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Post by bluedove on Mar 17, 2009 21:42:32 GMT -5
Ok, so I think I'm ready to try investing in some commercial raw and introducing to both the ferret and the cats... (going to have to try and get the cats on raw too, or else the ferret will just eat the cat kibble when she's out and about! Plus I have one cat who does not seem to be thriving even on the highest quality cat kibble...)
I've seen a lot of people recommending Wysong... is this the best place to start? If so, should I go straight for the freeze dried raw stuff, or try some of their kibble to transition. Or should I try to get them on wet cat food before I even bother to try the raw? I have at least one cat who won't hardly eat anything besides kibble, so I expect her to be a difficult switch. All input is appreciated!
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Post by sherrylynne on Mar 18, 2009 11:20:52 GMT -5
For switching the cats, you'll have to get them off free feeding first. Get them used to maybe two larger, and one or two small snacks a day. Then, offer the raw. Hunger always adds spice . You may have to transition them to canned first, though. But do not let them go more than 24 hours without eating something! Hepatic lipidosis is a real risk with cats when they either don't eat, or don't eat enough. I had to syringe feed one of mine, twice. Not pleasant! Check out pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/rawcat/ They are really good with the suggestions. Also www.rawfedcats.org/practicalguide.htmFor the ferrets, a number of people use either Wysong's or Stella and Chewy's freeze dried. Also Nature's Variety frozen raw. But not the freeze dried with that one. It has whole pumpkin seeds. Perfect for a blockage! Personally, I use Urban Carnivore for my one cat who has deigned to eat raw . I also use Stella and Chewy's and Archetypal 1 Ferret for the fuzzes.
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Post by jojodancer on Mar 18, 2009 14:43:25 GMT -5
You can leave ziwpeak out 24/7 for the cats - and it's fine if the ferrets get into it, too.
Mine liked AFS and Stella and Chewy's. I added some Wysong in because everyone raves about it, but to me it looks a lot like the AFS and S&C.
You can always get a sample pack from Casey's Hiden Pantry and see what floats the ferts's and kitties boats....
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Post by bluedove on Mar 18, 2009 17:01:02 GMT -5
Umm.... yikes! I just had a look at the Ziwipeak feeding recommendations: "Daily Portion On average, for each kilogram of weight, feed 1/2 scoop twice daily. 11 scoops in each bag."
Based on this, I don't think that would be enough food for my cats for even one day! (I have 3 ranging from 7lbs - 12lbs each) That would put me spending more than $10 per day on just the cats! I guess I may need to rethink this...
Do you think if I entered the mentoring program that someone would be able to help me with switching the cats as well?
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Post by spiritualtramp on Mar 18, 2009 19:18:00 GMT -5
I think some of the rawfed cat owners can help out too. I'm mentoring someone who is switching her cats as well, and while I offer advice I obviously know more about ferrets. Generally it's easy enough to translate what you read and learn about ferrets over to cats, but it's important to know that they are different species with different requirements so perhaps someone with cat experience would be best. Chat with Giuli about your needs and she'll surely match you up with someone great!
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Post by savagedestiny on Mar 18, 2009 22:41:46 GMT -5
I switched my kitties to raw very gradually, using cans first. My cats were pretty good about gobbling up canned food, so for about a week I had them on straight canned, so they'd get used to the texture and also be used to cans coming cold from the fridge. Then I started adding teeny bits of raw... I'm talking like little shreds at first, and gradually I added a little more, little more... took me a couple weeks, really. Cats can be super, super picky, so I had to take it quite slowly.
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