Zakk’s “Must Have” Cat Supplies
Zakk’s Stuff
On this page, I’ll discuss all the cat supplies I’ve purchased to help maintain Zakk’s health. After adopting a cat with feline leukemia (FeLV), I realized that I needed to learn how to best care for him and keep him as happy and healthy as possible.
I did a lot of research and reading to learn about FeLV and what the best options were to provide Zakk a high quality of life. Although some of these cat supplies indirectly benefit Zakk, all are items I believed to be necessary to support a healthy lifestyle for him.
I’ve tested numerous items, and I’m excited to share the ones we’re actively using and why I made the investment in each one. Additionally, I’ll discuss former models and explain why I made the switch to newer ones.
Essential Cat Supplies for Zakk | Why You Need |
|---|---|
| Water Fountain | Maintains proper hydration |
| Meat Grinder | Prepping food safely |
| Freezer Safe Containers | To store food & avoid spoilage/freezer burn |
| Chest Freezer | For storing bulk batches of food |
| Litter Box & Pellets | No harmful dust or chemicals & less expensive |
Table of Contents
Disclosure: I receive a commission for purchases made by clicking on links in this article, without an additional cost to you.
Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
Cats often prefer flowing water for several reasons, and providing them access to it can be beneficial for their health and well-being. I have noticed Zakk drinks a lot more water since I switched him over to a cat water fountain compared to a bowl with still water in it.
Why to Buy Your Cat a Water Fountain
- Instinctual Behavior: In the wild, cats are naturally attracted to moving water sources because stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Flowing water is often seen as fresher and safer.
- Hydration: Cats may not drink enough water if it’s stagnant, and dehydration can lead to various health issues. Flowing water tends to be more appealing to cats, encouraging them to drink more and stay better hydrated.
- Temperature Preference: Cats often prefer cooler water, and flowing water can be slightly cooler than water that has been sitting in a bowl. This may make it more enticing for cats, especially in warmer climates.
- Entertainment and Engagement: The movement of water can captivate a cat’s attention and stimulate their natural curiosity. Having access to flowing water can provide mental stimulation and enrichment, preventing boredom.
- Urinary Health: Increased water intake can help prevent urinary tract issues in cats. Many cats are prone to problems like urinary crystals or stones, and maintaining proper hydration is crucial for urinary tract health.
Meat Grinder for Raw Cat Food
When I first decided to feed Zakk a homemade raw diet, I aimed for the best and purchased the most expensive meat grinder available. However, I quickly realized it lacked certain functionalities. Consequently, I bought a second, less expensive meat grinder that I’ve had for years and which works much better for my needs.
I have a 1856 Redhead meat grinder but I don’t believe this model is available any longer. If I were to buy a new meat grinder today, here are the things I would consider in selecting one.
Considerations for Choosing a Meat Grinder to Make Raw Cat Food
- Power – Look for a grinder with at least 3/4 horsepower. More power will allow you to grind meat faster and more efficiently. You also want to be sure it can grind bones.
- Motor – Go for a grinder with a heavy duty, all-metal motor and gear drive. This will provide durability.
- Size – Consider the batch size you plan to grind. Larger capacity grinders can handle more meat per pass.
- Grinding plates – Grinders come with plates with different sized holes for coarse or fine grinds. Make sure it has the plate sizes you need.
- Construction – Look for sturdy construction, preferably metal rather than plastic. Stainless steel resists corrosion.
- Ease of use – Look for a grinder that is easy to assemble, operate and clean. Some have reverse functions to clear jams.
- Safety features – Make sure it has a circuit breaker to prevent overloading and secure clamping to hold meat safely.
- Brand reputation – Stick to reputable brands known for quality and durability. Do your research on reviews.
There is a Weston meat grinder which looks comparable to the one I use to make Zakk’s food. It has a lot of the same features and the motor is even a little more powerful than the 3/4 HP grinder I having been using the past several years.
Freezer Safe Containers
I know this may seem like a minor item, but I use a lot of containers when I make a batch of raw cat food. You want to store the cat food in smaller containers that would be appropriate for feeding a cat. The containers can be re-used many times, so this isn’t something I have to buy each time I make cat food. I use the 4 ounce containers. I have also learned which type of containers work the best.
Preferred Freezer Safe Cat Food Storage Containers
My preferred freezer container is the Ziploc Twist ‘n Loc Mini containers because the screw on tops are more secure than the snap on tops, they are freezer safe, reusable and stackable.
Once, I used snap on lids and slightly overfilled the containers. After placing them in the freezer, the lids popped off about 40 containers, causing the food to get freezer burn. Fortunately, I didn’t have to throw away the entire batch, but it was a significant portion of the food I had prepared for Zakk.
Backup Choice Freezer Safe Cat Food Storage Containers
If I can’t find the Ziploc brand, my second choice is Twist and Store Round Food Storage Container – 6ct/4 fluid oz – up & up which is a Target brand.
Choosing Another Brand Cat Food Container
You don’t have to use these brands, but I have found the above brands work best. If you do go with another brand I suggest you choose ones based on the following:
- Screw on top (not the snap on tops)
- Freezer safe
- Reusable
- Stackable
- Mini/Small size – I use 4oz containers for feeding one cat. I find it’s best to stick with smaller sizes because you should only take out what’s needed from the freezer each day. By doing this, your cat receives fresh food without the risk of spoilage from defrosting too much at once.
Chest Freezer to Store Raw Cat Food
Investing in a quality chest freezer will ensure homemade cat food stays fresh and frozen for maximum nutrient retention. Proper storage is key for raw diets. If you are planning on making bulk batches of food, you will definitely need a stand-alone freezer.
Here are some tips for selecting a chest freezer to store homemade raw cat food:
- Size – Calculate the amount of food you need to store at one time based on your cat’s daily intake and how often you prepare batches. Get a freezer that holds at least 1.5x your storage needs.
- Type – Look for a deep chest freezer rather than an upright. Chest freezers are more energy efficient, have less temperature fluctuations, and minimize air exposure when opening.
- Temperature – Choose a freezer that can consistently hold a temperature of 0°F or below. This prevents food from spoiling. Get one with temperature controls.
- Power rating – Select an energy efficient model.
- Material – Seek out freezers made of durable steel or aluminum rather than plastic. This extends the freezer’s lifespan.
- Placement – Put the freezer in a well-ventilated area, not a hot garage or direct sunlight. Allow adequate space around the unit for air circulation.
- Defrosting – Manual defrost models are ideal since automatic defrosting can briefly raise temperatures. Plan to defrost regularly for peak efficiency.
Large Litter Box
I wanted to included information on the litter box setup I use for Zakk. While researching ways to improve his health, I came across a more natural and healthy cat litter option. I realized that most traditional cat litter contains chemicals and dust that are unhealthy for cats and humans to inhale.
I discovered a litter box setup that uses pelletized pine horse bedding from Tractor Supply instead of clay or silica litter. Once you get the right litter box, this setup dramatically reduces the cost of cat litter.
Pine Pellets as Litter
I fill the box with pine pellets (don’t use the pellets that come with the box) and place a pee pad in the litter tray underneath. I double up on the pee pad as an added precaution, but when I change it if the bottom one isn’t wet, I move it to the top, and put the new one under it.
When the cat pees on the pellets, the urine causes them to turn into sawdust that falls through holes in the litter box onto the absorbent pad. I normally will move the pellets around to get the dust to fall through giving Zakk a fresh litter box. I scoop the poop as normal. I use a litter genie but it is more for convenience and is not a must-have item.
Why Switch from Traditional Cat Litter
- Pine pellets are 100% natural & dust-free
- Odor-resistant & neutralizes smell
- 40lb bag cost significantly less than cat litter (currently $6.99 in my area) & lasts a lot longer
The litter box comes with a plastic scoop that has slots perfect for scooping out poop while allowing excess pellets to fall back into the box. However, I recommend investing in a more heavy-duty cat litter scoop to easily move the pellets around after your cat pees.
Shifting the pellets helps the urine-soaked sawdust filter through the litter box holes onto the absorbent pad below. A sturdy metal scoop makes this process much simpler compared to the lightweight plastic scoop included with the litter box kit.