Renderers, and those who support the rendering industry are always thinking about how to be more sustainable and keep our pet’s diets nutritious. Since October is the season for spooky black cats, and also the month of National Cat Day, we thought it was a great time to talk about our feline friends and how rendering helps to keep their food sustainability and healthy!
National Cat Day
National Cat Day is observed every October 29th in the U.S. and Canada. It was established by Lifestyle writer Colleen Paige in 2005, to bring awareness to the number of cats that need to be rescued each year. Her stated mission was “To help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.”
At NARA, we couldn’t agree more – and what a great month for National Cat Day since black cats seem to be a mainstay in Halloween culture! But whatever your cat looks like, there is one thing all cat owners must know and that is their beloved feline friend is an “obligate carnivore”.
This means that cats literally need meat to survive.
Rendered protein meals are a critical ingredient in pet food and provide all the nutrients and minerals in meat that cats need while also ensuring that food is also highly sustainable.
NARA’s Vice President of Scientific Services, Dr. David Meeker, Ph.D. published an article on just that, titled Rendered Ingredients Significantly Influence Sustainability, Quality, and Safety of Pet Food. You can read the full article or download the PDF here to learn more.
Another useful resource to learn of your cats (or other pet)’s nutritional needs is one of NARA’s partnered organizations, Pet Food Institute (PFI).
The Pet Food Institute and their members (who make 98% of all U.S. pet food and treat products) are committed to helping dogs and cats live long and healthy lives. As the voice of U.S. pet food makers for more than 60 years, they provide up to date information about pet food and treat safety, nutrition, and health to pet lovers, and advocate for a transparent, science-based regulatory environment.
To all the cat owners out there (black cats and otherwise), we at NARA wish you a Happy Halloween and a long, healthy life for your cute (sometimes aloof, occasionally spooky) feline friends!
