S H wrote:
> 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 im****tant 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 im****tant 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 phoneman@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
.
Before you fly off the handle at Purina, do two things. First,
compare the ash content of the Purina you were using (should be shown
on the label) with that of the IAMS that your vet wants you to use.
Second, google "feline cystitis ash" and read what you find carefully
and completely.
--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
|
