Science diet cat food question? Cat food knowlegable people please!?

Question

Well...my poor kitty is at the vet today they'll be keeping him through the weekend. He has becomed blocked...
He was being treated through the week already for a UTI and was already on antibiotics.
I took him to the vet tuesday, because he was LEAKING urine. They did a urinalisis and there were no crystals...but lots of blood and protien. They put him on antibioticsd and another drug that is suppose to strength his bladder.

I thought he was getting better, until this morning when he was CONSTENTLY straining to urinate and began drooling PROFUSLEY.

Heres my question....
He's been on 'Wellness' grain free can food, and 'Felidae'
although I stopped giving the dry food this week...
NOW I KNOWthe vet is gonna recommend putting him on one of their prescription diets...Science diet or Royal canin....

So in this situation what would you do?(knowing how crappy those foods are?)
Please, only answer if you really understand this situation with the catfood comparison....thank you!

Answer 1

Personally I would not use Science Diet because they use by-product meat. Royal Canin (goodness, they have about ten different kinds of cat food - Maine Coon food, Persian food etc.!). I of course wouldn't use that either because there is more corn than meat protein. At least the meat is not by-product meat.

Canned is definitely the way to go as it has the moisture he will need for urinary health in the future. A raw meat diet really did the trick for my cat with urinary crystals. He never had any more dry food in his life.

I think any high quality canned food would be right for him. You can always put in some methionine if the urine is still to alkaline - and you must check that by uranalysis or test strips to be sure he doesn't get too high on the acid side. Stones usually require surgery for removal.

Answer 2

He may not have to be on a prescription diet if no crystals were found, though many cats with FLUTD seem to do better on them. I'd follow my vets advice if he/she recommends the Science Diet or Royal Canin. We carry both at our practice for these specific problems, and they work wonderfully. I haven't seen a problem with either in the 20 years I've been a technician. Both are premium foods. My cat has eaten Science Diet dry food his whole life. He just turned 18 last month and is in excellent health. Never sick a day in his life.

Answer 3

I'm very sorry about your poor kitty. Here is one of the best articles on the web about cat food. http://www.belfield.com/article3.html.

I have used Science Diet for a limited time when prescribed by the vet. Some of their prescription food is of great value in treating certain ailments. I don't see it as a long term solution, because most of these types of foods are very low quality. I use the Wellness canned food, and a canned food will deffinetly help your cat's situation. If you can get your cat to drink more water, that will also help. I came up with a game where I put floating cat treats in a water bowl and my cat will drink the entire bowl just to get to them.

You may wish to consult with a holistic vet. There are products that will toughen the bladder wall to prevent bleeding. You may wish to check out http://www.onlynaturalpet.com if you can't find the supplements you need locally. I know they have one listed for that purpose.

Lastly, you should pick up a copy of this book http://www.amazon.com/Homeopathic-Care-Cats-Dogs-Animals/dp/155643295X/ref=sr_1_1/002-6408392-5924800?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180459248&sr=1-1
It has been a great help to me in treating problems the vet couldn't.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

Some Royal Canin has been recalled.
The only thing to worry about a vet recommending a particular food, is if they also SELL the food at the practice. That would be because they are getting incentives from those particular companies.
Hope your baby is better!

Answer 5

See what the vet says before jumping to conclusions. Also- what type of litter are you using?? The new ones for the automatic scooper machines are HORRIBLE for kittens/cats and cause UTI among things. If things are getting better and you can afford it, the better cat food is worth it. Good luck!!

Answer 6

Hi
I would NOT feed the vet's food and keep him on the wellness. It sounds like what is going on now is the infection and not the blockage. Even if it was the blockage, feeding dry food would not help the situation. If you are worried about it, you can add a bit of water to the food.
Scroll down to the middle of this link
http://www.catinfo.org/

Answer 7

wow your in a tough spot aren't you? I personaly think that vets know best but if you feel that your vet may be making a wrong discision, then talk to them about other foods that might be good or him.

I am sorry about your cat. he seems to be in pretty bad shape. mabey he got into something piosonous or someting. I hope he feels better.

♥ashley♥

Answer 8

If the vet recommends a food, they're not kidding. The reason they recommend a brand of cat food like Science Diet is because it's the best brand of food for your cat. The vet recommended science diet for my 2 cats and they've been eating it their wholes lives. They love it! Oh, and don't listen to the guy who answered first. Don't give up! If a food was recalled, it wouldn't be on shelves, would it??
Anyways, listen to your vet, since they know what's best for your cat. And so sorry to hear about your cat! I hope he gets better! :)

Answer 9

Nothing wrong with trying a prescription diet.

They are not "crappy". Vets are not going to recommend/sell food that is bad for your pet. They are specifically/nutritionally designed to help with specific issues pets can have, such as crystal/urinary problems in cats. The diet your vet recommends (or should recommend) will help your cat avoid any further urinary problems. The food he is on now certainly doesn't seem to be doing him any good so regardless I wouldn't recommend going back to it.

Good luck to your kitty :)

Answer 10

I would put the cat down. He's in pain, and he probably as cat Leukaemia. Yes, it's true that food is bad. My cat was in Royal Canin Sensitivity RD. It turns out that was on the recall list... Good luck!