Difference between revisions of "Cook for Cats"
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| − | + | As carnivores, cats need to eat meat and avoid eating unhealthy foods full of indigestible carbohydrates.<ref name="rf1">http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/16/protein-in-real-meat-are-better-for-cats.aspx</ref> Feeding cats the wrong diet can cause health problems and ultimately lessen the length of their lives. Cooking for cats can be a great way to get your cats the proteins they need, and it can also be a very enjoyable pastime for the people making it. It's essential to consult with a qualified veterinary nutritionist before embarking on feeding you cat solely on home prepared foods | |
[[Category:Feeding Cats]] | [[Category:Feeding Cats]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Understanding a Cat's Dietary Needs=== | ===Understanding a Cat's Dietary Needs=== | ||
| − | #Be familiar with the dietary requirements of cats. Cats have nutritional requirements that are vastly different from our own, requiring careful consideration and planning of the food they're receiving. Cats need a diet high in protein and fat. In fact, cats need twice the amount of protein that dogs need.<ref>Dr Julie Summerfield, ''Cat Talk: With Scooter'', p. 118, (2004), ISBN1-876624-81-7</ref> Do not attempt to do this on your own — talk with your cat's veterinarian about getting a referral to a qualified veterinary nutritionist who can ensure your cat will be getting all the necessary nutrients. | + | #Be familiar with the dietary requirements of cats. Cats have nutritional requirements that are vastly different from our own, requiring careful consideration and planning of the food they're receiving. Cats need a diet high in protein and fat. In fact, cats need twice the amount of protein that dogs need.<ref name="rf2">Dr Julie Summerfield, ''Cat Talk: With Scooter'', p. 118, (2004), ISBN1-876624-81-7</ref> Do not attempt to do this on your own — talk with your cat's veterinarian about getting a referral to a qualified veterinary nutritionist who can ensure your cat will be getting all the necessary nutrients. |
| − | #*Cats need approximately 85 percent meat, fat, offal, and bone in their diet, with vegetables, herbs, and roughage making up only 15 percent of feline dietary requirements.<ref>Dr Clare Middle, Real Food for Dogs and Cats, p. 116, (2008), ISBN 978-1-92136135-7</ref> | + | #*Cats need approximately 85 percent meat, fat, offal, and bone in their diet, with vegetables, herbs, and roughage making up only 15 percent of feline dietary requirements.<ref name="rf3">Dr Clare Middle, Real Food for Dogs and Cats, p. 116, (2008), ISBN 978-1-92136135-7</ref> |
#*Formulating a correctly balanced diet is very difficult and something even veterinary nutritionists struggle with. If you get it wrong, the cat won't show signs for days and weeks, but problems develop months or years down the line. Don't change your cat's diet without consulting a nutritionist and allow yourself to have a false sense of security that your cat seems fine and healthy. | #*Formulating a correctly balanced diet is very difficult and something even veterinary nutritionists struggle with. If you get it wrong, the cat won't show signs for days and weeks, but problems develop months or years down the line. Don't change your cat's diet without consulting a nutritionist and allow yourself to have a false sense of security that your cat seems fine and healthy. | ||
| − | #Identify all the parts of a healthy cat diet. A healthy diet for a cat will ensure the following:<ref>Dr Peter Roach, ''Pet Care Book'', p. 86, (undated)</ref> clean water (available at all times and easily accessible), protein (most cats won't eat food containing less than 20 percent protein), fat (cats need fat for energy, essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamin intake, and taste), vitamin A (cats need a good dose of this vitamin. It is found in liver, eggs, and milk but these ingredients need to be used with caution), vitamin B (Cats need vitamin B and will readily eat brewer's yeast if there are signs of deficiency, such as loss of appetite for a few days or a fever), vitamin E (Vitamin E is needed to break down unsaturated fats in the cat's diet), and calcium (This is an important part of building and maintaining your cat's bones). | + | #Identify all the parts of a healthy cat diet. A healthy diet for a cat will ensure the following:<ref name="rf4">Dr Peter Roach, ''Pet Care Book'', p. 86, (undated)</ref> clean water (available at all times and easily accessible), protein (most cats won't eat food containing less than 20 percent protein), fat (cats need fat for energy, essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamin intake, and taste), vitamin A (cats need a good dose of this vitamin. It is found in liver, eggs, and milk but these ingredients need to be used with caution), vitamin B (Cats need vitamin B and will readily eat brewer's yeast if there are signs of deficiency, such as loss of appetite for a few days or a fever), vitamin E (Vitamin E is needed to break down unsaturated fats in the cat's diet), and calcium (This is an important part of building and maintaining your cat's bones). |
#*Taurine is an amino acid that is also essential to a cat's diet. Sufficient amounts of taurine usually exist in commercial cat foods (both dry and wet), but your cat may be at risk of a taurine deficiency if you feed it homemade foods or a vegetarian diet. Taurine deficiency in felines can cause central retinal degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness, as well as heart failure. This is why adding taurine to your cat's diet is crucial. | #*Taurine is an amino acid that is also essential to a cat's diet. Sufficient amounts of taurine usually exist in commercial cat foods (both dry and wet), but your cat may be at risk of a taurine deficiency if you feed it homemade foods or a vegetarian diet. Taurine deficiency in felines can cause central retinal degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness, as well as heart failure. This is why adding taurine to your cat's diet is crucial. | ||
#Think about when and how your cat should be fed. For instance, cats in different stages of life may need different feeding schedules or types of food. While most cats can regulate their food intake fairly well, there are some cases where you will need to regulate it for them. | #Think about when and how your cat should be fed. For instance, cats in different stages of life may need different feeding schedules or types of food. While most cats can regulate their food intake fairly well, there are some cases where you will need to regulate it for them. | ||
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#*Adult cats should be allowed to eat when they want, grazing throughout the day, but if that is impossible, they should be fed at least several times each day. | #*Adult cats should be allowed to eat when they want, grazing throughout the day, but if that is impossible, they should be fed at least several times each day. | ||
#*If you have multiple cats that have different diets, you may need to figure out a feeding system that keeps them out of each other's food. | #*If you have multiple cats that have different diets, you may need to figure out a feeding system that keeps them out of each other's food. | ||
| − | #Consider your cats health over your personal dietary regime. Cats cannot thrive (or survive) on a [[Become a Vegetarian|vegetarian]] diet.<ref>Dr Clare Middle, ''Real Food for Dogs and Cats'', p. 116, (2008), ISBN 978-1-92136135-7</ref><ref | + | #Consider your cats health over your personal dietary regime. Cats cannot thrive (or survive) on a [[Become a Vegetarian|vegetarian]] diet.<ref name="rf5">Dr Clare Middle, ''Real Food for Dogs and Cats'', p. 116, (2008), ISBN 978-1-92136135-7</ref><ref name="rf2" /> It is recognized that there is intense debate and passion on this topic but placing the cat's natural needs first is a primary concern of cat well-being. |
#*While there are specific supplements some vegetarians feed to their cats, such as taurine, and numerous suggestions for vegetarian cat diets, a vegetarian diet for a cat can result in blindness and heart failure. Not only is this type of diet a highly intensive effort for an owner, it risks a shortened lifespan and diseases, especially if it introduces a higher level of unhealthy carbohydrate products into the cat's diet. | #*While there are specific supplements some vegetarians feed to their cats, such as taurine, and numerous suggestions for vegetarian cat diets, a vegetarian diet for a cat can result in blindness and heart failure. Not only is this type of diet a highly intensive effort for an owner, it risks a shortened lifespan and diseases, especially if it introduces a higher level of unhealthy carbohydrate products into the cat's diet. | ||
#Consult a your vet and a qualified veterinary nutritionist and do research before you begin cooking for your cat. A fully home prepared diet with no quality brand name commercial foods included requires careful balancing to ensure that your cat is getting everything it needs. It is not recommended unless you have thoroughly researched what your cat needs and have raised the matter with your vet. | #Consult a your vet and a qualified veterinary nutritionist and do research before you begin cooking for your cat. A fully home prepared diet with no quality brand name commercial foods included requires careful balancing to ensure that your cat is getting everything it needs. It is not recommended unless you have thoroughly researched what your cat needs and have raised the matter with your vet. | ||
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#*Try gradually adding your homemade food to your cat's usual food. This will acclimate them to the new textures and smells of a homemade diet. | #*Try gradually adding your homemade food to your cat's usual food. This will acclimate them to the new textures and smells of a homemade diet. | ||
#*Don't leave uneaten food out. If your cat hasn't eaten it within the hour, dispose of it. Just try again another time. | #*Don't leave uneaten food out. If your cat hasn't eaten it within the hour, dispose of it. Just try again another time. | ||
| − | #Avoid giving your cat foods that are dangerous or toxic to them. Remember that just because you can eat it, doesn't mean your cat can. Foods not to give your cat include onions, garlic, chives, grapes, raisins, chocolate (even white chocolate), sugar, uncooked yeast dough, and spices from your pantry such as nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda.<ref>http://pets.webmd.com/cats/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat</ref> | + | #Avoid giving your cat foods that are dangerous or toxic to them. Remember that just because you can eat it, doesn't mean your cat can. Foods not to give your cat include onions, garlic, chives, grapes, raisins, chocolate (even white chocolate), sugar, uncooked yeast dough, and spices from your pantry such as nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda.<ref name="rf6">http://pets.webmd.com/cats/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat</ref> |
| − | #*Other ingredients to avoid include alcohol (it has the same impact as on humans only much faster — just two teaspoons of whiskey can induce a coma in a 5 pound cat), dog food (wet or dry — dog food has completely different nutrient content), candy and gum (if sweetened with xylitol, this can cause liver failure), coffee, tea, and other caffeinated products such as cold medicines, stimulant drinks and painkillers (large quantities can kill a cat and there is no antidote), and human medication of any kind (acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be deadly to cats).<ref | + | #*Other ingredients to avoid include alcohol (it has the same impact as on humans only much faster — just two teaspoons of whiskey can induce a coma in a 5 pound cat), dog food (wet or dry — dog food has completely different nutrient content), candy and gum (if sweetened with xylitol, this can cause liver failure), coffee, tea, and other caffeinated products such as cold medicines, stimulant drinks and painkillers (large quantities can kill a cat and there is no antidote), and human medication of any kind (acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be deadly to cats).<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Limit foods that are not toxic to cats but are not good for them in large amounts. Cats need a well rounded diet but that does not mean that they need all nutrients in large amounts. | #Limit foods that are not toxic to cats but are not good for them in large amounts. Cats need a well rounded diet but that does not mean that they need all nutrients in large amounts. | ||
| − | #*Limit fat trimmings and bones. Cooked bones should not be fed to cats and fat can cause pancreatitis in cats.<ref | + | #*Limit fat trimmings and bones. Cooked bones should not be fed to cats and fat can cause pancreatitis in cats.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #*If you want to feed your cat raw eggs, only give them the yolk. Raw yolks can be digested but raw whites cannot. Cook the egg whole if also using the white. Consider cooking the whole egg each time, as raw eggs can carry ''Salmonella''. Even if they don't get sick, the cat can be a subclinical carrier of ''Salmonella'', basically meaning that it can be transferred from cats to human beings.<ref>http://www.cat-world.com.au/salmonellosis-in-cats</ref> | + | #*If you want to feed your cat raw eggs, only give them the yolk. Raw yolks can be digested but raw whites cannot. Cook the egg whole if also using the white. Consider cooking the whole egg each time, as raw eggs can carry ''Salmonella''. Even if they don't get sick, the cat can be a subclinical carrier of ''Salmonella'', basically meaning that it can be transferred from cats to human beings.<ref name="rf7">http://www.cat-world.com.au/salmonellosis-in-cats</ref> |
#*Raw meat should be frozen prior to feeding unless you are absolutely sure of its healthy origins. | #*Raw meat should be frozen prior to feeding unless you are absolutely sure of its healthy origins. | ||
#*Feed your cat liver no more than twice weekly. | #*Feed your cat liver no more than twice weekly. | ||
#*Tuna can be addictive if overfed and result in a thiamine deficiency. Basically too much of the diet devoted to any kind of fish can also result in such deficiency. | #*Tuna can be addictive if overfed and result in a thiamine deficiency. Basically too much of the diet devoted to any kind of fish can also result in such deficiency. | ||
#*Milk and milk products can upset many cats, including digestion and itchiness. Talk to your vet if you'd like to continue using it; not every vet or cat owner is convinced that milk is inappropriate for cats able to tolerate it. | #*Milk and milk products can upset many cats, including digestion and itchiness. Talk to your vet if you'd like to continue using it; not every vet or cat owner is convinced that milk is inappropriate for cats able to tolerate it. | ||
| − | #Be very cautious before seeking to cook for your cats as a permanent feeding strategy. Unless you're absolutely certain that you're getting the balance right, cooking all of your cat's diet at home can result in deficiencies and harm your cat. Many vets won't recommend a home-cooked diet for pets simply because they know most people don't have the training or knowledge to do so, and that busy owners may stray from fulfilling recommended recipes aimed at providing optimal nutrition due to time constraints.<ref>Lisa A Pierson, DVM, Making cat food, http://www.catinfo.org/?link=makingcatfood</ref> In addition, vets may have concerns about the lack of sufficient knowledge about dietary needs, and lapses of attention to the diet caused by human life events.<ref | + | #Be very cautious before seeking to cook for your cats as a permanent feeding strategy. Unless you're absolutely certain that you're getting the balance right, cooking all of your cat's diet at home can result in deficiencies and harm your cat. Many vets won't recommend a home-cooked diet for pets simply because they know most people don't have the training or knowledge to do so, and that busy owners may stray from fulfilling recommended recipes aimed at providing optimal nutrition due to time constraints.<ref name="rf8">Lisa A Pierson, DVM, Making cat food, http://www.catinfo.org/?link=makingcatfood</ref> In addition, vets may have concerns about the lack of sufficient knowledge about dietary needs, and lapses of attention to the diet caused by human life events.<ref name="rf8" /> |
#*If you're eager to cook for your cats all the time, it is doable, it just requires a lot of (often conflicting) research and weighing up of the options of what's available in your area. | #*If you're eager to cook for your cats all the time, it is doable, it just requires a lot of (often conflicting) research and weighing up of the options of what's available in your area. | ||
#*Consider your lifestyle. If you travel a lot and have other people feeding your cats, are you going to be able to ensure that their home-cooked diet is adequate? If you work long hours, are you prepared to make up batches of food each weekend to be feed throughout the week? | #*Consider your lifestyle. If you travel a lot and have other people feeding your cats, are you going to be able to ensure that their home-cooked diet is adequate? If you work long hours, are you prepared to make up batches of food each weekend to be feed throughout the week? | ||
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#Make meal sized portions and freeze. The average cat eats about 4 - 6 ounces a day. Keep your cat's meals in the freezer until the night before you plan on feeding it to them and at which point you should move it into the fridge. This will give the food enough time to defrost. | #Make meal sized portions and freeze. The average cat eats about 4 - 6 ounces a day. Keep your cat's meals in the freezer until the night before you plan on feeding it to them and at which point you should move it into the fridge. This will give the food enough time to defrost. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Clean cat bowls regularly. Dirty bowls can harbor bacteria and germs, as well as being unpleasant for your cat. | *Clean cat bowls regularly. Dirty bowls can harbor bacteria and germs, as well as being unpleasant for your cat. | ||
| − | *Make up your own mind about raw food in the diet. The evidence for and against raw food cat diets in household settings abounds, and even vets don't see eye to eye on this issue. Although it is commonly stated that meat fed to cats at home must be cooked, it is important to note that raw meat is the natural state of a cat's diet.<ref>Dr Clare Middle, ''Real Food for Dogs and Cats'', pp. 116-118, (2008), ISBN 978-1-92136135-7</ref> Unfortunately, the potential for the transmission of parasites has led to a denial of raw meat for cats, mostly because owners of pets do not have the time or inclination to put in the effort to ensure that raw food provided is healthy meat prepared properly. A lack of raw food in a cat's diet means that many beneficial elements for the cat, including amino acids, may be destroyed by the cooking process, potentially reducing the cat's health.<ref | + | *Make up your own mind about raw food in the diet. The evidence for and against raw food cat diets in household settings abounds, and even vets don't see eye to eye on this issue. Although it is commonly stated that meat fed to cats at home must be cooked, it is important to note that raw meat is the natural state of a cat's diet.<ref name="rf9">Dr Clare Middle, ''Real Food for Dogs and Cats'', pp. 116-118, (2008), ISBN 978-1-92136135-7</ref> Unfortunately, the potential for the transmission of parasites has led to a denial of raw meat for cats, mostly because owners of pets do not have the time or inclination to put in the effort to ensure that raw food provided is healthy meat prepared properly. A lack of raw food in a cat's diet means that many beneficial elements for the cat, including amino acids, may be destroyed by the cooking process, potentially reducing the cat's health.<ref name="rf9" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
