Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there!

Over a year ago I was dealing with my one cat being sensitive to his food. Getting the runs mostly. Well I finally found a food that worked for him.(Purina Pro Plan for sensitive stomachs) Everything was fine until I got him a playmate about a month ago who happens to be sensitive to this food. Yesterday I finally gave in to the fact that she wasn't adjusting and went to Petsmart, where I adopted her from, to find out what they were feeding their cats. I ended up trying out the same brand, Authority, but in the sensitivity formula. I've started out at 2/3 old to 1/3 new and already have noticed her going a bit solid. My boy, on the other hand, had a wonderful case of the runs. He tends to be more of a problem than her in the fact that he doesn't always make it to the box in time when he has tummy issues, though he'll try. He also happens to be a long haired solid white cat, so you can imagine what a mess he becomes.

I know that this is only day one, and he may need a little more time, but after months of trying things for him before, I'm just a little leery. I'm just looking for suggestions on brands, should this one fail. The ones I know he can't deal with so far are Royal Canin, Nutro,and Max Cat. The Pro Plan is the one that worked with no problems.It is lamb rice based, but does have corn and chicken in it. The Authority is turkey and rice based with no chicken or corn. The regular formula, which she was on when I got her, was the average corn and chicken.

As a side note I really am unable to feed them separately. For other info both of them are around two and I also have an 11 year old main coon who eats the same food. He, on the other hand, seems to be able to eat anything with no complaints.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Hi There,

In a multiple cat household it's often hit and miss when it comes to finding one food that all the cats will eat and tolerate well. With 11 felines here I have quite a challenge.....lol

Often when a cat is sensitive to a particular cat food brand it is caused by the additives to the food, not the food itself. Of course, cats can also be allergic to a certain kind of meat or grain as well. My feeling is that most cats will do best on a canned food diet as this is more natural for them. Dry foods are usually loaded with carbs, as well as food coloring and other things that a cat can react to. Cats are not able to digest carbs properly.

Your best bet is to read lots of cat food labels and pay attention to all of the ingredients. What is right for one cat may not be right for the next one. My cats tend to have more digestive upsets if they eat supermarket brand dry foods, which I now avoid like the plague. They do best on natural canned foods, but I realize that these can be expensive.

It is very possible to feed a cat separately no matter how many you have. Just confine the cat to a room with it's own food at feeding time and don't feed free choice. It's best to feed cats on a schedule rather than free choice anyway.

Good luck with finding the right food for your babies!

Regards,
PHKitkat