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 Why did we make the switch to a Raw Meat Diet??? After studying numerous resources, we've learned that there were so many raw food pros and commercial food cons, the choice was crystal clear... a natural, raw diet was the way to go for these little buckaroos. The holistic veterinarian with whom we consulted reaffirmed our findings that a raw meat based diet is the absolutely best way to feed a cat, calling it "like natural steroids" to a cat. He also confirmed that their poor dental health, excessively waxy ears, and Lupi's inability to fight off the symptoms of Rhinotracheitis were all definite signs that there are some immune system weaknesses with this breed, as is common with many purebred animals...
Initially, it was an intimidating decision to make as we pondered how Mickey and Lupi are completely dependent upon us for all of their needs, and that their lives are, quite literally, in our hands. In our search for ways to boost their immune systems, cleanse their bodies of all the residual antibiotics and medications they have been given, and improve their overall health, we've found countless research articles recommending raw food over the "high-quality" commercial dry food we have been feeding them for almost five years.
 That First Step... In December of 1999, we began corresponding with Trina Nowak at Pets 4 Life in Ontario, Canada, who guided us and reassured us as we made our decision to purchase raw meat based cat food. Because we live in the United States, Trina referred us to her partner in Pets 4 Life, Jennifer Boniface of Aunt Jeni's Home Made in Maryland, from whom we ultimately ordered our first 10 lb. shipment of Home Made 4 Life's Chicken Formula.
The Switch, and, OH, the Changes... We decided that Lupi, with her chronic health problems, would be the first one to make the switch to raw. She made the transition seamlessly as we phased in the new food over the course of a week. After Lupi had been eating the raw food for just one month, we were amazed at how solid she began to feel; our frail, tiny waif began developing a firm and muscular composition, with a healthy bit of fat on her ribs and between her shoulder blades. Her activity increased and she became notably more playful and assertive. Our testimonial at the Pets 4 Life page describes a number of the changes we experienced. Although she still suffers from “chronic stuffy nose” we've noticed, nearly a year later, that both Lupi and Mickey are notably more active and sleeping less (Mickey rarely sleeps now, much to our chagrin!). We’ve also noticed that their gums have been appearing more healthy and less inflamed than they always had.
Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands...
Since we noticed the difference the HM4L was making in Lupi's general constitution, we decided that we would start Mickey on raw food, which was a HUGE ordeal. If your cat ABSOLUTELY REFUSES to recognize raw meat as food, you may appreciate our page on how we switched Mickey in about a month. We then thought we would get even more involved by making our own raw cat food here at home.  Doing so entails a commitment of time, effort, and money; and it is a little cheaper to drive to the local pet supply store for another 12-pound sack of dry IAMS kibble than it is to prepare a balanced home-made diet, packed with fresh, raw chicken and beef raised without chemicals; farm fresh eggs, a variety of bright, colorful vegetables, melons and squash from nature's garden; wholesome, hearty grains and calcium-rich home-made chicken broth. Do we think it's worth it? YOU BET WE DO! Any small sacrifice we may encounter in creating Mickey and Lupi's diet ourselves make us more emotionally involved with their wellbeing. It's a satisfying experience that firmly bonds our comitment to provide them all the health and happiness that they return to us through their companionship.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... After a few months of using our original recipe, we learned - the hard way - that our sweet Mickey is predisposed to struvite urinary tract crystals, one of the conditions of  Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). This is a VERY SERIOUS condition brought on when a cat’s urine pH is too alkaline or acidic, and can kill your cat within hours if immediate medical action is not taken. FUS can be brought on by highly stressful situations, frequent appetite stimulation, or a diet high in magnesium, ash, or other foods that tend to alkalinize or acidify the urine. Our poor, sweet Mickey developed a urinary tract blockage due to excessive alkalinity, which required a painful emergency catheterization, a heart-wrenching 3-day hospital stay, and an immediate dietary change. So, make sure you consult a veterinarian if you make any dramatic changes to your own pet's diet.
Through many trials and errors, we've FINALLY come up with both a balanced recipe and a preparation process that are working well for both Mickey’s and Lupi's dietary needs, our budget, and our busy schedules. We thought it would be fun, and hopefully, inspirational, to share what we go through for these spoiled rotten cats.
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