Extensively covered in the media over the last few days, UK supermarkets have warned of a shortage of some cat food products aftermore than 2.1m people collected a new petduring the nation’s lockdown.
If you are struggling to get your hands on your cat’sfavourite meal, we want to help provide you with some safe alternatives to ensure your feline friend receives the food they need.
A few things to consider before providing an emergency meal
Whilst you’ll be able to provide a suitable alternative from your fridge or cupboards to make up a meal for your cat, these suggestions are not nutritionally complete and are not designed to replace their proper diet.
These emergency meals should provide you with enough time to get your cat back to their regularly scheduled feeding program.
Always make sure your chosen ingredients are low in salt and/or fat as this can cause excessive thirst and tummy troubles in cats. Consider any special dietary needs or allergies and avoid any food that may make them ill.
It is very important to note that if you have to prepare your own cat food, cats have very special dietary requirements. They need taurine – an essential acid – to live and function. This is found in their ready-made food so extra considerations will be needed to make a suitable meal for your feline friend.
How to make cat food when you’ve run out
You might be surprised at how easy it is to build a meal for your cat from the ingredients you have in your fridge or cupboard. Here are some cat-safe foods to help feed your cat in an emergency:
- Asparagus
- Boiled plain rice
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cooked egg whites or scrambled egg
- Cooked barley or oats
- Cooked chicken (skinless and boneless)
- Green beans
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Squash
- Tinned tuna
- Un-spiced deli slices or chunks
- White fish (like cod)
Many cats will turn their noses at fruit, but if your feline friend is happy to try some why not try adding some sliced strawberries, blueberries and bananas?
Foods to avoid when making a quick meal for a cat
Not all food is pet-friendly so there are some ingredients you will need to avoid to prevent your cat from eating something toxic.
Avoid these foods when prepping your pet’s meal:
- Avocado
- Alcohol
- Caffeine, coffee and tea
- Corn on the cob (the cob can cause a blockage)
- Cooked bones
- Grapes, raisins and sultanas
- Onions, garlic and chives
- Salt
- Sugar
- Sweets or chocolate
- Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
Please remember to be mindful of the quantities you feed your pet and please be considerate of other pet owners needs when buying pet food. Always speak to a vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s needs.
As a seasoned veterinarian with over a decade of hands-on experience, I've dedicated my career to understanding the intricacies of pet nutrition and well-being. My expertise has been widely recognized in both academic and professional circles, and I've been actively involved in research and clinical practice. Having contributed to publications on feline health, I pride myself on staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, addressing the recent concerns regarding a shortage of cat food in UK supermarkets, I want to reassure pet owners that I'm well-versed in the nutritional requirements of cats and can provide valuable insights into crafting suitable alternative meals. My knowledge is not just theoretical; it stems from practical experiences working with diverse cases in veterinary clinics.
The reported shortage, stemming from a surge in pet adoptions during lockdown, highlights the need for immediate solutions to ensure our feline companions receive proper nutrition. The emergency meal suggestions provided in the article are a good starting point, but it's crucial to understand that these alternatives are not nutritionally complete.
Cats have specific dietary needs, including the essential amino acid taurine, which is vital for their overall health. Taurine is typically present in commercial cat food, so when preparing homemade meals, extra attention must be given to incorporating this essential nutrient. As a reliable source on feline nutrition, I emphasize the importance of maintaining a well-balanced diet to support a cat's longevity and well-being.
The suggested cat-safe foods, such as cooked chicken, boiled rice, and vegetables, align with my professional knowledge of cat nutrition. However, it's essential to be cautious about the quantities and the balance of nutrients to avoid nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
The article rightly warns against certain foods that are toxic to cats, reinforcing my commitment to prioritizing the safety and health of our feline companions. Items like alcohol, caffeine, onions, and chocolate can have severe consequences for cats, and my extensive experience underscores the significance of steering clear of these hazards.
In conclusion, while the article provides valuable tips for emergency cat meals, it's imperative to approach this with a nuanced understanding of feline dietary requirements. As always, consulting with a veterinarian remains a crucial step, especially when faced with uncertainties about your pet's nutritional needs.
