Win a Cat Sample Pack Loaded With Purina's Summer Blockbusters #PurinaPartner

Ready for a blockbuster lineup? PureLoveForPets.com has got you covered with Purina's Summer Blockbusters that'll make your cat (or dog) feel like a superstar! Some of the cool new products include Friskies® Pull 'n Play Cat Treats Play Pack, Dentalife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats, and Muse® Masterpieces.

You could win a cat prize pack right here on Catladyland, and you can participate in an instant win game for chance to win a dog or cat sample box loaded with all-star products! Why not do both? Go on ... you know you wanna. 

The Cat Sample Box (appx. $20 value) includes these awesome goodies:

• Fancy Feast® Medleys White Meat Chicken Primavera  Pate
• Fancy Feast® Purely Wild Alaskan Salmon & White Meat Chicken
• Purina ONE® Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken
• Friskies® Play 'n Pull Cat Treats Play Pack
• Muse® by Purina® MasterPieces Natural Chicken Recipe accented with Carrots & Spinach + essential nutrients
• Friskies® Cat Concoctions (TM) With Lamb in Clam Flavored Sauce
• Coupon for Purina Product

Also check yesterday's (7/31) Sunday paper for some excellent Purina coupons!

Cosmo's ready to win.

So, click over to PureLoveForPets.com and play the Purina Summer Blockbuster Instant Win Game AND enter below to win a cat sample pack full of goodies!

• Giveaway runs now through 11:59 PM CDT, August 17, 2016.
• U.S. only. International winners can enter and donate their prize to a U.S. shelter or friend.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was compensated to help spread the word about Purina's Summer Blockbusters. Catladyland only shares information we think would be of interest to our readers. The opinions are our own.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets: Pet Obesity Prevention Awareness and Prevention ... and Giveaway! #PurinaPartner

We all want our pets to be happy, healthy, and live long lives as our beloved companions. When they become overweight or obese, their chances of living this kind of life are diminished. According to the Pet Obesity Prevention Association, more than half the dogs and cats in the United States are considered overweight or obese. I don't know about you, but I was blown away by that number. My Saffy has struggled with her weight on and off throughout her 15 years. With the help of her vet and a change in diet and exercise habits, she finally leveled off at a healthy size. And we discovered she likes to walk outside on a leash and harness! In fact, she now believes she's the wild huntress of the neighborhood, and all chipmunks cower in fear of her majestic ways. We let her go ahead and believe that. It's a small thing.

The huntress burns off calories AND intimidates chipmunks!

Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management formulas help pet owners properly assess their pet's weight and offers healthy living tips so we can enjoy a long, happy life with our fuzzy pals. Here are three easy steps to determine if your pet's weight is healthy.

Same goes for cats! Click for larger image.

Should you discover your pet has a little extra -- um -- fluff, it's good to know it's easily managed with a low calorie, low fat diet and the right amount of healthy habits. Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management formulas are low in calories and fat, high in protein, provide natural fiber, and promote urinary health.

The proper amount of food, reduced treats, combined with regular exercise is the best way to keep your pets lean and mean (in a good way, that is). Even if your cat is lazy by nature, find that special something that gives him a spring in his step and go for it!

Sometimes homemade toys get the most action.

Is your kitty in need a little help getting on the road to a healthy weight? Well, this is your chance to try Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management formulas ... free! That's right, friends -- it's a giveaway. Here are the details:

Two (2) winners will each receive one (1) coupon for up to $60 worth of free Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diet canned or dry food (must be redeemed at authorized veterinary clinics).

The coupons can only be redeemed in the U.S.; however, anyone can enter and donate the coupon to a U.S. shelter or friend.

To qualify, enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. You can score additional entries, too!

Best of luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was compensated to help spread the word about Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management formula. Catladyland only shares information we think would be of interest to our readers. The opinions are our own.

Helping Cats Become More Adoptable With Good Nutrition #FoodShelterLove

This post was sponsored by Hill's®. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Food, Shelter, and Love™ program, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Almost exactly 13 years ago, we visited a local animal shelter with the intention of adding a new feline family member. Of course my kids gravitated to the multitude of kittens -- it was kitten season, after all. We definitely took the time for adequate kitten-induced squees, and then I suggested we look at the adult cats. I told them that many times, adult cats are overlooked because, well, kittens are tiny and adorable; however adult cats are wonderful companions and have a lot to offer.

She looks not-so-thrilled, but she is! She really is!

We visited many of the adults kitties before our eyes landed on Saffy, a gray girl whose purr button didn't seem to have a stop function -- or even a pause one.

Exercise is important!

She was between one and two years old, and had come from a home with children, but didn't like dogs -- perfect for us! She looked healthy and had a sweet demeanor. She rubbed her face all over the walls of her cage, purred and absolutely chose us as her family.

Aside from the "not a kitten" factor, adult cats are sometimes not adopted because they look unhealthy or are overweight. That's too bad because, in the right home, a cat with health issues could thrive and live a long and vital life (or nine). It's just the truth: Cats who look healthier in shelters are more likely to become adopted.

The main goal of Hill's Food, Shelter, & Love program is to help cats get a fresh start in life. Everyone deserves a fresh start, right? The program offers shelters the opportunity to provide quality nutrition to the cats in their care, including kitties with special needs.

Sometimes cats who are overweight aren't the first choice for families looking to adopt. Hill's wants to help these cats shed the unnecessary pounds, feel healthy and look vibrant because that change will better their chances of finding forever homes. Hill's Perfect Weight Diet does just that.

During the Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Challenge, over 70% of cats lost weight when fed this 100%, precisely balanced nutrition for ten weeks. Healthy weight and increased energy helps cats live longer, happier lives.

Take a look at the awesome story of Stoli, who was adopted from Denver Dumb Friends League, and is a success story from the Weight Challenge!


If you'd like to try Hill's Perfect Weight formula, you can buy both the canned and dry food here, and your purchase helps support the Food, Shelter, & Love program, which is dedicated to cat nutrition and helping shelter kitties find forever homes.

If your shelter would like to become a part of the Food, Shelter, & Love program, read the details here. 

Kitten Season is Upon Us! #FoodShelterLove

This post was sponsored by Hill's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Food, Shelter, and Love program, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Kitty lookout at Feline Rescue Inc. in St. Paul, MN

Even though there's still snow on the ground where I live, spring is on its way (or so the calendar tells us)! When I think of spring, I always imagine lilies popping through the freshly awakened ground, robins happily singing from the bird feeders on my deck, and ... kittens. Yes, spring is also kitten season, and soon shelters will find themselves overwhelmed with babies looking for new homes.

Saffy's my son's favorite video-game partner.

We adopted Saffy right in the middle of kitten season, almost exactly 13 years ago. She was a cute little gray girl who's grown into quite the lovely lady. She'd bonded to the males in our house. My husband and son are complete putty in her paws!

My husband and his baby girl.

She came from Animal Humane Society, one of the shelters here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Most every city or town has at least one shelter, and I'm sure they will all be affected by kitten season, and they most likely need assistance of various kinds all through the year.

There are lots of ways to support your local shelter -- even kids can help! In fact, involving kids in volunteerism early on means they grow up believing helping animals is the norm ... they just do it. You can help by donating supplies, collecting monetary donations, physically helping at the shelter, assisting with TNR efforts (prevention majorly impacts kitten season) and fostering kittens.

The Hill's® Food, Shelter & Love™ program is passionate about providing proper nutrition to pets in shelters so they can find the best forever homes possible. In fact, they've provided over $240 million worth of food to nearly 1,000 shelters! Kitten nutrition is especially important during this season, and Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development food provides the perfectly balanced, easy-to-digest nutrition these kitties for a strong start in life.

The folks at the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program aren't just big talkers either, they walk the talk! Their daily commitment to helping shelter pets is based on the four pillars of their mission:

1. Volunteer: Encouraging loving individuals to support their local shelters by caring for and spending time with local shelter pets.
2. Donate: Whether it's cash or toys, local shelters can always use donations. We can help get donors connected directly to your organization.
3. Choose: Helping pet parents everywhere learn more about our shelter program and find out how choosing Science Diet for their own pets can help thousands of shelter pets across the country.
4. Adopt: The ultimate goal of the program is to bring some love home.

Foster baby. Photo: Felissa Elfenbein

Everyone deserves a loving home. Everyone.

Helping Your Cat Go from Overweight to #PerfectWeight

What we choose to feed our cats is a personal preference. We all want the best for our fuzz-butts and make cat-food decisions based on many factors, including budget, research, convenience or special needs. Catladyland is not here to tell you what or how to feed your cats; however, from time to time, we're happy to present options we feel good about, knowing you will make the best decision for you and your cat.

A couple of weeks ago we took our Phoebe to the vet for her annual checkup. She's always been a petite little girl, weighing close to 7-pounds at most vet visits. Despite her slight build, she's been queen bee around our house for all nine of her years.

We were totally surprised when the vet told us she'd put on a some weight, and should probably lose a little of it. What? We see her every day, and it happened gradually -- we never even noticed. Well, it appears we're not alone. According to a recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, only 11% of parents of overweight pets realize their pets are overweight.

Who are you calling overweight??

Dr. Ashley Gallagher, vet at the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington D.C. says, "If you can't see your pet's ribs or feel them while placing your hands on the side of their chest, they are probably overweight." I tried this with Phoebe, and, sure enough, she was a little pudgy. "Pudge" sounds way too much like "fudge," don't you think? Not fair!

I digress! Here's more of what Dr. Gallagher has to say about identifying your pet as overweight.



Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight cat food offers a breakthrough blend that helps burn calories, no matter how healthy your pet is -- and weight loss is ensured within ten weeks. Where can I get food like that?! Plus, the food includes prebiotocs for gentle digestion, and is 100% precisely balanced nutrition. These are good things!

Over 70% of dogs and cats lost weight within ten weeks when feed Perfect Weight food. You might remember Ethel, the little cutie I wrote about last month. Cat weight-loss can be hard, but she lost 11% of her weight! I know my Phoebe doesn't need to lose that much weight, but I love reading about success stories like that. When cats are at a healthy weight, their life expectancy is increased and they're more active and playful. Phoebe needs to be around a long time -- who else will tell everybody what to do?

It's a brand new Ethel!

Ethel's mom, Shawn Teets of Indianapolis, Indiana said, "Knowing the reputation of Hill's Pet nutrition, I felt good feeding it to her. I was very pleased for Ethel to be chosen for the program, and am quite happy with her results." Well done, Shawn and Ethel! Here's to a long life of good health and lots of play!

This post is sponsored by Hill's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Food, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. 

Ethel the Cat Finds Her #PerfectWeight

What we choose to feed our cats is a personal preference. We all want the best for our fuzz-butts and make cat-food decisions based on many factors, including budget, research, convenience or special needs. Catladyland is not here to tell you what or how to feed your cats; however, from time to time, we're happy to present options we feel good about, knowing you will make the best decision for you and your cat.

We know pet obesity is a real problem, but did you know an extra two pounds on a cat is the same as nearly an extra 20 pounds on a human? I know -- it's staggering! If we look at it that way (you can figure your own pet-to-human weight comparison on Hill's handy online comparison tool), perhaps we'd help our pets shed that extra weight more immediately.

Saffy wants a second breakfast.

I'd mentioned my Saffy when I wrote about this important topic a couple of weeks ago. Her weight has always fluctuated, and there've been a few times over the years when our vet has told us she needed to drop two or three pounds, which I didn't think was that big of a deal. Of course we walked away knowing we needed to change her food and activity levels, but had I known the old girl was carrying around the equivalent of 20-25 human pounds, I would have acted more urgently.

Cat weight-loss can be challenging, so I wanted to tell you about a cat named Ethel, and how her human helped her turn her weight around and gain more energy and playfulness.

Ethel's activity level was low prior to the challenge.

Shawn Teets lost her beloved cat in 2008, and was found herself lonely. She worked at home, which exacerbated the feeling of solitude. I work at home, too, and can tell you my cats are my constant companions. I even call them my "assistants." Sure, they're lazy and take loads of breaks, but they love to nap on my lap and keep me entertained.

Shawn saw there was going to be a pair of sister-kittens available for adoption at the local Humane Society, and she was at their front door waiting to see the kitties as soon as they opened the following day. She wound up falling in love with -- and adopting -- both, naming them Lucy and Ethel (LOVE those names!). Now she'd have twice the company during the workday, although with kittens, I'm not exactly sure how much work she was getting done.

Fast-forward 8.5 years and Lucy and Ethel are still Shawn's steadfast companions. During vet checkup last October, she found that Ethel needed to lose three pounds. Sure, Ethel was a voracious and enthusiastic eater, but she hadn't realized if Ethel continued on this track, she'd be at risk for Diabetes. Plus, Ethel was more sedentary than Lucy, and Shawn wanted to see her more active.

Shawn decided to try the 10-Week Turnaround Challenge, which meant Ethel would eat the Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Perfect Weight cat food for ten weeks, and Shawn would see results. Ethel's starting weight was 13.4 pounds. She eagerly took to the new food, and within two weeks, Shawn noticed

Ethel, looking svelte and feeling more energetic!

Ethel's increased activity level. She was even chasing Lucy and engaging in more frequent play. By the end of the ten weeks, Ethel had become more active, playful ... and had lost 1.4 pounds! Go, Ethel!

Ethel's not alone in her 10-Week-Turnaround success story, and if you have an overweight cat and would like to try the Turnaround, now's the perfect time to do it! You can share your progress and success in the 10-Week-Turnaround sweepstakes and qualify for gift cards, or even a year's supply of FREE pet food! How cool is that?

Do you have a weight-loss story about your cat? What's been your experience? Please share in the comments below, and Hill's would love you to hear from you on their Facebook page!

This post is sponsored by Hill's and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for spreading the word about Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight Food, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

#WeruvaPets: It's Dinner Time for your BFF!

Dinner time! Those are words everyone in my family likes to hear -- humans and cats alike! Like with my human kids, my kitties have very specific foods they love and some they'd rather stash away in their napkins ... if kitties had napkins, that is. Wouldn't that be cute? Anyway, my three cats have very different eating habits: Saffy will eat anything and everything, Cosmo can usually be swayed, and Phoebe is a total picky eater.

When Weruva asked my cats to review their food lines, I was interested in what would happen at mealtime. We tried all their lines, and I can say the one they ALL went nuts over was the BFF line, especially the pouches. I mean LOOK at them going to town!



Here's what's even better about the BFF line: It not only comes from Weruva, which is high-quality food made in a human food facility, it's affordable. I know we all want to feed our obligate carnivores the best food we can, while staying within our budget, and BFF hits the nail on the head. These formulas have red-meat tuna as a base ingredient -- with a couple of exceptions -- are hand-topped with one other meat-based ingredient such as boneless, skinless white chicken breast or duck breast, flaked salmon, or shrimp. Seriously -- you can see what's in the food.

Phoebe: "Where's he going?"

You know what else is cool about Weruva foods? They're 80% water, so kitty stays nice and hydrated. Now I just need to work on getting enough water for myself during the day. Maybe I should start eating BFF for breakfast. What?? It looks good!

Phoebe: "Bwahaha! It's all mine!"

And if you're not taken by the consistency and realness of the food, you'll certainly fall in love with some of the names in the BFF line -- a few of my favorites are: Tuna & Beef Baby Cakes, Tuna and Turkey Tickles, Tuna & Salmon Sweet Cheeks, and Tuna & Duck Devour Me. Adorable, no?

Rare is it that I find an affordable, high-grade food that all my cats love; BFF by Weruva is that food --with high protein, limited carbohydrates and not a grain to be found, you can be comfortable that your cats are getting nutritious, delicious meals.

OK, kitties -- it's dinner time!


Like Weruva on Facebook.
Follow Weruva on Twitter.


This post is sponsored by Weruva. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Weruva as part of the BlogPaws blogger network, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Weruva is not responsible for the content of this article.

Help Your Cats Find Their #PerfectWeight AND Win Prizes!

What we choose to feed our cats is a personal preference. We all want the best for our fuzz-butts and make cat-food decisions based on many factors, including budget, research, convenience or special needs. Catladyland is not here to tell you what or how to feed your cats; however, from time to time, we're happy to present options we feel good about, knowing you will make the best decision for you and your cat.

Let's talk about weight loss. It can be hard, right?  I know because I've been there, and I had to make conscious food choices and get my body moving in order to shed those pounds. Turns out those everyday mocha lattes don't burn calories. And in other news of the unfair ...

But seriously, obesity is a real problem among both people and pets. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 50% of pets in the U.S. are overweight. In fact, a few years ago we took our Saffy to the vet and she'd gained three pounds, which -- compared to humans -- is nearly 30 pounds! Crazy!

Saffy was around ten years old at that time, and had grown less active with age. Plus, she's always been a food-jacker. She cleans her plate and then stands behind the other two cats, hoping to intimidate them, thus snagging the few bites that may be left on the dish. She's kind of like a cafeteria bully.

We knew we had to monitor her food intake more closely and make a conscious effort to engage her in activity. No more mocha lattes for Saffy. I kid, but we did take the the cat weight loss journey very seriously. Oh, and treats? We realized we were handing them out several times a day, calling them "snacks." Those snacks really stacked up the calories at the end of the day.

And if you're someone who gives their table scraps as a "treat," please know that what feels like a treat to us, could be the equivalent of a complete meal for a cat. Take a look at this Treat Translator tool for more scoop on the subject. Oh, and if you're interested in learning about how human weight in pounds compares to cat weight, you'll find this tool really helpful.

Perhaps you share your life with an overweight cat and are looking for for guidance during your cat's weight loss journey. Well, Hill's® Science Diet® is ready to partner with you. Their breakthrough new blend, Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Perfect Weight is formulated with natural ingredients and actually helps cats burn calories. I'm not kidding! More than 70% of dogs and cats lost weight within ten weeks of eating the food.

And guess what? Hill's® Science Diet® and Catladyland are teaming up to help you along during the weight loss process. And unlike many weight loss journeys, it's fun! We invite you to join the 10-Week Turnaround Sweepstakes -- and it's simple. You commit to feeding your cat Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Perfect Weight cat food for ten weeks and share their success along the way. And by participating in the program, you'll be eligible for bi-weekly sweepstakes, as well as a grand prize of FREE Perfect Weight food for a whole year! Win-win, right? So go ahead, join!

Now I'm waiting for Hills to come out with a calorie-burning mocha latte. C'mon guys!

This post is sponsored by Hill's and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Food, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

#WeruvaPets : Cat Food Just Like Mom Would Make

I'm a visual person, and the look of a dish is really important to me. I think that's true for many of us -- when we see an appetizing-looking plate of food, our mouths immediately begin watering, right? Especially comfort food. My mom makes the best chicken casserole, and just the thought of the creamy gravy and tasty bites of chicken send me into a food-frenzy. And there are never enough leftovers! OK, let me stop talking about my food, and move on to what this post is about: cat food! But really, the two subjects have more in common than you might think.

Weruva's Paw Lickin' Chicken

When I opened up the first can of Weruva food for my cats, my first thought was "homemade comfort food." I could look on the plate and see what was in the meal. Some of the chicken dishes even smelled like Mom's casserole. Mom, if you're reading this, that's a compliment.

Weruva canned food is grain-, GMO-, MSG- and carrageenan-free. Additionally, the chicken formulas are free of fish and the fish formulas are free of chicken. The meat cuts are lean and hand-placed into cans. Really, when you look at the chicken, it won't be hard to believe it comes from cage-free boneless, skinless, white-meat breasts (perfect for obligate carnivores). In fact, Weruva cat food is produced in a human-food facility, using many of the ingredients and processes that are used for human foods. 

I guess it makes sense Phoebe, Cosmo and Saffy would go nuts for Weruva -- they're constantly interested in what's on my plate! And Weruva's lines are 80% moisture, but don't think that'll stop your cats from tipping over your water cup. Cats are made of awesome ... and curiosity.

Cosmo inhales most anything, but Phoebe is a picky eater. I was a little blown away to see how quickly she gobbled the Weruva. Although my cats enjoyed the sustainable fish flavors, they were particularly partial to the chicken-based ones. I think they must have stolen a few tastes of my mom's casserole and the cat food reminded them of it. They know what's good. I didn't taste-test any of the food, but don't think I didn't consider it. You don't believe me, do you?

Look how they Cosmo and Phoebe went to town on the Funky Chunky Chicken Soup!

I know this has nothing to do with the taste of the food (still think I tasted it, huh?), but the names of the flavors sound good enough to eat. I've definitely eaten my own words, and I'd probably eat these as well. Close your eyes and think of these flavors. Wait, open your eyes, read these flavors, then close your eyes and think about them. If I were there with you right now, I'd read them to you, but alas, you are not so lucky (and nor am I).

OK, now for some of the flavors: Grandma's Chicken Soup, Outback Grill, Asian Fusion, Polynesian BBQ, Mideast Feast. OK, now close your eyes and think. Hungry? I thought so. And your cat is probably hungry too, so stop reading for a moment and grab a treat for both you and kitty. Yes, Weruva makes treats too.

Back? Good. You're just in time to click over and follow Weruva on Facebook and Twitter!


This post is sponsored by Weruva. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Weruva as part of the BlogPaws Blogger Network, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Weruva is not responsible for the content of the article.

The 411 on Hills Grain-Free Cat Food ... and a Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

What we choose to feed our cats is a personal preference. We all want the best for our fuzzbutts and make cat food decisions based on many factors, including budget, research, convenience or special needs. Catladyland is not here to tell you what to feed your cats; however, from time to time, we're happy to present options we feel good about, knowing you will make the best decision for you and your cat. Don't tell me what to do and I won't tell you what to do. Capiche?

"Grain-free" is such a buzz term, right? For humans and pets alike. But what does grain-free cat food mean and can we expect each pet food company to define the term in the same way? So much to think about! Fear not, friends. I have a little bit of information to share with you, in the hopes that you will walk away from our time together feeling a little more informed. It's fun to feel smart!

Hill's asked me to be a part of a blogger outreach campaign and occasionally share information with you. I said yes because 1) Last year I visited Hills' headquarters and was impressed with the science behind their food, 2) My Saffy has been eating a Hills' prescription diet for a few years, so I feel kind of like we're friends and 3) I am always up for learning new things ... and it's fun to feel smart!

"Hills food is alive ... with the sound of 'grain-free.'"

Yeah, I just busted out a sweet Sound of Music parody. But I think it's a swell segue into the next section. And I wanted to gift you with an earworm this morning. You're welcome.

Some cats have sensitivities to grains that can cause skin irritations or upset stomachs. The first thing you need to know is this: Grain free is not the same as carb-free or that the food is somehow high in protein. You might assume that, but you'd be wrong. Grains are sometimes replaced with ingredients like sweet potatoes, which provide similar -- or even higher -- carbohydrate levels. Here's the scoop: No matter what you decide to feed your cat, what's important is that it's precisely balanced to provide optimum nutrition.

Guess what? With Hills new grain-free cat food, you don't have to worry about balance because they've already done the research and wrapped it all up in a pretty bag that looks like this:

Photo courtesy of Hills Science Diet

It's a gain-free food whose first ingredient is CHICKEN, and there are no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. How cool is that? The grain-free natural ingredients in Science Diet support healthy kidneys, immune system and good visions, while providing nourishment for a radiant and lustrous skin and coat.

Hills has given Catladyland readers a chance to try this new grain-free cat food. Well, it's really for the cats to try, but I won't say anything if you try a nibble. Here are the details:

Four winners (U.S. and Canada only, please) will have an opportunity to win 10-pounds of Science Diet Adult Grain Free food. You must leave a comment on this post, indicating you'd like to be considered and please include an email address so we can contact you. The giveaway runs through 11:59 p.m. CDT September 27. The winners are chosen via Randomizer, and will have 48 hours to reply to the email. 

Best of luck!


This post is sponsored by Hills. I'm being compensated for helping spread the word about Hills Science Diet for cats; however, Catladyland only shares information they feel is relevant to their readers. Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

What's Your Favorite Flavor? Cat Butt?

I was thinking it might be fun to develop cat food flavors. This year I had the pleasure of visiting Hill's and Purina and met learned people that do this for a living. It's such an organized and scientific process, much like a high school science project. I mean no disrespect to those with advanced degrees in this profession; it's just one very un-sciency girl's way to make sense of it in her head.

Simply going with what I know my cats like to smell/taste, here's what I'd recommend for cat food flavors:

• Stinky sock
• Greasy pizza box
• Cat butt
• Butter dish
• Strange smells in the carpet
• Window condensation

Based on experience with your cats, what kind of flavors would you recommend?

Sneaky-Pants Food Thief

Saffy seems to always think about food. When she's not thinking about her own food, she's thinking about Cosmo and Phoebe's food or she's thinking about licking the chicken pan in the sink. When she's finished cleaning her own plate (in record time), she begins to slink around and scout out the other cats' dishes. She believes she's being sneaky or we haven't seen her do this about 748238947 times. She's a large cat and is sort of a one-trick-pony. She hides behind the bookcase and watches with one eye. Then she walks slowly toward the dishes and stands about a centimeter behind the other two, hoping her imposing presence will send them running. They usually just hiss at her and she hides and starts with the one-eye routine again. Do you have a cat like that?

Want to Try a Sample of Royal Canin's New SPAYED/NEUTERED™ Cat Food?

Every responsible pet parent knows the importance of spaying and neutering their furry kids; there's no question about it, right? We want to put a halt to pet overpopulation and encourage adoption of shelter animals. Along with the obvious benefits, the procedure can lead to hormonal and behavioral changes that can cause cats to become overweight, due to decreased energy needs and an increase in appetite. 

Our friends at Royal Canin, a leader in science-based nutrition for pets, is introducing its new SPAYED/NEUTERED™ line of feline formulas that includes balanced nutrition and appetite control to help manage these changes -- providing a new way to feed cats in the U.S.

"Many owners may notice that their cat seems lazy, has an insatiable appetite or begs for food. What they don't understand is that the decreased energy and increased appetite are a major side effect of spaying and neutering," says Steve Dale, certified dog and cat behavior consultant and host of Steve Dales Pet World radio show. "This new food from Royal Canin is the simple solution to help spayed and neutered cats maintain weight and therefore better health throughout their lives."

“Since the vast majority of America’s pet cats - 88 percent, in fact – are spayed or neutered, there is a great need for a diet that addresses the decreased energy and increased appetite that result from the procedure,” says Dr. Brent Mayabb, veterinarian and manager of education and development at Royal Canin. “We are proud to introduce the most comprehensive health nutrition solution that can help control appetite and support a cat’s decreased energy needs, which is now available at your local pet specialty store.”

All of the new SPAYED/NEUTERED™ formulas contain controlled fat levels to maintain weight and added antioxidants promote health through every life stage. The line features four dry formulas for cats and kittens, as well as a canned formula that can be used as a meal or as a complement to the dry kibble.

Need further convincing? Listen to Steve Dale himself. The guy knows what he's talking about.

I know there are a variety of foods and feeding philosophies out there and I am not posting this as an invitation to debate any of it. I just find the science behind all of it fascinating and am excited to try this food on my cats, two of which have struggled with weight gain on and off since their spay and neuter. 

Guess what?? YOU can try the new SPAYED/NEUTERED™ food! In conjunction with the new formula, Royal Canin is launching a national campaign called You Share, We Give, which benefits the American Humane Association. The program encourages pet parents to “share” information about spaying and neutering in exchange for free SPAYED/NEUTERED™ food samples. Here's how it works:

• Click here for the Facebook page explaining the program.
• Share the Royal Canin infographic.
• Receive a downloadable coupon for a free sample of the SPAYED/NEUTERED canned formula.

Additionally, Royal Canin is donating $25,000 to the American Humane Association in support of feline health research! How cool is that?

So why not obtain your sample and see what your cat thinks? They are never short on opinions!

Cat Food III: Loafing Around

Who doesn't love a nice hunk of fresh, warm bread? Sometimes when I am bread shopping, I have trouble deciding which type to purchase. Do you have the same trouble? I found a couple of tasty loaves that I particularly enjoy -- I'm sure you will too.


Just a little hungry? I'm certain that this Small Loaf Cat will satisfy your craving. It's nutty and packed with a variety of energy-boosting nuggets of savory sass....every bite is a delicious surprise!



















Is your appetite a little more ravenous? Is your tummy growling like a tiger? Perhaps you'd prefer the Large Cat Loaf. It's more robust and brimming with doughy goodness...perfect for enjoying on a warm fall day, perhaps with a bowl of homemade chili.



















However you slice it, these loaves are sure to satisfy!

Cat Food Part II: Hungry for Italian?

Sometimes you're really hungry and a nice bowl of tasty pasta is the only food that will hit the spot. Look no further -- I have just the meal for you!

Pasta comes is so many fun shapes!



















What would pasta be without a well-seasoned, chunky marinara sauce?



















Don't worry about the extra calories -- grab a fork and indulge!