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Posts by Audrey Brady:

10 Cat-Only Pet Stores in the U.S.

(and 5 honorable mentions)

 

Have you ever gone shopping for your kitty, only to be overwhelmed by products entirely for dogs? Do you feel like your feline companion doesn’t get the retail dedication they deserve? We’ve rounded up the 10 best cat-focused pet stores in the U.S. and five honorable mentions.

Qualifications needed to make the list:

  • Must be a brick and mortar pet store located in the U.S.
  • Must sell cat food, cat treats and cat litter
  • Must sell products exclusively for cats
1. THE KITTY BODEGA – HOUSTON, TX

The Kitty Bodega was started by Angie Velasquez in 2022 in order to give the cats in her community a better life. Her knowledge and expertise have helped improve a vast number of cats and their owner’s lives.

2. KITSCHY CAT SHACK – HOLLYWOOD, FL

Kitschy Cat Shack was started in 2016 by Lisa Zomaro. She takes a holistic approach to cat health including a focus on nutrition and exercise. Store cat Betty provides quality control for toys and treats.

3. CAT’S KINGDOM – MANCHESTER, NH

In 2015 Cathy Hilscher started Cat’s Kingdom in order to focus on holistic care and feline nutrition with the goal to help as many kitties as possible live their best lives. Store cats Augustus and Moo cannot recommend the raw food selections highly enough.

4. JUST CATS STORE – DENVER, CO

Just Cats Store was started in 2016 by Nicole Kay. It not only provides cat supplies for your pet kitties, a portion of their proceeds go to help cats in need. They have an in-house adoption center for cats that has helped find homes for over 500 cats so far!

5. FUR CAT’S SAKE – MILL VALLEY, CA

In 2013, Irene Leija was considering opening a dog resort when research led her to realize how saturated the dog market was and how little was available just for cats. She designed a store with specialized tranquil grooming services and retail for cats and a to bring greater awareness to how awesome it is to work with cats.

6. MEOW MINI MART – JERSEY CITY, NJ

Sherry Cassin opened Meow Mini Mart in 2018 because she saw a large number of pet cats being underserved at traditional pet stores. Her store is geared towards cat parents and gives them the store that their cats deserve! Sherry designed an exclusive collection of fashion cat collar that are crocheted by a Peruvian family co-op.

7. THE CAT CONNECTION – DALLAS, TX

Errin West and Priscilla Rodriguez are the owners of The Cat Connection, which was started in 1985. The Cat Connection not only boasts a huge cat-themed retail section, but offers cat boarding and grooming as well.

8. CAT’S EXCLUSIVE – SHORELINE, WA

Cat’s Exclusive was founded in 1981 by Dennis Wackerbarth in order to fill cat-specific needs such as veterinary care, boarding and supplies. The staff at Cat’s Exclusive prioritize cat health and carry veterinary recommend products such as low litter boxes, raised bowls and raw foods.

9. THE SMITTEN KITTEN – DES MOINES & ANKENY, IA

Betsey Qualley started The Smitten Kitten in 2008 after failing to find an excellent groomer for her Himalayan cat. She knew that cats have specific grooming needs that are different than dogs, and added cat boarding and retail to the store. Today there are two Smitten Kitten locations in Iowa.

10. THE WHOLE CAT AND KABOODLE – KIRKLAND, WA

Nancy Howard opened The Whole Cat and Kaboodle in 2013 in order to provide a place for cat adoptions as well as grooming and boarding. The staff aim to educate customers on cat nutrition and behavior modification. It’s one of the only stores with a cat cafe as well! 

Honorable Mentions

Cat stores that did not meet all of the qualifications above but are so cat-centric we couldn’t leave them out.

11. PURRGATORY – SAN DIEGO, CA
12. CAT ON THE CORNER- CATSKILL, NY
13. MEOW CITY – CARY, NC
14. KITTY CITTY SHOPPE – SOUTH BEND, IN
15. PURR HAUS – EMMAUS, PA

Importance of Diet for Purebred Cats

All of our domestic kitten friends trace their ancestral roots to big cats like servals, jaguars, leopards, panthers, tigers and lions. What ties our domesticated cat to their big-cat relatives is their common classification in the family Felidae in the order Carnivora, which is Latin for “flesh devourers.” When adopting a purebred cat, it is important to recognize the unique nutritional requirements of different breeds.

Savannah Cats

Savannah cats are closely related to the African serval, an exotic wild cat that enjoys stalking and consuming its prey.1 As descendants of a cross between a serval and a domestic cat, today’s Savannah cats are energetic and often enjoy playing in water, leaping, climbing and going for outdoor walks on a harness.2

The Savannah will thrive on a diet that closely emulates their wild cousin’s eating habits. Would a serval be caught eating corn or roasting a small bird on an outdoor spit? Of course not! The serval diet consists mostly of raw rats, birds and reptiles it catches in sub-Saharan Africa.3 Therefore a raw diet, with lots of whole prey or large chunks of meat for the Savannah to chew on, is ideal.

“A well-rounded raw diet can help promote your [Savannah] cat’s overall health both physically and mentally, as they are able to eat raw meat and chew on bone, which acts as an enrichment activity.“

–F1 Savannah Kittens @f1savannahs

 

Ragdoll Cats

Ragdolls are known for being affectionate lap cats with beautiful long coats and blue eyes.4 They have one of the longest life expectancies of any breed, so they are more prone to experiencing health issues later in life. A raw diet is known to help cats avoid digestive issues like Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder5 so is especially necessary for cats that live an average of 15 years.

Ragdolls are a larger breed than most household cats, so it is vital to feed them a diet high in protein. When compared to foods with carbohydrates and fillers such as corn, soy, peas, rice, etc., a raw diet can actually be cost effective because the main ingredient is meat. A raw diet high in protein and fat from animal sources will also help improve a Ragdoll’s coat.6

“Feeding raw meat and bone has helped keep our Ragdoll’s coat soft and shiny and has also helped keep their teeth healthy and clean.”

–Ragdoll Villa @Dollvilla

Sphynx Cats

Sphynx cats are notable for their hairless appearance and are commonly believed to be hypoallergenic. However, they produce allergens in their saliva and dander. There is anecdotal evidence that a raw fed cat will produce less of the allergens in their dander and saliva.7 Adopting a hairless Sphynx cat and feeding it a raw diet could be a great pet option for humans with cat allergies.

Sphynx cats also have a higher metabolism than other cats.8 This means they will need more protein and fat compared to some breeds. A diet higher in calories per ounce is the most efficient way to meet their nutritional requirements, but make sure those calories come from animal products, not by-products or meals.

“Sphynx are natural carnivores. Raw food is essential to keep Sphynx’s skin, teeth, gastrointestinal tract and heart healthy and working to their best of their ability.”

–Furless Feline Sphynx Cattery @FurlessFelineSphynx

Conclusion

No matter what breed of cat you end up adopting, remember their Family and Order: feline flesh devourers. A raw diet not only keeps a cat’s teeth clean and fur soft, but provides them with healthy stimulation and helps avoid digestive issues down the road. Certain breeds require higher calories or larger prey items to benefit their overall health. One fact is immutable: cats are obligate carnivores and will not thrive without a flesh and blood diet.

Footnotes

1. “What is a serval?” African Wildlife Foundation

2. “Savannah Cat,” Cats.com

3. “What is a serval?” African Wildlife Foundation

4. “About the Ragdoll,” The Cat Fanciers’ Association

5. Billinghurst, Ian. “How a raw diet can prevent FLUTD in your cat,” Animal Wellness

6. Macmillan, Catherine. “10 Ways a Raw Cat Food Diet Will Make Your Cat Strong and Live Long,” The Ragdoll Cat Lifestyle + Natural Cat Care Site

7. “Cats and the Allergic Human,” The Way of Cats

8. Giammarino, Marie. “Is It Safe To Feed Your Sphynx Cat Raw Food?” Cats Info

Prey Model Raw

Prey Model Raw diet (also known as Whole Prey Model) is a way of feeding cats just as they would eat in the wild. Exactly like it sounds, people who choose this diet feed their cats whole chicks, quail, squirrels, mice and even rabbits. Feral cats survive on small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles in the wild – not on grains and vegetables.

Frankenprey Diet

The Frankenprey approach is taking the ratios of these small animals that cats eat in nature, and mimicking them using meat that is available for human consumption. For instance, an average small rodent and bird is roughly 80% muscle meat, 10% organs and 10% bone.1 This ratio is commonly referred to as 80/10/10 and can be replicated by purchasing locally butchered meats such as duck livers, rabbit hearts or pheasant wings. Cats in the wild do not consistently eat the same thing, or even in the same proportions. For that reason, it is perfectly safe to switch up the proteins and the ratios for meals if it is balanced over time. For instance, a chicken neck is 36% bone,2 but is excellent to feed to cats if they are fed a higher percentage of boneless meat and organs for their next meal.

Health Benefits of a Whole Prey Diet

Feeding whole raw prey is not only great for the cat’s digestive tract, but is excellent for their teeth and gum health. When fed a small chick or quail, the cat has to break it down into bite size pieces, which could take 10-15 minutes. All of the chewing and gnawing required makes their gums stronger and healthier.3 Consuming fur, feathers, feet, and beaks is also good for cats because these pieces act as a natural fiber source. Additionally, brains and eyeballs like those found in raw duck heads contain more DHA and EPA than a teaspoon of fish oil.4 In the wild, cats do not consume plant matter for fiber because they receive it from their prey. This fiber works to move everything swiftly through their digestive tract.5

Transitioning to a Whole Prey Diet

One cannot expect a cat to switch from kibble to a whole quail instantly. Kibble and canned foods are cooked, so emit a lot of smell to cats. Raw foods have very little scent, so it may take a while for the cat to recognize it as food. To get a cat from canned food onto a ground raw diet, mix their food slowly with the ground raw, adding more and more raw food throughout the week. Once they are accustomed to ground raw, it will be easier to transition them to a whole prey diet. From ground raw, start working in large chunks of muscle meat and bones such as chicken necks, then move to whole prey. Some cats have the mindset, ‘If I didn’t kill it, it must not be for me.’ Therefore they won’t be initially interested in the whole prey! Make sure the prey is at room temperature, or warm it under warm water, and split it so that the flesh is exposed. Also try topping it with blood (such as from chicken hearts) or warm bone broth to entice the cat. Make sure the cat is on a closed feeding schedule, and isn’t full from treats beforehand. Place the prey on a wide plate or cookie sheet, or if the cat might make a mess, feed in the bathtub! Don’t give up – cats are innate hunters, carnivores, and savages: sometimes they just need to be reminded of this.

Footnotes

1. Christine M. Ruessheim, “Tissue Percentage of Some Common Prey of the Cat,” Baton Rouge, June 2002
2. “Bone & Calcium Content in Raw Meaty Bones,” Perfectly Rawsome
3. “Answers: Raw Food for Cats, What About Eating Bones?” Feline Nutrition
4. “Earth Friendly Sources of EPA and DHA for Dogs,” Dogs Naturally Magazine
5. Raw Feeding Advice and Support

 

Should I Feed My Cat Fish?

If you are a new cat owner you might be quick to open up a can of tuna and pop it down in front of your feline. When you are at the pet store browsing through the aisles of fish based foods you might grab a couple cans of each to see which one your cat enjoys best. Even though most cats love fish, it isn’t the best food for them. In fact, fish can be downright damaging for cats.

Fish Has Been Linked to Feline Vitamin Deficiencies

Fish, although meat, are not quite the same in terms of nutrients that are provided in mammals. Cats are obligate carnivores which require vital nutrients found in the organ, bone and muscle of prey mammals such as mice or gophers. For instance, during clinical trials cats that were fed canned salmon or tuna developed a Vitamin K deficiency.1 Vitamin K is naturally synthesized in cat’s guts from the prey animals it consumes, and researchers do not know why this process was stopped in the cats that ate processed tuna or salmon. Therefore, a Vitamin K supplement is required by AAFCO to be added to processed fish for pet food.2 The only approved supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, has been linked to a slew of toxicity problems in both animals and humans.3 A cat that eats processed tuna or salmon now won’t develop a Vitamin K deficiency, but could suffer from kidney or liver damage down the road.4
Some types of fish, including tuna, mackerel, herring, minnow, bass, smelt, anchovy and carp among others contain thiaminase. Thiaminase is an enzyme that inactivates Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.5 Cats have a requirement for thiamine that is usually satisfied by eating meat, bones and organs. However, since thiamine is water soluble it means that cats need to consistently be consuming it in order to get enough. If cats eat the aforementioned fish consistently it can lead to a Vitamin B deficiency.6

Fish Has Been Linked to Toxic Pollutants in Cats

Another concern about fish isn’t what they lack but what they contain. Heavy metals, PCBs, POPs, BPA and PDBEs are found in high levels in fish such as tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel, bonito, halibut and ocean whitefish. Polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, was once widely manufactured for human use but was banned from the U.S. in 1979 because of environmental toxicity concerns. However it is still used elsewhere, is found all over the environment and has been linked to cancer in humans and animals.7 Persistant organic pollutants, or POPs, are toxic chemicals such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and solvents that resist degradation and have been banned but remain in our environment. They can accumulate in animals and humans through the food chain and have the potential to disrupt the endocrine, reproductive and cardiovascular systems.8 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs are compounds that are used in flame retardation and have been found to lead to low fertility in humans.9 Because of their inability to decompose, PBDEs have been found in high concentrations in fish at the top of the food chain, and have been linked to hyperthyroidism in cats.10

Fish Has Been Linked to Allergies in Cats

Addiction and allergies are both common problems when it comes to feeding fish as well. Most cats love the taste of fish, and can even go on a hunger strike until they are fed it. Fish is one of the top allergenic foods for cats11 and this could be because of the high levels of histamine.12 Allergies symptoms include itchy skin, hair loss, and dermatitis.13 So even though your feline loves it, it’s a good idea to keep the fish feeding to a minimum, and rotate proteins often.

All that being said, you don’t have to go on a TOTAL fish strike. Cats do need omega-3s in order to be healthy.14 Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in grass fed meats, but if the meat is corn fed their omega-3s are turned into omega-6s.15 Although omega-3s occur naturally in flaxseed, cats cannot usefully convert them, so they do need a marine source16 if they are not eating grass fed proteins or other sources of DHA and EPA such as brains and eyeballs.17 Fish oil that is sourced from high quality wild caught, not farmed, fish can be a beneficial source of omega-3 fatty acids for your feline.18 Research where your fish oil comes from and keep in mind the toxicity of this world’s oceans as well as the food chain. Certain fish in small amounts can be safe to use sparingly as a treat. However, with all the options in the pet store, it may be the best choice for your kitty to avoid fish based meals.

Footnotes

1. Appel, Anthea. “Why Fish Is Bad For Your Cat,” Cats & Dogs Naturally, 2013.
2. Thixton, Susan. “The ONLY Approved Vitamin K Supplement in Pet Food,” TRUTH About Pet Food, 2011.
3. Thixton, Susan. “How Safe is Pet Food?,” TRUTH About Pet Food, 2016.
4. Thixton, Susan. “Toxic Menadione,” TRUTH About Pet Food, 2012.
5. Lichtenberger, Marco. “Thiaminase and its role in predatory pet fish (and other piscivores) nutrition,” Wet Web Media, 2011.
6. Appel, Anthea. “Why Fish Is Bad For Your Cat,” Cats & Dogs Naturally, 2013.
7. “Polychlorinated biphenyl,” Wikipedia.
8. “Persistent organic pollutant,” Wikipedia.
9. “Polybrominated diphenyl ethers,” Wikipedia.
10. Hofve, Jean. “Why Fish is Dangerous for Cats,” Little Big Cat, 2016.
11. Becker, Karen. “Warning – The Very Food Your Pet is Addicted to May Contain Deadly Ethoxyquin,” Mercola, 2012.
12. Hofve, Jean. “Why Fish is Dangerous for Cats,” Little Big Cat, 2016.
13. Drs. Foster & Smith. “Food Allergies & Intolerance in Cats,” Pet Education.
14. Becker, Karen. “Common Mistakes That Can Cause Skin and Coat Problems in Your Pet,” Mercola, 2011.
15. Appel, Anthea. “Why Fish Is Bad For Your Cat,” Cats & Dogs Naturally, 2013.
16. De La Cal, Kristen. “The Best Source of Omega 3 for Cats,” The Nest.
17. Scott, Dana. “Earth-Friendly Sources of EPA and DHA for Dogs,” Dogs Naturally.
18. Hofve, Jean. “Omega-3s are Essential for Your Cat!,” Little Big Cat, 2010.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats: An Environmentally Based Epidemic

What is the history of feline hyperthyroidism? Is it genetic or environmental? Is it preventable?

Only recognized thirty-seven years ago, feline hyperthyroidism has quickly risen to the most common endocrine disorder in cats1 and is one of the most common feline disorders overall2. 1 in 10 cats over the age of ten is likely to develop hyperthyroidism, and is just as likely to succumb to it3.

What is Feline Hyperthyoidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a glandular disorder classified by excessive thyroid hormones in the blood. For the most part this is caused by enlarged lobes in the thyroid gland, called adenomatous hyperplasia. Very rarely, hyperthyroidism can be caused by thyroid carncinoma4. Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats, but can also occur in younger cats, regardless of breed5. The thyroid gland regulates a cat’s metabolism which in turn regulates the speed of all the cat’s body functions including the heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, etc6. Cats with hyperthyroidism will exhibit signs of weight loss, an increase in appetite, and restlessness7.

How Did Hyperthyroidism Become an Epidemic?

There are a couple likely environmental factors that have led to this epidemic. Firstly, multiple studies have been done that have pointed to certain cat foods as risk factors for developing hyperthyroidism8. The food offenders included fish for their high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are a known endocrine and thyroid disruptor9 commonly found in fire retardant furniture, carpet and dust. Also referenced in the studies were known endocrine disruptors Bisphenol A (BPA) which is used to line some cans of cat food, and soy, which is a prevalent ingredient in many types of cat food10.
Humans are more than aware that soy, BPA and the PBDEs found in high concentrations fish are hormonal disruptors in our own systems. Some of these chemicals may be banned from human consumption in the United States, but are still widely used and imported in pet food. Even the FDA warns us, especially women of child bearing age and children, against consuming these same ingredients included in cat food.
Another potential contributing factor to feline hyperthyroidism is iodine levels in food11. Iodine is necessary for the thyroid to work properly, yet the levels of iodine in cat food widely vary. Iodine is highly prevalent in seafood, and too much iodine could result in an overactive thyroid. The pet food industry has acknowledged the correlation between iodine levels and hyperthyroidism in cats and many manufacturers have introduced low iodine prescription diets12.

How Can Hyperthyroidism Be Helped?

There are multiple approaches to treating feline hyperthyroidism. Two that directly treat the disorder include surgery to remove the thyroid gland, as well as a radioactive iodine that is injected or administered orally13. Holistic treatment includes adjusting the diet, using herbal supplements, digestive enzymes and flower essences14. Unfortunately, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can mask kidney disease, and many cats suffer from both at the same time15.
In order to prevent as well as alleviate most of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, we must look at the cat’s physiological and digestive needs. The mainstream diet that combats hyperthyroidism is a manufactured low iodine recipe that relies heavily on plant-based proteins and carbohydrates. Although it solves the iodine problem it deprives cats of the animal protein they require. Feeding a mammalian protein as opposed to an aquatic protein solves the iodine problem and satisfies the cat’s carnivorous nutritional needs. In fact, studies have shown that a high protein, low carbohydrate diet is optimal for cats with hyperthyroidism16.

Footnotes

1. Peterson, Mark. “Hyperthyroidism In Cats: What’s Causing This Epidemic of Thyroid Disease and Can We Prevent It?” Animal Endocrine Clinic, 2012.
2. Becker, Karen. “The One Feline Feeding Mistake That Can Lead to TWO Top Medical Conditions,” Mercola, 2013.
3. Becker, Karen. “Implant Radioactive Substance, Abandon for 7 Days – Could You Do This to Your Pet?” Mercola, 2016.
4. Diaz, Guillermo. “Feline Hyperthyroidism: What You Need to Know,” Feline Nutrition Foundation, 2012.
5. Salisbury, Kathleen S. “Hyperthyroidism in Cats,” Purdue University, 1991.
6. Pierson, Lisa A. “Feline Hyperthyroidism,” CatInfo.org, 2012.
7. “Thyroid Disorders in Cats and Dogs,” Only Natural Pet.
8. Peterson, Mark. “Hyperthyroidism In Cats: What’s Causing This Epidemic of Thyroid Disease and Can We Prevent It?” Animal Endocrine Clinic, 2012.
9. Becker, Karen. “Do You Feed Your Kitty This Favorite Food? 2 Reasons to Stop It Today,” Mercola, 2016.
10. Pierson, Lisa A. “Feline Hyperthyroidism,” CatInfo.org, 2012.
11. Peterson, Mark. “Hyperthyroidism In Cats: What’s Causing This Epidemic of Thyroid Disease and Can We Prevent It?” Animal Endocrine Clinic, 2012.
12. Becker, Karen. “The One Feline Feeding Mistake That Can Lead to TWO Top Medical Conditions,” Mercola, 2013.
13. Becker, Karen. “Implant Radioactive Substance, Abandon for 7 Days – Could You Do This to Your Pet?” Mercola, 2016.
14. “Thyroid Disorders in Cats and Dogs,” Only Natural Pet.
15. Diaz, Guillermo. “Feline Hyperthyroidism: What You Need to Know,” Feline Nutrition Foundation, 2012.
16. Peterson, Mark. “Nutiritonal Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism: What’s the Best Diet to Feed these Cats?” Animal Endocrine Clinic, 2011.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nowadays we meet a lot of cats that have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) which refers to a number of ailments that affect the lining of cat’s gut. IBD is a serious condition which can have long-term effects if left untreated. Luckily, there are holistic and alternative remedies so no cat should suffer from IBD.

What is IBD?

A cat’s small intestine is lined with finger-like projections called villi. When the cat’s intestines are irritated, they swell up and what was once peaks and valleys becomes smoothed out like waves, resulting in less surface area to digest food1. The villi are lined with cells called enterocytes that help absorb nutrients2 and when swollen the enterocytes can’t do their job. This causes the walls of the digestive tract to become weak, nutrient absorption may become compromised3, and toxins may leak into the gut4. This inflammation of the villi is called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Not to be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (which is when the nerve supply to the intestines causes hypermotility, usually due to stress) IBD refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which could have many different causes. Chronic inflammation can be caused by a food allergy, stress, or could be a result of a parasitic or bacterial infection5. Common indications of IBD include diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss6. The gut bacteria which is normally balanced between helpful digestive bacteria and useless ‘bad’ bacteria can become unbalanced, resulting in the cat being even less able to digest properly7. With the GI tract under the weather, a cat’s immune system becomes compromised and can leave the cat vulnerable to secondary infections8.

How does diet effect IBD?

In some cases, a food allergy or intolerance that goes untreated can progress to IBD9. Cats can develop food allergies from repeated exposure to ingredients10. Frequent allergen culprits in cat food include grains, chicken, beef, soy, seafood and dairy11 simply because these items are some of the most common ingredients in cat food. Additionally, the cat food industry has sacrificed quality for the bottom line, by reducing the amount of animal proteins in cat food and supplementing with nutrients12. This results in many cats eating diets that are inappropriate for their species, made with little meat and stuffed with synthetic vitamins, preservatives or fillers. This diet that is improper for carnivores can lead to a damaged gut which can then trigger an allergic reaction from the food13. These highly processed foods that were created out of convenience are so biologically inappropriate that they have actually damaged cat’s guts and led to the rise in IBD14.

How can diet treat IBD?

The traditional way of treating IBD would be to put the cat on a limited ingredient prescription or hypoallergenic diet. Introducing either novel or hydrolyzed proteins, which are small enough not to trigger an immune response, are also common treatments15. However, all of these regimens do nothing to repair the gut lining, and instead focus treating on the symptoms, not the source. Additionally, these diets are usually full of carbohydrates and made from low quality protein sources16 and will worsen the problem in the gut.
One thing that everyone can agree on is that the cat needs a change in diet, and the more simple the better. Cats with IBD generally respond extremely well to a raw diet17, as it restores the balance of good bacteria within the body18. Raw meat is easier for a cat to digest, as it contains more digestive enzymes than cooked19. A commercial raw diet for cats is usually made from a high-quality protein, and contains little carbohydrates, again easing digestion within the cat. Probiotics may also be introduced, in the form of raw goat’s milk or as a supplement to aid in the cat’s digestion. Bone broths made from whole animals, including joints and marrow, are also instrumental in healing the lining of a cat’s intestinal walls20. If you are unable to feed a raw diet, search for a high quality, limited ingredient canned diet. The closer to what a cat would naturally eat in the wild, the better. Once balance has been restored within the gut, cats with IBD have been known to go into complete remission21.

Prior to WWII cats were mostly fed canned foods. However the scarcity of meat and metal during this time revolutionized the cat food industry. The sacrifice of quality and the abandonment of species appropriate nutrition created long-term domino effects. It is not coincidence that food allergies, intolerance, and inflammatory bowel disease are on the rise in cats today.
As with humans, what we feed our cats can have long term effects on their overall health. Simply because foods are marketed as healthy and natural do not make them so. It is important to inspect all ingredients and ask yourself, why does this company say that my cat needs this? Your cat is a carnivore, an obligate carnivore. Sure, potatoes are natural, but are they natural for cats?

Footnotes

1. All Feline Hospital
2. Feline Nutrition
3. Only Natural Pet
4. Mercola
5. Cornell
6. Pet Education
7. All Feline Hospital
8. Mercola
9. Only Natural Pet
10. Mercola
11. Pet Education
12. Feline Nutrition
13. Feline Nutrition
14. Feline Nutrition
15. Feline Nutrition
16. Natural Cat Care Blog
17. Feline IBD
18. Feline Nutrition
19. Jon Barron
20. Feline Nutrition
21. All Feline Hospital

Myths About Raw Feeding

IAMS recently published an article titled “Myths About Feeding Your Kitten a Raw Meat Diet”. We have copied their article with our response below.

MYTH 1: The benefits [of a raw diet] are proven.

IAMS: No scientific studies have shown benefits of raw diets. Their appeal is based on word of mouth, testimonials, and perceived benefits.
SAVAGE: From 1932 to 1942 Dr Francis Pottenger piloted a sequence of feline nutritional experiments regarding the effects of a cooked versus raw diet over time1. He observed that cats that were fed a cooked diet developed many different diseases and by the third generation had problems reproducing. The cats that were fed a raw diet ended up living long, healthful lives2.

MYTH 2: This is what animals eat in the wild.

IAMS: Wolves and other animals in the wild do eat raw meat (in addition to berries, plants, etc.). However, the average lifespan for an animal in the wild is only a few years. Therefore, what is nutritionally “optimal” for a wild animal, such as a wolf, is not optimal for our pets that we hope will live longer and healthier lives.
SAVAGE: Animals in the wild do not die from diabetes, FLUTD, kidney failure, or gum disease. They generally die from outside sources, like predators or starvation3, rather than from diseases that can be brought about through poor diet.

MYTH 3: Dogs and cats can’t get infections from Salmonella or other bacteria in raw meat diets.

IAMS: Dogs and cats can become infected with Salmonella, Clostridium, Campylobacter, and other bacteria found in raw meat diets, just as people can (especially young, old, or immunosuppressed dogs or cats).
SAVAGE: Yes, cats can get salmonella, but it is very, very rare4. Cat’s digestive tracts are both short and highly acidic, making them much more pathogen-resistant than a human’s5. Food passes through a cat so quickly that the bacteria doesn’t have time to multiply.

MYTH 4: Raw food diet ingredients are human grade.

IAMS: Even meats purchased at the best of stores for people can contain harmful bacteria, so purchasing “human grade” meat does not protect against the health risks of uncooked meats. (Would you eat raw ground beef?) It is also important to keep in mind that the term “human grade” has no legal definition for pet food.
SAVAGE: No, I wouldn’t eat raw ground beef because I don’t have the digestive tract of a cat. It takes a human 1-3 days to fully digest red meat6, giving any bacteria or viruses plenty of time to replicate. Human grade means that you could go to the store and buy meat for yourself, go home, cook it and eat it. This is in contrast to some pet food which is made from animal by-products that are inedible for humans.

MYTH 5: Freezing raw diets kills bacteria.

IAMS: Most of the bacteria found in raw meat diets can easily survive freezing (and freeze-drying).
SAVAGE: Freezing food does not kill bacteria, but why were we worried about bacteria again? Oh, for ourselves, not our pets! Treat your raw cat food like you treat raw chicken from the store: don’t lick it, and wash your hands, dishes and counters well.

MYTH 6: As long as bones are raw, they’re safe.

IAMS: Bones, whether raw or cooked, can fracture dogs’ and cats’ teeth. Bone also can block or tear the esophagus, stomach, or intestine.
SAVAGE: Allowing cats to naturally crunch the small, soft bones of their prey (i.e., birds, gophers, mice) helps them develop healthy teeth and gums7. We can only assume giving cats a cow femur would be dangerous.

MYTH 7: Cooking destroys enzymes needed for digestion.

IAMS: All the enzymes that dogs and cats (and people) need for digestion are already in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, additional enzymes from food are not required for digestion.
SAVAGE: No your pet does not need the naturally occurring enzymes to digest its food, but it is nice to have them. Many cooked pet food companies have to add artificial supplements to help pets digest their food, some of which can be harmful8.

MYTH 8: Raw diets do not contain grains, because grains are added to pet foods only as fillers.

IAMS: Corn, oats, rice, barley, and other grains are healthy ingredients that contain protein, vitamins, and minerals; they are not added as fillers and are unlikely to cause allergies. Although meat is an important component of diets for dogs and cats, grains can be part of a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet.
SAVAGE: Corn, oats, rice, barley and other grains are not healthy ingredients for cats9. Cats literally do not get any nutrition from plant-based proteins and lack the enzyme to process these proteins (unlike dogs)10.

MYTH 9: Most commercial pet foods contain harmful ingredients such as by-products.

IAMS: By-products are the animal parts that American people don’t typically eat, such as livers, kidneys, or lungs. By-products are organs and meats other than animal muscle. Note that some pet foods may actually list these ingredients (e.g., duck liver, beef lung), but these are really just “by-products.” Most commercial and many home-prepared raw diets also contain by-products.
SAVAGE: The Animal Welfare Approved website defines animal by-products as “the parts of a slaughtered animal that are not directly consumed by humans. This includes fat, bones and gelatin.”11 Another definition is “An animal by-product is any material derived from the body of an animal. Examples are fat, flesh, blood, milk, eggs, and lesser known products, such as isinglass and rennet.”12 Never is an animal organ referred to as a by-product, since many humans consume animal organs.

MYTH 10: If bones or chicken necks are added to raw meat diets, they’re nutritionally balanced.

IAMS: Most homemade (and even some commercial) raw meat diets are extremely deficient in calcium and a variety of other nutrients, even if chicken necks, bones, or eggshells are added. This can be disastrous in any animal but especially in young, growing pets and can result in fractured bones.
SAVAGE: No wild cat has ever picked the flesh off its prey, leaving the skeleton behind. Nonetheless, feeding a whole raw chicken alone to a cat is not nutritionally balanced13. Proportionally, a small prey animal such as a mouse has a significantly larger organ to muscle to bone ratio then that of a chicken14. However, adding in artificial amounts of calcium can lead to kidney and bladder stones15. We advocate doing your research, mirroring nature’s prey animals, and yes, feeding raw bone.

If your situation doesn’t allow for raw feeding then we recommend searching for a high quality canned food, ideally free of produce, starches and oils. Dry food is too harsh on a cat’s digestive tract, regardless of it being grain-free or not. Cats need to receive their moisture from their food because they will not drink enough water separately. The dry food that we are so used to feeding our cats is slowly (or quickly) killing them.

Footnotes

1. Beyond Veg
2. Doctor Yourself
3. Wolf Faqs
4. Cat World
5. Conscious Cat
6. Ask.com
7. Pet MD
8. Dogs Naturally
9. Pet MD
10. Conscious Cat
11. Animal Welfare Approved
12. Unklesbay, Nan. World Food and You. Routledge, 1992, p. 179ff.
13. Mercola
14. Ellen S. Dierenfeld, PhD, Heather L. Alcorn, BS and Krista L. Jacobsen, MS, “Nutrient Composition of Whole Vertebrate Prey (Excluding Fish) Fed in Zoos,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, May 2002.
15. Feline Nutrition

What Diet to Feed a Cat with FLUTD

If you have cats or know people with cats, chances are you have heard of FLUTD, or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder. This term refers to any disorder or disease that affects the bladder or urethra in cats. This can included urinary blockage, stones, crystals, or infections. 50% off all cats diagnosed with FLUTD have an unknown cause for the disorders1. However, there are proven ways to prevent ever having these conditions at all.

The Kibble Conundrum

Cats are designed to get their water intake from their prey. An average feline prey such as a mouse is 70%-80% water while an average bowl of kibble is 6%-10% moisture. Felines are used to receiving their moisture from their prey, and will not drink enough water separately to account for the difference lost in kibble2. Cats have a highly concentrated urine compared to other mammals, and when they eat kibble their urine becomes even more concentrated and is more likely to form crystals. This concentrated urine puts cats at risk for urinary crystals, stones and bladder irritation3.

The Prescription Solution

When you take a cat that is showing signs of FLUTD to the vet, they will typically recommend a prescription diet that will regulate urinary and bladder crystals with synthetic chemicals. These substances will dissolve stones, reduce crystals and balance urinary pH4 but unfortunately are attached to a low-quality kibble and may even cause kidney disease5. These prescription diets are full of grain or starch fillers and preservatives, are low in meat and nutrition, and are devastatingly low in water6. The above mentioned prey mouse is 50%-60% protein and 30% fat. Cats need protein and fat, not grains and carbohydrates. Real meat will help maintain an acidic pH in a cat’s urinary tract by dissolving minerals in the urine so that they can be excreted7.

Canned is Good, Raw is Better

In most cases, all you need to do to prevent FLUTD is increase your cat’s hydration8. No, not with a water fountain. Kick all that kibble out of the house and switch to a canned, frozen raw, or homemade raw diet. Canned and raw food is at least 70% moisture, just like a mouse! When your cat eats wet food, it will pee but you will probably notice it drinks a lot less water9 which is a good thing. Raw food, unlike canned, will actually clean cat’s teeth and increase gum health10, which can prevent further infections down the road. If you live in a situation that prevents you from feeding your feline a raw diet, a high-quality canned food is a good option because it provides the moisture and protein a cat needs to avoid getting FLUTD. Don’t just look for meat to be the first ingredient. Be aware to avoid foods that contain “meat meal” in the ingredients, as that can be a combination of pieces other than muscle and actually reduce protein content11. Secondly, even ‘grain-free’ cat foods may contain fillers such as potato, carrot, pumpkin and other carbohydrates that a cat doesn’t need. These fillers can make their way into both canned and commercial raw cat foods, so be sure to check the ingredient list.

Holistic Supplements and Tips

An unbalanced urinary tract can sometimes be the result of stress in the household. Did you just move? Is there a new pet or human in the house? Calming scents, herbal tonics and tinctures and even acupuncture and acupressure can help reduce feline stress. We recommend Animal Apawthecary’s Tinkle Tonic to fight urinary infections12, and if you are feeding a canned diet try adding All The Best’s Enzymes for Cats to replace the natural digestive enzymes lost in the cooking process. If you don’t know what is best for your cat, get in contact with a holistic veterinarian. Some veterinarians know less about the cause of feline diseases than how to treat their symptoms. Holistic veterinarians will look at the source of the problem and should be slower to whip out the prescription pad.

Fritz & Michael

Fritz Patrick Fantastic (8) and Michael J Meow (2) are two cats who were both diagnosed with FLUTD and have been living on a prescription diet and medication to keep the flare-ups from happening. Their owner had heard the benefits of a raw diet, and decided to try it thinking it would help a bit. She was blown away to see that while they were eating raw, 100% of their flare-ups stopped, they got off their meds, and they showed no symptoms of their diagnosed disorder. Their veterinarian originally advised against a raw diet, but after seeing how well Michael and Fritz were doing he changed his opinion and even started recommending raw to other patients.

Most of the feline diseases that we see so commonly these days were not common prior to the invention of kibble. In fact, in a study done on 198 wild cats, none of them had urinary stones13. Feeding your cat a diet that is rich in moisture and protein will increase your cat’s health overall, prevent urinary disorders down the line, and hopefully spare you from a surprise animal hospital bill. Your cat will thank you.

Footnotes

1. Veterinary Partner
2. Timothy A. Allen, David J. Polzin and Larry G. Adams, “Renal Disease,” Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th ed. Walsworth Publishing Company, 2000, 582.
3. Feline Nutrition
4. Medic Animal
5. Feline Nutrition
6. Only Natural Pet
7. The Bark N Purr
8. Path With Paws
9. Raw Fed
10. Fagan, et al, “Influence of Diet Consistency on Periodontal Disease in Captive Carnivores.
11. Feline Nutrition
12. All the Best Pet Care
13. Y. H. Cottam, P. Caley, S. Wamberg and W. H. Hendriks, “Feline Reference Values for Urine Composition,” The American Society for Nutritional Sciences, The Journal of Nutrition, no. 132, June 2002, 1754S-1756S.

Obesity in Cats

Over the past forty years, the number of overweight and obese cats has skyrocketed1. This isn’t coincidental; the moon did not move closer to the earth and cause your cat to get fat. Think about what has happened in the past forty years, and think of cat behavior prior to now. What were your grandparents’ cats eating? What would those cats do all day? What were cats doing 1000 years ago? What is frightening to see is that no one seems to think anything is wrong. In fact, people seem to think fat cats are cute.

How did cat food come to be like it is today?

Cat food began to be commercialized in the 1950’s and 60’s by companies that made cereal. Yes, human cereal2. They popularized the idea that grains are beneficial for cats and that table scraps are harmful3. Loading the dry food with grains and cooking it made kibble affordable and popular with households after WWII4. In the 70’s prescription cat food was popularized by companies that sold toothpaste5. To this day, cat food is not tested by any government body to ensure companies are labeling their product accurately6.

Have cats always eaten like this?

The heavily starched, dry cat food diet coupled with lack of exercise as cats moved into suburban homes led to the feline obesity epidemic we have today. 100 years ago, cats spent their days hunting and fishing, much like large cats today. In fact, we don’t see any large cats that are overweight, ever. Cats are meant to hunt, to prey on their food. It is also not natural for cats to openly feed from a container loaded with carbohydrates7. It is the same as if you left a bowl of M&M’s out for your kids. Will they eat too much? A cat’s image should mirror that of a tiger or a panther. The ASPCA recommends that a cat’s body should be lean enough to see a waist from above, and you should be able to feel the ribs8.

Is that behavior normal?

Some cat behavior that we view as normal was not always the norm. Does your cat want water from the sink, shower or toilet? Why is your cat that thirsty? Dry kibble does not provide enough water, ever. It leaves your cat thirsty and can lead to serious digestive diseases9! Cats that kill and eat their prey get enough moisture through that meal that they barely need any additional water. Have you heard your cat vocalizing and thought, “You must be hungry!” and then given it a treat? Your cat wants attention, not more food. By giving it a treat you teach the cat to continue vocalizing, when it is interaction that it really wants10.
How do your get your cat to lose weight? It may be easier than you think because your cat wants to lose weight. It doesn’t want to be carrying around so much weight that it cannot even groom itself correctly11! Yes, it loves the taste of that dried food you’ve been feeding it. However, it will grow accustomed to the taste of raw wet food, and grow to love it. In as little as one week, to up to two months, a cat’s diet can change. Feeding your cat a diet similar to what he would hunt in the wild is crucial to its well-being12. Also, play with your cat13! If you don’t want to let it outside then use toys with natural scents and wand toys to make your cat run.
Just like humans, obesity is linked to our lifestyle and is literally killing us. Food is our medicine; food is our cat’s medicine. If you love your cat, feed it well and play with it. It will be with you for a lot longer.

Footnotes

1. Pet MD
2. Pet Food Institute
3. Justine S. Patrick, “Deconstructing the Regulatory Façade: Why Confused Consumers Feed their Pets Ring Dings and Krispy Kremes,” LEDA at Harvard Law School, April 2006.
4. Paw Nation
5. Funding Universe
6. Justine S. Patrick, “Deconstructing the Regulatory Façade: Why Confused Consumers Feed their Pets Ring Dings and Krispy Kremes,” LEDA at Harvard Law School, April 2006.
7. Pet MD
8. ASPCA
9. Cat Info
10. Pet MD
11. Cat Info
12. Medical News Today
13. Cat Info