Caring for Cats
The semi-domesticated, obligate carnivores sharing our homes.
We love all things cat at The Happy Beast, and feel very strongly that cats should be given the specialized care and attention that they deserve. Read on to learn more about our approach to cat nutrition, and our goal of seeing that every cat eats well, plays hard, and lives wild.
Our Zero Kibble Commitment
We only provide biologically-appropriate food and treats, which means we do not sell any kibble for cats! All kibble, regardless of whether it is grain-free or grain-based, is equally inappropriate for cats because of the high amount of carbohydrates. As we’ve written about for years in our Cat Health blog posts, we feel very strongly that cats need a diet high in moisture, rich in protein, and free from carbohydrates.
Stop by The Happy Beast in Lafayette, CO for a cat diet consultation, or shop online at Wild Nosh Pets, our sister company, which offers a variety of biologically-appropriate, meat-only treats and chews for cats.
Still Wild – Cats are Obligate Carnivores
Unlike dogs, who were developed to fulfill certain duties like hunting, guarding, or herding through the process of selective breeding, it’s thought that cats domesticated themselves through natural selection. That process of natural selection allowed them to learn to tolerate humans in order to exploit food sources found near human settlements (rodents and meat scraps).
While there are approximately 400 breeds of dogs that are continuously modified and selected for specific traits, 97% of cats are randomly-bred house cats that select their own mate; free from human interference. This has resulted in today’s modern cats sharing almost the identical physiology of the African Wildcats from which they are descended.
Due to their “still wild” physiology as obligate carnivores, it’s especially critical for our cat companions to eat a species-appropriate, meat-based diet, and get plenty of stimulating exercise.
Helping Indoor Cats Stay Wild
Cats are meant for hunting and exploring.
For indoor cats, it is especially important to enrich their environment. Enrichment can be anything from toys that give them the opportunity to chase and jump (Go Cat Da Bird) to chews meant to satisfy their natural instinct to rip through fur, flesh, tendon, and bone. We often think of chewing as a dog activity, but it is equally important for your cat to chew on such things as chicken necks and rabbit ears. You can browse the Cat Collection of treats and chews at Beast Feast for more ideas and examples.
For cat companions who have the space and budget, we also encourage investing in a catio or harness training. Catios and harness training are a wonderful way to allow your cat to safely enjoy the benefits of the outdoors and engage in the sights, sounds, and smells of their environment.