Thread: Differing Opinions ....

Raw feeding is indeed controversial, as we have seen, but it is not taboo. Sorry to split hairs, I do understand your meaning Catslave, but I think there is an important distinction to be made. A taboo subject is unmentionable, beyond the pale, unacceptable on any level, like cannibalism or fraud. But we are just talking about how best to feed our cats. The severity of some peoples' reactions does not mean that the subject is taboo: it means that some people are overreacting. This should not stop people from considering raw feeding or admitting that they already feed raw, and talking about it on this forum.

Just to emphasise my point, raw feeding is a valid choice for many pet owners, many of whom have seen great health improvements where veterinary diets have failed. Yes they are in a minority at the moment, yes not all vets support raw feeding, and yes it's controversial. But there's absolutely no reason to be ashamed of doing it, or showing an interest in it.

Agree taboo was the wrong word to use, it should have been controversial, I apologise.

OT, but I like your new avatar Karen. What does the text say?

It says "what matters most is how you see yourself"

Originally Posted by catslave

It says "what matters most is how you see yourself"

And that's a lion in the reflection? Like it! x

Maybe it would be better if it were a taboo topic.

A lot of e-mail lists / forums to which I belong, prohibit topics which don't directly pertain to the focus of the group and which, because different people have differing and dogmatic views, inevitably lead to arguments and flames.

Whilst I agree that there are certain subjects that should not be discussed I don't think that this should including feeding on a cat forum. Openly discussing alternate feeding in an adult manner is a way of clearing up some of the myths etc about them. In various different threads over the last year at least 17 regular contributors on here have posted that they feed some raw meat to their cats regularly. Yesterday alone I had PM's from three contributors who were interested in finding out about alternative feeding but were worried about posting due to the actions of a very small group.

Lets not forget that tinned cat food was only "invented" in the 1970's - what did cats eat before then?

I have no wish to argue with you Walter, I respect your opinions and we have never clashed in the past, I have always found your advice extremely helpful.

Just for my 2cents here, I believe we should certainly allow discussion on different types of feeding, to ensure anyone who wants to go down a particular route, can do so with some education.

If there was one taboo subject though that I would not want to be discussed then that would be de-clawing. That I certainly do not advocate.

Also heated discussions are great in my opinion, strong differences of opinions can lead to some great information being passed on, as long as the conversation doesn't turn ugly and into insults being thrown back and forth.

I agree with Catslave and Dave. Debate and discussion should of course be allowed on relevant topics. This is a forum after all. But I don't see why certain subjects should be avoided just because of the inappropriate reactions of a small minority. Sometimes it's difficult, when you're typing at a screen rather than face to face, to convey the right tone in one's remarks, especially when you feel strongly about something. But is is possible to have a heated debate whilst keeping things polite and reasonable. Long may it continue!