4 Things Animal Planet’s Jackson Galaxy Taught Us About Cat Care
Cover story for Mediaplanet's "Pet Wellness" issue, published with USA Today.
Cats are often seen as enigmatic beings with behavior that defies explanation. Yet, Jackson Galaxy, a renowned cat behaviorist and two-time New York Times bestselling author, challenges this perception. I recently had the privilege of chatting with the Animal Planet star to delve into the secrets behind these feline companions — and here's what we learned.
1. IF YOU'RE STRESSED, SO IS YOUR CAT
A recent study by Ohio State University found that stress is detrimental not only to human health but also to the health of our pets.
"If you're having a crappy day, your cat can sense that without words," Jackson says. "The less verbal a creature is, the more they rely on energetic input. Because an animal can't walk up to you and say, 'Hey, this is stressing me out,' they internalize it and express it physically."
2. WET IS BEST
When it comes to food, many pet owners rely on dry food because it is inexpensive, easy to store and can be left out for a long time for pets to eat at their own pace. However, cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a diet that is primarily based on animal tissue to meet their nutritional requirements.
"They need meat and nothing but meat," Galaxy shares. "Their diets should consist of 90 percent meat and meat protein, and 10 percent grass and vegetables."
Dry foods do not provide as much moisture as wet foods do, which becomes more important as your cat ages, when they are ill, or in dry, hot climates.
"I would rather you buy the lowest quality wet food than the highest quality dry food," he proclaims.
"Whisker? I hardly know her!" Jackson Galaxy photographed by Jeff Newton.
3. PLAY IS ESSENTIAL
Jackson recommends that pet owners actively engage with their pets during playtime, using toys to simulate the movements of birds, moths, or mice.
"How do you make a cat happy? By catering to the hunter in them," he explains. "They will always hunt if there is something to hunt." Cats are born with a hunting and chasing instinct. Jackson calls this state the 'raw cat.'
"Underneath every housecat is their ancestor, ready to pounce. If you want to keep them engaged, remind them they are fantastic hunters."
4. EVERY PERSON IS A PET PERSON
Jackson finds the greatest fulfillment in his work when he can introduce people to the joy of sharing their lives with animals. As his career advanced from a humble shelter worker to a prominent TV personality, Jackson cultivated a vision to make a substantial difference in the lives of animals in need. In 2014, he founded the Jackson Galaxy Foundation with the mission of enhancing the lives of sheltered animals and their devoted caretakers.
"As a long time rescue worker, my heart belongs to the welfare of all animals," he states. "I know that knowledge and innovation will save more lives. The pieces are in place, the technology is available, the passion is alive, and the time to act is now." ■