Proper nutrition plays an important role in keeping British Shorthair cats healthy and in good physical and mental condition.
Introducing a diet based on raw meat and bones — commonly referred to as raw feeding or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — requires care and a good understanding of the basic principles. Below are a few points that may help when planning a balanced raw diet for your cat.
Seek appropriate nutritional advice
Consulting a veterinarian is important, but remember that a veterinarian is not necessarily a specialist in animal nutrition. Make sure your breeder can guide you through the first steps or recommend a qualified feline nutritionist who can help you choose the most appropriate diet for your cat.
Families taking home kittens from our cattery can, of course, count on our support in this area.
Whatever diet you choose, monitoring your cat’s health is essential. Regularly observe your cat’s weight, energy levels, coat condition and general behaviour.
If anything causes you concern, contact your feline nutritionist and veterinarian. When discussing a raw diet, it is helpful to consult professionals who understand and have appropriate knowledge of natural feline nutrition. This will make it easier to adjust the diet if necessary.
Include a variety of ingredients
Variety is an important part of a raw diet. Use different sources of animal protein, such as various types of poultry, beef, rabbit or fish.
The diet may also contain different types of animal tissue, including muscle meat, organs and meaty bones. Organs such as liver, kidneys and heart provide a range of important nutrients.
Offering a varied selection of appropriate ingredients helps provide a broader spectrum of nutrients.
Maintain the correct proportions
In raw feeding, it is important to maintain appropriate proportions of meat, bones and organs.
A properly balanced diet should not consist simply of raw meat. The proportions of individual components need to be adjusted so that the cat receives all the nutrients it requires.
Never feed cooked bones
Cooked bones change their structure during heating and may pose a danger to a cat’s digestive system.
If bones are included in the diet, they should be fed raw and selected appropriately for the individual cat.
Supplementation
Even a natural diet prepared at home may not automatically provide every nutrient a cat needs. Supplementation is therefore a completely normal part of a properly formulated homemade diet.
Attention should be paid to vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, among other nutrients.
Depending on the diet, supplements and additional ingredients may include egg yolks, fish oils and taurine.
I will not go into the details of supplementation here. ? I will only add that kittens leaving our cattery receive appropriate nutritional support, and their new families can count on our guidance.
Introduce a new diet gradually
If your cat is not accustomed to raw food, introduce the new diet gradually.
New ingredients should be added slowly, allowing the cat’s digestive system and eating habits to adjust to the new type of food.
Pay attention to hygiene
Good hygiene is particularly important when handling raw meat.
Remember that cats are predators, but this does not mean that spoiled or improperly stored meat is safe for them. Raw ingredients should always be fresh, stored correctly and handled hygienically.
Every cat is different
Every cat has individual needs, so its diet should be adapted accordingly.
A properly planned raw diet can be one way of feeding a cat, but it requires knowledge, careful preparation and an understanding of the animal’s nutritional requirements.
Text: © Ewa Kochalska