PET FOOD PONDERING

This morning I found the mostly black-long-haired-domestic family cat, in the hall supplementing her more than adequate diet with freshly caught animal protein.

The smaller,short-haired-tortoiseshell family cat looked on, feigning indifference but beautifully balanced to pounce should a thieving opportunity arise.

I'm not concerned about other peoples' cat prejudices; nor am I concerned about the safety of local garden birds. They have other predators and the two family cats show no interest in their existence.

Only the loopy, black and white, Springer Spaniel concerns himself with their well-being. He has been known to catch the odd pigeon, bless him, I just wish he was more active on that front when my peas are planted or my red currants ripening.

But back to the Cat and the Mouse and pet food.

Why don't the pet food manufacturers sell 'organic mouse meat' cat food? Why are there no 'vole flavoured' cat biscuits or 'goldfish' mini-treats?

How many cats, even in their most feral state, eat turkey or chicken? Has your moggy ever caught a salmon or, even more unlikely, a tuna? And as for beef - really? Yet this is the stuff we're sold in small tins, large tins, packets and pouches; in gravy, in jelly, in succulent pieces? When will that rabbit turn up in a delicate, white wine sauce?

Cats! Why isn't the food 'Sumptuous Sparrow in Sauce', 'Great Tit Tasty Bit', 'Wren Surprise' or 'Yummy Mouse'?

I'm not advocating the capture, breeding or incorporation of domesticated or wild birds, fish and rodents into the production line, but I can't help wondering...

Dogs seem to eat anything and everything that men do, (for 'men' substitute 'humans'). After all, dogs are all descendants of wolves and their teeth are those of carnivores. They hunt, catch and eat meat. As our closest animal companions for hundreds of thousands of years, I can understand the meaty content of the food products on offer, but vegetarian dog food, cheese and doggy chocolate do puzzle me.

Worse than cheese or chocolate though is the vegetarian option. Has your pup/full grown mastiff, terrier, collie,  foxhound ever grabbed a cabbage by the stalk and enjoyed a good munch? Does Rover relish radishes, Bonzo gorge on beetroot or Paddy go bananas every time you peel potatoes or pick peppers?

Whatever they're eating, most pets seem to thrive so I'll be paying silly amounts to keep the pussies placid and the loopy dog loopy, maintaining insurance payments, keeping vet's fees to a minimum and generally make sure their needs are met.

Fortunately, fresh mouse is not scarce in this area, so should  beef, tuna, salmon and chicken become unavailable there is an option out there!

It does puzzle me though - why isn't there a mouse-flavoured cat food on the market - is someone missing a business opportunity here?

carolemarsh12@gmail.com