KATHMANDU: If you want to know exactly what your cat is being fed each day, then the best way is to prepare a homemade cat food yourself. However, for your cat to remain healthy, it is important to ensure that your homemade cat food recipe includes sufficient animal protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and vitamins. This is usually obtained from red meat, liver, kidney, heart, chicken and sometimes milk.

Generally, raw food contains more nutrients as cooking destroys some vitamins, especially vitamin B. If you are squeamish about feeding raw food to your cat and intend to feed your cat cooked food instead, then you may need to provide pet food supplements in your cat’s diet. Your vet will be able to advise you on appropriate pet food supplements, based on your homemade cat food diet.

Homemade cat food

• Understand that there are certain foods that should be avoided when you make your own cat food. Never feed your cat chocolate, onions, pork (including bacon), raw fish, raw eggs, milk or bones. Each of these has its own ill effects on cats.

• You should not feed your cat dog food. Cats require five times more protein than dogs do, so dog food will not meet cats’ nutritional needs. Avoid feeding your cat a vegetarian diet for the same reason.

• Limit the amount and use of tuna because of the risks associated with the mercury levels

in it.

• Feed liver in moderation and not at all if you’re giving your cat vitamin A supplements. Overdoses of vitamin A can be toxic.

• Many cat food recipes are available on the Internet and in books.

• Look for recipes that are high in protein content.

• Include some small amounts of vegetables in your cat’s food.

• Combine some dry, commercial cat food with meat, eggs, lactose-free milk and flavourings to get your cat used to eating homemade cat food.

Ingredients you should include in your cat’s food

• Meat and meat by-products

• Fish

• Eggs

• Milk, cheese and yoghurt

• Fats and oils

• Vegetables

• Grains

• Water