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 Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 1:51 pm
The Importance of Nutrients Kitties thrive off of a high protein diet. They need a lot more protein than dogs, and could die without it. This is why cats should not be vegetarians. They need a wide variety of nutrients and there are several way to get these nutrients to your cat. Their food also must contain Taurine. Taurine defiancy can lead to kidney failure in a very short amount of time. Kittens: 35 to 40% of total diet should be protein Adult Cats: 25% of total diet (overall 13% more than dogs) 24 to 30% Fat We will discuss the benefits of the diffrent types of food available for your feline. smile
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:29 pm
Commercial Cat Food This is the food that lines the supermarket aisle, makes up most of petstores and can be bought just about anywhere. Some of the name brands consist of Friskies, Meow Mix, Purina, Iams and so on. These commercial cat foods are filled with the nessesary nutrients that your cat needs to live on according to the AAFCO standards. They lack a high protien count on most and are filled with fillers. (such as corn and grains) PricePrice is a major factor when it comes to food. Commercial cat foods range from cheap to moderate. Accesibility to these types of food are high, as they can be found just about anywhere. Cat Food AllergiesWithin the last few years, it has been brought to the attention of many cat owners that their kitties have developed corn or grain allergies. This is usually and incation of dry itchy skin, vomiting, etc. If your kitty has allergies, try switching to a food with less fillers and more proteins. Read the LabelsMake sure that the first ingrediant in the food is a meat. By products of animals is not always a good indicator because it could be just about any "by product" you could think of. Make sure you understand what the label is telling you. Just like human food, the label should be pretty easy to understand. Its a personal choice...To each cat owner, its really up to them to what they feed their cat. Some foods are harder to come by and others are right on the way home from work. Price is generally a major factor when it comes to purchasing cat food. Keep in mind that it IS your choice. smile Types of CommercialPurinaMeow MixFriskies
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:30 pm
Grain Free Food In the enlightenment of the Iams scandal (melamine in the food as they were getting their meat from china), many people have chosen to switch their cats (and dogs) to an all natural food. Grain free foods generally have a higher protien count than commercial cat foods and less fillers. These products are a little harder to come by but can be found at major pet stores and feed supply stores. PriceThe determining factor of food. A 5 pound bag of grain free generally will run you between 12-20$ depending on which kind you get. (Commercial cat food is usually 10 for 12$) Grain free food tends to last longer than commercial cat food because the cat is able to digest more of it vs the fillers found in the commercial cat foods. Therefore you dont have to feed them as much to get the same effects. The BenefitsSwitching a cat to a grain free diet will make the fur softer and the poops smaller, even lessesning the waste to once a day. It will not prevent fleas, is not a cure all, nor will it prevent shedding. (shedding depends on type/breed of cat). The cat benefits from a grain free diet by having more energy, more beneficial nutrients, and overall better health. Types of Grain FreeTaste of the WildWellness Cat FoodNatures VarietyHalo Cat FoodOrijen
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:35 pm
Raw Meat Diet Thank you Sachi! http://www.rawmeatybones.com/petowners.phpInformation on a raw food diet. Quote: Starting cats on a raw meaty bones diet
Kittens and some adult cats instinctively recognise wholesome natural food the first time it’s offered to them. Unfortunately the great majority of adult cats when first started on a raw meaty bones diet tend to be less than enthusiastic and need some coaxing.
Making the change can be a tricky business and we need to get a good grasp of the task at hand. Do you rattle the packet before pouring the fishy pellets into a bowl? What do you say to Kitty as she comes running? Maybe your feline seldom stirs except to nibble on the kibble sitting in the bowl 24 hours per day? Maybe the furry feline entwined round your legs signals the need for you to open the refrigerator and, with a tap on the tin, serve up the pungent canned food.
Feeding rituals differ, but timing, taste, texture, sight, sound and smell all play a part. Kitty is quite likely addicted to these powerful stimuli and you, as the carer, have likely grown accustomed to the ways that worked best for you. You have literally fed the addiction.
Now imagine the future with your lithe feline crouched low as she tucks into chicken necks, quail and whole raw fish. That’s the successful end point. (See photos and videos.) If your cat is young and healthy you can start making the change. However, if your cat is overweight, suffers from dental or other medical problems, then you will likely first need to consult your vet before you embark on the diet changes.
Useful change techniques
Work with your cat, not with her addiction. Stopping 24 hour access to food is the essential first step. Instead, start a once-a-day routine at, say, 6.00 p.m. Kitty’s biological clock will soon synchronise and her anatomy, physiology and behaviour will all line up, on time, in the kitchen.
Once the new routine is established the switch to natural food can get underway.
There are several ‘tricks’ either singly or in combination that should help.
Hungry cats are always more willing to sniff, lick and ultimately eat new foods. So reduce the amount of commercial canned or dry food offered. (Do not fast or starve your cat for more than 24 hours.)
Settle on one meat, for instance chicken, that you wish your cat to become accustomed to.
Taste and texture of raw meat are the two things you need your cat to accept. (Gnawing on bones comes later.) So chop a few strips of chicken meat and cover with commercial food in a bowl.
Over successive days feed less commercial food and more raw meat.
When raw meat is accepted try increasing the size of the pieces until chicken necks and wings replace the chopped chicken.
Other tricks involve slightly searing the meat in a pan or under the grill. You can try mixing canned fish juices with the meat or dusting it with powdered kibble.
Slitting the skin and making deep cuts into the meat of chicken wings or drumsticks and stuffing canned food inside may tempt your finicky feline. You can try tying a chicken wing on a string and playing a game of pounce and catch.
If you own several cats they can compete with and learn from each other.
Perseverance pays and ten days is usually sufficient time to switch the diet of a difficult cat. It’s best to let your cat become an accomplished chicken eater before introducing quail, rabbit, fish, day old chicks or similar food items to the diet.
A further round of patience and trickery may then be needed.
My cats love being on it. They have such a boost in energy and their coats are soft and shiny. They adore fish night.
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:36 pm
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:37 pm
Water: The Missing Nutrient Cats have generally very low thirst drives. They are able to concentrate their urine (useful during droughts in the wild) so therefore cats often times dont feel the need to drink water. Low water intake can cause UTI's (urinary tract infection), crystals in the bladder, and eventually death. So getting your cat to drink is vital. The Rules Concerning WaterKeep it fresh! Cats will not drink stand still water that has been out for days. If using a bowl, refill 2 to 3 times daily weither its empty or not, to maintain freshness. Ultimately, a fountian works best. Clean the bowl thoughly as the smell of stale water can throw the cat off. But...my kitty just wont drink...Add water to her kibble (1/3 water to 3 parts kibble), feed an all wet food diet. Also look into changing the water station. Have a bowl? Try a fountain. Have a bubbler? Try a bowl. Find what works for your kitty.
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Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 10:24 pm
Ingredient Dictionary
The website for the store I buy most of my kibble and treats from has this right on the homepage. I think it's great for when you have a "___ what?" moment when looking at what's in a food. And it's colour-coded for basic ease (not a perfect source or anything, of course, but I just find it handy)
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Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:58 am
Orion won't eat wet cat food.
I've read that male cats should eat wet cat food from time to time, but he won't touch it.
I've even gotten him his favorite flavors, salmon and tuna, but he won't touch it.
Honestly, he really is a finicky cat and picky too = 3 =
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Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:04 am
Feather Pen in Hand Orion won't eat wet cat food.
I've read that male cats should eat wet cat food from time to time, but he won't touch it.
I've even gotten him his favorite flavors, salmon and tuna, but he won't touch it.
Honestly, he really is a finicky cat and picky too = 3 = You could always add a bit of warm water to his kibble if your worried about his water intake. Male cats are usually more prone to UTI's which is why they need more water. smile I have a picky cat too who wont go anywhere near patte. Have you tried chunky gravy food?
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Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:26 am
I see him drink plenty of water every day from the water bowl, so I don't feel worried about him not drinking enough water.
I just worry about him getting UTI.
I've got a feeling that if I tried that with his cat food, Orion won't touch it ^^;
Yep, I've tried that stuff also. Whiskas, fancy feast, meow mix, and purina, all of which he's turned his nose up at. Either gravy chunks or patte, it doesn't matter to him.
I've even gone as far as adding a little bit of milk to entice him. Nope, that didn't work.
I tried dropping a treat or two into the wet food, but he still wouldn't touch it.
I have even scooped that stuff onto his favorite treat and he would not be tricked.
Just a few days ago, I bought him one of Whiskas new wet cat food packs, tuna flavor (he loves tuna fish), but he wouldn't eat it.
No matter how hungry he got, Orion never caved and ate his food.
I'm the one who caved by chucking it in the trash and pouring him a bowl of his kitty kibble.
Orion is such a picky eater, except when it comes to dry cat food.
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Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:00 pm
http://www.rawmeatybones.com/petowners.phpInformation on a raw food diet. Quote: Starting cats on a raw meaty bones diet
Kittens and some adult cats instinctively recognise wholesome natural food the first time it’s offered to them. Unfortunately the great majority of adult cats when first started on a raw meaty bones diet tend to be less than enthusiastic and need some coaxing.
Making the change can be a tricky business and we need to get a good grasp of the task at hand. Do you rattle the packet before pouring the fishy pellets into a bowl? What do you say to Kitty as she comes running? Maybe your feline seldom stirs except to nibble on the kibble sitting in the bowl 24 hours per day? Maybe the furry feline entwined round your legs signals the need for you to open the refrigerator and, with a tap on the tin, serve up the pungent canned food.
Feeding rituals differ, but timing, taste, texture, sight, sound and smell all play a part. Kitty is quite likely addicted to these powerful stimuli and you, as the carer, have likely grown accustomed to the ways that worked best for you. You have literally fed the addiction.
Now imagine the future with your lithe feline crouched low as she tucks into chicken necks, quail and whole raw fish. That’s the successful end point. (See photos and videos.) If your cat is young and healthy you can start making the change. However, if your cat is overweight, suffers from dental or other medical problems, then you will likely first need to consult your vet before you embark on the diet changes.
Useful change techniques
Work with your cat, not with her addiction. Stopping 24 hour access to food is the essential first step. Instead, start a once-a-day routine at, say, 6.00 p.m. Kitty’s biological clock will soon synchronise and her anatomy, physiology and behaviour will all line up, on time, in the kitchen.
Once the new routine is established the switch to natural food can get underway.
There are several ‘tricks’ either singly or in combination that should help.
Hungry cats are always more willing to sniff, lick and ultimately eat new foods. So reduce the amount of commercial canned or dry food offered. (Do not fast or starve your cat for more than 24 hours.)
Settle on one meat, for instance chicken, that you wish your cat to become accustomed to.
Taste and texture of raw meat are the two things you need your cat to accept. (Gnawing on bones comes later.) So chop a few strips of chicken meat and cover with commercial food in a bowl.
Over successive days feed less commercial food and more raw meat.
When raw meat is accepted try increasing the size of the pieces until chicken necks and wings replace the chopped chicken.
Other tricks involve slightly searing the meat in a pan or under the grill. You can try mixing canned fish juices with the meat or dusting it with powdered kibble.
Slitting the skin and making deep cuts into the meat of chicken wings or drumsticks and stuffing canned food inside may tempt your finicky feline. You can try tying a chicken wing on a string and playing a game of pounce and catch.
If you own several cats they can compete with and learn from each other.
Perseverance pays and ten days is usually sufficient time to switch the diet of a difficult cat. It’s best to let your cat become an accomplished chicken eater before introducing quail, rabbit, fish, day old chicks or similar food items to the diet.
A further round of patience and trickery may then be needed.
My cats love being on it. They have such a boost in energy and their coats are soft and shiny. They adore fish night.
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Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:13 pm
THANK YOU!!! Your the first to contribute something and Ill add it to the portion above. I feed a high quality, no grain kibble, with an assortment of wet food. I dont feel comfortable feeding raw, and feel that by eating a high protien kibble, she gets all she needs in one go. smile And with such fluffy cats, coat health should be the top of our lists. wink
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Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:52 am
Punkin Avis THANK YOU!!! Your the first to contribute something and Ill add it to the portion above. I feed a high quality, no grain kibble, with an assortment of wet food. I dont feel comfortable feeding raw, and feel that by eating a high protien kibble, she gets all she needs in one go. smile And with such fluffy cats, coat health should be the top of our lists. wink Your welcome. I found that since I feed my basset hound a raw diet that it would be easier to feed them all on a raw diet (only difference is that dogs need fruits and vegXD) I was a little scared to give them the bones at first but after doing fish bones I let them try chicken necks. They love being able to tear into the meat and they make little chuffing and grunting noses and you can hear the purrs from Carl as he eats. Doing a raw diet you are able to mimic how they would be eating if they where in the wild. I think Guildford likes it more then Carl due to he is a bird hunter/killer for sure. Raw feeding does such wonders for their coats, their dander levels have dropped dramatically as well causing them to need less in the way of baths.
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Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:33 am
Sachi Aray Your welcome. I found that since I feed my basset hound a raw diet that it would be easier to feed them all on a raw diet (only difference is that dogs need fruits and vegXD) I was a little scared to give them the bones at first but after doing fish bones I let them try chicken necks. They love being able to tear into the meat and they make little chuffing and grunting noses and you can hear the purrs from Carl as he eats. Doing a raw diet you are able to mimic how they would be eating if they where in the wild. I think Guildford likes it more then Carl due to he is a bird hunter/killer for sure. Raw feeding does such wonders for their coats, their dander levels have dropped dramatically as well causing them to need less in the way of baths. Its a very interesting concept and I approve of raw diets and understand the why behind it but its easier for me to feed Freyja Orijen. Im highly allergic to cats but we got really lucky with my girl. She has little to no dander shed to begin with and spends a great deal of time grooming herself. What do you do for treats? (out of curiosity). I wanna try just treats for Freyja as a once in awhile thing to deviate her from sneaking tidbits off your plate while your not looking.
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Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:53 am
Part of my "five year plan" is to switch the critters over to raw. I need a bigger house first, though (I don't have freezer space or any really suitable space for a freezer here)
I'm not worried about acceptance, other than maybe to bones or larger chunks of meat that have to be broken apart/chewed for Saphi, though - based on the scraps she's had, raw meat is the best thing ever to exist.
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