Homemade Cat Food For Nutrition

Homemade cat food is essential for every domestic cat from the docile and aloof to the calculating hunter. The latter corresponds to the most crucial element of nutrition throughout the history of the species. Cats are obligate carnivores. They must eat meat. All cats including lions of the wild and tamed pets need a significant amount of animal-based proteins.

Homemade Cat Food and Animal Proteins

Felines cannot efficiently digest and use plant materials as a source of protein like human beings or canines. A plant-based diet will result in disease namely of the heart and the eyes. Proteins from animals have necessary amino acids. Taurine, for example, is a critical amino acid not found in plants. Taurine deficiency is a major reason for a sickly cat. Also, vitamins are found in animals such as liver which is a natural source of Vitamin A.

Prepare homemade cat food with mainly animal-based proteins, giving them the same dietary ingredients in which their predecessors thrived. For thousands of years, cats have succeeded as hunting carnivores. Four canine teeth are used to grab prey. The skeleton is built for agility and cushioned pads on their paws allow silent stalking and less injury while sprinting and leaping.  Long ago, wildcats were desert dwellers - their prey being the main source of hydration and nutrition. A cat, hunting in the wild will capture prey that contains up to 75 percent water. Since meat holds more moisture, hydration intakes are better served as well.

To supplement homemade cat food, felines need a separate bowl of pure drinking water. Deadly kidney problems, it is believed, such as chronic renal failure occur from a long-term lack of water in the diet. This can occur from a diet of dry food. Although cats have great reserves of water in their kidneys, signs of chronic renal failure may not appear until most of the kidney tissue does not work. Because cats are not thirsty creatures, have fresh water available at all times along with a moisture-rich meal.

Further, a steady diet of dry food adds unnecessary carbohydrates. Cats do not need excess  carbohydrates. A marked increase of such disrupts their blood sugar levels and can cause diabetes. Members of the feline family cannot process carbohydrates as efficiently as they can metabolize protein to glucose for energy. Also, carbohydrates are known to make urine alkaline. Their urine needs a pH balance of acidic. If a cat's urine does not hover within the acidic range of 6.0 to 6.5, crystals will develop. A higher acidic urine measure will yield a growth of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals. A pH value below 6 may cause calcium oxalate crystals.

Of course, a cat's diet cannot be only meat. Minerals like calcium would be lacking. Calcium is needed for the proper function of bones, blood, muscles and nerves. Dietary calcium can be found in dairy, bones and leguminous plants such as beans or peas. Another necessary mineral is phosphorous which is contained in meat. The calcium phosphorous ratio of 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorous is optimal for your pet's health.

Artifacts discovered from ancient Egypt have shown that cats were revered and worshiped. Somehow the modern house cat seems to expect this heritage. This genetically sleek and sinewy predator, though easily intrigued by yarn or string, deserves the best. Homemade cat food created with the correct balance of meat, water, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals promotes excellent health and prevents the downside of deficiency.

Article By Claire Milligan
Photo Courtesy of Diana Antal

Homemade Cat Food

Pecking Order Of Family Chickens

The pecking order of backyard chickens is necessary for survival.  Referring to the dominance of chickens, the term "pecking order" was made in the 1920s. Here, German observers noted how hens used their beaks to establish leadership especially during meals.

Within the flock, the hen at the top of the pecking order has the privilege of eating first and having the prime location in which to sleep and lay eggs.  Their position  requires them to maintain order in frenzied times of frolic. The underlings also have respect for other household pets who were present before their arrival.

The chickens always have revered the cockatiel, Sun.

Although the smallest hen in size, Pidgeroo is the leader.

Featured are a few of Pidgeroo's chicks who will rank lower in the pecking order.

Aside from the dynamic of hens, the roosters have their own agenda.  Roosters protect the flock and establish a territory.  They do so through crowing. Even before the first sign of light, roosters may be heard crowing to anticipate the sunrise.  Roosters crow to define their territory.  They also alert wandering chickens that it is time for food or sleep. More important, a rooster will crow to warn his fellow chickens of a nearby predator such as a circling hawk or eagle.

Dusk brings the chickens home to roost.  The alpha hen gets the first choice of sleeping arrangements. Usually, the chickens crowd together to keep warm.  As of late, our chickens have been roosting in the leafy trees.  Some branches are lined with many cuddling chickens, while others just have two buddies.