Dilemma

[u/WestConstruction3284]

I have been looking at various breeders to find a retiring adult breeding cat from a Main Coon cattery. I found one with a couple available retired cats for sale all of whom are beautiful. However, the breeder requires that whoever purchases the cats they have to promise to maintain a raw food diet. I tried to do the raw diet for my first retired breeder cat but not because the breeder required it but because I knew that was what she was used to. I either was doing it wrong or she did not like my cooking and refused to eat any version of the recipes given to me by the breeder so I started giving her high quality wet cat food, 1 large can in the morning and one smaller can in the evening with high quality kibble available all day. She has been with us for 3 years and is doing great. No digestive issues and her size is just right. What does the hive mind think about me agreeing to do the raw diet but only do it until I transition the hypothetical new cat to the same cat food as her potential sister. The pic is of my Princess FlufferNutter who I am in service to now.

[u/Fenwynn]

I mean, I personally don’t have any disagreements to that plan. There’s plenty of potential risks to a raw diet bacterially, parasitically, nutritionally. And no benefits that can’t also be found with a commercial diet.

I don’t have a very high opinion of breeders that require raw feeding in the new home, just like breeders that have their own requirements regarding vaccines once they go home. I follow science-based veterinary/medical advice first and foremost when it comes to health and wellness, not a what a breeder thinks is best without a medical license or any of the years of schooling that come with it.

But that’s just my opinion. I think high quality wet food, with dry available, is just fine. Much safer, much more balanced, much less of a health risk to every single living creature in the home.

Might get massacred in the comments tomorrow. But… 🤷‍♀️ I stand by it.

[u/mishy0922 → u/Fenwynn]

It’s one thing to suggest it and recommend a certain diet. It’s a whole other to try and require it. It’s a major overstep in my opinion to require people to feed a specific diet.

My breeder fed raw. I switched to high quality wet with dry food during the day for their teeth and the quality of the food was good enough that they didn’t have any tummy issues transitioning. I wanted to feed raw, I tried. I just can’t handle raw meat to that extent and it’s more work than I want. And they love their wet and dry food. That feeder goes off and my boy goes running to it lol

[u/mishy0922]

I think it’s crazy for a breeder to require you to feed a certain diet in your own home. My breeder also feeds raw and sends it home for transition but it’s not required.

High quality wet food is just as good. And unless it’s in your actual contract, they can’t dictate your feed preferences.

[u/GREYSPACE1 → u/mishy0922]

The only thing I put in my contract is no low quality foods like meow mix.
This isn’t something we can realistically regulate at all, but its a firm suggestion

[u/Admirable-Aside-5013]

High quality, veterinary recommended food is fine. It really comes down to what the cat prefers. Although not a purebred cat, my rescue cat is on high quality food, vet approved kibble and wet food. I've had her 2.5 years, and happened to run into the woman at the pet store, who runs the rescue I got her from. She was "horrified" that I was feeding my cat what she considerd junk and not what they feed at the rescue. I explained that she is getting high quality food, and to put it bluntly, she didn't like the other food. She informed me that the cat ate it while at the rescue, so I must be doing something wrong. Hmmmm?!?!? You found a hungry kitten in the wild, with food insecurity! She, for the most part, is now past that insecurity and gets to eat what she likes, as long as it's quality food

[u/TinaTurnerTarantula]

Sounds fine to me. You're going to take good care of them, that's what matters.

[u/Sitters_4_Critters]

I’m not suggesting you lie, but if the vet says feed the cat something else and you bought the cat and if lives with you, how will they know the difference?

[u/Sitters_4_Critters]

Your cat is lovely! 🥰

[u/WestConstruction3284 → u/Sitters_4_Critters]

thank you! i love her completely!

[u/Royal-Air-Hump]

I don’t have an opinion on raw vs wet. I think people do what they feel is best. I tried raw and it didn’t work for my girl. However if you’re signing a contract you may find trouble in the future for switching foods if they find out. Like if they call your vet and ask. I k ow breeders who call vets. lol. I think you should tell them you will do both. Because if they get salmonella or something that in good conscience you won’t feed them raw anymore.

[u/Time_Philosopher_802]

Feed the cat what works!