Is Dry Cat Food Healthy? Part Two

Ok, I was thinking about dry cat food again the other day and whether it was a good idea to soak it and feed it to my 6 week old Highland Lynx kittens. How is it made? What kind of ingredients is my cat eating? Does it provide enough nutrition? It does not take long to find the processing that an average dry kibble goes through in this country. The following excerpts came from Wikipedia:

"Pellets of dry dog/cat food, called kibble in the US, are produced
by one of two methods, extrusion and baking. During the extrusion
process, cut dough or a mixture of raw materials is fed into an
expander, while pressurized steam or hot water is added. When
removed from the high pressure that results, the pellets
puff up like popcorn. The resultant kibble is allowed to
dry, then sprayed with vitamins, fats and oils, or any
other ingredients that are not heat-tolerant.

If extruded kibble is exposed to air for too long or not
properly stored, the fats and oils added after cooking
can become rancid, and vitamins and minerals in the food
may be destroyed by heat during storage or shipping"

Alright, I am already not a happy camper. Whatever life was in this nasty mass of refined carbohydrates (all wrong for an animal that needs mostly protein) is cooked out and synthetic nutrients are added back in to replace the real ones that were lost in the processing. Then you add a few toxic artificial colors and flavors and chemical preservatives and the stuff will last for months and months. And I have not yet even gotten into the standard ingredient list of dry cat food.
  
As you can see must question CONVENTIONAL wisdom about what is healthy for our cats and dogs if we want them to live a long healthy life.

Is Dry Cat Food Healthy? Part One

When I began raising Highland Lynx cats and bobtail kittens, several matters arose that I had no need to consider so diligently before. I have always fed my cats food that did not contain fillers, colors, preservatives, chemicals, sugar, etc. I even fed them organic cat food whenever I could get it at reasonable prices.

Now, as a Highland Lynx breeder I am responsible for my precious kittens health, both in the present and as they go on in life to be a companion to someone who will love them and want them to be around as long as possible. So I must know what kind of food is good for them. One of the dilemmas I face is whether dry food is nutritious for a cat.

Pet food advertising, veterinarians, kitten care manuals, etc. often lead us to believe that dry food should be the staple diet of a cat. But where would a cat find a diet of dry kibble in nature? A cat is a carnivore, just like a dog, meaning they are primarily meat eaters. Have you ever seen a cat kill a dry mouse? Or a crunchy rabbit? What bones they eat are padded in very moist flesh as well as soft in the middle (marrow).

Ok, maybe you don't like the thought of your Queen Fluffy killing anything. The point is to ask yourself how your cat was designed. Many cats do not drink enough water and have kidney problems. Is it possible they were meant to get much of their fluid through their food?

Let's say you still believe in dry cat food, how would you like to eat just corn flakes for the rest of your life. Even if they could pack everything you had to have in that corn flake box, I guarantee that not only would your health suffer, but you would grow to despise corn flakes, but eat them anyway to survive.

I think you are getting the idea of the thoughts coming to me. I will write more next time.

The Highland Lynx Kitten

I am currently overwhelmed with the enjoyment of my first litter of Highland Lynx kittens. I have fallen madly in love with each and every one of them, especially my little silver, who attaches himself to me every chance he gets. I have no idea how I will bear to sell them as much as I adore each unique miniature bobcat face and personality.

The Highland Lynx is a new breed still to many people, but whenever someone sees them for the first time they are fascinated. My nephew Gabe who is 21 came by this evening and wanted to see my 5 week old kittens. When he entered the room he just stared at my darlings for a minute then he said, "Oh my gosh, those are the cutest kittens I have ever seen!" He thought the tufted curled ears, the variety of tail lengths wild, the big paws, leopard stripes, etc. made them absolutely cool and amazing. Before he left he said, "I am not a huge cat person, but I would like to have a cat like that!" High praise from a 21 yr. old guy!

Most animal lovers who are around Highland Lynx or Desert Lynx cats and kittens for very long are enchanted. They look wild and mysterious but in actuality are fun-loving and sweet tempered. They can run a bit toward the wild side if they are not socialized when they are babies, but that simply makes it very important to choose a Highland Lynx breeder wisely.

If you have not seen the pictures, you should take a look at my cubs. They are so neat to look at even if you never choose to buy one of your own. And should you ever buy one, you can mark my word, that one won't be enough.

CatGenie 120 Self-Washing Self-Flushing Cat Box

• Automatic cat box flushes waste away and washes itself clean
• Uses litter-like Washable Granules to satisfy cat?s need to dig and cover
• Ideal for cats of average size and 6 months or older
• Requires hookup to cold water and electrical outlet
• Includes biodegradable, recyclable SaniSolution cartridge

Product Description
The Worlds Only Self-Flushing, Self-Washing Cat Box. With CatGenie 120, you’ll never touch litter again. It automatically flushes all cat waste out of the home then washes itself completely clean. The new 120 SaniSolution Cartridge is biodegradable and recyclable (unlike cat litter which is neither). Holds 120 washes and when set on Cat Activation provides 240 washes (and one Cartridge is smaller and uses less plastic than the lid of one plastic litter jug). IMPO… More >>

CatGenie 120 Self-Washing Self-Flushing Cat Box

Beware of Clumping Litter For Kittens

When my first litter of kittens were old enough to start using a litter box, I put a small baking pan in their room with the same basic clumping cat litter in it that I used for the adult cats.

As I watched them one evening playing and getting in and out of the litter pan, I realized to my dismay, that they were eating little bites of the cat litter each time they got in the pan. I knew that could not be good, so I began researching the subject online and asking other breeders for input.

What I learned could save your kittens lives: NEVER USE CLUMPING LITTER FOR KITTENS!! Clumping cat litter contains sodium bentonite, a naturally absorbent clay, which is an extremely effective clumping agent. When liquid is added, bentonite swells to approximately 15 times its original volume. Now think about this: sodium bentonite acts rather like cement would, and all the labels tell you NOT to flush it because it can block your septic system as they absorb water and expand.

Is that what I want to happen in my kittens intestines? It came to my attention as I researched, that many a kitten owner has lost a kitten and discovered in autopsy that there were lung and bowel blockages made of clumping cat litter.

Needless to say, I immediately went and bought some plain, non-clumping litter. Since the ingestion of litter is unavoidable in kittens, be sure that whatever you use in their litter box is completely safe and non-toxic, and never, ever use a clumping litter when they are small.
 

Cat With Prosthetic Paws

If you want to read an amazing story that will warm your heart, check out this cat who received some prosthetic paws because his owners cared so much about him. Many cats do not respond well to loss of limbs and procedures like this cost thousands of dollars.

Apparently this black beauty with green eyes was sleeping when a massive combine harvester came by and inadvertently chopped it's back feet off. Most people would have euthanized the poor thing at that point, but not Oscar. He now has some faux paws on his hind legs and seems to be adapting well.

It is purely amazing what modern technology has discovered in the realm of things that once seemed like they would be impossible. You can read all about Oscar and his new bionic paws by clicking here.

Choosing a Kitten

Choosing a kitten is one of the most wonderfully fun things a cat lover will ever do. No matter how many times in my life I have brought home a new feline, the excitement never grows old.

Now when it comes to advice on choosing a kitten, you will hear as many different ideas as there are cat owners. Here are the ones that have become most important to me with years of experience. They now stand out as issues that need consideration before buying a cat or kitten.

1.) First, be certain you have the time and energy for a pet. While cats are less demanding than dogs, they are still living creatures in need of time and attention. Be sure you will be available to nurture a kitten as it matures.

2.) Be sure you have read and researched the characteristics of the breed of cat you are interested in. Some cats are high energy and like to climb curtains and bounce off the walls. Others, like our Highland Lynx kittens have good energy and like to play, but have no interest in tearing up the furniture. They are talkative and loving, while other breeds are silent and aloof.

3.) Know that some kittens will cost more than others and be prepared for the purchase price as well as the cost for veterinary services, food, bedding, vitamins, etc. Our Bobtail Kittens are expensive to some people, but the rewards of this exotic cat's friendship and love, far outweigh the expense.

4.) Now for the fun part…..When looking at kittens you have many options in what your new baby may look like. There are long hairs (get out the vacuum), short hairs, solid colors, leopard spotted, bobtails, long tails, curled ears, no-tails, polydactyl (extra toes/big feet), etc. etc. Don't just take home the first kitten you see. You will share this animals life for many years and want to be certain it is the right one.

5.) Last but very important, before you choose a kitten to keep for a life time, make sure there is some sort of attraction between you and the particular kitten. In every litter of kittens there are a variety of personalities, just like with people. Some kittens will walk by you or shy away from you and not want to be picked up. You want to be sure the kitten you choose is one that you feel a connection with in some way. Perhaps he is the runt and when you picked him/her up, there was instant eye contact. Maybe she/he was crying and when you cuddled them they calmed right down and went to sleep. The type of connection may be different each time and for each kitten, but never underestimate the importance of this criteria when choosing a kitten.

Book: The Natural Cat

The Creator knew what He was doing when He put cats on earth to be companions to those of us who can't imagine life without their warm and wonderful antics. He also knew what He was doing when He provided things from nature to keep them healthy. This book can help cat owners to find natural cures and ways to care for their beloved companions.

• ISBN13: 9780452289758
• Condition: NEW
• Updated and expanded holistic guidebook for cat care

The Natural Cat was one of the first books to advocate natural cat care when it was originally published in 1981. Now fully revised and expanded to address the many new discoveries in holistic pet care, this edition includes:

• A new introduction detailing the latest advances in holistic care for cats
• Updated statistics, new diet guidelines, and health care recommendati… More >>
 

The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care

Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat–Not a Sour Puss

• ISBN13: 9780140288544
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
A popular cat expert and award-winning author of four books on feline behavior reveals the key to a satisfying and rewarding relationship with your cat.

Think it's impossible to train a cat? Think again! Yes, you can learn to understand your cat. No, cats are not always aloof. No, they don't ruin furniture out of spite. Most often feline "misbehavior" is the result of owners not understanding their cat's needs. In this comprehensive book that takes readers t… More >>

 

Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat–Not a Sour Puss

How To Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

We know how to tell if a child is ill by taking their temperature or hearing them cough. But how do we tell if our pet is sick when they cannot speak our language? Here are some signs to watch for that will help you determine if your cat is under the weather.

Changes in your cats behavior are a sure sign that all is not well. If your cat is suddenly acting very different from what is normal for him or her, the chances are that something is wrong. Some situations I can think of for examples are: a cat that ordinarily eats little bits of food all day long, seems to have no appetite at all one day; a pet that is normally gentle natured and tolerant of children, begins to scratch and bite and growl at the least irritation; a cat who is generally laid back, lazy, and relaxed suddenly starts pacing the floor and whining; a normally playful cat that lays in the corner with eyes closed for hours at a time; a non-verbal cat that begins to meow and yowl; etc. That gives you enough of an idea of the kind of changes to watch for in behavior.

Some other changes to watch for to tell if your cat may be  sick are: runny bowel movements, cat parasites (such as white rice specks in it's feces), grass eating (this is normal, but can also be a sign of stomach upset), sudden and frequent thirst, and any other type of action or behavior that is not normal for your cat. If you observe any of these cat behaviors in your pet and cannot easily determine the problem, it would be a good idea to consult your favorite cat care/health book or your veterinarian. Perhaps like our cattery you will choose to treat your sick cat naturally, or you may take your vets recommendations. Regardless of your method of treatment, you should get help for a sick cat right away so the sickness does not worsen.