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A Change in Diet Improved my Maine Coon's Health

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How a Change in Diet Improved my Maine Coon's Health by Sarah Crosier 

I just put this photo up on a new blog to show you what was happening to my King Henry with his constant scratching. Ok, I'll be honest. I've been avoiding the subject of Maine Coon health in the past for many reasons. 

Firstly, I haven't felt "qualified" to write about health issues. I hear of so many people who've lost cats through terrible illnesses, and with the food recall tragedies this year, I've just steered away...until now. 

Of course I'm not qualified to give you veterinary advice and I wouldn't attempt it but my intention with anything I've ever written is to "share" experience and swap notes, if you'd like to call it that. Although we haven't had any real major health problems with either of our MCs, King Henry has had persistent problems with eyes and skin. 

I've also been educating myself of late about what you can do at home to keep your cat healthy, and recognize signs of trouble at the earliest possible stage of any problem, whether minor or more serious. This may not be so obvious to you, but I'd always thought of cats to be independent, and able to look after themselves. 

However,with a young family to bring up, my focus has changed as I try my best to feed my human kids, Dylan and Orla the best diet (they'll eat) I've been careful not to neglect my responsibilities to the two furry boys. 

I've found quite a bit of information on feeding cats natural diets. Although I haven't tried this yet myself, I have moved both cats onto a totally wheat free diet. The main reason for this was due to Henry's terrible scratching which resulted in painful sores. Although, Feliway has helped on occasions it didn't solve the problem.

I now use James Wellbeloved (wheat free) dry food along with some Royal Canin Maine Coon food. I've got to say the difference has been transformational. Its taken about 2 months but all the sores have now healed up and I haven't seen Henry scratch for about 3 weeks. This is a great improvement, and I'm grateful to the vet who advised Glen to use this type of food. It's about the only recommendation that has made a real difference. 

I know there is now a lot of interest in feeding cats natural diets, after the appalling situation created by the use of certain substances going into pet food. Let me know if you've moved to a natural diet and any tips you may have. 

Likewise, email me if you'd like me to write more on this subject - E-mail Sarah 

For now I wish you well, and love to your Maine Coons, and other pets and family.

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Maine Coon, pet, pets, cat, cats, animals, pet lovers, passionate, breed