Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Spring 2023

How to Get a Cat to Drink Water G etting your cat to drink more water can be tricky. You may have to experiment until you find something she likes. Choose the Right Water Bowl: If your cat’s current water bowl is deep and narrow, it may touch her whiskers, which is uncomfortable. Try switching your cat’s water bowl to a wider, shallower dish with a smaller lip to see if she drinks more. Place it in the Right Location: Although it’s tempting to stick your cat’s food and water bowls in an out-of-the-way area, cats don’t like being boxed into a corner. They prefer locations where they can see their surroundings with a quick glance and don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking up behind them. See if moving her water bowl to a new location helps. Keep it Fresh: The longer water sits, the more particles it collects. Dust, dirt, hair and more can all collect in your cat’s water bowl, making her less inclined to drink from it. Put fresh water in her bowl one to two times a day. Try a Cat Water Fountain: Cats love running water and there are many theories why. It may also appeal to more of their senses, as they can see it move, hear the sound it makes and even taste a difference. A cat water fountain can make drinking water more exciting and pleasurable for your kitty. Add Wet Cat Food to Her Diet: Water isn’t the only way to keep your cat hydrated. If you’ve tried all the above and she’s still not drinking enough, try hydrating with wet cat food or broths. Although it can’t replace water altogether, supplementing with wet food can help increase her overall water intake to help prevent dehydration.

Mental exercise for dogs M ost dog owners are familiar with the importance of exercise when it comes to keeping a dog fit, lean and healthy. But many are unaware that exercise benefits more than just the physical body. Keeping your dog in good physical shape and feeding her a good diet ensure overall good health, which contributes to mental well-being. However, what’s less well-known is that dogs need specific mental exercise, too. Many dogs are primarily companion animals, at most going for walks once or twice a day and playing in the back yard. Often, there are not enough challenges coming their way, both physically and mentally. Underactivity and boredom can contribute to destructive behaviours such as chewing, house soiling, excessive barking, and other anxiety-based behaviours. On the other hand, dogs that are engaged and have ‘jobs’ to do, tend to be healthier and happier. While every dog’s specific needs are unique, all dogs need daily physical and mental stimulation through plenty of walks, great toys, and fun games. Giving your dog’s mind a workout will improve your relationship with her and is probably easier and more fun than you might think. Basically, any activity that is novel or challenging will stimulate your dog’s cognitive abilities. Training, toys, games, long lasting dog chews, and dog sports can all be used to give your dog’s brain a regular workout.

What Is the Ideal Bird Diet?

• Cockatiels, lovebirds, and budgies: 50% good quality pellets, 30% budgie/small parrot seed mix, 20% vegetables plus a small amount of fruit. Pellet brands include: Peckish Naturals Adult Hookbill Pellet and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Mini. • Galahs and cockatoos: 50% pellets, 30% fresh fruit and vegetables (peas / corn / broccoli / celery / capsicum / carrot / spinach), 10% seeds or millet, and 10% fresh grass and native Australian plants. Pellets: Peckish Naturals Adult Hookbill Large Pellet and the Passwell Parrot Pellets. • Eclectus parrots consider: 50-70% good quality pellets, 20-40% fruits and vegetables, 0-10% seeds, 1-5% snacks. Pellets: Vetafarm Paradise Pellets. • Canaries and finches: 80% good quality crumbles, 10% quality seed mix, 10% small, chopped vegetables plus a small amount of fruit. Examples of a good quality crumble include: Vetafarm Finch & Budgie Crumbles or Peckish Naturals Adult Softbill Blend with Mealworms. • For Nectar based birds such as lories and lorikeets: 50-70% good quality commercial wet, dry, or pellet based nectar diets, 20-30% vegetables, 20-50% native vegetation and fruits, 1-2% snacks. Examples of a good quality nectar diet include: Forest Fusion Lorikeet Diet, Wombaroo Lorikeet and Honey Eater Food or Vetafarm Nectar Pellets. • For other psittacine species: 70% good quality pellets, 10-20% vegetables and fruits, 0-5% pellets, 0-5% treats plus a small amount of fruit and vegetables. Examples of good quality pellets include: Vetafarm Parrot Essentials, Nutriblend Pellets Mini, Small and Large, and Passwell Parrot Pellets. *Important - If you are transitioning a bird from a seed to a pellet diet, consider supplementing with PassWells Good Oil Birds to ensure they are still getting a complete diet as it takes time for them to accept the new diet.

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6 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2023