OT-Food Switching win!

[Rachel]

Just wanted to share this good news with some folks who get it!

We've had to switch food since Friskies quit the Special Diet (still mad). I can't go back to classic pate since it's high in phosphorus and as you all know, we have some sensitive urinary tracts in this house. I decided on Authority since it's isn't insanely priced and is lower in phosphorus and carbs than some other options...basically best choice I could make, though not a GREAT choice. Two out of three cats gave it two paws up...one refused to even touch it. Naturally. So I bought some classic pate of the same flavor and have been doing half and half bowls to entice her to eat (it works!). A few days ago, I reduced the amount of friskies...now we are 2/3 authority and 1/3 friskies in the bowls. Had to sprinkle treats to get her to try it. HOWEVER....today she ate it on her own!!! I mean, sure, she sniffed it first and looked at me like I was crazy, but then she ate! It's taking some time, but I'm hoping to get her entirely switched and eating without coaxing from me in a week or two!

I had to share here, because if I give this kind of detail to my other friends they think I'm nuts haha!

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

WOOHOO!!!!! Niiiiice! I've thought about trying the authority but haven't....THANKS!

 

[Robin&BB]

I can't go back to classic pate since it's high in phosphorus and as you all know, we have some sensitive urinary tracts in this house.

Hey, Rachel - Regarding the above line in your post: Can you explain more about this as relates to urinary tracts? (Are you talking about FF Classic pates?) I'd like to learn more about the phosphorus aspect & how that impacts the urinary tract, as Bat-Bat has had UTIs (2009 & again this past February.) So is of concern to me ... thanks for any additional info you can provide.

Am happy to hear that you're finding food that works for you!

 

[Rachel]

Hi Robin! I fed Friskies classic pate for a long time. I switched to Special Diet when we needed to go lower carb, and then I discovered that they were lower in phosphorus as well so we stuck with them after Gypsy went to the Rainbow Bridge. I don't have a WHOLE lot of info on this...but I can tell you what I know. I have two girls who went back and forth with UTIs last year...and one who has had 2 already in the last month (sigh). When it all happened last year, I did a ton of research and found this part of Dr. Pierson's website (which you may have seen) catinfo.org/?link=urinarytracthealth . Basically, from what she says, just feeding a low carb, canned food with water added should be enough for most cats. BUT if you have a cat especially prone to urinary issues (like mine) you might also search for one that is low in phosphorus. She says they tend to help cats avoid crystals. On her food chart, she has phosphorus listed, and says to look for a diet less than 250-300 mg/ 100 kcal. I can't really tell you the science behind it (though BJ probably could!) but I go with it.

On a not as science/not from Dr. Pierson side, I also add Apple Cider Vinegar to their food. I don't know how this would affect sugar cats since mine are all civvies for now. I found that info here first from someone who recommended checking out the earth clinic website. Apparently ACV can help ...dang either increase or decrease acidity (sorry...still on first cup of coffee lol) in the urine which helps prevent growth of bacteria. Long story short, I add 1/4 tsp to their food and it helped for a long time...though we had those recent UTIs. I just found some treats that include d mannose and giving them those as well since it's supposed to help too.

I did a ton of research on all this, and our hope is to start making food ourselves soon to help even more. And like I said, no idea if this would affect sugar kitties BG at all. It's something to check out though. I did a lot of googling...I'll try to look some more of it up this week when I can and I'll let you know if I find anything out. Hope Bat-Bat decides to stay healthy!

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

What a good find, Rachel. I know there have been several threads on Health with people scurrying to find a substitute for Special Diet.