From its origin, The cat has always looked for a way to hunt its prey as quickly as possible. in order to be able to feed themselves. But, since the creation of the cat foodIn the middle of the last century, there is no longer any need to catch an animal, since it has its food at home.
However, Can you give him homemade food?
Nowadays, pet food is a business. Pet food is very practical and convenient for us, since we just have to open the bag and serve it. But if we consider that the cats we have at home have been hunting for about 150 years and that pet food appeared less than a century ago, It is necessary to rethink several things regarding this issueIt is important to differentiate between complete foods (they cover all the daily nutrients on their own) and complementary foods (only as an add-on or prize). In any modality you choose, the goal is to guarantee a complete and safe diet.
Is it dangerous to give him homemade food?
It depends on the freshness, handling and storageThe meat that should be fed to animals must come from the same place where we buy the meat we consume. It undergoes inspections to ensure it can be safely consumed once cooked, so if it's cooked and stored correctly, the cat's health will not be compromised.
Key Precautions: Keep the Cold chain, keep in refrigerator no more than 24-48 hours After cooking, freeze in portions if preparing a large amount and avoid cross-contamination. Raw foods can carry Salmonella, E. coli or Campylobacter; cooking reduces this risk and improves digestibility of some components.
- Wash your hands well and clean boards, knives and countertops with hot, soapy water.
- Defrost in the refrigerator, never at room temperature; place juices in sealed containers.
- Check the packaging If you buy prepared raw food: look for tears, dents, or discoloration and confirm whether it is a complete or complementary food.
When can you start giving it?
When you want  The furry one will begin to have teeth strong enough to nibble at around 1 month of age, so at this age he can be given small pieces of finely ground meat. make one gradual transition mixing part of their regular food with homemade food and gradually increasing it. For kittens, pregnant, nursing, or seniors, adjust rations and nutrients with the help of your veterinarian.
What can you eat?
You can eat all kinds of meat, but without skin.. Bones can splinter and the skin adds unnecessary fat. Poultry (chicken, turkey, quail) is often the most accepted. If you use pork, always cook it thoroughly to avoid risks such as Aujeszky's virus. With fish, choose fresh or frozen always cooked and boneless; preserves in vegetable oil or natural can be used occasionally due to its salt content.
It can also be given well-cooked eggs (scrambled or hard) and small amounts of fruits/vegetables To vary the texture: pumpkin, peas, green beans, carrots, cooked lettuce, broccoli, apple, pear, or watermelon. Avoid citrus fruits such as oranges, which can be unpleasant. In homemade diets, include a specific vitamin-mineral supplement for cats (including taurine) following veterinary advice. Do not add shawl and adjust the texture to your preference (pate or pieces).
- Basic menu with rice: about 70-80g of well-cooked and drained rice, 3-4 teaspoons of vegetable oil and topping; add 140-160g of chicken breast cooked with 1 egg, or 170-190g of salmon cooked with 1 egg.
- Basic menu with vegetables: about 50g of cooked vegetables (peas, beans, carrots, finely chopped lettuce, or broccoli) and 1 teaspoon of oil; complete with 170-190g of turkey or 210-230g of lean beef cooked with half an egg; cooked oily/white fish, or occasionally canned fish in oil or plain, are also fine.
- Extra flavor Optional: a little crushed cooked clam, some cooked chicken heart or a piece of surimi, always within a balanced portion.
- Special recipe: cooked lamb (possibly a mix of lean with liver, kidney or heart), soft vegetables/fruits, some rice, a touch of clams and a specific supplement.
How to cook and preserve: Oven, griddle, boiling, microwave, pressure cooker, or air fryer all work well. Store in sealed containers in the refrigerator. 3-4 days at most; reheat gently and add some water If you want more juiciness, freeze in portions for better organization.
And why not?
There are foods that can be harmful, such as:
- Chocolate
- Onion and garlic
- Grains
- Other Cured Products
- Sugary foods
Add to the list of prohibited or discouraged: grapes and raisins, avocado, nuts, Sweeteners (xylitol), alcohol, caffeine, dairy if they make you feel bad and bones o leatherAvoid excess salt and sauces. Grains aren't necessary in large quantities for a strict carnivore.
BARF and raw food: pros, cons, and safe alternatives
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diets seek to mimic what a feline would eat in the wild. However, you don't need to eat To be well nourished: cooking reduces pathogens and provides some nutrients, although it may decrease certain vitamins that commercial complete products usually supplementIf you buy raw prepared, check the label to see if it is catalogue (basis of the diet) or complementary (prizes only).
Transition, organization and special cases
To switch to homemade food, mix at the beginning a quarter of the new ration with their usual food and gradually increases over several days or weeks. Also adjust the texture and the aroma (a splash of unsalted broth can help).
If your cat has and food or diagnosed allergies, may require single-protein menus or very specific combinations; sometimes, only cooking at home can achieve the right formula. Plan purchases and cook in batches to optimize time and audiovisual, and decide how you will organize your vacation (informed caregiver or frozen meals).
Remember Cats prefer birds often in front of fish; rotate sources of protein, vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiencies, and consult your veterinarian for a custom plan.
By feeding your cat homemade food, you'll help protect their health.  If you choose quality ingredients, cook hygienically, supplement properly, and store portions well, your feline will enjoy tasty and balanced recipes. The key is variety, quality control, and professional support when needed.
