Cats and Raw Diets:
It can be difficult to switch a cat’s diet. Unlike dogs, who are usually
willing to investigate any potential food source, cats often imprint on the
specific smell and taste of the food they are used to eating. So, while a
few will immediately appreciate the raw food offered to them, most will
look at you as if y
ou are trying to poison them. But with a little patience
on your part, your cat will make the transition.
The key to success with these finicky felines is to go very slowly. In
some cases, you will mix only a finger-full (yes, a finger-full) of raw food
into their current diet. Just enough to let them get used to the slight
smell of the new food in their bowl. Very gradually increase the amount
you mix in with their food. Over the course of a month, most will make a
full transition, and no longer tolerate anything but raw food. One cat, who
did require a 35-day transition, now swats the dogs in his household so
he can steal raw food from their dishes.
Rabbit and venison tend to be very popular with cats, as are the poultry
items. Organ meats (heart, liver and kidney) are very important to feed
at least a few times a week. And while some cats love vegetables, they
aren’t really necessary.
