Crazy cat lady?

I love cats, and I've been struggling to solve one of my cat's health problems for years. He suffers from FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) which can be life-threatening. I tried antibiotics and the pet food the vet prescribed (like Hills), but the problem just kept returning.

So I started reading and doing research on the problem. Did you know that practically anyone who claims to be experts in pet nutrition works for pet food companies? Hmmm... Well, I started thinking for myself and figured, if the healthiest food for humans (and for other animals as far as I know) is fresh "species appropriate" food. Then why are we feeding our cats dry kibble (which by the way has an expiration date of like ten years) and canned foods packed with grains and low quality cooked "meat". I have to admit that there is something fishy about the whole business....

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they should eat only meat and perhaps a very small amount of vegetables. One of the most damaging things you could feed them is grains (the number one ingredient in commercial cat food, even the so-called quality brands ). First of all it can make them sick and second of all, it definitely makes them overweight.

Fresh food is packed with energy (lifeforce, qi or prana if you like). Have you ever noticed how you feel after eating something that comes from a can, opposed to how you feel after having a fresh salad or fresh vegetables? If not, take a moment to notice how you feel next time you have a meal.

I decided to switch to a raw diet for my cat. I mean, who ever saw a cat cook the mice he eats anyway?? I've also used homeopathy in my quest for a cure, this has helped a bit. However the key to keeping him healthy is a fresh diet prepared with love. I know exactly what my pets are eating and it's organic. Pet food companies and many vets (who sell pet food) want you to think that you are not capable of feeding your cat right. Are you able to feed yourself and your family healthy meals? Well, it's not rocket science, so you should be able to feed your animals a healthy fresh diet as well.

As you may have already guessed, my cat is much healthier now. As soon as I started on the raw diet his energy levels changed completely. It's like he is young again. He was overweight and lost 2 kg in a couple of months and I haven't looked back since. He seems much happier, his coat is shiny and he is healthy!

My favorite book for inspiration is "Whole Health for happy cats" by Sandy Arora. I use her recipe for chicken broth, but have come up with what I think is ideal for my cats when it comes to a raw mix. I also feed them guinea fowl and other small birds on occasion. Sandy Arora also has a website you might want to check out www.holisticat.com. If you are interested in using homeopathy on your animals, I suggest Don Hamilton's book "Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs". You can get his book and also Sandy Arora's on www.amazon.com.

I'm posting my raw mix recipe under recipes. If you need any tips on feeding your cat (or dog) a raw diet, feel free to comment and I'll help you out as best I can.

Remember, you are the only one who can make decisions on behalf of you pet companion. You have to decide what's right for them, not your vet or anyone else.