The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
No Perfect Diet?
I feed an excellent dry food to my cat, and open wet food as well. My cat is extremely healthy, and her vet (a feline practitioner) constantly raves about her condition, as well as how wonderfully clean her teeth are. The vet seems to feel that no one diet is perfect for any animal (or human). Would you give me your thoughts? Thanks, and thanks as well for being there, and for remaining so accessible to us "pet people!"
From: Keith, in San Diego
Dear Keith,
I'm obviously happy to know your cat is healthy, and I have the utmost respect for your vet, but I wish I could convince you both to stop feeding dry food, not just for your own cat's well being, but because your vet is in a position of influence with her clients.
I receive no personal gain, nor do I have any reason other than hard facts, logic, and research to tell you that cats are obligate carnivores who need 75% protein in their diets. Carbs of any kind, particularly highly processed carbs, and particularly those high in corn, have no place in their natural diet. Those ingredients lead to diabetes, urinary tract problems, constipation, and other digestive problems. Some cats can tolerate dry food for a longer period of time; it's an idividual thing, but the point is, it's the wrong fuel for them.
As for teeth, your cat has naturally nice teeth, but it's not about hard food, which is a bizarre myth we've all been told for decades. It makes no sense, because where any animal chews (on the grinding surface) has no relationship to the gumline, where tooth decay, tartar, and plaque build up. Dry food is not a "toothbrush," although we've been led to think so, and most of us have never questioned the realistic logic of it.
Anyway, I took the time to dip my toe in the water telling you this, because maybe the way it's been explained to you before made you skeptical or resistant. I don't even have cats anymore -- my dogs won't allow it -- so my motivation is completely unselfish. I base my conclusions on researching THE CAT BIBLE for years, and now, feedback from everywhere on the radio show.
Your choice, of course, but I couldn't in good conscience let a chance to tell you and others what I've learned pass me -- or your cat -- by.
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
