I have fed between 24 and 30+/- homeless cats for going on 15 years now. All have been through our local TNR treatment. I have several stations set up to feed the cats and several dog houses fitted for cold weather protection. Even though they have known me for a long time, I still am unable to pet some of them.
My current concern is that some of these cats are getting old and I know from my experience with my house cats that they begin to have dental problems with increasing age and I am worried that the ones I've had for 15 years may not be able to tolerate the hard, dry food I feed them and I feel I should change all of them to good canned food. Right now I am feeding them "Taste of the Wild" dry cat food. I mix two flavors and feed them daily. It's a fairly good food and, though somewhat expensive, it seems to be the best I can afford. (Although, now that Ii'm learning more about other brands that are excellent and not too costly, I am going to research more.)
I am hoping someone can give me advice about changing all the outdoor cats' food over to wet. Even though I cannot afford yearly exams and shots for them, they seem pretty healthy. Years ago I took in a cat with FIV and cared for him until he passed away, Also, quite a few years ago, I did have some deaths from FIV but have had no active or known disease for a long time now. There are other known colonies of feral cats in an apartment complex a couple streets away but my cats do not roam and I haven't had any new "walkups" for at least 3 years. The formerly homeless cats I now feed are all on my property.
I appreciate this opportunity to talk with other cat owners. Best regards to everyone.
My current concern is that some of these cats are getting old and I know from my experience with my house cats that they begin to have dental problems with increasing age and I am worried that the ones I've had for 15 years may not be able to tolerate the hard, dry food I feed them and I feel I should change all of them to good canned food. Right now I am feeding them "Taste of the Wild" dry cat food. I mix two flavors and feed them daily. It's a fairly good food and, though somewhat expensive, it seems to be the best I can afford. (Although, now that Ii'm learning more about other brands that are excellent and not too costly, I am going to research more.)
I am hoping someone can give me advice about changing all the outdoor cats' food over to wet. Even though I cannot afford yearly exams and shots for them, they seem pretty healthy. Years ago I took in a cat with FIV and cared for him until he passed away, Also, quite a few years ago, I did have some deaths from FIV but have had no active or known disease for a long time now. There are other known colonies of feral cats in an apartment complex a couple streets away but my cats do not roam and I haven't had any new "walkups" for at least 3 years. The formerly homeless cats I now feed are all on my property.
I appreciate this opportunity to talk with other cat owners. Best regards to everyone.
