How Old is Your Cat?

Today, while browsing the internet for more information on cats, I found a very interesting piece of information on Royal Canin website; "How ole is your cat". The answer is as follow:

• 1 year old cat = 16 years old human
• 2 years old cat = 21 years old human
• 10 years old cat = 53 years old human
• 12 years old cat = 61 years old human
• 15 years old cat = 73 years old human

I wonder how they came out with these equation. Anyone know?

2009 7th MKA International Dog Show, 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu

I went to watched the 2009 7th MKA International Dog Show in 1Borneo Hypermall in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah after my work this afternoon (7 June 2009). It was crowded but managed to capture some photos just share with other dog lovers just in case you missed it. Thanks for some very nice dog owners who allow us (photographers) the opportunities to snap.

Some of the contestants:

Interestingly, many dog owners also took this opportunity to bring their dogs for a stroll at the shopping mall. May be this is the only time the mall is being dog friendly. Not sure if they allow pets during normal day.

Some dogs not contesting but having the opportunity to visit the mall today:



I also accidentally shot a funny picture. Looks like the cute dog of this beautiful lady is suffocating. Just kidding. The dog is just trying to move around. :)

Who is AAFCO?

For those pet owners who really studied on the label of the pet food, they often can see the words AAFCO on the labeling. Many manufacturers always trying to tell us that they are meeting the requirements set by the AAFCO. But who is AAFCO?

AAFCO stands for "American Association of Feed Control Officials". It is an advisory body that proposes regulations for the production and labeling of animal feeds, including pet food. Its membership consists of regulatory officials from many states' feed control bodies, Federal agencies (FDA), and like agencies in Canada and Costa Rica, as well as members of other interested groups, such as the Animal Protection Institude, and various veterinarian colleges.

What AAFCO Does

• Defines terms for labeling, e.g., "meat by-products"
• Defines quantity determination for label titles, e.g., "Chicken Cat Food," "Chicken Dinner for Cats," "Chicken-flavored Cat Food"
• Sets criteria for the usage of "complete and balanced" on pet food labels
• Recommends percentage or minimum/maximum amounts of various ingredients in pet foods, depending on age and activity level of cats

What it Doesn't Do

• AAFCO has no regulatory powers (but its membership consists of regulatory officials from various states and municipalities)
• AAFCO does no testing, but recommends protocol for testing, and works with independent laboratories which perform tests
• Makes no determination of "human grade" protein quality, as sometimes described on pet food labels
• Does not directly suggest standards for labeling foods specified as "Hairball Formula," "Lite," or "Dental Care," although ingredient suggestions include certain quantities of protein, fat, etc., for food intended for adult cats vs kitten/lactating queens

Thus, many manufacturers will try to meet the requirements and guidelines set by AAFCO in order to convince their customers. However, pet owners must read carefully as which AAFCO guideline has been met by the individual pet food. If we read carefully, sometimes it just mentioned they met certain guidelines and not all.

Source: http://cats.about.com/cs/catfood/a/tipsforchoosing_2.htm

AACFO Official Website: http://www.aafco.org/