Cats and Finicky Digestive Systems

[Gypsy Rose]

Here we go, lol! I have five cats here that must be fed cafeteria style -no way to confine any of them for feeding in my tiny house, lol!

Sabrina- been in and out of the vet clinic for the last two years for weight loss, vomiting and last time, full colon impaction. Vets are thinking at this point that it might be food allergy- me, I think it may be that or a digestive insufficiency, lol! I've only seenher throw up one hairball the entire ten years of her life, but that doesn't always mean anything, lol!

Right now, she's on Laxatone two to three times a week.

Sabrina a few years ago- before this started:
http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=401&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=401)
Sabrina now:
http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=404&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=404) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=10229&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=10229)

Damien, age 9, seems to make his life's work catching and eating critters, unfortunately birds, as well. Backfired on him one year when he ate a bird, feathers and all, and gave himself an intestinal blockage out of the deal. He's also been in for urinary blockage before he was 3, lol. Seems to have few probems, but when he does, look out! Ditto on the Laxatone for Damien.
Check Shadowdancer's profile for Damien pics:
http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/member.php?u=432

Junior, the part Maine Coon cat, turns three in September. Doesn't help that he's long haired. I suspect his main problem is hairballs- he almost never vomits, but has a tendency to have a sluggish bowel system. Colace pills work on him.
http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=990&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=990) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=3102&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=3102)

Taz, age nine, has a tendency to throw up here and there, mostly undigested food, lol!
http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=400&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=400) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=405&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=405)

And last, but not least, Trixie passes gas! She should be about two, now.
http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=4371&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=4371) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=58&pictureid=3835&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=58&pictureid=3835)

I have a maximum budget of $40, including shipping to feed these five critters. I'm thinking something with no by products, definitely. Probably an impossible feat on that low a budget!

So far, the best I've found is Felidae Kitten and Cat Food- within my budget if the shipping wasn't a killer.

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Felidae-Cat-Kitten-Dry-Food/102033.aspx

I might be able to get it locally, but you can bet it's going to cost just about as much- I've never seen a pet store yet give discount prices. Pets Plus is supposed to carry it-we have a store here- but when I went to the main website, I couldn't see it anywhere.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm not stuck on any one brand- I just want something that's nutritionally complete for my cats that's easily digestible, lol!

[alittleoffkey]

So... I honestly don't know the first thing about cat nutrition... but I'm learning more and more about what's good for a dog. :D Going by loosely the same guidelines in the ingredients... then beforegrain.com has cat food (I've fed Misha the dog food, and he does great on it). An 11lb bag is $33... which is essentially the same cost if you bought 11.1 1lb bags. Their chicken dry cat food's per lb price is 2.99 for the 1lb and 11.1lb bags... the ones inbetween are more expensive per pound, for whatever reason. But shipping, no matter how much or little you order, is free. :)

Taste of the Wild also has a cat food that's grain free (http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/products/cats/rocky_mountain_feline_formula/). I know Tractor Supply sells it, so you might be able to find it locally. :)

http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/catsaredif.html That site seems like it has some decent information. Just google grain free cat food and see what you come up with. Good luck, I hope you can find something that will make everyone's tummies happier. :)

[Gypsy Rose]

Thank you so much, ALOK! I checked out the Pet Center website, and I like what I see- they have lots of products to choose from, and they're up front about their shipping, which I've discovered a lot of places are not! I also like their auto ship program- I've gotten spoiled by SmartPak, lol!

I've been looking at two products, the Blue Buffalo brand cat food lines, and the Felidae, and the Pet Center carries both. I might be able to get the Felidae here, but where I live, it could be iffy whether the local pet store actually has what I want, or keeps it in stock. I'm going to call today and find out.

[vicklynn]

Sorry you having such issues with your kittys. I cant help ya.
Mine are finicky to an extent, they have to have Meow Mix in the yellow bag.
Their issue is only taste. They like what they like and stick their nose up at other stuff.

[alittleoffkey]

You're welcome! I hope your local pet store has what you want. I know it's not what you're looking at, but I checked at Tractor Supply today and the TOTW cat food is $22 for a 15lb bag (at our local TSC anyway). :) Again - good luck!

[Gypsy Rose]

Thanks, ALOK! I ended up going with the Felidae- I was able to get it locally for $5 less than it would have cost me online- go figure!

I wish I had a TSC here- the closest one to me is over 100 miles away, lol!

Now, if they'll just eat it... I've mixed it with their old food of course for now- don't want too fast of a change!