The serious cat owner will eventually discover that there is more to feeding a cat than opening a bag or can. Thanks to the Internet, consumer awareness about pet food has made great leaps in recent years. The massive pet food recall of 2007 has created consumer distrust in the pet food industry and government controls, resulting in a re-surge of interest in feeding cats raw diets or home-cooked meals. These books will not only help you in making a decision, but will offer the information you need to get started on a new and exciting venture: optimizing your cat's life through naturally nutritious foods.
1. "Raising Cats Naturally," by Michelle T. Bernard
Although this book covers the gamut of topics on raising cats naturally (subtitled "The Way Nature Intended"), the predominant portion of it deals with a raw diet for cats, one the writer has used successfully for over a decade with her American Shorthair cats. A must for the library of anyone contemplating a natural diet for cats.2. The Backyard Predator, by Feline Future
The original print version of this book is not presently available. Look forward though, to a second edition, "Backyard Predator: The Raw Truth of Feeding Cats." For now, however, the entire book on feline nutrition is available online, and it gives huge insights into the kinds of food cats eat in the wild. I highly recommend it.3. "Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats" by Kymythy R. Schultze
This comprehensive book takes you through the history behind the raw food revolution, into species-appropriate diets, and gives you all the tools you need for designing an optimum diet for your pet. A bonus is the Holistic Animal Resource Guide.4. "Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets," by Donald R. Strombeck
Originating from the University of California at Davis, home of the highly-acclaimed School of Veterinary Medicine, this book of computer-generated recipes for pets is NOT based on theory alone, but is backed up by irrefutable facts about their nutritional needs. A must for people serious about home-prepared food for their cats.5. The Whole Pet Diet: 8 Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Cats
Andy Brown provides a program involving exercise, play time, even a "spa day," with home-cooked diets where YOU can be in charge. For readers who fear feeding raw because of fears of salmonella, these homecooked meals may be a good alternate to commercial pet foods, particularly dry foods.
6. Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
As a veterinary student studying nutrition, Dr. Pitcairn learned to "Tell your clients to feed their animals a good commercial pet food and to avoid table scraps." During his first years in practice, he was continuously frustrated at his frequent inability to help the pets brought to him for treatment - until he discovered the holistic approach to veterinary medicine. He shares the benefit of his extensive studies through this book in an easily-digestible form. You'll find a number of healthy veterinarian-designed recipes in this book.7. The New Natural Cat, by Anitra Frazier
The New Natural Cat is in its second edition since 1990, and has become the "Bible" for cat lovers who seek out holistic health care for their cats. The books brims with healthy recipes for home-prepared cat foods, advice on correcting behavioral problems, and includes a handy guide to common health problems.