Hey everyone!

So I'm looking to get my first cat- probably within the next year and am a big believer in "assume you know nothing,"  when it comes to new types of animals. I found this site while trying to learn more about the cost of ground raw food and I am learning a lot. Originally I learned about the raw food diet from Jackson Galaxy, it's crazy how the raw food diet is money-wise on par with high-end dry foods and low-end canned foods and yet such a better option. Don't think I can feed my cats dry foods in good conscience.
 If anyone can point me to an article of good substitute foods to take place of the supplements, it'd be really appreciated. I heard that canned non-marinated anchovies were a good and cheaper way to supplement Omega 3's instead of the gel capsules. Bones for phosphorus and calcium of course, but the various other additives I haven't found any healthy and cheaper options. Which everything I do will be very budgeted and probably DIY to keep the monthly and total costs as low down as possible while still being able to "catify" my place.  

Oh and if anyone has a good way to "cat-proof" an aquarium- that'd be great. 

I don't know about the first part but the aquarium I can help with.

Without knowing the current set up. You need it in a position where it can not be pushed over. If it is small enough to push make sure there is a slight lip to the shelf so it can't be pushed off. Cats will lay on the top given the chance so make sure it has a sturdy top that can hold at least 20 pounds of weight and no openings large enough to squeeze through (if their whiskers fit, they fit) plus some sort of latch or recess so it can't be pushed off. While cats shouldn't eat fish food it won't hurt them to lick some spilled flakes from time to time. 

My fish tank is away from any shelves so the cats can only enjoy the fish from ground level. I have one of the three who absolutely loves staring at the fish so we occasionally move a chair over for her to watch from. 

Haha, yeah I have a larger one. It's 75-gallons with it's own stand and it's set up for turtles, which definitely means I need to keep the cat from being able to move the warm and inviting lights. The entire thing is a touch over 4ft tall. One half has the typical folding glass lid with 1/2" of space on two sides. Do you think 1/4 inch plywood in a 24"x18" area would be able to hold 20lbs? 1/4" would be flush with the top, from there it would probably be a simple task to paint, seal, add hinges and holes for filtration, vents and lights. 

We have a forum on raw and home-cooked foods here:  http://www.thecatsite.com/f/65/raw-home-cooked-cat-food  

You can get lots of information there.  

Welcome!      

Twichl said:

Haha, yeah I have a larger one. It's 75-gallons with it's own stand and it's set up for turtles, which definitely means I need to keep the cat from being able to move the warm and inviting lights. The entire thing is a touch over 4ft tall. One half has the typical folding glass lid with 1/2" of space on two sides. Do you think 1/4 inch plywood in a 24"x18" area would be able to hold 20lbs? 1/4" would be flush with the top, from there it would probably be a simple task to paint, seal, add hinges and holes for filtration, vents and lights. 

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Sounds like it would work. With turtles there will likely be less fascination unless you feed live fish. My cats are afraid of our 3 toed box tutle who lives in the backyard. A moving rock with eyes just isn't right. Shes a 25 year old turtle who has seen enough that she just cares about the cats if they are in her way to food.

Hello Twichi, welcome to TCS

Glad that you are in the line of getting a kitty and you are in the right place for questions. It is good that you are doing your homework before you plunge your two feet into the Feline world. This will prepare you well when your kitty comes.

Don't forget to check out the relevant forum pages regarding your questions. You'll get lots of informations there and also many good reads under the Articles section.

And do remember to post photos of your kitty once you get it