No Minced Words, Just Minced Rabbit #ChewyInfluencer

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. Ya’ll might ‘member, just a short time ago, I’s couldn’t eat and keep mine’s food down. I’s also had the wheezy sneezies. Mommy said I’s was a bit of a mess. Fanky fankfully, I’s feelin’ better now. Anyways, durin’ that time, mommy was tryin’ everythin’ she could think of to get some food in me. ‘Nuffin’ was workin’, and then just as quickly as it started, it stopped. I’s a happy girly ‘bout that fur sure. And, I’s got better just in time to try out some new noms we got from Chewy. 

 

 Dezi lays on the cat mat

 

 

 

          We’re really blest to get to try out so many new things Raena. Not everythin’ can be a hit, but we do like to try ‘em.

 

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This is a sponsored post. We received the Instinct Grain-Free Minced Recipe in exchange for our honest opinion. Neither Chewy or Nature’s Variety are responsible for the opinions in this post, unless otherwise stated. As always, we tell it like we see it; and, only bring products we use or have tried and believe would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.

 

 Raena sniffs the Instinct Minced rabbit

 

 

You’re right ‘bout that sissy; on both accounts. Anyways, we received a whole case of Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain-Free Minced Recipe with real Rabbit wet food cups. They come 12 to a case in 3.5 ounce cups. They also come in Chicken, Tuna and Salmon, fur $21.48 each. We tend to like the gamier meats, and mommy doesn’t like to feed us fishys, so of course it was rabbit fur us. That happens to be one of our favorite meats. Anyways, let’s check out what Chewy has to say ‘bout the Instinct Minced cups. 

 

Instinct Minced Rabbit cat food

 

 

Key Benefits

  • Features cuts of farm-raised rabbit in a savory gravy.

  • Includes whole-food ingredients you can see, like carrots, spinach and cranberries.

  • Delicious minced texture entices your cat to take a bite and unlock his ability to thrive.

  • Never contains any grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal or artificial colors or preservatives.

  • Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.

Ingredients

Pork Broth, Rabbit, Pork Liver, Pork, Egg Whites, Ground Dried Peas, Spinach, Carrots, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Xanthan Gum, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley

Caloric Content

854 kcal/kg, 85 kcal/3.5 oz bowl

Instinct Minced rabbit cat food

 

 

 

 

 

So, as you can see by the ingredients and fotos, there’s a lot of veggies included. I’s think they used the whole garden. There’s also a nice amount of “gravy”. It’s a little thin to be called gravy in our opinion, but at least it didn’t spill out all over the place when mommy pulled the foil off the cup. They don’t list the Vit. D source, so we can only surmise that it must be the bad one. But, we were on board to try it out.

 

 Raena checks out the Instinct Minced rabbit

 

 

 

          Maybe you were Raena, but me didn’t like the smell of it. Mommy kept tryin’ to get me to have a little taste, ifin not fur anythin’ else, a foto op. But, with all the green stuffs floatin’ ‘round, me could only think of your stinky potty times. 

 

 Raena sniffs the Instinct Minced rabbit cat food

 

 

 

Well sissy, I’s sniffed it a few times and even took a couple licks of the gravy, but it just wasn’t fur me either. So, I’s meowed to mommy to take it to our new furiend and neighbor Nubs to try. Seems he luvvsed it and couldn’t get enuff. His mommy said he’d eat 2 whole cups ifin she’d let him. Altho’ she said at furst she’d offured it to him in the original cup and he wouldn’t eat it. She wasn’t aware of Whisker Stress, but did furinally put it in a regular plate. Once there, she said he gobbled it up and begged fur more. Nubs is a chatty kitty fur sure. Mommy says he’s always meowin’ at her durin’ her visits. 

 

 Nubs the black and white manx cat looks at the camera

 

 

 

          Me’s glad somekitty could enjoy it, Raena. Mommy can’t ever seem to be there durin’ meal times tho’. Maybe some day we’ll actually get to see Nubs enjoyin’ a nice meal. We luv helpin’ our furiends find good noms. Ms. A recently became a Chewy customer after Nubs quit eatin’ his prior noms. 

 

 Raena sitting at her box while giving an angry look

 

 

 

Yep, he liked the noms from Chewy that we gave him so well, he started refusin’ to eat that old kibble Ms. A had been feedin’ him. Betch’a she gets him some more of these when they run out too. So, there ya’ have it, sissy and me didn’t want any pawrt of the Instinct Grain Free Minced Recipe with Rabbit, but Nubs gives it 4 paws up. Mommy says she’d give it one thumb cuz the “gravy” didn’t make a mess. As fur Chewy? As always we give them 4 paws each and 2 thumbs.

 

 

 Dezi peeks out from a chewy box

 

 

 

          That’s right Raena. Chewy has purroducts fur all the furry, feathered, finned and even non furries in your family. They offur speedy free shippin’ on all orders of $49.00 and up and a flat rate speedy shippin’ on all others. They have a great auto ship purrogram that makes sure you never run outta your favorite noms or litter or Treats!!! And you get a great box to play in too.

 

 Chewy blog hop badge

 

 

 

 

Who doesn’t luvs a great Chewy box sissy? And, with Christmas right ‘round the corner, Chewy is a great place to shop fur all the anipals and anipal luvvers in your life. Let’s go play now sissy, befur the storms start up again. 

 

Till the next time……………………………..Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Service Cats: Pica: Why Is My Cat Eating That

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cat Monday. Sorry ‘bout last week, seems winter has arrived and with it winter storms. Anyways, let me get the business outta the way and we’ll get on with today’s posty. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat Monday posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Feline Behavior. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease let us know in the comments section or send us an email. When asking behavioral questions, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links at the end of this post. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

So, the last topic we dealt with was inappropriate licking and Chewing. We’re going to take that a bit further today and meow about something called Pica. Pica is an actual defect that goes beyond the casual curiosity chewing of cords and other non food items. Did you know that some humans are affected by Pica too? Sure ‘nuff, but today we’re dealing with kitty/doggy Pica. First let’s explain what it is. A cat/dog with Pica will regularly eat or try to eat things like wool, socks, plastic (baggies), cotton, cords, boxes and other non food items. Pica is actual ingesting and not just chewing/suckling. Pica is not about your animal being hungry. Starvation is a whole other issue and not one a well cared for pet should be in danger of.

 

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This behavior (Pica) can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. Eating any of these items can cause tummy upsets, choking, unknown health issues/diseases or obstructions that require expensive surgery. We often see kittens kneading and “suckling” those soft floofy blankets/throws and think it’s cute. We have some really cute videos of me doing just that. You just watched one of them. Mommy needs to replace our blanket and throws every year because of it. Thankfully, me doesn’t actually eat the blankets/throws, but some kitties/doggies do. And, it’s NOT cute, it’s very Dangerous.

 

 Dezi and Lexi lay on the bed together

You can sort of see the suckled parts of this throw. Sis Lexi

and me both luvved it.

 

 

 

What causes Pica you ask? There are several possible causes: Nutritional Deficiency, Boredom, Anxiety, Teething, Early Weaning, Compulsive Disorder, and some Diseases and Health Problems, such as Diabetes, Leukemia, Tumors, Anemia and more. So again we say, Pica is not cute. It’s an outer symptom of an inner problem. If your cat/dog is exhibiting signs of Pica, DO NOT jump to conclusions or think the worse!!! We are NOT Vets nor is this post a means of diagnosing an illness.

 

Dezi and Lexi laying on the bed

See that spot behind me that looks a mess? Well, me just couldn’t help

me’s-self. Every meownin’ and night when me would give mommy a

massage, me would suckle the blanky.

 

What should you do if you cat/dog is exhibiting signs of Pica? Make an appointment with your VET to rule out any medical causes/diseases/illnesses or Nutritional deficiencies. Once kitty/doggy has been given a clean bill of health, remove the tempting items from kitty/doggy’s reach. This is a cautionary step and one that is often hard to continue for the life of the pet. Altho’ your pet’s health should be just as important as your own. However, we suggest finding the cause of the behavior and Re-Training/Directing the animal to proper behavior.

 

 Dezi kneads and suckles the cat bed

Me just can’t help me’s-self. 

 

 

 

We believe in treating the underlying issue so that kitty/doggy can live a full and happy life. Put on your detective’s hat and watch kitty/doggy closely for signs of stress, anxiety and/or boredom. Try to determine the Triggers, the Duration of the Licking/Chewing, what type of Object is chosen (the item may be different for different triggers), and the time of day/month/year. Holidays may cause your pet to become more stressed and thus cause Pica to be more prevalent at those times. Do you have guests? Is there a new family member, furry or not? Are you away from the home more than before? A little detecting will lead you to discover the cause or behavioral Pica. 

  

 Dezi poses for the camera while playing with the Cat Dancer

Inneractive play helps keep kitty from getting bored.

 

 

Some quick fixes/things to try, can be to set up a Decompression Room. Or, just spending more time with kitty/doggy. If kitty/doggy is bored, implement more play time. Maybe Train kitty to wear a harness and take them for walks. Please be aware of dangerous things kitty/doggy might try to eat while outside and avoid them. Redirect kitty/doggy immediately to an appropriate toy to play with. Include interactive play. Remember, Do Not Punish kitty/doggy, instead Always use Positive Reinforcement when they respond to Redirection. NEVER Hit your kitty/doggy. This will accomplish Nothing and only serve to diminish your relationship. You may also try medications. These should only be used under the direction of a licensed VET, and as a last resort. (in our opinion)

 

 Raena lays in house on liberty cat tree

Who? Me? I’s only suckle mommy.

 

 

One last thing, Suckling and Eating are 2 separate things. However, a cat/dog that suckles may progress to eating, so keep an eye on your pet and make sure that doesn’t happen. There’s no way we can cover every possibility here, but we do hope we’ve helped you to begin to understand Pica and how to help your kitty/doggy.

 

 Animated cats asking for email

 

 

We’re gonna wrap it up today. Remember, ifin ya’ have any questions or topics you’d like us to address, leave them in the comments section, or send us an email. And, as always, you can ketch up on any post you may have missed by clickin’ the links below.

 

Till the next time……………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle 

 

Service Cats

What to Look For      Training Foundations      Train Kitty To Massage

Smelling Disease      Do You Need One      Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws & Exceptions      Accommodations & Common Sense

When the Handler Dies      Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train      Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty      Internal Disputes

Calling Emergency Help      Just What Is Kitty Capable of

Shad: Original Service Cat      Harness, Vest, Leash or Stroller

Dezi, the Wheelchair & Chest      Round and Round We Go

Tumble & Fall Response      Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story     Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

When to Train      Explaining Rewards & Kitty’s Feelings

Stop Kitty’s Begging     Calling For Help Options Pt. 1

Medicating Kitty

Training the Pig Headed, Stallion Strong, Submissive Pup & Conniving Cat

Cats Love Training & Social Media Downfalls

Reintegrating the Scared or Bullied Cat      There’s No Bully Cat Breed

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair     Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

Surviving A Remodel      Taming A Feral Cat

Designer Cats & Scent      DNA Doesn’t Change      Fighting or Posturing

Clicker Training & Operant Conditioning      Wheelchair Training

Basic Training Continues      Managing Without A Wheelchair

Are Spray Bottles Effective      Hands Are Not Toys

Does My Cat Need A Friend      Helping Your Bullied Shy Cat

Why Cats Scratch      Halloween Safety     Stop Cord Chewing

Blest Sunday: God Bless Our Veteran’s

MeOW Raena, where are you? It’s time fur our Blest Sunday posty.

 

 Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

          I’s comin’ sissy. I’s just had to help mommy with one last thing fur our posty today. 

 

 Dezi and Raena in the flame or the Statue of Liberty

 

 

As always, we’re a day late and a dollar short, but that’s okay. Mommy says, every day is the purrfect day to say a meowsy big Fank you to all those who serve and have served our Country, and to their furmilies. We all want Peace. We purray fur Peace. But, the truth is, Peace only comes after war. And to those brave men and women, anipals and their furmilies who sacrifice(d) so much to ensure our safety and our Freedoms, we salute you. The very Freedoms they fight to purrtect are offen withheld from them.

 

 Raena in an animated flag veteran's day frame

 

 

 

          That’s so right sissy. Some of our soldiers are away in lands where they’re not allowed to openly purratice their Christian faith, or read a Bible, or purray out loud. Women have to cover up from head to toe and fear bein’ raped or worse. Not that it’s any better fur the men. Yet, these soldiers willingly put their lives on the line each and every day so that you and we can sleep safely in our beds at night. So that we can choose to worship or not. So that we can speak our minds and peacefully debate the issues impacting our Country. Those rights are sacred, God given, and ensured by our fore fathers in the Constitution of the USA. Purrlease, don’t let all the blood that was shed, all the lives that were lost or furever changed, be fur nuffin’. Make your voice and theirs be heard. 

 

Dezi in an animated frame with an eagle and flag thanking the veteran's

That’s great Raena. Fur those of us here at home, we can fight to keep our Freedoms by voting and letting our leaders know what we want. We live in the greatest Country in the world and are so Blest to have so many brave men and women doin’ what they can to keep us great. As far as we’re concerned, your sacrifice and service is/was not in vain. We purray daily, Lord, bless our soldiers and keep them safe and bring them home.

 

 3 cats meowing thank you

 

          We are Blest, sissy. We’re not sure why the Happy exists, so we’ll just say, Fanky fank you to all the Veteran’s and their furmilies. We send loud rumblin’ purrs to all of you. And fanky fank you to all our furiends. We don’t always agree, but we always come together to luvs and suppurt each other. 

 

Thank You emoji

We’re joinin’ the Kitties Blue fur Sunday selfies with a couple of Veteran’s Day plandids.

 

Till the next time………………………………………….Be Blest!!!

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue  

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Chatting Cats: Lap Hogs and Forgetfulness

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. And it’s Furiday!!! I’s don’t know why we’re so x’cited ‘bout that, but we are. To me, it just seems like any other day.

 

 Dezi and Raena laying atop the liberty cat tree

 

 

          Fur us Raena, it is like any other day. But humans have been celebratin’ the arrival of Furiday fur a long time. It used to mean the weekend was here and peeps didn’t have to work fur a couple of days. Now we live in a 24/7 world so peeps might be off work in the middle of the week ‘stead of the weekend. Still, we get x’cited fur Furiday.

 

Oh, okay. Whatever. Hey, did you hear mommy say that Ms. A was comin’ over today? 

 

 Dezi wearing home made garrison cap

 

 

 

          Yeah Raena, me did. When we made me’s hat fur summer camp, we broke the needle on the sewin’ machine. Seems mommy can’t hardly see it to replace it, so Ms. A’s gonna come help her. Mommy hand’t been that worried ‘bout it since we don’t actually have any material fur her to sew. But, when she was over there takin’ somethin’ to Nubs, they got to talkin’ ‘bout sewin’ and, well, the rest as they say is history. Me’s just happy to see mr. Sunshine again. 

 

 Raena looks out door from the small perch

 

 

 

Oooooh Me too, sissy. Me too. It had been so yucky and drab lookin’ fur ever. I’s thought mr. Sunshine packed up his bags like ms. Fall. I’s was thinkin’ old man Winter must be really inhospitable.

 

          Well Raena, you can keep right on thinkin’ that, cuz he is. Me can’t believe you can’t ‘member last winter?. You weren’t that young.

 

Maybe I’s have mommy’s furgetful disease, sissy.

 

          Oh Purrlease Raena. That ain’t no disease, that’s old age. And, well, purroblems left over from her accident. Me thinks your purroblem has more to do with your care furee catitude. You don’t care ‘bout anythin’ so long as you can lay in mommy’s lap. You’re such a lap hog. 

 

 Raena lays in mommys lap for loving

 

 

 

I’s luvs mommy sissy and I’s luvs layin’ in her lap. It’s the bestest seat in the house. (Feeling that Dezi may want to sit in mommy’s lap, Raena jumps up first and makes herself comfortable)

 

 

          Me knows Raena. And me would like to sit in it ever once in a while too. You know, mommy’s lap belonged to me furst. And, it iiiiis me’s birthday month, ya’ know.

 

 Raena lays in mommys lap and bathes

 

 

 

Purrrrrrrrrlease, what does that have to do with anythin’? (Raena meows from mommy’s lap

 

 

 Dezi lays in mommys lap for loving

 

 

 

          (Dezi paws at mommy’s leg from the floor and whaps Raena who’s bathing and oblivious to Dezi’s plight) C’mon Raena, it’s me’s birthday month and that means me gets more special luvvin’ this whole month. More specials than you even. Now Meow-ve!!! 

 

 

 Raena lays on back of chair

 

 

 

(Raena jumps to the back of the chair and looks down at Dezi who mommy has picked up and put in her lap) Okay sissy, it can be your turn now. You know I’s luvs you too. How ‘bout we play later. Maybe, I’s’ll even let mommy take you fur a stroll furst ifin mr. Sunshine sticks ‘round.

Hey, some of ya’ asked ’bout that cutesy tunnel toy with the track I’s was playin’ with in our last posty. We got it at Wally World the day I’s had to get mine’s rabies shot. It had been returned cuz pawrt of it was broken, so they had it on clearance fur $2.00. Mommy was able to add some tape and poke a few extra holes in the tunnel to make it work fur us. We don’t ‘member what it was called, nor do we know how much it actually costs.

Raena lays inside tent track toy

 

 

 

Till the next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee