Cat as a pet.

Lifestyle Relationships
21

Re: Cat as a pet.

Hey, I've had my cat for about a year now and we were previously taking care of my cousin's cat for 6 months, in regards to the post about the cat eating grass, buy some cat grass, it definitely helps because its thinner and its something the cat can easily digest and he wont throw up, that's what I noticed with my cat. I totally agree with dry food, but (this is personal preference) we always look at the ingredient list before buying because even with pet food, there are ones out there that are bad for them to the point where it could be like giving your cat mcdonalds or chocolates. I recently took my cat to the vet and yes cats develop tartar buildup so I would suggest mixing his normal food with a bigger kibble food so that'll clean his/her teeth or since he/she is still a kitten, you could try to brush his/her teeth, personally bigger kibble is just the easier option. Also only give your cat a bath/shower if he/she really needs it, and if you're going to do that, then give him/her some catnip 20mins before so it'll help him/her calm down. I also totally agree with having someone come check up on your cat if you're out travelling because cats can be very emotional. My cousin's cat for example, when her mom left for L.A. , he pooped all over her bed because he missed her. It definitely varies from cat to cat but just keep it in mind. And definitely enjoy the cuddles you get now from your kitten because as they get older they'll be out exploring and playing and generally doing their own thing and wont want to cuddle as much as when they were kittens.

22

Re: Cat as a pet.

here..this made me thing of u guys.. hope it helps

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/26-hacks-that-will-make-any-cat-owners-life-easier#2cl5te1

23

Re: Cat as a pet.

Mujhey bhi jangli billiaan bohat pasand hain :blush:

24

Re: Cat as a pet.

Hello really sorry but I'm going to hijack thread.

We have been thinking of getting a cat for a while but I'm not sure i'd be comfortable buying and handling non halal food not to mention it being processed.

Is any cat owner feeding their cat fresh meat from the butcher? I know cats aren't muslim and don't need to eat halal it's more a personal preference for me as I don't like handling meat that isn't halal.
I'm aware that they may need supplements if I was to take the home made food route so would be excellent if anyone has first hand (successful) experience of this

Also, is it better to adopt from a shelter or from someone's home litter?

I have been advised to wait at least 8 weeks after birth of kitten as they need that time to develop with their mum - is it fair to assume that those cats with their mother will be fed mother's milk rather than bottle fed? I would prefer them to be fed by their mother as I feel it will be good for them in the long run in terms of their health? As I am more inclined to adopt from a shelter, would the kittens be fed by their mum, those that have their mum that is? Or am I being selfishly picky?

Sorry guys I probably am obsessingly over thinking it but want to give the cat the best chances as I would my own kids

Appreciate your advice

25

Re: Cat as a pet.

Yes, mother's milk. Not only that but the mother will teach the kitten how to use the litter and groom. Not sure about shelter adoption feeding - depends on the situation. And if you are adopting from a shelter, it doesn't really matter - it's an animal that needs a loving home.

In regards to to which to go for, depends on you. We got ours from someone's litter as we wanted a kitten and it's rare to find kittens in a shelter.

I think you need to get over the halal issue because at the end of the day you need to do what's best for your cat, not your own sensitivities. If it's really going to be that much of an issue.. don't get a cat. Meat being halal doesn't even come into the equation. Cats are very picky, ours would never eat enough home cooked meat to constitute a full diet so if we didn't feed him actual cat food he'd starve. Not to mention, like you said, they will need supplements and stuff. It's something I did look into and try out but it didn't work out. Our cat is a fish lover, his wet pouches are fishy types and we give him 'complementary' feed of tuna pouches or a little regular tuna from the tin (this is a real treat, they shouldn't eat too much). His dry food which is the predominant part of his diet is chicken+fish.

p.s. if you're living in the west, cat food is probably just about as 'halal' as the halal meat you consume given modern farming and butchering practices. Especially when it comes to chicken, there's practically no difference between halal and non-halal slaughter, I barely eat it now.

26

Re: Cat as a pet.

I love cats <3

27

Re: Cat as a pet.

if everything fails, PM me. i have some good recipes.

28

Re: Cat as a pet.

Thanks for your response. I don't want to get into a debate as to whether the meat in the west is halal or not, if it is labelled halal (and from a reputable butcher) then it is halal as far as I'm concerned, just like vegetarian or kosher. Like I said it is a personal preference.

From my research I am aware cats are obligate carnivores, so I believe the raw meat diet is best for cats, not the processed junk in tins so I have no doubt the meat/organs/bones I buy myself would be best for cats as long as it is balanced and the nutrients haven't been depleted (in the case of mince meat losing taurine that cats need) I posted so I can find advice on how to do this best. I am aware this isn't the done thing but I try to eat natural and fresh where I can, I did this when weaning my little one so naturally want to do this for any pet we have so just to clear up this isn't JUST about my sensitivities but also for the good of the cat. Appreciate the advice, keep it coming :)

29

Re: Cat as a pet.

Well, I won't say anything further than this post because it will become a debate/disagreement. Really don't understand how you can have an issue handling non halal meat for an animal but chose to ignore the realities of the meat you consume yourself, where it actually matters.

There are plenty of natural, unprocessed cat foods to chose from.

30

Re: Cat as a pet.

I'm not trying to be funny but if you sincerely believe there is no difference between halal and non halal meat in the west then I'd expect you to be a vegetarian but in your post you say you barely eat it. Why not 'never' eat it then?

I have no reason to doubt my butcher. I trust them. I have not been to the abbatoir but their word is enough for me. I have been to Pakistani villages and I have witnessed animal slaughter there and whilst I don't believe animal welfare and slaughter is done exactly 'by the book' I do believe the meat is halal as I believe it is the intention that counts. I wouldn't go into tesco and pick up non halal meat as I know nobody has tried to make it halal. But each to their own.

31

Re: Cat as a pet.

I'm not the the one making an issue about handling non halal meat, I don't believe there's a religious issue with that? I'm saying if you're so concerned with that then why not be more concerned about what you're actually eating?

There's plenty of info out there about this and you can find yourself. Do you know the difference between what is permissible by different halal certification authorities? Halal meat is available but the majority comes from the same places as non halal meat (in the UK), especially in restaurants.

32

Re: Cat as a pet.

My point was if you believe that all the meat in the UK is haram, then you would be vegetarian right and not eat some of it ("barely") you were obviously referring to eating it. I on the other hand don't believe all meat it haram. If you want to go into the night gritty then one can say meat in pakistani villages isn't halal due to their slaughter process but I think most people put their trust in the butcher and more importantly in Allah. We do what we can under the circumstances and I believe that's what we're judged on.

i believe there are issues with buying and selling non halal products so I will do my best not to, the same way I avoid non halal food. And I therefore don't want non halal food in my kitchen If you don't make a distinction between halal and non halal then that's your thing but for me I believe there is a distinction. So rather than try to convince me of your way of thinking and tar every meat supplier with the same brush, I'd appreciate some advice on some meat recipes for the cat as I don't want non halal food in my kitchen. Simple as that.

33

Re: Cat as a pet.

Ok look rather than going around in circles, seeing as I am less informed than you can you please link me to the evidence that has you lead to believe what you do. That way I can make an informed decision. You'd be helping myself and many others who believe the meat they eat is halal. Thankyou.

34

Re: Cat as a pet.

Kittens are cute until they become cats. All cats want is milk + food, a few strokes and to sleep by the window 24/7. If you're dying they won't even give you a 2nd glance..

35

Re: Cat as a pet.

In fact, they will kill you.

36

Re: Cat as a pet.

Cats are awesome...they take care of themselves pretty much and keep your house free of rodents. Best pet to have IMO...only second to a parrot. I want a parrot...those big Macaw looking ones.

37

Re: Cat as a pet.

Lol, how?

38

Re: Cat as a pet.

^Have you seen Hostel 2 (cat doesn't actually kill though)

39

Re: Cat as a pet.

Thanks for sharing useful stuff. I have no cat as a pet but I can plan to get in future. So this information will help me.