Hey there, everyone. I could really use some good advice here. Over the course of the past several months, my two kitties have suffered a variety of mouth irritations. They've had "acne" problems, getting blackheads around their chins and lips, skin irritation on their chins (vet said it was food crumbs they're not getting off in cleaning) and mouth sores or ulcers.
On my first visit to the vet, he advised me to change their food and water dishes, as they were eating and drinking from plastic containers. I promptly made the switch to stainless steel for both food and water. However, a month later and I noticed they still had quite a few black heads and were still suffering from the ulcers. Most of the chin irritation has stopped as I've taken to dusting their chins off after they eat.
Anyway, I took them back to the vet, as the ulcers were starting to form on their lips and gums. I've had them myself before, and I know how badly they can hurt. I don't want them to be in discomfort.
He looked them over and said it was possibly a viral thing, sort of the human equivilant of cold sores. We discussed the brand of food, as my husband and I worried that it might have some bearing on these ulcers. We currently feed them an all dry diet (I've tried the wet foods and they don't much care for them.) using Iams Multicat formula ( http://www.iams.com/en_US/jhtmls/pro...tml.4_A&_DAV=1 ) The vet said that the product was fine, but I worry that there is something in it causing the ulcers as they continue to get them.
I've been wanting to find a healthier food for them because I know better brands exist. Money is kinda tight right now, so I can't go much futher, budget-wise, than what I'm paying for their Iams. Any recommendations? I also live in a really small town, but I noticed that the local Pet Supplies PLUS shop is advertising they now carry Nutro Max...
Would love to hear what you all think. Would prefer a brand with fewer chemicals and such, and that doesn't have the kind of reputation for animal testing that Iams does either, but doesn't cost a lot more than $30 for a 20-24lb. bag.
On my first visit to the vet, he advised me to change their food and water dishes, as they were eating and drinking from plastic containers. I promptly made the switch to stainless steel for both food and water. However, a month later and I noticed they still had quite a few black heads and were still suffering from the ulcers. Most of the chin irritation has stopped as I've taken to dusting their chins off after they eat.
Anyway, I took them back to the vet, as the ulcers were starting to form on their lips and gums. I've had them myself before, and I know how badly they can hurt. I don't want them to be in discomfort.
I've been wanting to find a healthier food for them because I know better brands exist. Money is kinda tight right now, so I can't go much futher, budget-wise, than what I'm paying for their Iams. Any recommendations? I also live in a really small town, but I noticed that the local Pet Supplies PLUS shop is advertising they now carry Nutro Max...
Would love to hear what you all think. Would prefer a brand with fewer chemicals and such, and that doesn't have the kind of reputation for animal testing that Iams does either, but doesn't cost a lot more than $30 for a 20-24lb. bag.