Homemade Natural Food for Cats

Research shows that to stay healthy over the long term, cats need 22 different amino acids. However, their bodies can naturally produce only 12 — the others, especially taurine and arginine, must come from their diet.
An adult cat should eat about 5% of its body weight per day. Pregnant or nursing females require more, and growing kittens may eat up to 10% of their weight daily.

Most veterinarians recommend a high-protein diet for cats, with about 75% coming from animal protein. In addition to meat, organ meats, and fish, a cat’s diet can include small amounts of grains, eggs, dairy products, and vegetables.
Raw meat and fish should be frozen for 48–72 hours or lightly cooked to eliminate parasites and infections.

A typical homemade cat meal includes one type of meat (for example, chicken). All meat should be store-bought, vet-inspected, and frozen in portion sizes for at least 72 hours before being thawed to room temperature before feeding.

Meat products should make up 90–95% of a cat’s daily diet, broken down into:

50% lean muscle meat (veal, beef, horse meat, turkey, chicken, rabbit)

25–30% meaty bones (chicken backs, necks, heads)

15% organ meats (beef liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, udder; pork heart, kidneys, liver; chicken and turkey hearts, gizzards, and livers)

Recommended Recipes for Cat Owners
(All ingredients should be coarsely ground with a meat grinder. Mix, form patties, and freeze. Plant ingredients should be no more than 10% of the total recipe.)

1. Super Mix
2.2 lb mixed hearts (beef, pork, chicken, turkey)

½ lb turkey liver

1.75 lb chicken necks (tenderized and chopped)

A small amount of grated vegetables

A pinch of dried kelp before serving

2. Beef Mix
2.2 lb beef muscle meat

2.2 lb beef organ meats

A small amount of grated vegetables

3. Chicken Mix
½ lb chicken thigh meat

½ lb chicken breast

½ lb ground chicken backs and necks

0.1 lb ground chicken heads

0.1 lb chicken liver

¼ lb chicken hearts and gizzards

A small piece of trout

A little finely chopped cauliflower, pumpkin, cucumber, and apple

A pinch of dried kelp

4. Turkey Mix
½ lb turkey thigh meat

½ lb turkey breast

⅔ lb ground turkey necks

0.1 lb turkey heart

¼ lb turkey gizzards

A little finely chopped cauliflower, pumpkin, zucchini, and apple

A pinch of dried kelp

5 drops of purified fish oil

5. Meat Patties
2.2 lb chicken necks

0.9 lb turkey gizzards

0.65 lb rabbit fillet

0.45 lb beef heart

2 tablespoons cooked buckwheat

2 tablespoons cooked cabbage Read more >

The microchip company Save This Life, which used to register microchips for pets, has abruptly closed its operations.
Check on your microchips and ensure that the company you registered through wasn't Save This Life. Registration through 24petwatch and 911petchip is free now.
Be aware!

There are definitely some problems with the system, and maybe some changes need to be made.
I have a neighbor — he’s a drunk, very poor — and yet he’s able to adopt puppies from shelters so easily. Three years ago, he had a dog who passed away, and within a week or so, he got a new puppy. Recently, that dog also passed away, and now he has another new, adorable puppy.
He loves them — he even cried when his dog died — but honestly, he’s not a good fit to properly care for them. I don't even know if he has enough money to feed them well; all I ever see is him bringing home beer f rom the store, nothing else.
On the other hand, I know a hardworking, kind family with two kids who tried to adopt a kitten — and they were turned down because they couldn't meet all the strict criteria shelters demanded.
Something doesn’t seem right here. Maybe I’m missing something?
For what it's worth, my own cats are rescues from the street, and sometimes I wonder if I would even qualify to adopt from a local shelter. Read more >

Be Aware: Cruel Content Creators!
Lately, there has been a surge of videos online showing "kind" strangers — often posing as veterinarians — rescuing sick or dying street animals. But many of these videos are staged: the animals are deliberately made ill with drugs, just to create dramatic "rescues" that generate millions of views.
If a video looks suspicious or overly staged, trust your instincts. Let's stop these people from profiting off cruelty. Report their content — together, we can make a difference!

Where your Cat sleeps?

Sometimes, it's not just where the cat sleeps, but how. Her posture is a whole language, through which she speaks to you without words. Look closely, and you'll understand how she feels when she's next to you.
• Curled up at your feet: Absolute trust. In this position, she covers her vulnerable areas because she can fully relax next to you.

• Along your body: Seeking extra warmth. She seems to melt into your presence, as if she wants to become a part of you.

• On her back at your feet: Complete relaxation. Belly up – a sign of total confidence in h er safety.

• Next to the pillow, but not on it: Closeness with distance. She wants to be near, but not too much, because a cat always keeps some independence.

• Opposite the door: Guard mode activated. She controls the entrance, like a true sentinel – your personal fluffy guard.

Write in the comments where your cat sleeps Read more >

What makes dogs scoot on their bottoms?


When a dog starts scooting across the carpet, it puts a smile on our faces, but deep down a worrying question arises: what if it's something serious? This behavior looks amusing, but if it happens repeatedly, it’s time to be cautious.
Why Dogs Scoot Their Bottoms Across the Floor: Main Reasons

• Worms and parasites: They cause intense itching around the anus, especially in puppies. The body tries to get rid of the unpleasant sensations, and the animal instinctively rubs its rear end on the floor.

• Inflammation of the anal glands: Often occurs due to blockage. This causes burning, pressure, and even pain, prompting the dog to try to "relieve" itself in an unusual way.

• Allergic reaction: Can be triggered by food, shampoo, grass, or household chemicals. Itching may occur not only on the skin but also around the anus, leading to bottom-scooting.

• Contamination or matted fur: Especially common in long-haired breeds. Residual feces or dirt can stick to the fur, causing significant discomfort.

• Behavioral issues or stress: In some cases, scooting becomes a way to attract attention or a response to stress. It can even develop into a habit, especially if it previously helped relieve discomfort.

Worms in Dogs: A Common Reason for Scooting
Many owners first notice that something is wrong when their dog starts actively rubbing its rear end on the floor. Often, this behavior is linked to parasites. Worms cause itching around the anus, and the dog instinctively tries to relieve the discomfort.
When the rear end needs attention, the whole house will know!
If your pet seems lethargic, has a reduced appetite, or shows a decrease in activity, make sure to check for worms. Regular deworming is an essential part of preventive care.
Anal Glands: Inflammation and Blockage

A dog’s anal glands are located on either side of the anus — roughly at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions if you imagine a clock face. They produce a special secretion used for marking territory, communicating with other dogs, and maintaining healthy skin flora.
When these glands become overfilled or inflamed, it causes significant discomfort, leading the dog to scoot across the floor. If too much secretion builds up, it can cause intense itching and even pain. Scooting, excessive licking of the rear end, or even attempts to bite at the area are clear signs of trouble. In such cases, you should visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for a thorough cleaning and examination.
Allergies and Irritants: When Everything Itches
Sometimes scooting isn't a reaction to an internal problem, but to an external irritation. Allergies to food, pollen, household chemicals, or even the plastic of food bowls can cause itching around the rear area. The body perceives this as a threat and triggers defense mechanisms — including behaviors that seem strange to us. A dog scoots its bottom because it’s trying to relieve the itching under its tail, having no other way to express its discomfort.
If you notice redness around your dog’s rear, excessive licking of the area, frequent scratching, or persistent scooting across the floor, it's time to re-evaluate their diet and surroundings. Try eliminating any suspicious items from their diet and switch to a special food labeled "hypoallergenic."
It’s also a good idea to temporarily remove carpets, change the shampoo, review the type of litter you’re using, and even replace the food and water bowls — sometimes allergens can hide in the most unexpected places.
Fur, Dirt, and Forgotten Mats
This issue is especially relevant for long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Spaniels.
Imagine petting your fluffy friend when suddenly they jump up and start scooting their bottom across the carpet. It turns out that a clump of fur or some dirt from a walk got stuck under their tail. For the dog, this isn't just uncomfortable — it’s a real cause of itching, irritation, and even potential inflammation.
Regular grooming, hygienic trimming, and cleaning after outdoor walks are simple steps that can help your furry companion avoid unnecessary stress.
Check under the tail area at least once every couple of days — it's not excessive.
Behavioral Reasons: Play, Attention, Habit

Sometimes, scooting is simply a learned action that once helped the dog relieve discomfort. Over time, it can stick as a way to seek attention or even become a playful habit.
This behavior often develops in dogs that once succeeded in getting a reaction — whether care, laughter, or play — from their owners by scooting. To break this cycle, offer an alternative: give your dog a toy, ask for a trick, or reward them with affection — and reinforce the new behavior with positive attention.

When to Rush to the Veterinarian

 To avoid missing a critical issue, here are the warning signs that require a prompt visit to the veterinarian:
• Blood, swelling, or redness around the anus: These could indicate inflammation, injury, or infection. If you notice any of these signs, especially along with pain or discomfort, don’t delay.

• Strong unpleasant odor: Especially a fishy or rotten smell, often accompanies inflamed anal glands. This signals an internal issue that needs veterinary attention.

• Aggression or yelping when touched: If the dog reacts aggressively or fearfully to touch near the rear end, it means they are in pain. Such behavior is never just a "mood" — it’s a cry for help.

• Loss of appetite and activity: A universal warning sign that something is wrong. When facing itching or pain, a dog might even refuse their favorite food.

• Frequent and repeated scooting several times a day: If this behavior happens systematically, the cause runs deeper than just playful behavior. Persistent scooting requires diagnosis and won’t resolve on its own.

If you notice even one of these symptoms, take your pet to a specialist immediately. Read more >