In This Issue
Specially-installed ‘mega’ freezer boosts business at award-winning pet store
Barking Bakery goes international with popular dog cakes
Largest number of UK pet suppliers head to Zoomark
Company of Animals launches Baskerville Ultra Muzzle
Renewed boost to international interest in PATS
Podium Pet Products attending Zoomark with British group
Fish4Dogs celebrates new trading partnership in UAE
Pet products feature on new BBC1 TV programme
How have pet products fared on the show so far? Find out on BBC iplayer
Say no to prize goldfish at fairs, says OATA
Chuckit! teams up with expert pho-dog-grapher Emma Bearman to help owners show off their pups’ best angle
PIF launches qualification for reptiles and small animals
Dog group behaviour seminar for pet professionals
Pet accessory brand signs up two major distributors
Golden Paste Co goes green with environmental policy review
Poppy’s Picnic goes for the double in business awards
Vitalin go ‘Gung-Ho!’ for Jerry Green Dog Rescue
Dog Instagram sensation Cockerpoo Marley checks out new pet friendly holiday park
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Owner claims dog ‘almost died’ after visit to Pets at Home store
FirstVet, the Swedish video platform that connects pet owners with vets on-demand, comes to the UK
Brambles PAW giveaways during Hedgehog Awareness Week – worth over £700!
Pet behaviourist lifts the lids on cats’ eating habits
Top handlers at Sheepdog Trials
Over 40 million birds have vanished from UK skies in just 50 years
European College status for vetrinary specialists
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra
Advertising watchdog warns CEVA over Adaptil claims
Suspended prison sentence for thief who stole from Pets at Home store
Henry Bell launches own wild bird care brand
Natures Menu expands Natural Raw Nuggets Range
CONTACT US NOW
Find out how Pet Trade Xtra can help to promote your business and products.

If you have a story for Pet Trade Xtra contact neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk for all editorial matters.



Email ben.greenwood@tgcmc.co.uk to discuss advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Pet behaviourist lifts the lids on cats’ eating habits
 

While cats have been living with us for a long time, what remains in their DNA is the way they find and consume their food, explains pet behaviourist Naomi Opalinska.

 

“There is often a mismatch between what we as humans believe cats want and what they actually need,” she explains. Probably why almost half of owners (46%) feed their feline the amount of food they believe they want versus the recommended portion1.

 

“The secret to a happy cat is understanding their wild origins. Cats are hunters – it is innate to them. They are also very inquisitive.” In the wild, and in our gardens, cats are solitary hunters. “In a natural setting, a cat will eat ten or more small meals a day, usually hunting from dawn to dusk.”

 

Some cats will happily adapt to twice-a-day feeding, but for those that won’t there a few simple changes that cat owners can make. In fact, all cats will appreciate a little more variety to their routine.

 

Firstly, it is a good idea to feed little and often as many like to graze and lots of food left out for long periods of time becomes less appetising for them. Even better, hide food in small quantities around the house, for them to sniff out.

 

Also, you could think about incorporating some food puzzles into your feeding routine, to mimic the natural foraging and hunting behaviour of your cat.

 

“Make meal times fun and take away the food bowl! Try using egg boxes, or paper bags with the handles cut off,” says Naomi. “Dry food, such as IAMS for Vitality, is ideal.” 

 

“You could also try scattering feed in different locations – for example on the stairs, or on different levels of a cat tree – or throw individual pieces of kibble for your cat to chase and eat,” adds Naomi.

 

Why not try making food puzzles at home, for example by taking a cardboard inner tube from a roll of toilet paper, placing some food inside, then folding over the ends and cutting a small hole in the middle. When your cat rolls it around the floor, the food falls out for them to pounce on.

 

Kellie Ceccarelli, IAMS Veterinary External Relations Manager adds, “Whichever way you choose to feed your pet, the most important thing is to ensure they receive a complete and balanced diet. IAMS for Vitality has been tailored to fit all life stages and specific needs allowing you to enjoy your pet at their very best. With fresh chicken and a new wheat-free2 recipe, IAMS for Vitality combines high-quality animal protein3 in crunchy kibbles with a vacuum coating to lock in irresistible flavours.”

 

IAMS for Vitality contains no fillers, artificial colours, flavours or GMOs so you can rest assured your feline friend is getting a complete and balanced diet. What’s more, kibbles are a great way of helping to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy for purr-fect smiles all round!

 

 

For more information about the range and feeding guidelines, visit www.iams.co.uk/forvitality

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn