[FEL-L] Panthera feed rations

[Tim Stoffel]

On Thu, 2006-10-05 at 11:22 -0700, Prometheus Horse wrote:
> Hio there
>  
> Just curious, but I've heard talk about pork being bad for big cats.
> Others swear by poultry and beef.... others say processed meatlogs.
> What I'd like to know is what you all think about a mix of meatlog and
> dog kibble for crunchy factor.
>  
> Tim Fuller

Tim,
    Here's some notes on my experience. I am not an expert. Your mileage
may vary.
    I know some of our smaller cats do not like the 'meatlog' type
product without some kibble in it. The big cats don't care, they eat it
as-is. (We use Nebraska brand.) Some people say their cats love pork.
Lions, I know, are fond of wild pork (warthog). Beef is good, so is
venison or goat. Some, but not all cats like lamb or mutton. Poultry is
good for a supplement, a treat, or a change of pace. But, poultry should
not be used as the main food for big cats. We have had problems doing
this, and so have others. And this is even with supplementation. One
good thing about poultry though, is it is a good source of calcium, as
most cats crunch up the bones with the meat.
    All cats should get meat with bones from time to time, if being fed
'meatlog'. If you fast your cats regularly, which many keepers do, large
bones on fast days are very much appreciated.
    Of course, the very best thing for any cat is an intact dead animal
of appropriate size!

Good luck!
Tim Stoffel