Natural Nutrition for Cats: The Path to Purr-fect Health    by Kymythy Schultze Order:  USA  Can Hay House, 2008 (2008) Paperback     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Given the recent major recall of toxic pet foods, many of us have been reassessing what we put in our beloved pets' food bowls. In Natural Nutrition for Cats, nutritionist/wildlife rehabilitator Kymythy Schultze tells us what goes into most commercial cat foods, discusses the lack of regulation in the industry, and explains what is a species-appropriate diet for cats. Her presentation of information and advice is interspersed with adorable (black and white) photos of furry felines, and by case studies of animals whose health has improved with a diet of raw, fresh foods. Schultze begins with what is - and is not - good health for cats, and then gets into species-appropriate nutrition. She explains that carbohydrates (which are loaded into commercial cat food kibbles and cans via often questionable grains) are not good for these small carnivores - they're not needed in their diets and actually do harm. And it's a common practice to use 'damaged and diseased parts' of animal meat that's not considered fit for human consumption in pet foods - increasing pets' chances of 'getting cancer and other degenerative diseases'. The artificial preservatives - many of which are not well metabolized by cats - don't help either. Schultze also discusses why cooked foods - processed pet-food products are 'subjected to very high temperatures' - are bad for cats. What can we do about it? The author offers recipes for a healthy diet for cats, made from readily available ingredients - 'a simple combination of raw meat (muscle and organ), bone, and a few supplements' She suggests chicken necks as one way of feeding bone and goes into sources for all the ingredients. She offers ideas for 'Making the switch' and lists foods (like chocolate and dairy products) to avoid giving cats. If you're at all concerned about the pet-food industry and the quality of its products, then Kymythy Schultze's Natural Nutrition for Cats is well worth your time and consideration. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews