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The author, Miles Mathis, offers advice on cat care, emphasizing that cats need more than just basic food and hugs. A core recommendation is to never feed cats kibble or dry food, as it leads to dehydration and kidney damage due to their natural low water intake. He learned this after his own cat experienced health problems that resolved upon switching to wet food. Mathis argues that real meat is often cheaper than commercial cat food, suggesting feeding cats inexpensive cuts of raw chicken (like drumsticks or necks), warmed to body temperature. He advises against cooking the meat, as it can make bones splinter dangerously. He also notes that slightly older or “stinky” meat is acceptable to cats. For wet food, he recommends brands like Organix, Wellness, and I-and-Love-and-You, avoiding those with grains or fillers. He suggests adding organ meats like livers and hearts in moderation and using ground organic pumpkin seeds for intestinal worms. Natural remedies for fleas/mites include cider vinegar mixed with oil applied to the outer ear and neck, and cedar chips for bedding.
Mathis strongly advises against vaccination and neutering, viewing them as scams and barbaric respectively. He believes intact animals are natural and that populations are managed by predators in rural areas. He criticizes the early neutering recommended by vets and shelters, stating it hinders proper development and can lead to future health issues. He suggests waiting until at least eight months for neutering. For injuries, he recommends hydrogen peroxide and salt-water rinses.
He also advocates for a “leave it alone” approach to yards, suggesting not raking leaves to benefit soil, earthworms, and wildlife, which in turn provides natural hunting opportunities for cats. He shares his experience in Taos, New Mexico, where he successfully kept intact cats and gave away kittens without issue, noting that cities present different challenges. He criticizes modern Americans for over-managing nature.
He dismisses the idea that animals shouldn’t sleep with owners, finding their purring beneficial and their spit medicinal. He notes that intact males can be territorial and may require separation. He also advises against brushing cat teeth, relying on their meat-only diet, and suggests caution with fish due to heavy metal content. He advocates for letting cats keep their claws, redirecting them from furniture with vocal commands and occasional swatting. He believes cats are tougher than humans perceive. He concludes by describing the ease of raising kittens with the mother’s help and the rewarding bond formed with them, even sharing his experience of reviving kittens.
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