MORE INFO.

FELINE CARE

EXTRAS!

NUTRITION FOR THE FELINE CARNIVORE

(raw diet resources are listed on the links page)

In an attempt to provide the best care possible for my kitties, and also be an informed advisor as to the care of every kitten born here that goes to a new home, I'm constantly on the prowl for more information on feline care, behavior, and nutrition.    In addition to my own personal library here at home, I've discovered a wealth of information available through many reputable sources on the Internet.  In the 'FELINE CARE' section of this website I would like to share some of the information I've gleaned through experience and research.

Yes, I am a proponent of a species appropriate, low carbohydrate, high protein MOIST (canned or raw) diet.  I feed my cats predominately a  raw meat diet that is formulated to meet their nutritional needs.  There are two commercially prepared raw diets I like, plus I also make my own.  For the past few years I've supplemented with good quality NO grain canned foods, but I am currently in the process of re-thinking that in favor of a 100% raw meat diet.  My cats are on scheduled feedings - more or less - and do not have free access to food throughout the day.   They do not get dry food.   Kittens are weaned directly onto the raw diet.

I've been feeding raw since March of 2004.  During that time, I've seen a significant change in attitude towards feeding a species appropriate diet, but we still have a long way to go.

Pet food manufacturers in the United States are finally coming up to speed on the raw food issue, and more quality commercially prepared raw diets are now available, but watch the ingredients.  I'm in favor of NO veggies, NO fruit, NO grain.  Many companies are simply attempting to adapt their dog recipe to suit cats.

HOWEVER, on the subject of making your own (or even feeding a raw commercial diet): preparing raw is not for the faint of heart.  It takes commitment and determination.  Everyone is going to think you are crazy and tell you so.  You will most likely have to go against your veterinarian's recommendations, and he or she will frighten you with a long list of the dangers of raw meat.  They will talk down to you as if you are an idiot who hasn't considered the basics of feline nutrition.  You will doubt yourself, worrying that you've over-looked something, or didn't do it right.  You'll make excuses as to why your cats can't make the transition.   You will sabotage your own efforts by convincing yourself that the poor darlings can't go through the night without their dry food to nibble on.

BUT, many people DO successfully feed a quality raw diet to their cats and their dogs.  I know those who manage to feed large numbers of both and hold down a full time job as well.  Once you get organized and have your system in place, and see that your cats not only do well, but thrive, it becomes a way of life, and is not that difficult.

Cats do fine, gain weight as needed, maintain weight as needed, sometimes loose weight as needed, and remain healthy on a raw diet WITHOUT having food available all of the time. In fact, in the long run, they seem less obsessed with food and more satisfied.

And don't get me started on "keeping dry food available for their teeth."  I've been there, done that, and have not seen any more dental issues with no dry food in their diet.  There is a good article where dental issues are addressed:  see the link at the bottom of this page -- "Dry vs Canned?"

Yes, feeding a raw diet is expensive.  I get that!  I should know.  It's especially expensive if you have more than a couple of cats, and more expensive if you decide to purchase a good pre-made raw diet.  But I can guarantee you that veterinary expenses related to health issues that become chronic in many cats due to an inappropriate diet will be expensive as well.  I can't write it any better than Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM does on her website, so if you are interested in reading more: www.catinfo.org

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