I've already shared my opinion on this topic, but in recognition of the many various opinions that exist surrounding the issues of safe and healthy nutrition for cats, especially as concerns pork and lamb, here are some quotes I have gleaned from various sources that claim to be more authoritative that I am: (notice that quote number 3 indicates that my feeding method of choice, which involves raw meat, is unacceptable!)
1 from
http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/bpo_ch2a.php
"Precautions to avoid parasite contraction:
- Never feed pork
- If you consider them to be a risk, avoid game meats
- To destroy parasites keep your cat's food frozen below -150C for at least 20 days"
and
http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition//bpo_ch7.php
"The following may give you an idea what meats may be used for your cat's meals. We have tried most of them and all have been received very well by our cats. They include: rabbit, venison, lamb, mutton, goat, muskox, elk, moose, caribou, chicken, turkey, pheasant, duck, buffalo, and beef.
Pork is not suitable and its use not advised. It can not be fed raw because pigs may carry many disease causing pathogens...including Trichinella and the virus that causes Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease)" (Emphasis in the original - not mine)
2 from
http://www.sunnews.com/news/pets/cc/pets052302.htm
"Critter Corner" By CAROLYN STEIGMAN, May 23, 2002
"Milk and pork can cause diarrhea in some cats and are best avoided."
3 from
http://www.valleyhumane.org/know/cathealth/index11.cfm
"Uncooked beef, poultry and fish; pork, horsemeat, raw egg whites; fish, pork and chicken bones can all be dangerous to cats. An occasional beef or lamb bone may be greatly enjoyed."
4 from the book, "The New Natural Cat" by Anitra Frazier (1990)
"Ham and pork contain fat globules so large that they clog the cat's blood vessels." (p. 52)
5 from
http://www.omnimaxx.com/~incareofcats/catcare.htm
"Never give a cat bones and make sure all pork and fish is well cooked."
Here's the bottom line as I see it:
Our best bet as owners is to simply educate ourselves as to the potential risks involved in what we choose to feed our cats (much as we do when we choose to eat something ourselves that is considered unhealthy for humans), so that we may take precautions and make choices that will allow for the overall flourishing and health of our animals. It isn't always an easy thing to do, but I am always thrilled when people are willing to even give the issue of pet diet a second thought.