Might get a cat - want help with raw diet

[ladyluck_t]

Ok, I have been seriously thinking of getting a cat. My family are cat people and my dogs are apparently not challenging enough :rolleyes: that I want to add another into the mix, I most likely will be getting a kitten from animal humane, cause I want to acclimate him/her to my dogs easier and vice versa

So, my main question is: How do I feed raw to a cat? (i wasnt sure if this should have been in the raw category or the other pet one, sorry if I guessed wrong)

Where would I start?

 

[gmacleod]

Cats are easy to feed a raw diet to - easier than dogs They have perhaps a need for more offal in the diet, and lesser calcium. But otherwise it's broadly the same. Cats are obligate carnivores though - so no need at all of vegetables.

We have a cat forum (raw feeding included) at http://www.catbulletin.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14. There are some good links there to raw feeding sites and recipes (with pictures!) - at least one of which is formulated by a vet.

 

[ladyluck_t]

Cats are easy to feed a raw diet to - easier than dogs They have perhaps a need for more offal in the diet, and lesser calcium. But otherwise it's broadly the same. Cats are obligate carnivores though - so no need at all of vegetables.

We have a cat forum (raw feeding included) at http://www.catbulletin.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14. There are some good links there to raw feeding sites and recipes (with pictures!) - at least one of which is formulated by a vet.

Thanks Gmac, Actually have been perusing that site, already,

I have a couple of other questions if you would so inclined

1. If I get a cat, it will be a kitten, they have 2mo's olds, 4mo's olds and 4wk olds. Which would you recommend would be best to get?
2. Can I train a cat to stay within a yard? where would I go for that information
3. Is a male or female better to get?
4. Can I crate train a cat at night? I dont feel comfortable letting a kitten run loose in my house at night, I have a pedastal bed and I worry about the kitten getting trapped and lost underneath it, and my dogs helping said kitty to stay there :rolleyes:

Ok, I sound terribly inexperienced, Honestly I grew up with cats, but my parents did all the "work", I just cuddled and changed the litter box

 

[the_Murph]

I have a cat which I adopted from the SPCA several years ago - and 2 years ago we switched her to raw (after we got our girl Murphy, who was raised on raw). Disclaimer: I'm no expert on raw, just sharing my experience here.

We feed her Arusha cat food, which is basically ground meat and bone patties, since cats are carnivores they do not require any vegetables. She is strictly on chicken, as she will not touch the turkey and we haven't bothered trying any other flavors. We also supplement with salmon oil (helps with the dandruff). The biggest challenge was getting her to switch from being a "grazer" (having food out all day to eat at her leisure) to eating at meal time. It is not advisable to leave raw food out for any length of time. Some ways to get your cat to eat right away is to add a bit of warm water, some cats don't like to eat cold food. Also, leave the food down for 45 minutes, then take it away and too bad for kitty until next meal time.

I will tell you this, my cat is so much healthier now that she eats raw food, it's made a huge difference in her appearance and overall health. Good luck!!

 

[gmacleod]

4 weeks? That's insane. And inhumane to rehome kittens at that age. Heck, their eyes will barely even be open. Kittens should not be rehomed till 8 weeks (6 weeks absolute minimum, but really, it's too young).

Between 2 months and 4... personally I'd probably prefer 2 months old. There's not a lot cuter than a kitten that age racing round and into everything (and it's better if they get over the urge to climb your leg whilst little enough for it not to really hurt ). Other than sheer cuteness though, there's nothing better about 2 months than 4.

Male versus female... Much like with boxers, I've found female cats to be a bit more independant. A few more strange quirks, too. Males (providing they're neutered) are more clingy/cuddly and in need of attention. Up to you which you prefer

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone crate training a cat. Can't see why not, if you really want to. But the vast majority of cats want nothing more than a warm body to curl up with at night, and don't really go roaming the house. If the kitten can't sleep with you, he's likely to sleep with (on) one of your boxers instead

 

[ladyluck_t]

Thanks guys, yeah I thought 4wks was too young, could be a typo though on the AHA website, they had one 2mo's old cat listed with a picture of a dog :rolleyes:

Thanks everyone, Gotta go get food for the pups tonight as well, should I get one protien like chicken? and do a switch like I did with the dogs??

 

[ladyluck_t]

4 weeks? That's insane. And inhumane to rehome kittens at that age. Heck, their eyes will barely even be open. Kittens should not be rehomed till 8 weeks (6 weeks absolute minimum, but really, it's too young).

Just talked with the adoptions manager over there, we are good friends, she said I could pick one of the 5wk old ones out but I wouldnt be able to take it home for a couple of weeks. Crazy lady was standing in the cattery with the kitens when I called! :rolleyes: I think I am crazy? But I feel the need to do this, this isnt a passing fancy, but a need from inside telling me "this is what you need to do now" just like when I got Kaitlin and when I started working for the rescue.....

 

[gmacleod]

So it would be 7 weeks when you got it? That's much better Perfect size for scampering up your leg when you least expect it too

With the raw, yes, I guess start with one thing. But you don't need to spend long before introducing new meats with one that young.

PS: A very good thing with kittens is to introduce them to as wide a range of different foods - different textures, tastes and smells - as possible whilst they're young. Then they'll recognise it as food. It's much more difficult with cats to convince them to change food types when they're older.

 

[bayleighmom]

Good luck with your new kitty! We adopted Izzy from the local no kill shelter a little over 2 weeks ago.

I don't feed raw but homecook for my dogs. I bought Eagle Pack kitten food for Izzy and give her a little cooked chicken and hearts every day to supplement.

I was scared to death Bayleigh was going to kill our new kitty. Izzy stays in my daughter's room when no one is home. We have gradually introduced the boxer and the kitty. I was worried about Bayleigh hurting the kitty...the kitty now attacks(playfully) Bayleigh! Do you have a room to put your new kitty while slowly introducing to your boxers?

Have fun with your new addition. The other night we were watching tv. Out of the blue, Izzy started tearing through the house. From the recliner, to the bookcase, across the back of the sectional, onto the table (knocking over a glass of iced tea!), leaping onto DH's bare chest while he was snoozing in the chair, and into the bay window! I had to laugh but then I had a vision of Bayleigh in hot pursuit!