Feather
We're not talking parakeets and cockatoos here. We're also not going to discuss robins, chickadees, sparrows, and other wild birds, although your crafty feline hunter might like to. Keep your feathered friends well guarded from your furry feline friends, and instead hand out liberal rations of Chicken Salad, Turkey Surprise, and the other bird-based recipes in this chapter. A happy, harmonious household shall reign forevermore.
It is of the utmost importance that you remove all bones from poultry meat before serving it to your cat. Chicken bones (and those of other poultry meats) tend to be thin and fragile; they splinter when chewed and, if swallowed, can cause internal bleeding and other damage. Knowing the persistence of a cat that smells chicken, I recommend that you bag up the chicken bones immediately upon removing them and dispose of them, outdoors, in a sturdy, raccoon-proof (and thus cat-proof) garbage can. In addition, never leave chicken unattended in your kitchen or on your plate. In one second, thump!, the cat's on the table; two seconds, thump-thump!, cat and chicken have hit the floor; and three seconds, whooosh!, cat and bird have disappeared round the corner, a blur of delighted fur streaking for the nearest safe hiding place.
You don't need much meat to concoct these recipes; they are useful ways to use up leftovers while also endearing you to your cat. So pull out the chopping block and get ready to cook - and try not to trip over that ever-loving bundle of feline joy winding itself around your ankles.
Chicken with Greens
Beet greens are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals. However, some cats' digestive systems are somewhat sensitive to beets and to greens in general. You may want to introduce your cat gradually to greens before using the full amount given here.
2/3 cup chicken with giblets (especially the liver)
1 cup tomato juice, or 1/2 cup tomato puree and 1/2 cup water
1/3 cup uncooked rice
1/2 cup finely chopped beet greens
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon iodized salt
1 teaspoon corn oil
1. Cut the chicken and giblets into kitty-bite-size pieces. 2. Bring the tomato juice to a low boil in a saucepan. Add the chicken and rice, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the greens, garlic, and salt. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the corn oil. Cool before serving.
Makes 2 or 3 servings
Chicken Chow Mein
Chow mein (it means "fried noodles") was actually first served in American Chinese restaurants. Your cat, however, won't care one whisker about its cultural authenticity, because this kitty version is delicious!
2 tablespoons corn oil
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon flour
2 teaspoons bonemeal
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon iodized salt
Dash of pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1/2 pound chicken breast, cooked and chopped
2 tablespoons cooked liver (see page 4 for instructions)
1 1/4 cups cooked egg noodles, chopped
1. Heat the corn oil in a saucepan. Add the green pepper, red pepper, and onion; sautT until the onion is soft and translucent. Sprinkle with flour and bonemeal.
2. Gradually stir in the chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the soy sauce, the salt, a dash of pepper, the mushrooms, the chicken, and the liver. Simmer another 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the noodles. Cool and serve.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is comfort food for humans and felines alike. If your cat has had a tough day - a trip to the vet, contractors making a racket in the house, or even a dearth of bugs for your proud hunter to chase - cheer him up with this soothing soup.
1/2 cup lentils
2 cups water
2 chicken breasts, boned and cut into kitty-bite-size pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon iodized salt
2 teaspoons bonemeal
2 tablespoons corn oil
2 tablespoons liver (cooked or raw)
1. Place the lentils in a 2-quart pan, add the water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and simmer another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cool and serve by itself or over dry food. (Note: If your cat sometimes just picks out his or her favorite flavors, process a portion of the recipe in the blender on a low setting for a few seconds to create a finer consistency.)
Makes 4 or 5 servings
