We Canadians usually aren’t flag wavers the way our neighbours to the south are, but these past couple of weeks have changed all that. Even Dandy got into the spirit of the games, as we cheered proudly for our athletes on their road to victory. The games culminate today with a rematch between the Canada-US men’s hockey teams. From coast-to-coast, we are pumped with excitement for this one. Whatever the outcome of today’s game, it’s been a great 16 days, in which I can say I am truly proud to be Canadian.
I was uncertain for awhile about whether it is safe to feed garlic to cats. Some forums and articles on the internet strictly advise against it. Further research has revealed that onions are the real culprits, that should not be fed to cats at all. Garlic, however is safe in small amounts, and cats can benefit from its anti-parasitical, anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties.
So how much garlic is safe? I did some experimenting by chopping a few cloves into a pot of water, bringing it to a boil, then simmering for awhile. After straining out the garlic, the result was similar to a tea. I mixed a teaspoon into each of my kitties portion of soft food. They ate it with no complaints. I have yet to try chopped garlic, but will start with only a small amount, of course.
On the subject of foods not to feed your cats, grapes and raisins should be added to the list, as well as chocolate. These are the definite no-no’s that are echoed by vets and feline nutritionists.
Randy Kidd, in his book entitled Herbal Cat Care, recommends sprinkling herbs on our cats’ food, in the same way we humans use salt and pepper. I started with dried parsley, then nettles, and both have been well-received by my kitties. This is a simple way to boost the nutritional value of their diet.
Hurray! Feline nutrition can be achieved without slaving for hours in the kitchen.
I used to think that human food was taboo for cats, that it did not agree with their constitution. Table scraps might be okay for dogs, I thought, but a definite no-no for our feline companions. Of course, that is what the pet food companies would have us believe, because it’s good for their profits. I have since changed my thinking on that subject, and put my ignorance aside in favour of feline health and wellness.
The other day, while making salad, I dropped a piece of lettuce on the floor. To my delight I discovered Dandelion munching wholeheartedly on it. The high water content of lettuce immediately came to mind. What a great food to promote kidney function! Dandelion prefers the crunchy dry food to the canned so I had been concerned about how to get him to drink more water.
Since I was on a roll, why stop at lettuce? I tossed him a couple more greens from my salad mix. I watched hopefully as he sniffed them…then…chomp, he devoured both pieces. Poor guy, he must have been hankering for some live food. Greens may not be as appetizing as a mouse, but they do add some variety to his diet.
When I first picked up this book I expected another reference type of cat care book through which I could browse, gleaning bits of information on various topics. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover both an informative and entertaining read from cover to cover.
Unlike many authors of books on cat health, Ms. Coscia does not work in the veterinary field. She is a nutritional consultant who combines her knowledge of holistic health with her passion for cats. She draws heavily on her years of experiences in operating a cat rescue organization with her husband, out of their home.
The author endorses complementary health practices for cats, which combines conventional veterinary medicine with alternative or holistic approaches. She demonstrates this approach throughout the book, with stories of cats that she has taken in and nursed back to health, many from the brink of death. Photographs of these cats, gives each story a personal touch.
Jennifer tackles a number of topics on feline care including diet, safety, and stress. She offers some good insights on the vaccination controversy, and examines the pros and cons of the indoor/outdoor cat issue. She also offers recipes for homemade cat food and supplements, and suggests treatments for common feline ailments. The reader is introduced to some of the kitties that have touched her life, whose stories are interwoven throughout each chapter.
In my opinion, the author’s unique approach to the topic of cat care works well. I found myself getting drawn into her experiences with individual cats, to the point of tears, at some of the losses she endured. I was continually amazed at her compassion, patience, determination and devotion to this work. Not only have I gained some valuable insight into feline health, but I now have a greater understanding of my own kitties. In addition, I have learned much about the cat rescue business, and the intense passion and mature dedication required to run a no-kill shelter. I was so impacted by Jennifer’s experiences that when I reached the final page of The Holistic Cat I knew that this was a book that I would not easily forget.
