Downgrade cat’s fresh food diet

#Middlebury #Cat #PrescriptionFood

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I was furloughed from my job in April and have been getting by on savings and an unemployment check. With no new job yet, I need to drastically cut back expenses to get through this winter. My cat, Silk, is 9 years old and eats a special diet of prescription canned food plus fresh pet food from the grocery. Will she stay healthy if I temporarily replace her diet with a commercial cat food? – Henry in Worcester, Massachusetts

DEAR HENRY: Thank you for putting Silk first in your household budget, especially in these tough times! Give your cat’s veterinarian a call and discuss the situation. Would a four- to six-month break from prescription canned food be OK, and not threaten Silk’s health? The answer depends on the condition for which she’s eating special food.

You can probably stop buying those prepackaged fresh pet foods for your cat, at least until you get back on track financially. Instead, prepare a few days’ worth of fresh cat food at home by steaming rice, peas and a protein like chicken or tuna until fully cooked (do not add spices or salt) and smashing together. Cool and store in the refrigerator.

Fresh food needs to be supplemented with a formulated cat food so that Silk gets key nutrients during this time. The veterinarian should be able to recommend an off-the-shelf cat food, either dry or canned, that will meet her needs for a few months. If she is taking medications as well, don’t skimp on her medicines, and be sure to include them in your budgeting.

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