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I am going to be adopting a kitty soon. Since I am on a very limited income, I plan to make my own cat food. I was wondering if anyone had any recipes for homemade cat food that are reasonably priced and easy to make. Also, I need to be able to get all the ingredients at a grocery store, since I have no way to order things online.
If you have a limited income, do you think now is the time to be adopting an animal?
What if it gets sick and requires extensive treatment?
Anyway, from what I've seen, it's actually more expensive to make food for pets.
She's a stray that's been hanging around work for several months. I think any home is better than nothing.
You could always take her to a shelter?
Not that what you are doing isn't awesome (because it is), but the technician in me worries about if something were to go wrong and she got sick. Are you going to get her spayed? Vaccinated?
The shelter here isn't accepting anymore cats. They've been putting down the ones they have. The nearest no-kill shelter is almost an hour away.
She's going to be an indoor cat, so I shouldn't need to get her spayed. I will work on vaccinations as I'm able. Being an indoor cat, some of the vaccinations won't be absolutely needed, like rabies.
By law, most areas require your animal to be vaccinated against rabies, indoor animal or not.
Not getting her spayed opens her up to things like pyometra which = expensive surgery.
The county I'm in only requires rabies shots for dogs.
I will see about getting her spayed when I have the money. It's just not something I think needs to be done right away. She's not going to have any contact with other cats, so there's no chance of pregnancy.
You've never lived with a non-spayed cat, have you? She needs spayed, just trust me on this. Though you may seek out some inexpensive programs in your area for this.
As for rabbies, they don't have to go outside to get it.
If you can get those basics done then I'm all for you keeping the cat. Even if the shelter were no-kill, I just don't see where a life couped up at a shelter is a better life than being with you in a home. But especially given that it's a kill shelter than isn't even taking more cats, so this cat gets killed now by them, or maybe you have to PTS later when you can't afford something. She gets a life in the meantime anyway. I know there are those who would argue that -- but a life in a nice home I think is better than not being given a chance at life at all, even if it means a short or shorter life.
But there is a line you cross when the life isn't worth it. Which is why I suggest at least some basics.
As for the food, I believe homemade very well could be more expensive yes. I know some people with a lot of cats and for them it can be cost effective, but I think for one cat it probably is not, though I don't know a lot about it. There's also initial outlays like a good electric grinder. I also don't know that you're going to be getting all the ingredients at a grocery store. For one, especially if you do raw, you really don't want the crap meat that can be at a grocery store. Plus there's supplements and such. Last time I looked, grocery stores didn't carry, oh, taurine.
I'll give you a link, but you might be better off just with a basic canned food than trying to make it. And take heed of the little update she added, which is the very thing that makes me leary of this. I always say the same thing: be committed to it, learn what you're doing and do it right, or don't do it at all. I'm rather a food fanatic and even I don't do it. (And the rest of the site is well worth a read.)
makingcatfood
There's also the option of a cooked homemade diet, but I don't know where there's an appropriate recipe. They can be found, but I don't know how reliable they are - maybe they are, but I prefer a place I know and can trust.
According to what I've found, taurine is found mainly in meat and seafood. Including fresh meat in the diet will provide the taurine needed, as long as it's not cooked over high heat for an extended period.
Given that answer, I would recommend that you don't use a homemade diet. What meat were you planned to buy?
It depends on the recipes I find.
When I made my own dog food it worked out nearly twice the price of just regular canned food :eek:
I was shocked, everywhere I read said it would be cheaper.
Even if you just feed generic supermarket food it's got to be better than what she's finding on the street.
Right now she gets whatever food is leftover from lunch at work. Sometimes she gets a can of cat food.
I'm going to have to agree with the others on this one, heath. Cats are a commitment, you know that, but they do take a lot of money.
Cat food and litter alone are steady purchases for cat owners, and even if you get the cheap stuff, that's still a steady purchase. And believe me, the cheap litter is just NOT worth it!
I know that you want a kitty-baby now and this little one is in need of a home, but is there any way that you can find someone to take her?
I hate to be a downer, but I know how much cats cost.
You're going to have the initial expense of cat litter pans, scratching posts (because she WILL scratch), food, bowls, litter scoopers, flea shampoo and spray (because she is a stray, she probably has fleas), flea ROOM spray (because she WILL bring them inside), colar/tags (because being a stray, she WILL get outside one of these days), basic check up at the vet, brushes, and more...
Again, sorry to rain on the parade, but taking a cat in is more than just taking her in. You've got to have a plan and a budget for it.
Love you for doing this, but you've got to be realistic.
But here's some recipes (to stay on the OP) http://www.nocans.com/
The litter pan and some litter are taken care of. My boss bought both when it started getting really cold and he started putting her in a back room at night. A big container of litter will last at least a month, and only costs around $20. I can afford that.
I can get a food bowl at the dollar tree that will be more than big enough for a kitty.
I use garlic in the food and a bath in diluted lemon juice and vinegar to get rid of fleas. It's not an immediate fix, but it does work over time.
Getting outside will be hard with the set-up of the apartment. There's an enclosed stairway with another door at the bottom outside the front door. I know it won't be impossible, but it'll be harder and I'll be extra careful for the first few months.
She's a short hair, so she should be fine without a brush until spring. When I do get one, they have them at the dollar tree.
I will be getting scratching posts, tags, and vet check-ups as I can afford them. I'm still looking for a second job, so I should have more money to work with eventually.
If there was someone else to take her, I'd let them. My boss is allergic to cats, and already has 2 dogs. His son has a cat that wouldn't take kindly to having another cat move in, and he's more than 4 times her size and weight. No one else is able to have pets, or has any interest in having a cat.
I have thought this through. I know cats cost money, and I've allowed for that. The basics I can budget for. The more expensive things, like the vetting, I can save up for. I am finally going to have a home after being homeless for 5 months, and I want to be able to give her the same security.
Sounds like you've done your homework and have planned for your new roommate.
I would suggest buying cat food - looking at these recipes (on the above site), they could cost quite a bit of money.
Your apartment complex is OK with pets, right? Or, did I see somewhere that you are getting a house? (Congrats on that, by the way)
One thing that I did with my cat when I was on a limited income was to get a Banfield pet care wellness plan. Sounds crazy, but Banfield is through PetCo. I paid $10 a month and the basic checkups were free! Pet Health Care Plans: Adult Pet Nutrition & Vaccinations - Banfield
It's the upstairs apartment of a house, and the landlord is fine with pets. It was one of the first things I asked.
I've never heard of banfield. I'll look into that, thanks.
I looked into banfield. Unfortunately, the closest vet hospital that they cover is an hour away. Since I walk everywhere, or bike when I have one, that isn't reasonable. I really wish they had one closer, it looks like an amazing program that would help a lot.
You also need to be doing some research of how to feed a cat. They can have certain human foods, yes, but a lot of it isn't going to be good for them, and that can't be a diet. Even when we resort to baby food when they're sick and not eating (which is human quality meat), that still isn't an appropriate diet. "Sometimes" getting a can of commercial food doesn't work. I'm a lot more open about what you can afford than a lot of people... (i.e. I still think it's better to have a home than end up dead at the humane society, not to mention that I can't judge whether you "need" a scatching post, etc.)... However, there's a line that crosses over where the cat is better off being PTS. And a diet of leftover lunch crosses that line in my opinion.Quote:
Originally Posted by hheath541
Even if you're just feeding the leftover meat, it still may be full of garbage she shouldn't have, but worse is that it's not supplemented properly. Even if you just buy a bag of dry commercial food, even the cheap junk (which makes me shiver), she'd still be better off.
Meaning, get some commercial cat food NOW.
And stop with the garlic while you're at it.
This is why your comments have scared me into believing you shouldn't be messing with a homemade diet. That has to be done RIGHT, and I can tell there's still too much you don't know... and that means not trying to "take over" how to make an appropriate cat food. I also refuse to believe it'll be cheaper, except maybe for some really high premium canned foods, and you don't need to get those anyway.
I too appreciate that you're trying to give this kitty a home, but when it comes to food, sorry, but I just see too much lack of knowledge for you to do anything but buy a basic commercial food.
I've had cats all my long life. Please do not make your own cat food (cats need so many nutrients that you couldn't easily supply). Give her a quality brand of canned cat food. Even better, give her (moistened?) dry cat food. Cats don't eat all day, or many times a day. Please study up on how to provide for a cat. And please stop feeding her garlic.
Right now I'm have no control over what she eats. My boss feeds her what he has.
I will, hopefully, be getting an apartment that allows cats the beginning of next month. When that happens, I'll be able to monitor and control what she eats.
I am well aware that there are some foods that cats can't have, and others they can only have in moderation. Dairy products are OK, on occasion and in small amounts. The same with tuna. Chocolate, of any kind, is never OK.
Garlic doesn't hurt cats, as long as it's in reasonable amounts. The amounts I use work out to about 1/8-1/4 teaspoon or garlic powder per cup of food. I usually add the garlic for about 1-2 weeks, then skip a week.
Since I am on a limited budget, I'm hoping to be able to at least augment a dry food diet with items I can buy with food stamps. If I end up needing to buy some dry food, that's OK, but it would be better if I had at least one recipe for homemade cat food that I could make to fill out her diet.
There are some things I will have to figure into my budget, and I'm OK with that. There are also things I will have to save up for and take care over time, and I'm OK with that, too. Food is something I know I can at least supplement with food stamps, which will allow more money for the things that can't be gotten any other way.
I'd like to know that if I end up short on money one week, or month, that I'll still be able to feed her. I can do without a lot of things, or find ways to make do with something else, but I don't expect a cat to do the same. Above all, I want to make sure that I always have the means to feed her, even if I don't have the cash to buy cat food.
Most cats are lactose intolerant and will get diarrhea when fed milk. Why on earth are you insisting on giving the cat garlic? The ASPCA says on their Web site, "Cats are especially sensitive to garlic. Unfortunately, we don't know specifically what kind of dosage causes problems. We do know that gastrointestinal issues and red blood cell damage can occur as a result of cats eating garlic, though. An occasional low dose, such as that in most commercial pet foods and treats, may not cause a problem, but because of the risk, we generally recommend avoiding products that contain more concentrated amounts of garlic."
Did you know that a mouse is a cat's most perfect food? The stomach contents are especially important. Cat food manufacturers do their best to replicate that combination of protein, taurine, and grains.
And that's why I am doing research before even attempting to find or create a recipe.
The garlic is just to help get rid of fleas. If fleas aren't a problem, then there's no need for garlic. She'll get a bath and a flea collar once I have a home for her. If fleas are still a problem, then I'll worry about adding garlic to her food.
Where did you hear that garlic gets rid of fleas on cats?Quote:
Originally Posted by hheath541
From a vet with more than 20 years of experience. The fleas don't like the garlic smell, so they jump off the animal.
NONE of these will solve the flea problem. Flea collars sit right under a cat's nose, and she breathes in the fumes all day. Nasty! And if you don't deflea all the cat blankets and pads and the places where she sits and even the carpet, the fleas will never leave. There are ways to deflea cats and possessions correctly.Quote:
Originally Posted by hheath541
How old is this cat?
I have never heard a vet say that in all the years I've had cats.Quote:
Originally Posted by hheath541
Did this vet specifically say the garlic rule for cats?
As per Cats and Fleas: Which Repellents are Safe? | Care2 Healthy & Green Living :
"Although feeding raw garlic to your dog is a tried-and-true remedy for canine fleas, research now suggests that garlic and cats don't mix. Avoid using raw garlic with your feline: it can cause a dangerous form of anemia and even lead to death."
And I've seen it.
I don't know for sure. My best guess is 1-3 years. I'd go with closer to 1 year than 3, though.
Yes, he did. My guess is that he hadn't heard of the new research, and neither had I. I will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sariss
Please tell him, so he doesn't hurt any of his cat patients.Quote:
Originally Posted by hheath541
They do? That's news to me. I have a chart on Excel with lots of numbers on it that says the vast majority of food manufacturers do otherwise. Especially the protein and grain - that's so absolutely not true. (Hmm, mouse about 45-50% protein, most cat foods probably 30% or less, mouse about 10% carbs, most dry foods about 30-35% or higher.)Quote:
Did you know that a mouse is a cat's most perfect food? The stomach contents are especially important. Cat food manufacturers do their best to replicate that combination of protein, taurine, and grains.
I have another file that has a list of ingredients in many foods that also says otherwise.
On the other hand, they do a better job than just any old person trying to figure it out. Even a high carb yucko food will be better than homemade if it's not done right.
I KNEW I should have PMed you before I posted that! My apologies to the cats of the world!Quote:
Originally Posted by morgaine300
Well, do you guys have any suggestions on what I could feed her that would best supplement a dry food diet?
I can handle buying some dry food, but it would be better if I could at least supplement it with other things. I would also prefer to have a recipe or food suggestions in case I run short on cash and have to buy her food with my food stamps.
I have taken quotes out of several threads, so hope this isn't confusing. Just didn't want to post over and over...
Well, that's different. Although you really should beat him over the head.Quote:
right now I'm have no control over what she eats. My boss feeds her what he has.
Depends on the cat. You seem to be finding a lot of things saying stuff that isn't necessarily the norm. Not sure where you're finding some of this stuff. Like that thing about taurine not being a problem if you cook at low enough temperature or whatever you said. I can find plenty of info saying otherwise. And it's not worth taking the chance.Quote:
dairy products are OK, on occasion and in small amounts.
Some cats can have a little dairy here and there, yes. But it's not a blanket statement that it's "OK." Depends on the cat, and depends on what you call occasionally. I'd stay away from milk. Cats don't need it. I know people who let their cats lick the ice cream bowl sometimes and that sort of thing. But really, keep it very limited. It's more of an occasional snack cause you feel like being indulgent, not part of a diet.
Well... garlic and onion are in the same family. (Family may not be the proper scientific term, but you know what I mean.) Onion absolutely is bad for cats and from what I can tell it's been assumed that garlic is as well. However, I haven't seen the evidence that garlic is the same problem that onion is. Meaning I don't have a hissy if some food has just the teensiest bit of garlic in it. But then, I feed a variety of stuff for the very reason that I don't think any one company has everything perfect. So if a food had garlic, it would be like some teensy amount in one out of every 20 cans or something. And what you're giving is WAY more than the "teensiest" bit that might be in some cat food. What you're giving is more the equivalent of an entire clove of garlic!Quote:
garlic doesn't hurt cats, as long as it's in reasonable amounts. The amounts I use work out to about 1/8-1/4 teaspoon or garlic powder per cup of food. I usually add the garlic for about 1-2 weeks, then skip a week.
Referring to where you heard the thing about garlic... I've seen vets with 20 years of experience kill cats, so that means absolutely nothing to me. Cats have fallen behind the ranks in terms of research. They've been treated like small dogs for far too long. So most cat research is fairly recent and is nothing close to being up to par at this point. And many vets don't stay up to date. So a lot of what they do is based on old stuff. A young inexperienced vet can learn and may stay caught up. An older experienced vet may be way behind in everything and not care. (On the other hand, a young inexperienced vet once tried to kill one of my cats. Experience is certainly worth something, but it isn't any guarantee.)Quote:
From a vet with more than 20 years of experience.
I know I harp on vets a lot, but man, if you'd seen some of the stuff I have... (I love my own vet, BTW.)
I'm trying to figure this out. Homemade is certainly much more expensive than dry. I've never admitted to knowing the exact cost of homemade, especially since it will depend on recipe, but one of the links I gave you shows where one person worked out the approximate costs. I suspect it's more expensive than anything but one of the more expensive premium foods. (Which, again, you don't have to get, making homemade more expensive.)Quote:
since I am on a limited budget, I'm hoping to be able to at least augment a dry food diet with items I can buy with food stamps. If I end up needing to buy some dry food, that's OK, but it would be better if I had at least one recipe for homemade cat food that I could make to fill out her diet.
So, you're not allowed to buy cat food on food stamps? So you're using what cash you actually have yourself to get the food, right?
I would say the homemade would still be more expensive and I don't see the point in that. (And I still think you have too much bad information.) You can buy both dry and canned and store some in case you need some supplement. Dry will become rancid after a period, but it'll last a while. Canned can last a good long while - look at the expiration dates and just try to find ones that are newer. You can also take the canned a bit after that expiration date.
I'm an accountant. There is nothing financially logical in your plan to me. Homemade would undoubtedly be more expensive for you. I'm very aware of the concept of cash flow as well. I don't see how making homemade and keeping it around is more financially sound than buying some extra dry/canned and keeping it around. You'd have to freeze the homemade and things can lose nutrients over time. (And then you'd have to add more taurine.) I just don't see the financial logic in that.
Just stock up on some dry/canned when you have the extra cash. Next time you have extra cash, use that up and replace it, just to keep your stash a little newer. If you really think it's going to be an issue, just do the dry. And that's coming from me, the food freak. A cat can "survive" on dry, assuming this cat doesn't have any special problems like IBD or tendency towards stones, etc. (That could be an issue, especially the way your boss likes to feed. I hope the cat is only 1yo cause she'll get over it more quickly.)
How did this thread suddenly get to 4 pages?
LOL. Oh the poor kitties.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wondergirl
You have to forgive my attitude. I'm not sure if anyone knows how I got to be such a fanatic, but it's because of the diabetic I ended up with. As far as I'm concerned, I gave him diabetes. I denied a lot of what I was told at first, and sometimes I forget what it's like to just drop everything you've believed your whole life. But that's what led me down the path to studying nutrition and food, and I really do have that Excel file full of nutrient values. And me being an accountant and all... well, doesn't that just figure? ;)
I'm a cataloger at a public library. Numbers are my middle name too. My OCD self likes your OCD self.Quote:
Originally Posted by morgaine300
I'm hoping the OP learns a lot from this thread!
I don't know the cost comparison. I don't know if you hate math like everyone else or whether you'd want to figure this out.Quote:
Originally Posted by hheath541
The best supplement to any food for a cat is human grade meat, like chicken. And egg. Egg actually has the best quality protein. I've heard differing opinions with egg on the cooked vs raw, and white vs yolk, so I don't know about that part. (Cooking is safer. And I know cats don't have the same cholesterol issues humans do, but maybe you think white is safer.)
From a general consensus, 15% is probably the max amount of the cat's diet you'd want to give of that type of non-supplemented food. (I've heard 15-20, but think 15% is the safer consensus.)
So, is it cheaper to feed dry and supplement with a little cooked chicken, or just to feed some of the diet with canned instead of dry? I suspect canned is probably better than dry supplemented with human grade meat -- couldn't tell you which would come out cheaper cause I've never thought about it.
Hey, cool. I like the library as well. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Wondergirl
How about any poultry? My cats adore turkey bits whenever I roast one. And Thomas Jefferson used to wait patiently until I finished eating my two fried or scrambled eggs, then lick up the yolk liquid or scrambled bits left on my plate. Now that he's in kitty heaven, Kuro has first dibs.Quote:
Originally Posted by morgaine300
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