Raw Feeding
The first two-thirds of the book (23 chapters) are devoted to Michelle's method of raw feeding for cats. She has been using this method for her own cats at Blakkatz Cattery for over a decade, and has been rewarded for her efforts with fine, healthy, long-lived American Shorthairs.
Michelle reinforces the case for raw feeding in Chapter 2, by describing the relationship between chronic disease and commercial cat food, particularly dry cat food, one that is increasingly difficult to deny. A case in point is feline diabetes, which if not directly caused, is exacerbated by the high carbohydrate content in commercial cat foods. Michelle spares no mercy for the manufacturers of commercial foods, pointing out the reasons why they are not really 100 percent nutritionally balanced and complete.
Did you know that feeding raw will eliminate or greatly reduce litter box odor? This is one of the pleasant side effects of raw feeding our obligate carnivore cats. You'll learn more in Chapter 3 about obligate carnivores, and why added "New Age ingredients" such as garlic, aloe, yucca, and chicory; or acidic ingredients such as vitamin C or cranberries are not necessory for their health, and in some cases can be harmful. Chapter 4 provides a detailed analysis of the best protein sources for cats, based on diets found in the wild, e.g., rabbit, chicken, turkey, mice. Chapters 5 through 13 cover the additional ingredients in the ideal raw diet, including bone (ground and whole), amino acids (taurine is one), fats and fatty acids, organ meats, fiber, and other supplements.
These chapters will give you the background you need for understanding the reasons behind the specific recipes for raw feeding, which Michelle provides in Chapters 14 and 15. Chapters 16 through 19 offer tips for converting your cats to this diet, and a number of success stories, which are particularly inspiring.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy seems to be such an esoteric subject that many people shy away from it, or are confused about its uses. Others may have experimented with it, then gave it up because it didn't seem to be working "fast enough." In the chapter on Homeopathy, Michelle helps clear up some of the cobwebs of confusion about the subject by giving its history, why it works, and suggestions for choosing a homeopathic veterinarian.
Vaccinations
In a nutshelll, Michelle doesn't believe in them, and except for rabies, which is required by law in her state (as in many others), her cats have not been vaccinated since 1993. After years of research, Michelle tells us that she is more afraid of the vaccine than she is of the disease the vaccine is for (a position that is shared by many "natural-rearing" advocates).
The Rest of the Story
The remainder of "Raising Cats Naturally" is loaded with sound, practical advice on topics such as litter box and litter; scratching posts; and a great chapter on natural health care tips. Michelle concludes with chapters on shopping lists and resources and recommended reading.
For the novice or intermediate cat enthusiast who is interested in raising cats naturally, this book provides a complete resource and a compelling read. You may not agree with everything she has to say, but you'll more often than not profit by the enhanced knowledge you'll obtain, and so will your cats.
Michelle Bernard has spent nearly a decade digging into what makes cats bloom naturally with excellent health. A freelance writer who breeds and shows American Shorthairs, she has been keeping her own cats vibrantly healthy using a raw meat diet, homeopathy, and plain common sense since 1993. Michelle is renowned for her sound approach to rearing cats and her writing on many aspects of holistic cat care. Michelle offers nutritional and natural health consultations from her home in North Carolina. She is also a professional member of the prestigious Cat Writers' Association.
