Feline Nutrition, What do you feed your furcats? Options

[Muffins]

Hi Everyone:

Over the past 2 weeks, our girl Ms. Lucy has been ill on & off. She has been an insulin dependant diabetic since October, 2004. Blood tests performed on January 27th showed that she is now hyperthyroid. So, as of now, she is on Tapazole, 5mg in the morning.
She HAD been on Humulin insulin up until 2/1/2007, when she was changed over to PZI insulin (for cats). Humulin was no longer being made, so switching her was necessary.

Lucy has suffered from chronic diarrhea ever since we rescued both her & Mr. Yoster in March, 2004. There were a couple of days over the past two weeks where her stool was very, very watery diarrhea. Knock wood, since we have taken up all of their dry food -- her stools have become a bit more firm .

I have been doing A LOT of research over the past couple of weeks on feline nutrition. I must admit -- I am extremely overwhelmed.
One of the things I have found out is that - NO cat should be given dry food.

Because cats are obligate carnivores, they don't need corn, wheat -- grains.
They have very short digestive systems which are not designed to digest carbohydrates, only proteins, which are supposed to pass through their systems very quickly and not hang in their for too long.

On occasion, I look through the feline diabetes site, and recently came across the name of Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins. I am learning quite a bit with regard to diabetes & diet for felines.

I added several links here that you're all welcome to look over.

My question to all of you who read this is:

What foods do you feed your furcats? Do you feel that your furcats body requires dry foods???

A couple of days ago I took up all of the dry food that we had down for our kids. Right now, they both are on wet food ONLY. We are feeding them "Wellness - grain free" and "Wysong meat w/au jus" <<-- we add "Wysong Call of the Wild" food supplement with that.

Thank you all very much for reading this. I am looking forward to learning even more through your feedback.

Peace & Love,
Denise


http://www.catnutrition.org/

http://www.catnutrition.org/resources

http://www.wysong.net/

http://www.all-about-cats.com/index.htm

http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/wellness/c..._can_index.html

[Furkidlets' Mom]

Paula,

You're right on about onions (and many other things from the allium family) and chocolate, that's for sure. The garlic, though, just as they say in that article, would have to be eaten in large amounts (or regularly) to be a problem. Anitra Frazier has been using garlic as a preventive and treatment for cats for many years (and it's also one of those preventives for fleas and other bugs), although it's in very small amounts, say up to 1/4 tsp. at a time. It's also used in many natural foods and treats for cats (and dogs). And some cats love it, others won't go near it. It's also not a good supplement choice depending on the illness...eg, liver problems don't go well with garlic, as it's too 'hot' in the body and liver conditions are considered 'hot', according to TCM, and the same goes for certain conditions that affect the head area. Again, another good reason to buy some comprehensive books to check and cross-check as needed.

I'm glad you've posted this link, though (and are looking for the other one) as yes, there are some things that we can eat that our kids can't, or shouldn't (same for doggies). (and just like some common house and yard plants that can kill them!) And as for anything, one individual might have a sensitivity or even allergy to any given food, even one that's considered safe, or normally good for most, so one always has to watch and observe after introducing something new.

Sometimes I just forget parts of everything I know, as it's become so extensive after all these years, so thanks for this great reminder and caution for others! (and good to know there are more and more of us reading and becoming aware!) There were a few veggies that I felt I shouldn't give Nissa anymore, later in her disease, or lesser amounts of, just because of contraindications when certain things changed, like the avocados she loved and were so good for adding fat to her diet, but became a problem once her other issues changed. Sometimes I felt like I needed a degree in EVERYTHING all at once! And truth be told, this is one of those things I DON'T miss....having to consider and worry about so much all the time....

Just found this link on poisonous things for cats, so although it's not just about food, thought I'd post it here as well:
Poisonous Substances for Cats

ATTN, LORI - take a look at the list of plants, including baby's breath! ACK!