Various health conditions are quite common in cats. Many cat owners do not realize that their cats have any sort of special care needs until a reason to suspect arises. Cats are predators by nature and are very good at hiding their illnesses. Luckily for us pet owners, there are a plethora of highly specialized diets that can help our felines out.
At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs we strive to deliver compassionate care to pets and owners alike. Whenever we treat patients, our goal is to find the most effective method to get back to normal. In many cases, a simple prescription diet is the perfect solution.
Do You Really Need a Prescription for Cat Food?
Cats are known for being picky eaters at the most inopportune times. Due to this, cat owners try to stick to foods that their pet will eat. In these cases, some people are not even aware that there are specialty foods available for a wide-ranging amount of conditions.
As these foods are highly targeted and formulated, they often require a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase. Another reason that a prescription is required is because many of these foods are meant to be fed for only a specified duration of time. Any unauthorized over-feeding of these foods can cause other health issues to arise.
The only reason a veterinarian will prescribe a specialized diet is if your cat truly needs it. That is what these types of diets are for: treating a specific condition for a set amount of time in hopes that is alleviated. In some cases, cats require lifelong diets, while others may only need a few weeks of the formulated food.
What is the Best Prescription Cat Food?
There are many brands of prescription cat food available because there are a huge variety of conditions that need treatment. Below we are going to explore three of the largest producers of prescription cat food.
Royal Canin
- Over 90 varieties available.
- Wet and dry options are available.
- Royal Canin has the most formulas available out of the three brands. They provide highly targeted options for things like kidney support or food sensitivities while also having more general options for age group like kitten focused formulas.
- Royal Canin has been producing high-quality sustainable vet recommended pet food for over 50 years. They back their products with pet specific scientific research.
- This brand is a great option for pet owners who need highly targeted nutrition for their pet.
Hills Pet Nutrition
- Over 40 varieties available.
- Wet and dry options are available.
- Hill’s and Purina Pro Plan just about tie in regards to the number of products available. Whether you need multifaceted care like weight and urinary care, or highly focused care like gastrointestinal or thyroid, Hill’s has an excellent range of selection.
- This brand is perfect for both its general care and targeted care options.
- Hill’s is known for its science based formulation and long history of producing sustainable nutrition.
Purina Pro Plan
- Over 40 varieties available.
- Wet and dry options are available.
- Purina Pro Plan, like mentioned above, has a moderate amount of offerings to select from. If you need focused formulas for dietetic management or sensitive skin and stomach they have you covered. If your pet needs more general care, say an indoor specific diet, they have that as well.
- Out of all three brands, Purina is the only one that offers targeted care that does not always require a prescription. This makes it a great choice for people who want to continue the high-quality diet even after they finish a prescription Purina diet.
- Purina is known for both its prescription options as well as its wide selection of non-prescription products. It is a staple brand in pet stores across the county.
Where Can I Buy Prescription Cat Food
Once your cat is prescribed a food, you may be at a loss for where to purchase it. Good news! Prescription diets are available in most large pet food stores like Petsmart or Petco. If you prefer convenience, you can also purchase them from the comfort of your own home. You do require a prescription to purchase these foods though, so make sure to have it ready before you try to check-out. Some veterinary clinics have it available onsite, or they may also offer an online option as well.
Does Your Cat Need Prescription Food? | Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic
As soon as you walk in our door, you and your cat are treated like our family. We believe that compassion and excellent care go hand in hand. If you notice any strange behaviors in your cat, it may be time for an appointment with a veterinarian. Schedule yours today with our dedicated and passionate team!
