Discussion Forums
last updated: November 12, 2001
Nutrition, Raw Feeding, Homemade Foods
CatNutrition
The Cat Nutrition list is an open forum to help people learn how to feed a balanced, natural diet,
and to care for their cats holistically. We discuss everything from natural treats to whole food
therapy. Both practical and scientifically sound information are welcome. Though some concepts
here are adapted from Wendy Volhard's approach to a natural diet for dogs, many other methods
are also discussed. The list owner welcomes all comers - pet cat owners, pedigreed cat breeders,
rescue workers, professionals, noncat owners and all.RawCats
The list owner describes the forum as follows: "This list is intended to help cat owners
start a healthier, natural raw diet for their felines. It's easy, inexpensive, and the benefits
are tremendous. Join us and find out how your cat can become the kitten he/she once
was, or grow your kitten up on a diet that Mother Nature would approve of."
The forum has currently approx. 450 members and is quite active though there are
times where not much is going on. If you browse the archive you might find alot
of useful information from former discussions.CatBARF
The list owner describes the forum as follows: "This list is intended to help those of
us trying to convince our kitties that a BARF (Bones And Raw Food or Biologically
Appropriate Raw Food) diet is better for them. Since cats are notoriously hard to get
to eat BARF, we need to have a place where we can offer support and tips for each other."
There are currently approx. 250 members and postings to the list are rather infrequent.GrainFreePets
The list owner describes the forum as follows: "This list is for people who feed or are
interested in the pro's and cons of feeding a grain free diet to dogs and cats. Discussion
of curing health problems by removing grains as well as feeding a grain free diet for
daily maintinence is welcome. The topic of feeding grains can be a heated issue for some people.
The list welcomes reasoned discussion but will not tolerate flaming and diet
bashing." Currently 120 members. Not active at the moment, last post dates back to the
beginning of January.naturalCATS
List owner describes the forum as follows: "A place to discuss the raw food diet and the basic
health of our feline friends on natural diets." Currently 68 Members. Not active at the moment.naturaldiet
List owner describes forum as follows: "Welcoming owners and breeders of pets that are
either on a natural diet or for those wishing to try a natural diet. An open forum where
discussions of diet and experiences are exchanged. No flaming will be tolerated. All ideas and thoughts
are welcomed."
Currently 173 Members, not very active.naturallypet
List owner's description: "For people who are interested feeding raw food
diet, such as BARF to their pets. The discussions on this list include; diets,
alternative medicines." 476 Members, averages about 200 posts per month.rawdiet
List owner's description: "The original raw-feeding e-mail list(Started Sept 27, 1998)!
Rawdiet is for anyone who feeds their animals a raw-food diet (such as BARF,
Billinghurst, Volhard, Pitcairn, Levy, etc) or people intersted in learning about feeding this way.
Focussed mainly on dogs, but cats as well as any other animal (furred, feathered,
scaled or finned) are welcome!" Currently 875 members which are quite active.
If you join, you are expected to receive 400-500 mails per month!BARF at smartgroups
List owner's description: "This is a list for dog and cat lovers who either already feed BARF,
or want to learn more about the BARF diet. BARF - Bones and Raw Food. The BARF list
is a community and we treasure the non-flaming approach on the list. We have lots of
great discussions, share our stories, and develop great relationships between
ourselves. Topics for discussion include (but not limited to) diet, breeding, whelping,
puppies, aged dogs, your stories, etc. This will be appropriate for those who have read
Billinghurst, Pitcairn, Levy, Shulze, or those who just want to know the facts. We also aim
to find and discuss reports that have been done giving empirical evidence on the goodness of
BARF particularly when compared with commerical animal foods. The list archives are well
worth looking at to learn more. You'll find the discussion informative, and we pride ourselves
on our learning environment and friendliness. It is advised you join the list in digest form to
start with. 1294 Members. Extremely active.CatBARFBreeder at smartgroups
This list is a support group for breeders feeding a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods/Bones and Raw Food) diet to their cats. Topics relevant to this list include issues specifically related to feeding a raw foods diet and breeding including: feeding the tom and queen, feeding the queen in kitten and weaning kittens
onto a BARF diet. This list encourages the friendly exchange of information and experiences between its members. Members however, are also expected to do their own research, reading and preparation and not, for example, rely on the list for total step-by-step advice with a new litter. This list is not meant to replace a professional veterinary opinion, only supplement it with additional knowledge for the cat breeder.
Please take the time to read the list rules before joining. Your subscription to this list implies acceptance of these rules. New members may find themselves moderated for a reasonable period to ensure the friendly atmosphere is maintained. Very low volumeNaturalBreeder at smartgroups
Welcome to NaturalBreeder. This list is a support group for breeders who want to raise their litters using the concepts of Natural Rearing. This list encourages the friendly exchange of information and experiences between its members. Members
however, are also expected to do their own research, reading and preparation and not, for example, rely on the list for total step-by-step advice with a new litter.
55 Members, low volume
Alternative Healthcare for Pets (sometimes incl. nutrition), Homeopathy
Wellpet
List owner's description: "Wellpet List is a gathering of pet owners from all walks of
life who own primarily dogs and cats, but also birds and ferrets, goats and llamas and
horses. What do we all have in common? A desire to gain or share information on alternative
approaches to the well-being of pets. Discussion on the list centers on issues of
health and nutrition, with dashes of information on related topics. No topic is
strictly off-topic, however, due to the large membership, things can spiral out of
control when an incendiary topic is brought up. The list often seems more like an
extended family...we grieve when a member loses a beloved companion and rejoice
when another pet's health improves. We reach out to the list when a pet is lost,
when a pet needs to be rehomed and when a pet has special needs." 1450 Members.Holisticat
List owner's description: "Topics discussed on the list include:
The quality (or lack thereof) of commercial cat food How to feed a balanced homemade
diet, whether cooked or raw The use of herbs, homeopathy, and other "alternative" healing
techniques."
The most useful information having been exchanged on the list are collected in an archive
sorted by topics. Very useful!
HolisticPet
List owner's description: "On this list we discuss all aspects of holistic pet treatments. We
discuss any and all alternative treatments, pros and cons. The list is for cat and dog lovers,
or any animal for that matter. We welcom breeders, vets, and anyone who wants to join.
Be forewarned that there is a No Flame Policy on this list. Keep that in mind and we can
have a fun, informative time! :)"
Currently 456 Members that are quite active.Natural Feline Husbandry NFH
List owner's description: "We are a friendly, no flame group. We discuss all aspects of the
care and raising of cats with a more natural approach. Many topics including herbs,
homeopathy, Flower Essences, Reiki, genetics, feline behavior, etc., etc....."
List owner: Dee Richards. delaural@home.com. Currently approx. 211 members, has
been quite active in the past but was almost silent in February.Pets4Homeopathy
A place for sharing information and stories of healing with homeopathy and all
alternative healing modalities with our pets. 105 Members, very activepurelypets
List owner's description: "Purely Pets consists of a group of individuals wanting to learn about alternative
methods for dealing with health problems. Holistic remedies will be discussed and
how they help certain ailments such as epilepsy, cancer, arthritis, diabetes,
allergies, worms, fleas, skin ailments and much more! Our on staff nutritionist will
help you answer questions about your pet's health." Currently 70 members, low volume.CATWELL
List owner's description: "CATWELL is the place to discuss cat wellness, as in
FELINE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH. Anything that might help
cats live longer healthier lives is good here. For example: Conventional and alternative
health, homeopathy, naturopathy, fitness, nutrition, and anything which promotes health
and wellbeing for cats. Please stay on topic, and address the issues and not the people
writing about the issues. No advertising please, with the one exception that CAT-related web
addresses may be posted, one per email, with a 2-liner to say why you want list
folks to see that address. This policy allows even controversial discussions to take
place without flames. Be SURE to change the subject line as appropriate so
people can choose what to read or delete!"
Currently approx. 400 members and the list is quite active.Good list to discuss feline stories,
exchange cat pictures, share emotions about felines and discuss homeopathy. However, beware
of any "nutritional advise" that is being distributed by the list owner, some might be
downright dangerous! If you want to get decent information about feline nutrition, check one
of the forums in the first section, Holisticat might be an option, too. Also note, that
list owner is the "authority", don't ever dare to take over <g>.
