Reply #18: For more than 25 years I've fed all of my barn and house cats, dry Purina Cat Chow.

[riderinthestorm]

Free choice with plenty of available water.

My 2 barn cats are 19 and 12 years old, my 3 house cats are 15, 13 and 2 years old. I haven't experienced any urinary, diabetes, allergy etc. issues with any of my cats and they are seen by vets regularly (the barn cats RUN to the field service vets who visit my farm every week so they get loving - and an informal exam - pretty much every week!)

They are shiny, healthy and exude energy. I've got 40 clients at my farm who also see them daily and if there was even the tiniest problem I would be informed instantly. The cats are monitored that closely.

I can't even get my cats to eat straight tuna - I know, I've tried when I have to medicate them and they won't touch any wet food, ever. It's crazy.

I've "owned" many cats over the years as we get a lot of country drop-offs. I'll let any barn cat that's wandered into my life go to a suitable home but all of them have also been exclusively fed Purina and they all eat it like mad while they are with me.

I won't comment on anyone else's experiences but wanted to assure you that there are loving long-term cat owners, who feed dry food exclusively so don't let anyone "guilt" you. Do what you need to do to ensure your cat(s) stays with you while you get through financial rough patches. When you are feeling low, there's nothing quite like having your feline friend snuggle against you and I believe that sanity saver is hugely important... You'll get through this. Your cats will eat when they are hungry enough. PM me if you need any further help.