Royal Canin feeders--please help.

I FINALLY found a better food that my picky-passive-aggressive cat will eat.  He has been really under the weather with allergies, and vomiting and hacking a lot because he is licking and licking, so I bought a bag of the RC dry Special 33.  He loves it.  I also picked up a bag of the Mature 27, for over 10 years, he is eating it like mad as well. 

He vomits horribly when his allergies flare.  It's always hairballs, and I mean ones the size of full-size cigars.  A little of what I call "hairball juice", but it's mostly just hairballs.  When he has a flare it is sometimes daily that he produces one of these monsters.

He is 12, and showing some signs of losing muscle mass--especially up around his shoulders.  He is just really showing his age.  The vet says his bloodwork is fantastic, he is in great overall health, just getting older.  So far, no signs of kidney issues, diabetes, nothing.  He is currently 13 pounds and has held there for the past year--I get him weighed every nail-trim visit.  That is down from about 15 pounds a few years back, and he really wasn't fat.  He is half maine coon and a large-built cat. He is the hairy hobbit in my avatar.

My dilemma is this--I need him on something to help with the hairballs, but at the same time I want a mature cat formula that helps maintain normal urinary tract function and joints, etc.  Right now I have a small bowl out in the bedroom of the mature 27, and a small bowl out in the kitchen of the special diet.  I worry about the Special 33 constipating him, as he has had issues with this before, although he drinks water very well.

Is there another RC dry formula?  He is, for the first time in his life, almost flat-out refusing wet food.  I have no idea why.  This is why I am on the search for a good dry formula that he will eat.  The RC is the only brand I have found that he will eat.  I discovered that when I swapped my chubby one over to RX RC weight dry food, he kept trying to steal it every chance he could.

I also have the problem of the chubby one getting into the mature food.  Any advice?  I feed wet 2 x day, and leave the small amounts of dry for snacking (since he pukes if he is empty too).

Hairballs are probably from the dry food. Royal Canin food is full of weird fillers that are inappropriate for cats. "brewers rice, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, corn, natural flavors, wheat gluten" that's the first several ingredients in that food and it's really terrible. 

You should really work on getting him on at least some wet food, if not all wet food. I transitioned my 12 year old cat from all kibble to raw food because he refused wet food. So it's entirely possible to do. There are hundreds of wet foods on the market, so don't give up just because your cat doesn't take to wet food easily. Especially with older cats, wet food is vital to avoiding future kidney disease. 

"mature" or "senior" food is a gimmick. There's nothing in those foods that's actually better for older cats. Older cats shouldn't eat kibble, or very little kibble at least. 

For hairballs look into Vet's best, or slippery elm syrup. 

https://www.chewy.com/vets-best-hairball-relief-digestive/dp/45141

http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/slippery-elm/

Here's a list of good wet/raw foods to try. A lot of kibble addicts do well with freeze dried food because you can control the how wet the food is, which helps the transition.

http://www.naturalcatcareblog.com/2010/12/the-7-best-natural-commercial-cat-foods-so-far/

My cats have ALWAYS been fed wet--they aren't kibble addicts.  The hairball issue began way before this, it is attributed to his nonstop allergy-induced licking.  I guess I didn't explain it very well.  Like I said above--this is the first time in his life he has refused ALL wet food brands.

He has severe seasonal allergies for which he is under a vet's care and medication.  Unfortunately, due to his allergies contributing to a decrease in his sense of smell, he refuses food to the point he gets close to hepatic lipidosis.  Therefore, I feed him whatever he will eat, just to keep him eating, whether it is the greatest food or not. 

Since he has shown great interest in this brand (and I've spent hundreds trying to get his highness to eat), I'm searching within this particular brand for what is considered the best choice.  Hopefully, someone who feeds RC will chime in. 

I'm not against raw, but it is not the best choice for me, our lifestyle, working hours, etc.  My cats have refused a home prepared raw diet (which is my only option if I went raw).  They refused it repeatedly, despite attempts to transition, and it was difficult for us to maintain.  I do not have a source within a 2 hour drive to obtain commercially prepared raw cat food, and I ordered once from the internet and despite being packed in dry ice it was warm when I received it.  I wouldn't feed it to them.  They also hate freeze-dried, and I've spent a ton of $$ on that as well.

I've read conflicting posts on RC.  Some swear by it, some like you say it is terrible.  I am at the point--and most agree--that right now whatever will entice him to eat is what I have to go with.  Right now it's working and hopefully once winter sets in here and his allergies calm down we can go back to his usual wet.  That's the plan anyway.  I'm just searching for the best of the RC for his age and situation for right now.  And actually, his hairballs have improved since I started him on the RC.

Royal Canin also do a product called "hairball care".It has had good reviews.

Thanks @Verna davies   I didn't see that one at the vet or at Petsmart, but I'll go look again today.  He seems to be eating it well, and like I said, it's a struggle for me to keep him eating when his allergies act up.  If he will eat it I will buy all he will eat.

Our hairballs are getting better since his allergies are coming under control.  I had another thread going about them.  I felt so bad, he is only supposed to take his meds when the seasonal allergies start up, but I was late getting them going--so it was all my fault he is going through this.  Poor guy was so itchy he just licked nonstop.  But he is still refusing his normal wet foods, so if he will eat this I'll buy it!

RC does seem to be a bit like kitty crack...in my experience anyway :lol3: Shadow has a little RC Urinary kibble, and Asha will go to extraordinary lengths to get at it :lol3: (I prefer to feed high meat grain free kibble, but Shad's been on his RC for years, and at his age, I don't have the heart to remove it altogether!)

If RC kibble is what he'll happily eat, then go with it! There doesn't seem to be a single formula that equally covers all the issues your boy has. Some other options that meet some of you requirements are Senior Consult Stage 2, Skin Hairball, Ageing 12+ (all non rx, from the feline veterinary care range), and Sensitivity Control SC 27, Mobility Feline Dry and Hypoallergenic (from the RC veterinary diet rx range). I do NOT recommend trying any of the rx foods without speaking to your vet, but these do seem to cover at least some of the problems you've mentioned.

If he's liking the RC, do look into some of their wet versions of these foods too. Asha had to be on rx Gastrointestinal briefly after I rescued her, and even ultra fussy Shadow was going nuts for it! It can't hurt to try out the wet foods, especially if he particularly likes a dry version

Do speak to your vet about all this though - they may well be able to suggest which of these foods will suit your boy best. Look out for sample packs too. They're a wonderful way of finding out if a food is well received without spending a small fortune in the process

@Columbine   Thanks so much.  I phoned the vet, and he recommended staying on the two that I have for now since his hairballs have eased up. 

I did buy some of the wet RC, but he refused it.  I got 3 different kinds.  I can't figure it out.  He has always refused dry and only eaten wet.  The vet just seems to think that it has to do with his sense of smell. Poor dude is deaf already, now he can't smell    The vet did give me a lecture on making sure that he eats--and doesn't go without eating something, anything.  He even suggested pouring tuna juice over his regular wet food, but that doesn't work.  I do know that RC dry food does smell strongly--it knocks me down when I open the bag, so I'm hoping it is just his sense of smell.  That should improve, if that is it, now that his allergies are coming under control.

I swear it all started when Shortstack went on that prescription diet RC.  Wurp got a taste of that, and since then, that is IT.  It's all he wants.  I was hoping that since he liked it so much, I could try another kind of RC on him.  Lord knows he doesn't need the diet formula.  At least he is leaving Stack's diet food alone now and eating his own.

Oh, the things I do for the kitties.  I swear I have spent more on food for him than for us in the past month.  No joke.  I bet I have spent $400 this month alone.  The ferals are loving it though!  They get ALL the leftovers and discards!!

Next time you speak to your vet, ask whether he thinks it might be a good idea for you to have some RC gastrointestinal rx food on hand. It's designed for poorly tummies, and is supposed to be extra appetising to tempt their appetites. It's also high energy, so is wonderful when they don't want much to eat. Definitely ask first, as it's not intended for long term feeding, but it might be useful for emergencies :dk: All I know is how crazy mine were for it :lol3:

Have you tried using FortiFlora as a topper for Wurp? I know a lot of people swear by that stuff for getting reluctant feeders eating again. Bontio flakes are another really popular (and stinky) choice. Keep trying with him. I've been (and am currently) where you are - with cats, dogs and horses (!), and I know JUST how hard it can be

I'm glad to hear all Wurp's rejects aren't going to waste :lol3: I have awful problems feeding my elderly greyhound, and as a result my labrador has a 'reject' food mountain that should last her a year SO glad she's such an eager dustbin

Mega for Wurp

Thank you!!   I will indeed ask the vet about that.  He goes back in for a recheck on Friday (and probably another toenail clip), I'll ask about it then.  I am still just so shocked that he has just gone nutso over this particular dry food!  This cat in all his 12 years has never, ever wanted dry food of any sort!  I am just amazed at it.  It is so out of character for him, but again, that stuff is super-smelly.  I swear I can taste it just from opening the bag, the smell is so strong.

That must be why he loves it so much then! At least you've found food he enjoys :high5:

Personally, I do not like Royal Canin at all. It has SO many fillers, and the price is SO high for something that is barely better than food at a grocery store. However, this truly depends on a cat by cat basis. I would not recommend a perfectly healthy cat to remain on RC. But the best choice for a particular cat needs to be made, and if feeding a cat filler food in order to keep it alive, then go for it! If this is the only thing your kitty will eat, then it is honestly fine! Royal Canin isn't so horrible.

Have you tried a home-made cooked diet? Honestly, transitioning Cleo to a cooked diet was easier than transitioning to just raw. Perhaps you can try feeding your kitty cooked meat? Cleo does not like plain meat, it has to be moist. Can you try feeding him moist, cooked food as a treat, and see if he will eat it? If all goes well, perhaps feeding him a cooked, home made diet could work?

I feed Cleo partly cooked pork, balanced with Alnutrin, liver, and water. She eats it perfectly well, now.

Also, have you tried Wellness Core? I think it is better than Royal Canin, although it is still filled with fillers.

@Cleopatras Mom   Haven't tried Wellness Core, but I will indeed look for it, thanks so much.  And I have considered just going to all home-cooked meats for him, but he has been refusing that as well.  I worry too about the home-cooked meats--whether or not it gives him everything he needs.  He will eat two types of home-cooked meats and that's it--plain grilled chicken, and plain grilled boneless pork chops.  He won't touch boiled meats at all, and flat out refuses raw.  I hate to just feed him grilled shredded chicken or pork chop every day and night.  What's bad though, is that the grilled chicken is usually my go-to when he has an instance of not eating, and he started refusing it as well when the runny nose and eyes and sneezing started up.  I tried grilled pork chops over the weekend, he just looked at me like I was crazy.

This is a cat that lived outside eating mainly what he caught for the first 7 years of his life.  You would think he wouldn't snub stuff I give him, but he is the pickiest eater I think I've ever had, even when he is feeling good.  When he feels bad, he is a nightmare.  I keep telling him you better be glad I love you dude.......

I do think his sense of smell is returning now that his allergy meds have kicked in.  He actually ate some Fancy Feast wet this morning! He ate some chicken feast It wasn't with his usual gusto, but he did eat it.  I think my vet was correct, it was his sense of smell.  I'm hoping I can get away from all this dry business very soon.  But until then, if it is all he will eat, I'll let him eat it.  The price of that RC stuff is outrageous for what is in it, I do agree.  When you read the ingredients it sounds about like Purina Dog Chow.  Seriously.  But, when you're desperate, you're desperate.

I've tried various canned brands.  Pretty much all he will eat, the majority of the time, is either FF turkey and giblets or the chicken feast.  Occasionally the can of beef or mixed grill, if he refuses the other two. 

I told my husband the other night at least I hadn't resorted to going and buying him live animals for his dinners, so I guess my level of crazy could be a lot worse.  He was always one of those cats that would leave me 4-5 dead, headless, gutted mice to find every morning on the porch.  WHY don't they make mouse cat food???

Here's a pic that will kinda let you know what I go through with his royal highness........thank goodness the outside cats are like my built-in garbage disposals.

Columbine said:

Have you tried using FortiFlora as a topper for Wurp? I know a lot of people swear by that stuff for getting reluctant feeders eating again. Bontio flakes are another really popular (and stinky) choice. Keep trying

Click to expand...

I just ordered some FortiFlora and a bag of Bontio flakes for him from Chewy!  Thanks for the recommendation.

:cross: that Wurp loves them

I have been feeding both my one year olds royal canin oral (one cat has gingivitus) hoping it would help. I also have been feeding my four month old kitten royal canin . I was under the impression that it was good quality but after reading some of the messages on this thread I now have doubts.
I have just changed the kitten to Applaws. Anyone got any views on Applaws or suggestions of better food. I live in the UK and can't always get all foods mentioned on this site.

@Verna davies   I had read the negative reviews/comments about RC as well, but I was out of options trying to get my cat to eat anything   Since it does work even when he is at his worst, I plan on keeping it around just to fill his belly when he gets in one of those episodes.  I've read both the good and bad on RC over the past few days, so I take it all with a grain of salt and figure if it works for my cat, then it is ok.  Experienced folks keep telling me you can feed the best food in the world, but if they won't eat it, it won't do any good.  So I feed what he will eat--and hope for the best.

I've tried Applaws canned, don't know about the dry, I picked up a few cans at Petco in my search to find something he would eat.  My picky one won't eat it, but my chubby one liked it.  I bought several chicken flavors of the wet, one had pumpkin, another had cheese, and another was some other form of chicken.  From the label, it looked pretty good, but from the plate, well, he didn't think so.  Chubby got the rest of that.  It was pretty pricey at Petco over here in the US.

hbunny
Thanks for the reply.
I'm lucky in as much as my 3 will eat anything at any time but I think you are right to give your fussy one RC if that is what he will eat. It's like a minefield out there trying to choose which food is best.

V verna davies I'm in the UK too This is a list of the wet and dry foods that I like (along with where to buy them):-

From Zooplus:-

Wet:-

Grau
GranataPet
Catz Finefood (they also have a range called Purr that is limited ingredient/novel protein)
Bozita tetrapacks (in jelly or sauce - both grain free. Great budget option )
Animonda Carny
Feringa
Terra Faelis (low phosphorus)
Thrive Complete
Forthglade

Dry:-

Applaws
Feringa
GranataPet (standard Adult range)
Orijin
Purizon

Additional wet/dry food

Nature’s Menu (their own website and other suppliers, such as Amazon and Pets at Home)
Meowing Heads - their own website / Pets at Home and others
Wainwrights (Pets at Home own brand)
Hi Life Tempt Me (Pets at Home and various retailers, including some supermarkets)


Aatu - their own website / Pets at Home
Thrive Complete - their own website / Pets at Home/ various other online retailers
Eden Holistic - their own website


I’m not endorsing any of these brands (though both my guys love Bozita, Thrive, Catz Finefood and Granatapet, and Asha likes many of the other wet brands too. Asha loves Aatu, Applaws and Purizon too).

Thrive cat treats and Cosma/Cosma Thai Snackies are pure freeze dried meat/fish treats. I think they’re the European equivalent to Purebites.

Columbine

Wow that's quite a list. Thank you so much. I have not come across most of these but will certainly look into them and try them out. One question...is grain free better.