystals, 4kg Made from highly absorbent silica gel crystals which eliminate odours with an added lavendar scent.

Total Care Scamper Mouse, 1pk Keep your cat entertained while you are away with this playful mouse.

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COLOUR AND WIN

YOU COULD WIN YOUR FAVOURITE PET FOOD FOR A YEAR Colour in this picture - be colourful and neat

and send it to us!

*See reverse for competition entry details 13

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AGE LIFE DEVELOPMENTS NUTRIENTS THEY NEED

KITTEN 2-6 months

Tiny developing teeth Developing brain and immune system

Choose food that includes DHA and antioxidants. A soft mince texture is easy for kittens to eat and provides 100 per cent complete and balanced nutrition to assist development

KITTEN 7-12 months

General growth Plenty of energy

A food that promotes ongoing growth and development with DHA, calcium and taurine is needed for this stage

ADULT CAT 8+ years

Slowing down and taking things at a more sedate pace

A food wth DHA, antioxidants and controlled phosphorus for optimum health is best for this stage of life

ADULT CAT 11+ years

Mental and digestive functions need extra help now

Help your cat into maturity with a food that contains DHA, antioxidants and controlled phosphorus. Consider texture – soft and chunky is easier for mature cats to eat

If your cat is a little more round and cuddly than is healthy, it might be time to look at their food options.

Flabby cat

Under controlFeeding your cat at a set time each day can help you to manage the amount your furry friend eats, since many cats will happily graze all day on dry food. If your cat prefers to eat small amounts often, you will need to measure out the correct amount of food for a 12-hour period, and only put down that amount of food.

Your cat is a meat eater, or carnivore, and needs a balanced diet that contains protein, carbohydrates

and fibre as well as all the important vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Fortunately, ensuring your cat has a nutritious diet is not difficult, but you do need to make sure you only feed the recommended amount, and that you take into account any snacks or other treats your cat may enjoy during the day. It is really all about controlling the size and frequency of the portions your cat receives.

Our guide to feeding your cat:

Do you have a story about your pet? Share it with us at facebook.com/woolworths

Ultimates Indulge Weight Management, 85g Highly palatable

and formulated by a vet to assist with weight management.

Whiskas favourites, 12 x 85g A variety of chicken

flavours in delicious gravy.

Purina ONE Healthy Weight, 500g Designed to help cats maintain lean

muscle mass and healthy weight loss.

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“ Happiness is a warm puppy ”~ CHARLES M. SCHULZ