Soul's Diet From Hell (Hill's Science Plan for Cats)

Member Name: lisa2062

Product:	Hill's Science Plan for Cats
Date:	07/07/06 (1401 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A big fat zero

Disadvantages: Bland, hungrier, weight gain, nausea, price!

* Introduction*


Since 2004 Soul has been diagnosed as having an allergy to grass and pollen.
As a result of this, he pulls out his fur and scratches a lot more than the average cat would. After his diagnoses by a vet, Soul now has to have monthly injections to counteract his allergies. At the time it was also suggested that he be fed on this diet, as he may be allergic to ‘normal’ cat food. Since this could not be tested for, we jointly decided that putting him on this diet, may help control his condition.



* Which conditions is this food for?*


Well, first of all it’s for any age cage between the ages of 1-9 who suffer with dry, itchy and flaky skin. It’s also for any cat wanting a shiny healthy coat that would be the envy of all the other cats.



* What are the benefits? *


The food is full of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids; they nourish and replenish the essential oils within the skin. Hill’s also claim that it will help to relieve scratching and shedding, as well as being something delicious to eat for your moggy.




* Should this be fed to your cat immediately, and in the same way as you would feed it with tinned food?*


With regards to the amount you should feed your cat, this varies according to its weight. Soul is fed twice a day as most cats are, and we weigh out the same amount for both meals.
Your vet will advise you on the appropriate amount of food for your animal.
It is important to remember, that when introducing it to your cat, you should increase the new food and decrease the other. This should be undertaken during the course of a week, enabling your cat a steady transition from the old food.
While on this diet it's important they you don't feed your cat on dairy products, as like with humans these too can cause allergies.



* What was Soul’s verdict on the food?*


If Soul was able to speak (boy would he be worth a lot of money), he would say stay well clear of this, as it was the most disgusting thing on earth.
Let me explain, the food very much resembles pellets, they’re dark brown and have a very bland smell to them. During the course of Soul’s first week on this, he never seemed satisfied, throwing up 9 out of 10 times, and rapidly gaining weight. This was sad to see, as we’d worked hard on getting his weight down as his previous owners fed him too much. You maybe confused, as yes I did say he was throwing it back up but gaining in weight. My only answer to this is, that as the food was so bland and left him hungry, he was probably finding something nicer else where.
Anyway, we took him back up to the vets to let them know he was getting on.
Unfortunately for Soul and us, we were told that he must stay on it as his previous tinned food might have been aggravating his condition as well. Although not happy, we decided to persevere for another week, and hoped that things might have improved.
This was not to be the case, as he was still increasing in weight and still being sick.



* What were the final results?*


Enough was enough in my eyes, and I couldn’t go on seeing him suffer like that. Back up the vets we went, and unbelievably they still said we should keep him on it.
Cutting a long story short, my little boy is no longer on it and is back on tinned food.
His weight is back down to normal, he’s no longer sick, and it certainly hasn’t made his condition any the worse for it. Mind you the vets still believe he’s on it to this day, but some how I don’t think Soul will be dropping us in it!
I know we went against the vet’s advice, but in this case we felt and still feel that we’ve done the right thing for Soul.



* Where can I get more advice?*


As well as seeking your vet’s advice, visit www.hillspet.com, for further information on the food, and the other types available.



* So would you recommend it?*


Although Soul and ourselves give it a big thumbs/paws down, I wouldn’t rule this food out for other cats. As with anything in life, what works for one, mightn’t work for another. If you’re recommended this particular diet plan, or any of the other in the series then I’d say give it a go.


* Further Information*


Visit www.hillspet.com, as I said for more info, as well as www.pet-supermarket.com for current prices and ordering.

This particular food can be bought in 2kg bags costing £12.99, and in 5kg bags costing £25.99. Although expensive, if it helps your cat then it's certainly worth the money.

Summary: Failed to help Soul, but maybe able to help other cats conditions.