Dry Food Nightmare

This is just a heads up and warning to those who own cats, particularly
males. It is about my experience with Purina Cat Chow. This is what actually
happened to our cat, Overgaard, and what I have learned from my veterinarian
and the internet. Let me make this clear though. This is not just about
Purina. It appears most dry food can create major problems in cats. You
would never know it, though, if you are like most who have relied on
commercials and package information. That is my whole point. The
manufacturers are not being honest.

On March 4, 2008, Overgaard became very listless and would cry when petted.
This was in the afternoon so I figured we would wait until the following
morning to see how he was doing. He was no better so I took him to our
veterinarian.

He checked his abdomen and said his bladder was huge. Obviously it was not
emptying. The first thing the vet asked was what kind of food I was feeding
him. I had been feeding him Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula since he turned
one. He was now about two years old.

Without hesitation, the vet said the food was the problem. He told me that
male cats have a susceptibility to produce crystals in their bladders which
can clog the urethra. He said the high "ash" content in Purina was the
problem and contributes to that susceptibility.

I did some research, as I had never heard of this, and found it to be a
controversial subject. The conclusion I've come to is that my vet is
correct. He also says he does not personally know of any other vets who don't
also believe this to be a problem. Overgaard spent three days in the
hospital. Although much better now, he is still not 100%. This is June 10.

I was outraged about this. Not only because of paying over six hundred
dollars, but, more important that Purina does not see fit to include some
kind of warning on the packaging. Perhaps urging owners of male cats to
discuss this with their vets first.

I ended up filing a claim with Purina which was handed over to Sedgwick CMS
who handles their claims. After going around in circles for several weeks
with them, leaving messages and not getting any response, I finally got an
offer in the mail. They, in essence, said that the food has no problems and
that my, and all the other vets, are wrong. What I found particularly
interesting was that they said in the letter to me how important diet is.
Well duh. That's what I and my vet is saying. They went on to offer me $250
to basically shut up about it. I would have had to sign, and have notarized
a release form taking all my rights away, including even speaking of it
anymore. Naturally I turned it down.

So, that's the story in a nut shell. All I ask is for anyone reading this to
be cautious. Ask your vets advice on what to feed your cats, and, read the
wealth of knowledge on cat forums. Make an informed decision. As to store
bought brands, my vet says IAMS is a very good brand. Once Overgaard is off
the prescription food, what ever I switch him to, I certainly will never
feed him Purina again and urge others to do the same.

If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact me at
.