Joe Biden is trending to become the most unfavorable president in modern American history. According to a Gallup report‚ Biden is almost there. Biden’s third-year approval ranks below every president in the Gallup polling era except Jimmy Carter. The poll shows Biden has a 39.8% approval rating for his third full year in office. In comparison‚ Carter’s was 37.4%. President Joe Biden averaged 39.8% job approval during his third year in office‚ the second-lowest third-year average among elected presidents. pic.twitter.com/DT6j20Q75x — GallupNews (@GallupNews) January 25‚ 2024 A closer look: More from Gallup: During President Joe Biden’s third full year in office‚ spanning Jan. 20‚ 2023‚ to Jan. 19‚ 2024‚ an average of 39.8% of Americans approved of his job performance. Among prior presidents in the Gallup polling era who were elected to their first term‚ only Jimmy Carter fared worse in his third year. Carter averaged 37.4% approval in a year in which gas prices soared‚ inflation reached double digits and Iranian militants took U.S. citizens hostage. Donald Trump‚ Barack Obama‚ Ronald Reagan‚ Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon also had sub-50% third-year averages. Dwight Eisenhower’s 72.1% is the highest for a third-year president. Biden’s third-year average was lower than both his first-year (48.9%) and second-year (41.0%) averages. Though better than his third-year average‚ his first- and second-year ratings also ranked as the second lowest for recent presidents‚ ahead of only Trump in both years. Biden registered new personal lows of 37% job approval in April‚ October and November 2023 surveys. Gallup’s latest job approval rating for Biden‚ from a Jan. 2-22 survey‚ is 41%‚ while 54% disapprove of how he is performing his job. Since September 2021‚ after the troubled withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan‚ Biden’s approval rating has ranged from the high 30s to low 40s. Before that‚ during the first six months of his presidency‚ he enjoyed majority-level approval ratings. The Gallup poll found a tremendous disparity between Democrat and Republican approval of Joe Biden’s job performance. 83% of Democrats and 6% of Republicans approved Biden’s performance. President Joe Biden's third-year job approval rating of 39.8% comes in second worst in nearly 70 years‚ behind only Jimmy Carter's 37.4% in 1979-80‚ according to a new poll. MORE: https://t.co/JXGEbREHOq — FreedomJamms (@Jamms52) January 26‚ 2024 Newsmax reports: Biden currently sits at 41% early in his fourth year. “Biden begins his reelection campaign with a job approval rating significantly below the 50% mark that has been associated with winning a second term‚” Gallup said in its analysis. “And while some presidents have seen sharp improvements in their fourth year and won a second term‚ Biden’s third-year rating was worse than any of theirs‚ suggesting he has a bigger hill to climb. “The key to Biden’s winning reelection may lie more in convincing a larger share of independents that he is doing a good job and is deserving of a second term. His approval rating among independents has mostly been below 40% since the fall of 2021 but was above 50% during the honeymoon phase of his presidency‚” Gallup added. Gallup conducted interviews from Jan. 2-22‚ 2024‚ with a random sample of 1‚011 adults. The margin of error is +/- 4 points at a 95% confidence level.

This summer‚ thousands of women from around the world will gather in Indianapolis on June 20–22 for The Gospel Coalition’s 2024 Women’s Conference‚ Behold and Believe: Encountering Jesus as the Great I AM. We’re delighted to announce that the worship band for TGCW24 is Shane &; Shane. The duo from Texas led us in worship at TGCW22‚ and it was so wonderful that we invited them to return. If you attended our last women’s conference‚ you know you’re in for a real treat with Shane &; Shane this year. During the conference‚ we’ll hear Jesus answer the question of who he is in his own words as we explore his seven “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John. What You Can Expect at TGCW24 Teaching on Jesus’s “I Am” statements from our seven keynote speakers—Melissa Kruger‚ Jen Wilkin‚ Vanessa Hawkins‚ Courtney Doctor‚ Nancy Guthrie‚ Ruth Chou Simons‚ and David Platt Breakout sessions to help you grow in a variety of areas of the Christian life‚ ministry‚ and mission with more than 60 other speakers—including Ann Voskamp‚ Blair Linne‚ Gretchen Saffles‚ Rebecca McLaughlin‚ and Amanda Bible Williams Workshops to help with practical skills in smaller‚ more interactive settings A bookstore and exhibit hall filled with gospel-centered resources and booths from your favorite TGC partners Fellowship with other believers who desire to love and serve the Lord An opportunity to behold the One who drew near and made himself known—Jesus‚ the great I AM What to Know to Prepare June 20–22‚ 2024‚ in Indianapolis Register before March 1 for the best price Prepare for the conference with our seven-week study‚ Behold and Believe: A Bible Study on the I Am Statements of Jesus (purchase from Amazon or the TGC Bookstore) Join us as we consider Jesus’s words about himself to behold the truth and beauty of who he is and then believe with our whole hearts. Register today.

The post Why Do Cats Drink Out of the Toilet? 6 Vet-Approved Reasons &; Solutions by Kathryn Copeland appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Cats drinking out of toilets can be unpleasant‚ but it does happen. If you have a cat that loves to drink out of the toilet‚ you likely have questions‚ such as‚ “Why me?!” We’re here to help. Here are the reasons that your cat is likely drinking toilet water and tips for stopping this behavior. The 6 Vet-Approved Reasons Why Cats Drink Out of the Toilet Let’s first discuss why cats drink out of toilets in the first place. It’s always best to understand the behavior before attempting to modify it. Here are six possible reasons: 1. They Don’t Think of it as a Toilet Although some cats are savvy to the purpose of the giant water fountain in the bathroom‚ many cats will not necessarily equate our toilet to their litter box. Hence‚ the idea of drinking from this water supply seems perfectly reasonable. 2. Cooler Water Toilets are typically made from porcelain‚ which works well at keeping the water cool. Many cat water bowls are made from plastic‚ glass‚ or ceramic‚ and these materials don’t keep the water as cool as porcelain. Image Credit: lomiso‚ Shutterstock 3. Fresh Water To us‚ toilet water is as far from fresh as water gets‚ but for cats‚ it can be fresher than what they have in their water bowl. The constant flushing causes water oxygenation‚ which helps freshen up the water supply‚ making it more appealing for pets. 4. Pure Fascination We all know how curious cats are‚ so it’s no wonder that they can be fascinated by watching the water swirl down the drain. If your cat seems interested in water (like playing with it in the bowl or when running from a faucet)‚ they are likely interested in playing with toilet water too‚ which can lead to drinking it. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock 5. Location‚ Location‚ Location When cats are having a drink‚ they often feel quite exposed. Your toilet bowl may simply be in a nice‚ low traffic area where they can keep their back to the wall whilst enjoying a quiet drink. Take a look at the location of your cat’s food and water – if they’re in a busy location‚ or they might feel exposed while having a drink‚ it might be worth considering a new spot. 6. Health Issues Polydipsia (excessive water drinking) may be a sign of a number of health conditions‚ including diabetes‚ kidney disease‚ infection‚ or hyperthyroidism. If your cat is constantly in search of water‚ the toilet bowl will be as good a place as any. Cats with polydipsia will often drink from anywhere they can find water; the toilet‚ dripping faucets‚ puddles‚ the shower‚ or drinking glasses. If you suspect your cat might be polydipsic‚ make an appointment for a check up with the vet. They will likely want to run some blood and urine tests to see what is causing your cat’s increased thirst. Image Credit: Lebedko Inna‚ Shutterstock The 8 Ways to Stop Your Cat Drinking From the Toilet 1.  Figure Out the Water Temperature Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in your toilet – don’t forget to thoroughly disinfect it afterwards! You can then compare this temperature to that of your cat’s drinking water‚ and see whether you need to cool things down. The easiest way to achieve this is by using ceramic bowls placed in areas that stay shaded all day‚ and refresh the water at least once a day. In warm conditions‚ an ice cube or two can really make a difference. 2. Try a New Location Consider the location of your cat’s water bowl – is it in a busy area? Is it right next to their food bowl? Do they feel vulnerable when drinking? When cats are drinking and eating‚ they may feel exposed‚ so place their bowls in a quiet location where they are able to keep an eye on their surroundings. Cats will also avoid water bowls kept right beside their food. This comes from their wild ancestry‚ where they would avoid water that may be contaminated by a carcass‚ so separate their water bowl from their food bowls by at least 2-3 feet. Image Credit: Pixel Shot‚ Shutterstock 3.  Offer Multiple Water Bowls A Royal Canin study found that cats preferred to drink from several different sources of water. This means you should place multiple bowls of water in various areas around the home. This study additionally found that most cats gravitated to small drinking bowls of 6 inches or smaller. Either way‚ placing bowls in different locations will give your cat better options than the toilet. 4.  Keep the Bowls Clean It’s essential to keep your cat’s water bowl(s) clean. This means washing the bowls every day and filling them to the brim with fresh‚ clean water. Cleaning them twice a day would be even better. If the water is stagnant‚ your cat won’t want to drink it and will gravitate toward the toilet. Use unscented soap and give the bowls a thorough rinsing. Image Credit: MargaPI_Shutterstock 5.  Purchase Porcelain Bowls Since toilets are made of porcelain and do such a great job at keeping the water cold‚ consider getting a water bowl made out of porcelain for your cat. Be sure to clean it every day. If this doesn’t seem to make much difference‚ try other bowls made with different materials; stainless steel‚ ceramic‚ or glass are all good options. 6.  Try a Water Fountain Since cats are drawn to running water‚ a great option is to get a cat water fountain. The water will be in constant circulation‚ allowing for oxygenation. A fountain is an excellent option for cats that only want to drink from running faucets. It will also be easier than keeping multiple bowls that need multiple cleaning around your home. Get a sturdy‚ quiet fountain that is not easily knocked over. Image Credit: Patcharida‚ Shutterstock 7.  Close the Lid The simplest solution is to just keep the toilet lid closed. After all‚ most toilets have lids‚ which are meant to keep the water covered. In fact‚ it’s highly recommended that you always close the lid before you flush. Research shows that putting the toilet lid down before flushing reduces airborne particles by 50% . Make sure everyone in your home abides by the same rule. Put up a sign if necessary! 8.  Play With Your Cat Your cat might be bored‚ so they decide to play in and drink from the toilet. If you play with your cat often and provide them with interactive toys‚ such as kicker toys and puzzle feeders‚ your cat might not be as drawn to the toilet. Image Credit: Kmpzzz‚ Shutterstock What’s Wrong With Letting Your Cat Drink From the Toilet? Bacteria and other pathogens can make your toilet bowl their home‚ most notably E. coli‚ Staphylococcus and Streptococcus‚ which can cause illness in your pet. In addition to harmful microorganisms‚ the products we use to clean our toilet bowls can be harmful as well. Bleach and other detergents can cause mild to severe reactions if ingested‚ and this is a particular risk with products that stay in the bowl‚ like bleach tablets or hanging toilet cleaners. Conclusion Your best bet is to just close the lid of your toilet before you flush‚ every time. This will stop your cat from getting into the water‚ and you won’t be spreading germs and bacteria around. Remember to ensure that everyone who lives in the household does the same‚ which we know can be quite a battle in itself! But if your cat seems more than a little interested in toilet water‚ it’s worth taking note and working out why. Water fountains are often the best way to keep your cat drinking their own water instead of dipping into your toilet bowl‚ but make sure you place it somewhere quiet‚ away from their food‚ and where they can keep one eye on their surroundings. Otherwise‚ try using different bowls in multiple locations‚ and clean and refill them twice a day. One of these ideas is bound to work‚ and hopefully‚ you’ve seen your cat drink from the toilet for the last time! If your cat seems to be drinking more than they used to‚ get in touch with your vet‚ as there may be a serious reason why. Featured Image Credit: Vera Aksionava‚ Shutterstock The post Why Do Cats Drink Out of the Toilet? 6 Vet-Approved Reasons &; Solutions by Kathryn Copeland appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Is Argan Oil Safe for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Health Concerns by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Argan oil is often found in cosmetics‚ lotions‚ shampoos‚ and conditioners. It’s also commonly used as a carrier for essential oils. Some evidence suggests that it may benefit humans‚ including hydrating skin and hair‚ and even help reduce inflammation. The oil can be used for cooking and even as a condiment‚ much like olive oil. Although studies have been carried out regarding the safety and effectiveness of argan oil when used by people‚ similar evidence is lacking regarding cats. To be safe‚ it’s probably best not to feed argan oil or use it topically on your cat. Argan and Essential Oils Argan oil is often used as a carrier for essential oils. Undiluted essential oils are often applied topically or inhaled in aromatherapy. They’re also regularly added to cleaning products and air fresheners. Essential oils contain distilled aromatic chemicals from plants. It’s possible to find more than 90 types of essential oil‚ which have unique uses. Peppermint oil is often used to help digestive health‚ and tea tree oil is used to combat infections. However‚ regardless of the various benefits they provide humans‚ essential oils and argan oil are not safe for cats. Essential Oils and Cats Essential oils and cats are an extremely bad combination. Several popular oils are toxic to cats‚ including tea tree‚ peppermint‚ and pine oils. Cats don’t have the proper liver enzymes to break down some of the chemicals in essential oils efficiently. They can become quite ill from ingesting or absorbing the products through the skin. Cats can consume essential oils after walking through spills and licking their paws clean. Signs of essential oil poisoning include drooling‚ vomiting‚ lethargy‚ and a lack of coordination. If your cat has managed to get essential oil on their fur or skin‚ use a bit of dishwashing detergent to remove it to limit absorption. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has come in contact with any essential oil. Make sure to have the product your cat was exposed to on hand so you can provide accurate information and write down a few key facts your veterinarian is likely to want to know‚ such as how long ago your cat was exposed and if you’ve seen any signs indicating your buddy may be suffering from toxin ingestion. Image Credit: Velement‚ Shutterstock Where Does Argan Oil Come From? Argan oil comes from the argan tree‚ also known as Argania spinosa. The tree can be found in dry areas in parts of southern Morocco between the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. They can grow to heights of up to 25 feet and feature yellow flowers in spring. Argan oil has a long and storied history in North Africa. The tree has been used for wood and oil since the 11th century or so‚ and it’s long been incorporated into Moroccan diets and beauty routines. Traditions surrounding the argan tree are on the United Nations’ list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity‚ and part of the area where the trees grow natively has been named an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Frequent Asked Questions What Are Some Common Skin Feline Skin Conditions? General hair loss‚ dermatitis‚ itchy skin‚ sores‚ infections‚ tumors‚ and dandruff are just a few common feline skin issues. Because skin conditions share similar signs‚ it’s important to have dermatological problems evaluated by a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis to ensure proper treatment. How Are Skin Problems in Cats Diagnosed? Veterinarians usually rely on a physical examination along with answers to questions such as when the issue first showed up‚ what kind of food your cat is eating‚ and if anything has changed at home that may be stressing your pet. Needle aspirates and biopsies are sometimes used to narrow down the causes of potentially concerning growths. Are There Ways to Help Keep Cats’ Coats and Skin Healthy? High-quality food is essential for helping cats’ skin stay supple and well-nourished. When cats don’t get all the nutrients they need‚ their coats become malnourished. Keeping up with flea and tick prevention can also minimize several skin problems. Cats that are stressed sometimes groom themselves too much‚ but pheromone products can help manage anxiety. Image Credit: Luisa Puccini‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Many people swear by the health benefits of argan oil‚ and it’s commonly added to lotions‚ moisturizers‚ shampoos‚ and conditioners. It comes from a tree that grows in southern parts of Morocco‚ but the oil has become popular worldwide. Unfortunately‚ little evidence demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of using argan oil on cats. To keep your cat safe and healthy‚ avoid using argan oil or essential oils around your cat. If your cat has a skin condition or other health issue‚ your veterinarian can provide an effective treatment. Sources https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/argan-oil#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-oil-and-liquid-potpourri-poisoning-in-cats https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286835 https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/argan-practices-and-know-how-concerning-the-argan-tree-00955 https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_fear_phobia_anxiety   Featured Image Credit: vovidzha‚ Shutterstock The post Is Argan Oil Safe for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Health Concerns by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Can Cats and Raccoons Mate? Vet-Approved Facts &; FAQ by Genevieve Dugal appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. There’s an urban legend that says the majestic Maine Coon came from the cross of a Norwegian cat and a raccoon. This myth is likely due to the fact that the Maine Coon is a huge feline with distinctive markings that are somewhat reminiscent of a raccoon’s stripes. But while it’s true that cats and raccoons can sometimes cross paths‚ especially in urban and suburban areas‚ these encounters don’t end in tiny “cat-coon” or “rac-cat” babies. Cats and raccoons cannot mate and reproduce—no matter how adorable such offspring would be! Let’s take a closer look at why some species can successfully interbreed and why this is not the case with cats and raccoons. There are also great tips on keeping your feline friend safe if they venture outside. Can Two Different Species Mate? It’s not that frequent in the wild‚ but two different but related species can indeed reproduce. This process is called hybridization‚ and it can happen in both animals and plants. When two different species mate successfully‚ their offspring is called a hybrid. Most of the time‚ hybrids are sterile‚ meaning they can’t have babies (though this isn’t always the case). That said‚ scientists don’t all agree on how to define species. The “Biological Species Concept” is typically used to separate different animals and plants into various species. According to this principle‚ animals that cannot breed together or that can breed but produce sterile offspring are classified as different species. Some scientists classify species based on notable physical and environmental differences—for example‚ differences in color‚ behavior‚ habitat‚ or geographic location. Other scientists use genetic differences‚ which are sections of DNA containing small differences called mutations. Typically‚ members of different species are unable to reproduce due to these genetic barriers. Indeed‚ this is the very definition of the term “species‚” which comes back to the Biological Species Concept; two animals incapable of reproducing are classified as two different species. Image Credit: Tony Campbell‚ Shutterstock Are All Hybrids Sterile? While it’s true that most hybrids are unable to reproduce‚ there are instances where hybrids can have babies. This occurs when a hybrid mates with another hybrid or with a member of the same species as one of its parents. For example‚ when a male lion and a female tiger hybridize‚ they produce a liger.  90% of male ligers are sterile but most of the female ligers are fertile and can be successfully bred back to a tiger or a lion. Interestingly‚ according to the authors of an article published in the journal Frontiers‚ the existence of fertile hybrids poses a certain scientific challenge‚ as it contradicts a fundamental principle of the Biological Species Concept‚ which suggests that two distinct species should not be capable of mating and producing fertile babies. However‚ this does not imply that the parents of hybrids are not distinct species; rather‚ it highlights that the concept of ‘biological species’ may not apply to all species. So‚ Why Can’t Cats and Raccoons Mate? You may have heard that cats and raccoons can sometimes mate‚ but these claims are not supported by any credible evidence. Scientifically‚ there are no documented cases of successful interspecies breeding between these two animals. Cats and raccoons belong to distinct families within the order Carnivora. Indeed‚ cats are part of the Felidae family‚ while raccoons are classified in the Procyonidae family. If we look at the liger‚ which has a tiger mother and a lion father‚ we can see that even though they are different species‚ they belong to the same genus‚ Panthera‚ which explains their interbreeding success. This is not the case for raccoons and cats. How to Keep Your Cat Safe Outdoors Image Credit: Viktor Sergeevich‚ Shutterstock Although cats and raccoons cannot mate‚ they do often cross paths in the wild‚ particularly in areas where human development encroaches upon natural habitats. These interactions can lead to a variety of outcomes‚ some of which can pose risks to your cat. Rabies‚ for example‚ is a significant concern‚ and raccoons are known carriers of this deadly virus. If your cat gets into a fight with a raccoon‚ there is a chance of disease transmission through bites or scratches. Considering the potential risks posed by interactions with raccoons and other wildlife‚ it’s essential to take measures to ensure your cat’s safety when they venture outside. Here are a few helpful tips: Monitor their time spent outdoors. If possible‚ try to supervise your cat’s comings and goings. To keep them truly safe‚ build a secure outdoor enclosure‚ commonly called a catio‚ to provide a safe outdoor space for your cat without exposing them to the dangers of wildlife. Keep your cat in your house at night. Since raccoons are primarily nocturnal creatures‚ it is best to keep your cat indoors in the evenings and at night. Make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date. This is especially important for diseases like rabies. Microchip your cat‚ and get them a collar with an identification tag. If they get lost or injured‚ this can increase the chances of their safe return. Spay or neuter your cat. Besides the various health benefits of these procedures‚ spaying or neutering your pet will greatly reduce their desire to roam and get into trouble.  It will also reduce infections that are sexually transmitted such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (the cat version of HIV). Bottom Line Although interspecies breeding is technically possible and can even result in fertile hybrids like ligers‚ there is no scientific data proving that such a relationship can take place between a raccoon and a cat. That said‚ the risks linked to random encounters between these two species are very real‚ such as the transmission of contagious diseases or the risk of injury in the event of a fight. Therefore‚ if you let your cat roam freely outside‚ make sure to monitor their comings and goings as much as possible‚ and above all‚ ensure that their vaccinations are up to date. Don’t try to attract raccoons to your home just because they seem adorable and harmless! Sources https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15463618/ https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetic-mutation-1127/#:~:text=Genetic%20mutation%20is%20the%20basis‚beetles%2C%20or%20any%20other%20organism.&;text=Mutations%20are%20changes%20in%20the‚can%20have%20widely%20differing%20consequences https://daily.jstor.org/the-surprising-frequency-of-interspecies-mating/ https://academic.oup.com/book/41948/chapter-abstract/355151499?redirectedFrom=fulltext https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/ligers-zorses-pizzlies-how-animal-hybrids-happen https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2019.00113 https://evolution.berkeley.edu/biological-species-concept/   Featured Image Credit: Corina Muresan‚ Shutterstock The post Can Cats and Raccoons Mate? Vet-Approved Facts &; FAQ by Genevieve Dugal appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Can Cats Eat Veggie Straws? Vet-Approved Facts &; FAQ by Annaliese Morgan appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. One snack hailed as an ideal treat for humans is the Veggie Straw. It is claimed that these crispy snacks are a great way of upping our vegetable and nutritional intake‚ and who can blame us for wanting to consume healthy veggies in a super tasty way? It makes logical sense‚ if this is the case‚ that many pet parents would therefore want to offer these to their cat as a healthy treat also. If you are a Veggie Straw fan‚ you may likely find your cat wanting to munch on these chips too‚ and find yourself wondering if it is safe to share these with your furry friend. With their incredible sense of smell‚ cats can easily sniff out something tasty they wish to eat‚ but sadly‚ and often to their disappointment‚ Veggie Straws are not a good option to give to your cat. What Are Veggie Straws? Veggie Straws are a type of chip and a widely available snack bought in packets from stores. These are marketed and pushed as a healthy snack or treat for humans due to being a fun and tasty way to add healthy vegetables into our diets‚ and a lower fat content than the average potato chip. When we look at the actual contents of these products‚ however‚ we can rightly assume that these claims are a little far-fetched. Ingredients of “Sea Salt” Veggie Straws Potato flour Potato starch Corn starch Tomato paste Spinach powder Salt Sugar Beetroot powder Turmeric Sea salt Oil (canola‚ sunflower‚ and/or safflower oil) The sea salt flavor is the most basic flavor containing the fewest ingredients.  Other flavors on offer include Sour Cream and Onion‚ BBQ‚ Cheese‚ Zesty Ranch‚ Screamin’ Hot and Cinnamon Apple. Many of these other flavors contain onion and garlic powder‚ both of which are toxic to cats.  They also include cheese and milk‚ which many cats are intolerant to. As we can see‚ Veggie Straws are far from packed with nutrition for our cats‚ and many flavors also contain toxic ingredients‚ so they should not be treated as a safe snack option for your cat. If you have fed your cat a Veggie Straw‚ check the packet carefully to ensure there is no onion or garlic in the ingredients.  If either of these ingredients are listed‚ contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Image Credit: Brent Hofacker‚ Shutterstock Can My Cat Eat Veggie Straws? Veggie Straws are created from potatoes and are a form of potato chip. The Sea Salt and the Cinnamon Apple flavors contain no toxic ingredients‚ but they provide very little nutritional value or benefit either. All of the other flavors on offer do contain toxic ingredients‚ so regardless of how much your furry friend persists‚ they must not be offered to your cat. The milk and cheese contained in many of the flavors may cause gastro-intestinal upset as many cats are dairy intolerant. These products are high in sodium (salt)‚ starches‚ sugar‚ and oils. They also tend to be higher in fat and calories than many other feline-safe treats. Importantly‚ they contain less than 1g of protein per 28g serving‚ and cats require a protein-rich diet. All in all‚ the balance of nutrition in Veggie Straws is far from ideal for a cat and can cause problems for your cat’s weight and mobility if fed regularly over a long period of time. It is perfectly fine and acceptable to want to give your cat a treat. This pleasant act helps to increase the bond between the two of you‚ so it’s a great thing to do as long as  you choose a safe food. However‚ there are far better‚ non-toxic and healthier food options to choose from than Veggie Straws‚ and given the choice of both ready-made feline treats plus the numerous options of safe human food‚ there is no need to give Veggie Straws to your cat. Choose an alternative instead! What Treats Can I Feed Instead of Veggie Straws? There are many store-bought products on the market to give your cat as a treat‚ as well as plenty of human food that is both safe and healthy. Try a selection from the list below‚ although not all at once! Avoid any that your cat is allergic or intolerant to. Remember that treats for your cat should only make up around 10% of their daily calorie intake. Always check with your veterinarian that the food you wish to offer is safe for your cat and their individual health status. Safe Cat Treats Treats bought from stores‚ marketed for cats Plain grilled or cooked chicken Plain cooked turkey Cooked fish‚ especially salmon or oily fish Canned tuna in water Eggs Bananas Blueberries What Is a Healthy Diet for Cats? Image Credit: TarasBeletskiy‚ Shutterstock Cats are known as obligate carnivores. This means they must get their protein from animal meat‚ rather than plant sources. They have a few extra nutritional requirements when compared to dogs‚ humans‚ and other species‚ which are: Taurine – A particular type of essential amino acid found only in protein from animal meat. Arachidonic Acid – An essential fatty acid derived from animal origin. Arginine – An essential amino acid derived from animal meat. Vitamins A‚ D and Niacin – Cats can’t sufficiently synthesize these vitamins so they must get them from animal tissues. For this reason‚ cats must eat animal meat and cannot be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet. Nor can these extra necessary nutrients be added as a supplement. Failure to provide your cat with taurine‚ arginine and arachidonic acid results in serious health issues‚ potentially leading to their death. Cats also require a much lower level of carbohydrates than humans and dogs and derive most of their energy from proteins and fats. Their specific dietary requirements mean cats should be fed high-quality‚ age appropriate complete cat food to ensure they get all the nutrition they need to live long‚ healthy lives. Conclusion There are plenty of safe foods that cats can eat as an extra snack or treat on top of their daily diet. While the number of snacks offered needs to be limited‚ many tasty foods can still be enjoyed by your cat while still providing quality‚ safe and healthy options to them. Veggie Straws are not a safe or nutritious treat choice‚ so should be avoided. If you have already been feeding your cat Veggie Straws and are concerned about the effects on their health‚ then have a chat with your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist who can best advise on the next steps. Sources https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat 5-tips-picking-out-treats-cats-32076 https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/feeding/what-cats-eat/can-cats-eat-potatoes https://www.sensibleportions.com/product/garden-veggie-straws/?productVariation=1 https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/do-cats-need-high-protein-cat-food# https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=3843764&;pid=8708&;print=1 https://www.medicinenet.com/sugar_addiction_pictures_slideshow/article.htm https://www.medicinenet.com/corns/article.htm https://www.sensibleportions.com/product/garden-veggie-straws/?productVariation=1   Featured Image Credit: Le Do‚ Shutterstock The post Can Cats Eat Veggie Straws? Vet-Approved Facts &; FAQ by Annaliese Morgan appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. 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