Renal cat food

downshifter

At her checkup yesterday my vet told me that my ageing cat should now go on to specialist renal cat food to support her kidneys.  Her readings are normal but on the low side of normal so although she doesn't need medication she's getting that way.  He gave me some sample pouches of Royal Canin but she isn't keen and I can see I'm going to waste a lot before finding one she likes.  Isn't it expensive?!!

As I normally buy pet food with my usual supermarket shopping I'm not up on the online suppliers.  I've googled and there are plenty but I would be so glad of recommendations.  I had hoped to be able to buy some individual pouches to try but neither my nearest Pets at Home or 'proper pet shop' has them, only big boxes.  She doesn't like dry food, only wet.

Grateful for any advice - shops, online suppliers, brands  -  anything really!!  Thank you so much.

baser999

Our cat’s the same, elderly with renal issues and he too hated Royal Canin. We went online and buy Purina Pro-Plan Veterinary Diets renal function advanced care - comes in boxes of 10 x 85g sachets, salmon or chicken. We use either Zooplus or Animed depending upon which is the cheapest at the time. Tend to place a big order, sufficient to cover p&p and delivery’s usually within a few days. 

We’ve yet to find any high street outlet that sells either.
Good luck

sheramber

You could try contacting manufacturers and asking for samples.  That sometimes works.


there is a taster pack here  https://www.vetsend.co.uk/kidney-diet-taster-pack-cats

SensibleSarah

I had this with one of my elderly cats a couple of years ago. She was a very fussy eater at the best of times so finding a renal food she'd eat was really difficult. She was one of those 'eat it today, ignore it tomorrow' type cats and I spent a lot of money on different brands. The one she tolerated best was from Zooplus - kattovit pouches but it was still a bit hit and miss to be honest. 

downshifter

Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions and experiences.  I'll investigate them all.  Quite surprised not just at the prices but also the delivery charges - I just wish I could find a local supplier.  This is a new world for me, Aldi cat food has always worked well for my cats, and the  vet said it's just fine - but not for this obviously - so no wonder I'm shocked.  Anyway, I'll do whatever I have to to keep her well.  Thanks again.

sheramber

downshifter said:

Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions and experiences.  I'll investigate them all.  Quite surprised not just at the prices but also the delivery charges - I just wish I could find a local supplier.  This is a new world for me, Aldi cat food has always worked well for my cats, and the  vet said it's just fine - but not for this obviously - so no wonder I'm shocked.  Anyway, I'll do whatever I have to to keep her well.  Thanks again.

Unfortunately, courier charges and insurance cover are not cheap. 

Local suppliers will stock high turnover products, things like special diets are not high turnover for local areas. 

it is a case of searching around online to find the best deal.

You can buy some renal diets delivery free with Amazon Prime which may be an option.

Murphybear

I’m sorry to hear of your cats problems, sadly renal problems are very common in older cats.  My cat needed renal food when she was 18 and I found it’s difficult to buy OTC but easy to find online.  My vet recommended Royal Canin or Hills and I tried both plus some cheaper renal brands.  I didn’t find a massive difference in prices so bought from Amazon as I have an Amazon Prime account and got fast free delivery.  There is no such thing as cheap renal food.  

I am pleased to say she thrived on the renal food for 2 years and came to the end of her life at 20 which is the oldest cat I’ve ever had (and I’ve had quite a few in my 70 years )

kiss_me_now9

We have both our boys on special renal food as one of them had blocked tubes when he was about 2.5 years old and the vet said that it's very common in male cats and can be hereditary (they're brothers). We use a specialist dry food from Royal Canin which we buy in bulk from Zooplus and then give them 'normal' wet food. It is expensive but seeing how much pain he was in when we took him in is something I never want to repeat!