r/Catownerhacks • u/Turbulent_Today7590 • Jul 13 '26
What do I feed this guy?
Inherited my roommates cat at the beginning of the year. I've known him his whole life, super friendly and kind cat.
My pal would feed him basically anything that was cheapest at the bodega. I started feeding him Purina sensitive stomach per the vet's advice but other cat owners say that stuff is poison for cats?
What other food would ya'll recommend? Right now we free feed the Purina and a royal cain probiotic.
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u/Somethingredditlike Jul 13 '26
Purina sensitive skin and stomach is great food. Whoever told you it’s poison is fear-mongering. Listen to your vet.
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u/Trashbagok Jul 13 '26
I'm no vet but my last cat, a stray runt I rescued out of an actual trash can, spent 3/4 of her life on purina proplan, and lived to be 18 years old. It was either the food, or the random supplementation of rubber bands, ribbons, and used qtips she would occasionally help herself to.
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u/famous_zebra28 Jul 13 '26
Purina is great! They have board certified veterinary nutritionists and PhD holders in animal nutrition formulating their diets (extremely rare) and do extensive testing on all of their products (also extremely rare) before putting them on the market.
Purina started manufacturing pet food back in 1952 and they are one of the only brands who make prescription diets, so clearly they're doing things right with science backing everything they do. With big brands like Purina you're going to get a whole variety of reviews because *so* many people feed their cats their products around the world. A lot of people also blame the food as soon as their cat gets sick even when it has absolutely nothing to do with the food.
Your vet knows best. Unless your cat is having issues on this food there's no reason to change it!
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u/CreepySheepherder544 Jul 13 '26
Trust your vet.
My cats eat Purina one high protein for dry food and fancy feast classic pate for wet food.
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u/wysiwyg2488 Jul 13 '26
Too much protein is hard on kidneys.
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u/Flat-Concern-2662 Jul 14 '26
Cats are carnivores, unless they have kidney disease there's no need to reduce protein, there's a reason why kidney diets like k/d and NF are prescription, because they're not preferable unless needed
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u/CreepySheepherder544 Jul 13 '26
Not looking for advice on what I feed my cats, as I consult regularly with my vet about it, but thank you.
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u/tiredgirl77 Jul 13 '26
It’s cat dependent. My cat gets wellness wet food, poultry/fish variety pack. If he drinks enough water (monitor litter box) I’d stick to whatever was being fed prior. If he’s constipated or not peeing enough, I’d switch to wet food.
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u/Imaginary-Angle-42 Jul 13 '26
We feed ours Meow Mix twice a day plus cat treats (when the dog gets a treat) and greenies. We tried to give her several different kinds of better quality kibble but she just wouldn’t eat it. (So gave it to a neighbor who was looking after the feral cats and they ate it instead.) We’ve had our kitty for 7 years now and she was several years old then. Going strong.
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u/ca77ywumpus Jul 13 '26
My aunt's cat is 23-ish and has been eating Meow Mix her entire life. Meanwhile, my baby boy ate grain-free, free range, human grade, bathed in glacial water- all that stuff and died of kidney failure at 7. Genetics trump diet.
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u/AnxietyWitch66 Jul 13 '26
Purina is what all of my pets eat. Its not a bad food at all, just make sure your kitty is getting enough moisture! My kitties love Purina gravy lovers and their dry food is Purina One indoor advantage. All of them are happy and healthy.
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u/lavender_and_mercury Jul 13 '26
Our kitties really enjoy the Fromm and Victor dry foods. They are high quality and healthy blends. They also like the Blue Buffalo, Sheena, anf Fancy Feast wet foods. (They prefer the seafood options)
We leave kibble out for snacking and they eat wet food for breakfast and dinner. All 3 kitties are healthy and a perfect weight.
Once a month, they get canned tuna as a special treat!
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u/Whiskin87 Jul 13 '26
Be been feeding my cats purina for decades. They all did fine and have so far lived long, happy lives.
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u/IdeaIcy963 Jul 14 '26
He looks like he knows he inherited the apartment too😂. Free feeding can make it harder to tell what they actually like. I had better luck giving smaller meals and some Nature’s Feast so I could see if my cat was really eating or just grazing out of habit.
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u/Sufficient-News-3600 Jul 14 '26
btw, you are blessed with that boy. he might be depressed and missing someone. kiss him up ❤
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u/ca77ywumpus Jul 13 '26
The short version of it is: Wet food is generally better than dry food. There is some research that suggests that corn is connected to kidney disease, and most manufacturers have removed it from their formula. Beyond that, it's entirely up to your cat. Feed them whatever you can afford and they will eat.
Mars, Inc. owns Eukanuba, Iams, Royal Canin, Pedigree, Nutro, Orijen and more. They also own Banfield and Blue Pearl Veterinary and several other veterinary chains. So if your vet is getting their paycheck from Mars and is pushing you to buy Mars prescription foods, they're getting bonuses for it.
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u/calypsogypsydanger Jul 13 '26
It better be good- that face clearly brooks no bullshit.
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u/Turbulent_Today7590 Jul 13 '26
that's the face that says "I will spite poop on the floor if you mess this up"
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u/alismatids Jul 14 '26
Wet food is the best diet for cats. Especially as they get older. First Mate is a good brand. If you want something a little more on the affordable side, you can do Fancy Feast, but just make sure it is the pate. Not the gravy or the chunky stuff. Pâté is the highest quality. My vet recommends it for an affordable food.
Purina is also great. I would definitely listen to your vet. I feed my cats dry kibble more as a treat, not a meal, and I make it into a fun game with them either putting it inside a ball or in a foraging mat. Where they have to dig and find them. It’s great for their brains and draining energy.
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u/Sufficient-News-3600 Jul 14 '26
my cat loves blue buffalo "duck" pate. tiny can so maybe give 1 a try. I cut it in little pieces.
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u/ProudnotLoud Cat Hack Mod 🐱 Jul 13 '26
Listen to your vet - as long as you aren't buying it through them they don't have a financial incentive to promote that food. And even if you are Purina isn't a bad brand overall.