Are we that difficult?

whiteforest

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I was chatting with a food rep. at a pet store today when they suggested I try their food. I asked if they had any formulas (in that brand) for cats with allergies and but they didn't. He then went on to say that the "technology" is advancing and most companies are working to feed cats healthier diets these days. But what surprised me was that he said the cat food market is much more difficult than dogs because most cat owners are unwilling the try anything new and that's why most companies aren't offering the variety that is available for dogs. Do you agree with this? Are you set in your ways when it comes to what you feed your cats, or are you willing to try new foods and treats? (If you like what they are selling, of course.)
 

sharky

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As one who worked in the Pet food industry for over 5 yrs ... YES cat owners are less likely to buy what most of us call "premium " food s ... Most common reasons I got : it is an indoor / outdoor cat and can hunt , my cats are for vermin control( ie barn or ranch cats ) , I tried premium food and the cat did not like it ( note tried one once )

One large chain that sells mainly premiums :

dog food made up 60% of sales total

cat food about 10%

ie fish supplies were ahead of cat food

I am very flexible ... try many new things ... right now the next step is reintroducing grain to the only two who have had it and introing grain into the 3 who have never had it under my care ... 2 had some in the early days of life but for 85% of their 22 months they have had no grain
 

darlili

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I think a lot of us worry about introducing new foods, with the subsequent tummy problems that many of us have had. And cats just seem so picky - for example, I've tried probably every treat at both the big box and wholistic stores, and mine only love greenies and my turkey sandwich.
I still try different treats, but am reluctant to try many 'entree' foods, since mine seem to be doing well on what they're on now.


And, while in urban areas I think you see people who are willing to spend big bucks on cats, in the more rural areas I think you see a lot of what Sharky mentioned.
 

followedbydolls

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Not in the least bit surprised!

Now, generally i still think cats are considered pretty disposable and before anybody jumps on me i am NOT saying i think that but where i live the country people leave their cats to roam.. people dump their cats out here all the time, people every spring have "free kittens" signs up


Look at shelters, what do they have the most of? it's just a whole different vibe when it comes to cats, and most are unwilling to spend alot when it comes to their care which obviously includes feeding.

Speaking for myself, i do involve myself in education on feeds and do appreciate companies offering improved foods options.
 

katgoddess

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Originally Posted by sharky

right now the next step is reintroducing grain to the only two who have had it and introing grain into the 3 who have never had it under my care ... 2 had some in the early days of life but for 85% of their 22 months they have had no grain
Just curious, Sharky - is there a reason why you're putting all your cats back onto a diet with grains? BTW, I'm not anti-grain...in fact, Tofu needs it or else he gets anal gland issues.
 

sharky

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Originally Posted by KatGoddess

Just curious, Sharky - is there a reason why you're putting all your cats back onto a diet with grains? BTW, I'm not anti-grain...in fact, Tofu needs it or else he gets anal gland issues.
ph issues ... ie never had a uti or ph issue in a cat eating a food with some grain ... LOTs of issues on raw or grain free, with both genders ... All are just cause well I dont run a diner
 

katgoddess

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Originally Posted by sharky

ph issues ... ie never had a uti or ph issue in a cat eating a food with some grain ... LOTs of issues on raw or grain free, with both genders ... All are just cause well I dont run a diner
That's interesting. How many of your cats now are having pH issues on a grain-free diet?
 

sharky

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Originally Posted by KatGoddess

That's interesting. How many of your cats now are having pH issues on a grain-free diet?
2 both male ...
 

katgoddess

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Have you found a reasoning for this? What has your vet said about it?

I've never heard of such an issue, but I don't doubt you because up until I mentioned it, no one noticed their cats having anal gland issues on a grain-free, no/low-carb diet either.

Anyway, I would like to know why just for my own information.
 

sharky

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Originally Posted by KatGoddess

Have you found a reasoning for this? What has your vet said about it?

I've never heard of such an issue, but I don't doubt you because up until I mentioned it, no one noticed their cats having anal gland issues on a grain-free, no/low-carb diet either.

Anyway, I would like to know why just for my own information.
vet has seen similar issues before as many male cats get UTI s and crystals starting as a high ph ... I am anal and caught the early signs ...

My reasoning is to date the UTI "friendly" % ages are NOT in grain free and there are no buffers like corn gluten or some grains ..... a buffer brings the meat meals common in dry food into line with what kitty should have ( ie many cats do not eat the entire skeleton of prey ) ... well meals are meat and bone - moisture and most fat
 
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