Vegan Cats: Fact or Myth?

Can cats truly be vegan, or is it just another passing trend? Explore the facts, humorously, about feline diets and why cats are obligate carnivores by nature

                  The picture is the property of the author of this article, and it was done with an AI program

Medium members read the full post here.

Written by Xena

Introduction

Have you heard, have you heard?

My cat ate an entire broccoli today, and yesterday she had a veggie mix!

It’s a miracle like no other!

Yes, yes, and my sheep just ate a whole rooster, feathers, and all!

My cat has officially gone vegan, and from now on, that’s how it’s going to be!

Oh yes, and my sheep has turned carnivorous and will only eat raw meat from now on!

Oh, what the hell is this chaos happening in my yard!

New Trends in Nutrition

Of course, this is all satire, and most of you probably won’t believe it. But some might. Especially considering that we’ve been exposed to various new nutritional trends for some time now, and in recent years, even trends in pet diets.

We’re increasingly being bombarded on social media with posts about “VEGAN CATS,” so much so that it’s becoming a bit tiresome. But can cats actually be vegan and live that way for 15 or more years?

For a cat to be vegan, its diet would have to consist entirely of vegetables and non-animal-based products.

In other words, cats would have to become herbivores. Is that what your feline friend truly wants, and are you putting her health at risk by denying the fact that she is a predator and an obligate carnivore?

It’s as absurd as saying lions are herbivores and graze alongside antelopes — after all, lions are cats too. They may be big, but they’re still cats.

I won’t deny that there might be isolated cases where a cat might nibble on some fruit or vegetables. But it’s a rarity, and they only do it occasionally.

My Personal Experience with “Vegan Cats”

From personal experience, I can say that my cat Neo has done this too.

           The picture is the property of the author of this article, and it was done with an AI program

He will eat anything you give him from your hand, and on a few occasions, he has eaten: cabbage, stuffed cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, pees, beans, and even “Čokolino” (a chocolate-flavored cereal).

But Neo is a glutton, and he only eats this from my or my partner’s hand while we’re sitting at the dinner table.

If we put the same food in his bowl, he wouldn’t touch it. Instead, he would ask for meat, fish, or his favorite canned food and treats.

Is vegan cat food animal abuse?

Answer (1 of 17): Yes. A study found nutritional inadequacies in the commercial vegan preparations it tested [1]. And…

worldofcatsdogs.quora.com

Some of you may argue that cats eat grass, so they could be vegans or maybe even herbivores. But that’s not the case. Cats eat grass to help them expel hairballs that build up in their system when they groom themselves by licking their fur or paws.

Grass isn’t food for cats. Animal-based proteins are the most important part of their diet. This has been true for the 3,500 years that cats have lived alongside humans, and I believe it will continue to be true unless scientists in some lab create something different.

But at that point, it wouldn’t be a cat anymore — at least, not the kind we know today. It would be some new creature, but that’s not our topic for today.

Do we Choose Cats or do Cats Choose us?

Here, in this article, we will try to answer the eternal question that bothers us humans. Do we choose cats or do cats…

medium.com

Conclusion

In my humble opinion, the concept of “VEGAN CATS” is a trendy fad, nothing more than a fabrication by someone who’s clearly bored with life. This trend will likely fade away with time, just like all others.

I also believe that trying to make cats vegan amounts to a form of animal cruelty and abuse by suppressing their natural instincts.

And to you, dear readers, I leave the choice of whether your feline friend will be a “VEGAN” or a “CARNIVORE,” as she has been for thousands of years.

What do you think? Write your opinion in the comments!

Teica and Beyond, a Sad Story About my Cat

A heartfelt tribute to our beloved 18-year-old cat Teica, who fought bravely like a lioness and filled our lives with…

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If you want to support my work, buy me a coffee for $1.

https://ko-fi.com/neo77

Greetings, and until my next article!

Xena

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Teica and Beyond

A heartfelt tribute to our beloved 18-year-old cat Teica, who fought bravely like a lioness and filled our lives with unconditional love

                                                     The picture is the property of the author of this article

Medium members read the full post here.

Written by Xena

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Cat Teica

This article is dedicated to our 18-year-old cat Tea, called Teica, who will live in our hearts forever, even after she’s no longer with us.

I believe all of us, at least once in our lives, have faced the heartbreaking illness of a family member. The pain, sadness, and helplessness can be overwhelming. And when it comes to a beloved pet, who is also part of the family, the intensity of that sadness and pain doesn’t lessen.

We want to help that helpless creature, or at least ease their suffering a bit, but we often find ourselves powerless. And the thought that the moment of farewell may have come is what hurts the most.

This is exactly what happened with our dear and sweet cat, Teica, who had been saved from the jaws of certain death by veterinarians — and perhaps by the grace of God — six times already.

Now, everyone at the veterinary clinic calls her “The Lioness” because she fights for her life like a lioness and has an excellent reason to. Teica has been pampered and loved all her life — all 18 years of it (which is equivalent to 88 in human years) — and never lacked for anything.

Although she lives with three other cats in the house, and there are three more outside who respect and admire her for being the eldest (cats understand hierarchy well), Teica has always been special. She has shown this since her earliest days.

                         The picture is the property of the author of this article

She’s always acted atypically for a cat. Honestly, her behavior is more like that of a dog. She’s always been attached to me (and later to my partner) and would follow me everywhere, just like a little puppy.

She craved affection and attention and was happiest when I took her into my lap and petted her. She would then purr loudly, like a small tractor. If anyone in the family got sick and lay in bed, she would stay with them for days, as if trying to absorb all the negative energy and heal her human.

Whenever we came back from a trip, she would sleep with us at night, making sure we held her paw to assure her that we were there and wouldn’t leave her. If we dozed off and let go of her paw, she would start meowing until we held it again — and this would continue for nights on end. Only when she felt reassured that we were truly there, and not leaving her with the “cat-sitter,” would she agree to sleep in her own fluffy bed.

For every bit of love she received, she gave back tenfold. That’s just how Teica has always been — loyal, devoted to our family, and filled with unconditional love for her humans.

Then, one day, just shy of 18 years, she fell ill. She can no longer see or hear, her teeth and back legs don’t work as they should, and the vets say that, in addition to neurological issues, her kidneys, heart, and lungs are slowly failing.

                                 The picture is the property of the author of this article

According to them, surgery is out of the question. Due to her age and her fragile body, weakened by illness, she would likely pass away on the operating table.

So now, she only receives medication to help maintain some quality of life. With their help, she walks, eats, uses the litter box, and seeks out cuddles. She doesn’t feel pain, nor is she suffering.

How long will this last? I don’t know. All I know is that we must help her and repay her for all the love she’s given us over the years.

We pray to God to keep her with us as long as possible, without pain or suffering. And Teica has a powerful reason to live — our endless, unconditional love, which she feels deeply and which keeps her going. She will live in our hearts forever, as long as we are here.

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2023/01/a-happy-catsmas-fairy-tale-sretna-macja.html

A Happy Catsmas Fairy Tale

This is a tale of love and understanding between a man and a little kitten who was lost and all alone on the cold…

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If you want to support my work, buy me a coffee for $1.

https://ko-fi.com/neo77

Greetings, and until my next article!

Xena

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THE EASIEST TO TRAIN DOG BREEDS - A Comprehensive Guide

WRITTEN BY XENA

If you're on the hunt for your new four-legged companion, choosing the right dog breed can be quite a challenge. To simplify your decision-making process, we've conducted thorough research on dog breeds that are notoriously easy to train. In our previous article, we discussed the breeds that are more challenging to train, but don't worry—being easy to train doesn't mean these breeds are any less intelligent or capable. In fact, most dog breeds possess the intelligence equivalent to a 2-year-old child. Additionally, each breed has its own predisposition for specific tasks, such as following commands and working alongside humans (such as guarding livestock) or working independently. In this article, we'll focus on the dog breeds that are known for their trainability, particularly those from working and sporting lines. Let's dive in and explore which dog breeds made our list of the top 10 easiest to train.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are incredibly popular worldwide due to their friendly nature, playfulness, and sociability. While their curiosity often lands them in awkward situations, proper training can help prevent any potential harm. It's important to teach them obedience and essential commands, such as "leave it," from an early age. Known for their muscular build, Labradors are frequently employed as working dogs for detecting illegal substances. Furthermore, their loyalty, obedience, and excellent compatibility with children make them exceptional pets. These factors contribute to the ease of training this breed.

German Shepherd

For detailed information about the German Shepherd breed, please refer to our previous post: https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/06/what-do-you-need-to-know-about-german.html. In terms of training, German Shepherds are highly intelligent and obedient, making them popular choices for police and military work. Whether training for specific tasks or as family companions, it's crucial to start short training sessions, around 5-10 minutes, multiple times a day, from a young age. Long training sessions are not recommended for puppies due to their limited concentration span during development. To maximize their interest in training, schedule sessions before meals and reward them with treats. Properly trained German Shepherds coexist harmoniously with other pets and dogs. For further information, you can also check these resources: 

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/07/can-german-shepherd-and-golden.html, 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3npTrhrl0U&list=PLWuvi-c205RU4g9lFR7WOwF1KlUH0P2Bc&index=6.

Golden Retriever

What can we say about these beautiful dogs? Golden Retrievers excel in intelligence, obedience, and their affinity for humans, making them ideal family dogs and remarkable pets. They also make fantastic therapy and assistance dogs, showcasing exceptional obedience and agility in competitions. Positive training methods, including treats, praise, and gentle scratches, work wonders with this breed.

Poodle

Poodles are renowned for their beauty, and elegance, and often dominates dog shows. Beyond their physical attributes, Poodles are loyal dogs and among the most intelligent breeds worldwide. Consequently, they are easy to train. However, it's important to note that Poodles are fairly active and require daily physical and mental stimulation.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are fiercely loyal and protective of their owners. Historically used as protection dogs, they possess characteristics such as self-confidence, fearlessness, obedience, determination, and intelligence. These traits contribute to their quick learning and ease of training. Although they enjoy socializing with people, proper training and early socialization are essential to prevent potential aggression. With the right training, a Doberman can be a treat rather than a "killing machine."

Border Collie

Considered the most intelligent dog breed globally, the Border Collie's intelligence is often compared to that of a 2.5-year-old child. As a result, training this breed is relatively easy. Border Collies learn and continuously seek mental and physical stimulation. They excel in obedience, agility, and herding tasks. Consistent training methods, such as positive reinforcement and interactive play, are essential for this breed's well-being and development. You can find more about this dog here:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2022/12/top-10-breeds-of-dogs-most-attached-to.html

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Australian Shepherds, despite their name, originated in the United States. They are highly energetic and intelligent dogs, commonly used for herding livestock. Their natural inclination to please their owners and their eagerness to learn to make them highly trainable. Australian Shepherds thrive in an environment that challenges their minds and bodies, so incorporating activities such as obedience training, agility courses, and interactive games is recommended.

Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)

Shelties are often described as miniaturized versions of the Rough Collie breed. They are intelligent, responsive, and eager to please their owners. Shelties excel in obedience and agility training, as well as various dog sports. Their small size and adaptability make them suitable for various living situations, including apartments and houses with yards.

Papillon

The Papillon, meaning "butterfly" in French, is a small toy breed known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears. Don't let their small size fool you—Papillons are highly intelligent and trainable. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement methods. Regular mental and physical exercise is essential to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Although small, it is a DOG that is very strong and muscular. It is a very obedient DOG, which is what it is best known for, so training does not pose any problem for it.

In addition to the above, there are a number of other DOG BREEDS that are easy to train. Therefore, if your DOG is not among them, do not despair! If you have enough time, patience, and knowledge, you can train any BREED in the world. These BREEDS are only the best choice for training.

Remember, while these dog breeds are considered easier to train, each individual dog may have its own unique personality and learning style. It's important to adapt your training methods to suit your dog's needs and be patient throughout the process. Training should always be based on positive reinforcement, using rewards and praise to motivate and encourage desired behaviors.

Whether you choose one of these easy-to-train breeds or another breed that captures your heart, investing time and effort into training will foster a strong bond and a well-behaved companion for life. Happy training!

"We take care of our pets as for ourselves"

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CAN PETS PREDICT AN EARTHQUAKES? EXPLORING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR BEFORE NATURAL DISASTERS

WRITTEN BY XENA

Introduction:

Images of the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria are still vivid. For some of you, it is much more, because you yourself have been victims. Nature sometimes surprises us with its cruelty, and a significant role in all of this belongs to man. 

He is the one who, with his irresponsible actions, largely influenced climatic changes, and thus most likely severe natural disasters such as earthquakes. 

Could this have been foreseen and thus avoided catastrophic consequences of an enormous degree? I leave it to the experts to deal with it in the future because this is a blog about CATS and DOGS after all. However, what I would like to point out with this introduction and what I will deal with in this post, is the possibility of predicting earthquakes by our PETS. So, the question is can pets predict an earthquake or not?

Pets and Their Ability to Sense Cataclysms:

That animal can sense cataclysms has been known since ancient times. Thus, for example, back in the 4th century BC (373 BC), ancient Greece was hit by a huge earthquake, where the entire city of Helikea, where the epicenter was, collapsed into the ground. Just two days before that unfortunate event, rats, snakes, worms, weasels, and centipedes left that city and found refuge elsewhere. 

From recent history, there is a record of the earthquake near Naples in 1805, which talks about the unusual behavior of domestic animals immediately before the earthquake. So, for example, some DOGS will whine and bark "for no reason" before an earthquake, and if they are on the floor in a house or apartment, they will run outside barking. While others will hide among the furniture, stare blankly or seek protection in the lap of the owner, and some will not return to the house for some time after the earthquake, due to the closed space. 

Cats, Dogs, and Other Animals:

CATS, but also snakes, frogs, and fish, can also sense an earthquake. CATS get nervous before an earthquake because they react to sudden changes in the Earth's magnetic field due to their heightened senses. Namely, they can feel tremors, changes in temperature, the smell of stagnant water, and noise. CATS actually react to the increase in static electricity in the air that occurs just before an earthquake. 

It is believed that a CAT predicted the earthquake in Albania in 2019, because a surveillance camera recorded its agitated behavior, just before the earthquake. And that video went around the world and became viral. 

Chickens literally go crazy before an earthquake (clucking in panic, flapping their wings, they behave as if some predator attacked the chicken coop), and during and after the earthquake they become even crazier. These are the words of the author Tributsch, who studied the ability of animals to predict earthquakes and published this in his book "Omens of Earthquakes". In it, he analyzed as many as 78 collected descriptions of unusual animal behavior around the globe. Thus, he states that "aquatic animals", such as crocodiles and frogs, are particularly sensitive to earthquakes, affecting them more than other animals. 

Scientific Evidence and Opinions:

There is a whole range of opinions on this topic, and scientists in Japan have been dealing with it for the last few years, which is understandable if we take into account that Japan is located in a seismic area. Earthquakes are an almost frequent occurrence there.

Conclusion:

My humble opinion on this topic is that our PETS and animals in general can sense and therefore predict cataclysms. Moreover, there is more recent scientific evidence about this, that is, evidence from the age of developed seismology, and it cannot be said that it is just empty speculation or superstition. I leave it up to you to decide for yourself whether it is superstition or scientific truth.

 "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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WHAT ARE THE BREEDS OF DOGS THAT LIVE THE LONGEST AND SHORTEST?

WRITTEN BY XENA

The DOG is the best four-legged man's friend. This is unquestionable and so has been from the beginning of time. If he is also a PET, he is very likely a family member too, and we are tightly connected with him. When it dies, it is emotional, and sometimes we are dramatically experienced and nothing can replace us with the void we felt at the time.

The average age of DOGS is 10-13 years. So they live shorter than CATS. However, their life depends on: 

• the BREED and size of the DOG 
• genetics 
• DOG living conditions 
• nutritious quality 
• health 
• energy
• happiness level 
• physical activity  
• movement 
• mental stimulation  
• regular veterinary examinations  

It has been found that SMALL DOG BREEDS live longer than LARGE ones, as well as MIXED BREEDS live longer than PUREBRED BREEDS. Here is one interesting thing, that shows that there are DOGS that have exceeded the average life span and experienced 27 human years, and those that exceeded the Guinness record with 29 human years experienced. Such is, for example, an AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD, Bluey. But it is certainly a rarity and, if we are DOG owners, we must be ready to outlive our PETS.

Before I start listing the LONGEST-RUNNING BREEDS and those who live the shortest, I will look back at the calculation of the DOG YEARS. 

There are several methods of calculating DOG YEARS. 

The most famous is the one that assumes that one year DOG is seven human years, as well as the method that the first year of the DOG counts as 1 human, and all the next 7 humans. 

Scientists, however, believe that their size and weight should be taken into account for DOG -YEARS. 

They are of the opinion that all DOGS, regardless of their weight in the first human year, have been experiencing for 15 years. Regardless of the greatness of the DOG

• the two human years are 24 DOG YEARS, 
• three humans - about 28 DOG YEARS, 
• four - about 32 
• five -about 36 DOG YEARS
• the size of the dog is taken into account, only after 6 human years, so DOGS under 9 pounds with 6 human years will actually be about 40 years old  
• DOGS above 23 kg will be about 45 years 
• SMALL DOGS will have 56 DOG YEARS with 10 human years, 
• LARGE DOGS will be at the age of 66 

The general calculation of DOG YEARS would approximately read 15+9+5. This would mean that in the first human year, they already have 15 DOG YEARS, in the second 9+ (24 years), and in the third 29 DOG YEARS. Each next year, it will increase by five. 

It is important to emphasize that scientists still do not know, why LARGE DOG BREEDS live shorter than SMALL ones. DOGS grow faster and more mature than humans, so their lifespan passes faster. Now that we have gained insights into calculating the years of our best four-legged friend, we can start a classification of the longest-running DOG BREEDS.

1. NEW GUINEA SINGING DOG (life span: 15-20 years)

According to the view of scientists, this relative of the AUSTRALIAN DINGO DOG arrived on the island of Nova Guinea 3500 years ago, was last seen in the wild in the 1970s, and was considered extinct. He was now found again in Papue's new Guinea hills. It is an ancient BREED that voters vote for - a mixture of wolf howling and whaling song, hence the name singing  DOG.

2. CHIHUAHUA (life span: 14-18 years)

I wrote about this BREED earlier on this blog, so those who are interested in details can be found here: 

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/07/what-are-most-Important-facts-bout.html

3. BORDER COLLIE (life span: 10-17 years)

For those who want to know more is the post on this blog:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2022/12/top-10-breeds--dogs-most-ttached-to.html

4. JACK RUSSEL TERRIER (life span: 13-16 years). The oldest DOG from this BREED is Meg, she is 25 years old and comes from Great Britain.

5. YORKSHIRE TERRIER (life span: about 15 years)

6. DACHSHUND (life expectancy: 12-16 years) 

One of the reasons for their longevity is probably the fact that it is a very healthy DOG BREED. The oldest DACHSHUND, Chanel, lived to be 21 years old.

7. POMERANIAN (life span: 12-16 years) 

One of the most famous and cutest DOGS in the world was undoubtedly a POMERANIAN named Boo, who had his own Facebook page. Sadly, Boo died in 2019 at the age of 12.

8. SHIH TZU (life span: 10-16 years)

9. AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG (lifespan: 13-15 years) 

From this BREED comes the world's oldest DOG ever. It was Bluey, who was over 29 years old and lived in the 20th century (1910-1939).

10. BEAGLE (life span: 12-15 years) 

I'm sure we all remember the cartoon with Snoopy the DOG. Well, this adorable DOG comes from the BEAGLE BREED that I also wrote about in this blog (https://www.catdogwrld.com/2022/02/medium-size-dog-breeds-srednje-veliki.html).    The oldest BEAGLE was 27 years old, his name was Butch, and he died in 2003.

11. SIBERIAN HUSKY (life span: 12-15 years) 

For those who want to know where they come from, read this blog post:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/04/siberian-husky-sibirski-haski.html

If you belong to those who get attached to their PETS, this list is for you. I am sure that you will find a DOG "to your liking" that will cheer you up day after day and love you unconditionally for many years, and in return will only ask for a little of your attention and time.                                                                                                                                      

The following is a list of DOG BREEDS THAT LIVE THE SHORTEST

• DOGUE DE BORDEAUX - FRENCH MASTIFF (life span: 5-8 years)
• BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG (life span: 6-8 years)
• IRISH WOLFHOUND (life span: 6-10 years)
• BORZOI (life span: 7-10 years)
• LEONBERGER (life expectancy: 8-9 years)
• NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF (life span: 8-10 years)
• GREAT DANE (life span: 8-10 years)
• BULLMASTIFF (lifespan: 8-10 years)
• NEWFOUNDLAND - a gentle giant, due to its temperament (lifespan: 8-10 years)
• SAINT BERNARD DOG (life span: 8-10 years)BREED which is also covered on this blog: https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/02/dog-breeds-pasmine-pasa_22.html
• ROTTWEILER (life span: 8-10 years)      

From all of the above, we can conclude that SMALLER DOGS live longer than LARGE BREEDS. So, love, take care, and cuddle your best four-legged friends while they are with you! Because when they leave, there will be a void that nothing can fill, especially if you knew you could have done more and you didn't.                                  

 "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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