OFFLINE

Cats require a totally different type of feeding than dogs.  

First and foremost, cats are obligate carnivores.  This means they MUST eat meat.  They cannot survive without it because of the unique nutrients, including Taurine, in meat.  Taurine is an essential nutrient for cats - without it they can go blind and even die.

Unlike dogs, cats' digestive systems cannot process plant matter.  This means they do not need wheat, corn, vegetables, fruit, etc.  But wait, what about the plant matter they get when they eat wild prey?  Well, if they decide to eat the stomach and intestines of their prey, the amount of plant matter in there is rather miniscule.  And, because it's already been processed by the prey, it's not the same thing as eating it themselves or in the food you feed them.

When I did my research into making cat food after Oliver's passing, I discovered that the preferred diet is raw.  Instant squeamish for me!  Add to the fact that I do not own a meat grinder and would have to chop/mince everything myself, and would not be able to include bones, I out that idea away.  I have not given up on it, just have not reached the point where I am able to do it at this point.  I am far more comfortable with the idea now than I was in Fall 2007 thanks to research and a trial run with a purchased raw diet.  I still need to get a meat grinder and check my local grocery stores for necessary raw ingredients.

Our cats are currently on Wellness wheat/corn/soy free dry food and canned wet food.  I'm using Friskies Prime Fillets because I have yet to find a better food that the cats will eat.  I found a canned food that I liked in terms of ingredients, but it's a creamy pate and the cats don't like the texture.  So with having decided to cook for the dogs, I'm considering making the wet food for the cats.  Tommy developed an idiopathic urinary tract condition and must have wet food daily.  I don't like the ingredients in the Friskies, but they're no worse than the Science Diet prescription wet food our vet recommended.  Boy was I surprised when I compared ingredients.

Please do not just jump in and make food for your cat without doing research, as well as serious consideration of everything involved.  Beware of recipes on the Internet and in books.  Most include ingredients that are not suitable for cats, including grains and vegetables.

Resources:

http://www.catinfo.org/?link=makingcatfood

http://www.catnutrition.org/index.html