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Antioxidants are good for your cat because they play a key role in minimizing damage to cells, including cells of the immune system.
These important, naturally occurring nutrients help maintain health by slowing the destructive oxidative process of cellular molecules. They also can be important in supporting immune responses and vaccine recognition in cats. This may be especially critical for kittens that are being vaccinated while their immune system is still developing.
Additionally, antioxidants can reverse decreases in immune-cell function for senior cats, increasing them back to healthy adult levels.
Antioxidants are nutrients found naturally in the body and in plants such as fruits and vegetables. Common antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E and certain compounds called carotenoids (including lutein and beta-carotene). A blend of several antioxidants in moderate amounts may be more effective than high levels of one antioxidant.
As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These free radicals are highly unstable and steal components from other cellular molecules, such as fat, protein or DNA, thereby spreading the damage.
This damage continues in a chain reaction, and entire cells soon become damaged and die in a process called peroxidation. Peroxidation is useful because it helps the body destroy cells that have outlived their usefulness and kills germs and parasites. However, when left unchecked, peroxidation also destroys or damages healthy cells.
Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular destruction by willingly donating components to stabilize free radicals. More importantly, antioxidants return to the surface of the cell to stabilize rather than damage other cellular components.
When there are not enough antioxidants to hold peroxidation in check, free radicals begin damaging healthy cells, which can lead to problems. For example, free radical damage to immune cells can lead to an increased risk of infection.
Because antioxidants play a key role in minimizing damage to cells, such as those that make up the immune system, recent research examined the benefits of certain antioxidants on the immune response of cats. The results of these studies indicated that antioxidants are important in helping cats maintain a healthy immune system.
The research also showed that each antioxidant benefits the immune system uniquely, so one antioxidant at high levels is not as effective as a group of antioxidants acting together.
| Antioxidant | Source | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E | Plant oil extract, tocopherols | Optimizes immune system’s T-cell activation |
| Beta-carotene | Vitamin premix, corn meal, chicken by-product meal and chicken fat | Optimizes types of cells present in the blood, increases antibody levels in the blood and optimizes vaccine recognition |
Recent research also examined the effect of aging on immune responses. The findings indicate that as cats age, immune cell responses may decline. Including antioxidants in your cat’s diet can help reverse the age-related decrease in immune cell function, returning it to healthy adult levels.
Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting time for any pet lover. As your furry little bundle of joy grows and develops, it's important to remember that proper kitten training is essential for its physical and behavioural well-being. In the crucial growing years, a kitten's brain is like a sponge, absorbing information and learning new skills at an incredible speed. With proper guidance and loving touch, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a well-adjusted, happy, and healthy family member. This blog post will share tips to train your kitten and provide them with the best possible start in life.
As a new kitten parent, it's important to understand that kitten training should be a fun and positive experience for you and your furry friend. You can teach your kitten everything from basic commands to good manners with patience, consistency, and a few simple tips. Here are some of our top tips for training your kitten:
Teaching your kitten to sit is the first step in training. Start by holding a treat in front of their nose and slowly moving it up and over their head. As they look up to follow the treat, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground. As soon as they sit, say 'sit' and give them the treat. Repeat this process several times a day until they understand the command.
Crate training is an excellent way to provide your kitten with a safe and comfortable space to call their own. Start by placing a soft blanket and a few toys inside the crate. Let your kitten explore the crate on their own and reward them with treats and praise when they go inside. Over time, you can start closing the door for short periods and gradually increase the duration.
Socialization is an important part of kitten training. Start by introducing your kitten to friends, family, and other pets. Take your fur baby on short car rides and expose it to sights, sounds, and smells. The more it is exposed to different people, animals, and environments, the more confident and well-adjusted it will be as an adult.
Training your kitten to play with toys is a great way to stimulate it mentally and physically. Start by introducing your purrfect pal to various toys and see what interests it the most. Once it is engaged, you two can indulge in fun games like fetch, chase, and tug of war.
Litter training is an essential part of kitten training. Start by placing your kitten in the litter box after meals and naps. When they use the litter box, reward them with treats and praises. Be sure to clean the box regularly and keep it in a quiet, accessible location.
Teaching your kitten proper feeding etiquette is important for its overall health and wellbeing. Start by teaching them to eat from a bowl and not to beg at the table. Be consistent with their feeding schedule and monitor their weight to ensure they receive full nutrition.
Teaching kittens to recognize their name is an important step in training. Start by calling their name and rewarding them with treats and praises when they respond. Be consistent with their name and use them as much as possible.
Overall, training your kitten is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. Remember to use positive and reward-based training methods. And most importantly, have fun! Make sure to give your kitten lots of love, praises, and treats as they learn and grow.
