Re: Crazy Neighbors in my yard

[Guest guest]

P.S. This is my BACK YARD, which is gated and closed. I may have to put a lock

on the gate- but the gas co and other utilities measure meters that are in the

back. If I lock it I may be in trouble. NO, they are NOT the persons doing

this. I saw her come in a few days ago ( and recently got my gas bill)

Jeanette

Crazy Neighbors in my yard

Hi All,

I have noticed on more than one occasion GOD DAMN food bowls and water bowls

in my yard that I DID NOT PUT THERE- paper bowls of stuff. I tried to ignore

it, in hopes it would stop, but it hasn't, and I just found two paper bowls.

One with water and one with dry food crumbs.

I think the boy next door is full HFA, or was more than that before ( I'm not

100% sure, but I specifically remember him not talking and being weird, the word

" autism " and what not. He's in his 20s, and works under his father's trade as

an Electrician. I don't know what to do at this point.) It's very interesting,

since he's been there all along, his parents said I needed the same type of

" help " when I was five, or something, and now I have to deal with him sneaking

into my yard. It's a very innocent thing to do- I think he wants to help the

cats, but he's fucking them up. I could just scream at him right now. I know

he doesn't mean to harm.

He put DRY FOOD out for my cats- I think it's him- he loves the cats and he's

the only one who would be non-NT enough to do that and have opportunity to watch

me. I am FUCKING PISSED OFF that someone would be in my yard, giving my cats

food they are not suppose to have. DRY FOOD IS POISON, as far as I am

concerned. You do not know how hard I worked to cure Buttons, and how much

money I have spent. AHHHHHH!! I'm sure he has no idea what he's doing- but

then again, his parents hate me so may be they put him up to this? I don't

know- but it pisses me off to all hell.

I'm getting a hidden camera. If he comes back again, I'll have him on tape!!

That'll prove what's going on, and show who is really coming in the yard.

Maybe this is just another mind fuck from my neighbors. They will deny

everything. But a camera will fix this little problem.

It could be the father and mother doing this, too. I hate people.

I really hate having to do this, but when this sort of shit happens what the

hell am I suppose to do?

What would YOU do?

Let me know.

Jeanette

[Guest guest]

I am serious! I have the actual bowls- this time I decided to keep them.

C'mon, now. Wouldn't you get mad if your fucking neighbors or someone was

trespassing on your property?

Of course, I don't know who it is for sure, but they are the only ones who

would have motive and opportunity, and would live close enough not to be noticed

by others.

Jeanette

Crazy Neighbors in my yard

Hi All,

I have noticed on more than one occasion GOD DAMN food bowls and water bowls

in my yard that I DID NOT PUT THERE- paper bowls of stuff. I tried to ignore

it, in hopes it would stop, but it hasn't, and I just found two paper bowls.

One with water and one with dry food crumbs.

I think the boy next door is full HFA, or was more than that before ( I'm

not 100% sure, but I specifically remember him not talking and being weird, the

word " autism " and what not. He's in his 20s, and works under his father's trade

as an Electrician. I don't know what to do at this point.) It's very

interesting, since he's been there all along, his parents said I needed the same

type of " help " when I was five, or something, and now I have to deal with him

sneaking into my yard. It's a very innocent thing to do- I think he wants to

help the cats, but he's fucking them up. I could just scream at him right now.

I know he doesn't mean to harm.

He put DRY FOOD out for my cats- I think it's him- he loves the cats and

he's the only one who would be non-NT enough to do that and have opportunity to

watch me. I am FUCKING PISSED OFF that someone would be in my yard, giving my

cats food they are not suppose to have. DRY FOOD IS POISON, as far as I am

concerned. You do not know how hard I worked to cure Buttons, and how much

money I have spent. AHHHHHH!! I'm sure he has no idea what he's doing- but

then again, his parents hate me so may be they put him up to this? I don't

know- but it pisses me off to all hell.

I'm getting a hidden camera. If he comes back again, I'll have him on

tape!! That'll prove what's going on, and show who is really coming in the

yard.

Maybe this is just another mind fuck from my neighbors. They will deny

everything. But a camera will fix this little problem.

It could be the father and mother doing this, too. I hate people.

I really hate having to do this, but when this sort of shit happens what the

hell am I suppose to do?

What would YOU do?

Let me know.

Jeanette

[Guest guest]

Jeanette wrote:

> I am serious! I have the actual bowls- this time I decided to keep

> them. C'mon, now. Wouldn't you get mad if your fucking neighbors or

> someone was trespassing on your property?

>

> Of course, I don't know who it is for sure, but they are the only

> ones who would have motive and opportunity, and would live close

> enough not to be noticed by others.

At the very least, I would do as you are-- keep the bowls. I would

consider them to be gifts... unwanted gifts, but gifts nonetheless. The

expense of putting bowls of stuff in your yard would deter anyone after

a while, I'd think.

Yes, it would bother me if someone was entering my property without my

permission, especially the fenced back yard. A closed gate says DO NOT

ENTER, as far as I am concerned.

If it were me, I would be likely to set a trap. Not a dangerous trap,

or one that would catch and hold anyone, mind you; those would be

illegal, and you would probably end up in jail if they worked (neat how

property rights work these days, but that's probably how it would work

in LA County)... but you could do something to make a lot of noise if

the gate is opened or something. It would not be difficult to rig a

momentary switch that would be open when the gate is closed, closing the

circuit when the gate is opened, and run the wires inside to alert you

if the gate were opened. I used to do things like that all the time

when I was a kid. Duct tape, some wire, whatever switches I managed to

pilfer from dead or discarded electrical goodies, some batteries, and

something to make noise, and whatever else I could find around the house

to become the bracketry for the switch itself. I used a piezoelectric

buzzer from Radio Shack when I made an alert system for when my bedroom

door was opened.

As for locking the gate-- you do have the right to lock your gate. The

meter readers will have to deal with it. If they can't get back there,

they'll come bother you, though, by knocking on the door. That's what

they do if they are afraid of your large black dog, as we learned. The

last time I lived in a house, the water and gas meters were in the

basement-- you had to let the invaders into your house to read them.

Only the electric meter could be accessed without entering the house.

Most of the time, they just sent us postcards, and we filled in the

meter readings ourselves.

[Guest guest]

Jeanette danced around singing:

>I think the boy next door is full HFA, or was more than that before ( I'm

>not 100% sure, but I specifically remember him not talking and being

>weird, the word " autism " and what not. He's in his 20s, and works under

>his father's trade as an Electrician. I don't know what to do at this

>point.) It's very interesting, since he's been there all along, his

>parents said I needed the same type of " help " when I was five, or

>something, and now I have to deal with him sneaking into my yard. It's a

>very innocent thing to do- I think he wants to help the cats, but he's

>fucking them up. I could just scream at him right now. I know he doesn't

>mean to harm.

If it turns out to be him, you might write a letter to him explaining why

you don't feed dry food, and suggestions for what he can feed them

instead. Mention that you can tell he loves cats and wants to help, and

that you would teach him more about their care if he would like to spend

time there -- or tell him about the local no-kill shelter's volunteer

program. That way not only do you protect the cats and avoid hurting

another well-meaning HFA person, but you add a potentially dedicated,

educated recruit to the cat-rescue ranks. We need all we can get, as you

already know!

Though on the other hand, trespassing doesn't sound like a HFA thing to

do. From what I know, most of us are extremely rule-abiding, and if we

even think about defying the rules we're aware of, we'd be too afraid to

break a rule by trespassing. Of course, there are exceptions, and he might

be one of them.

One thing common around here that you might consider is having a second

gate added *after* the meters, and have that one locked. It doesn't even

have to be an expensive one; a cyclone fence with wooden stripes and a " Do

Not Enter " sign could suffice, though I would figure that solid wood would

work better if you can afford it.

BTW, I am interested -- what specific ingredients do you avoid in dry

food? I agree that the overwhelming majority of dry brands are harmful and

toxic in the long run, but from studying corporations and ingredient lists,

it seems to me that there are a select few specialty brands that are safe

to feed. Obviously nothing sold in a grocery store, of course...

Food-conscious cat lovers might find this cartoon amusing, on that topic...

*grin*

http://www.comics.com/comics/offthemark/archive/images/offthemark2002217831112.g\

if

DeGraf ~*~ http://www.sonic.net/mustang/moggy

[Guest guest]

I think they are doing this to mess with me- but of course I can't be sure of

that.

See, my BIG MOUTH and AS fuck -ups catch up with me. They are the innocent

truth, but people are terrified of that, so they come after me.

About a year ago, I moved back home. When I came back their cat, " Ambush " was

just skin and bones- I was so saddened and so appalled that he had not been put

down, but instead left outside, that I opened my mouth and said " Why don't they

put him to sleep? " sometimes, because I was appalled. You should have seen him.

He was a vibrant Grey Tux boy, eating rats and catching prey the last time I saw

him, then this time he was a skeleton. They finally said he had stomach cancer.

There was NO excuse for leaving him like that. They told me he wasn't

suffering. EXCUSE ME? HE'S HALF DEAD! How in the hell could he not be

suffering!!! I hated to see him like that. I think they heard me and hate me

now.

I'm sorry- Bush deserved better than to be outside, a total skeleton, unable to

absorb food, going from door to door looking for food. If they kept him inside

because they couldn't put him down (selfish), that would have been a different

story, and none of my business. But when they had him out like that I couldn't

stand it, and they made it MY business.

Ever since then, they hate me. Typical NTs, on top of that, drunks, they take

no responsibility for themselves. ( the parents of the HFA boy.) They think I'm

so stupid I can't see through their shit. But I'm more perceptive than they

think.

Also, they are good friends with the woman across the street. She helped me 10

years ago with remodeling this house, then thought it was OK to yell at me and

mistreat me. She thinks I owe her something, so now they hate me too, since I

won't allow her to abuse me.

My sort of trap is a silent one- those are the best kind. There are hidden

cameras that will record ONLY when the motion detector is set off. I will see

if I can get one of those, and then SEND them a picture of one of their family

members entering my yard with a little note. God knows that'll get them to

never do this thing again.

BTW, I'm not keeping the bowls as " gifts " but evidence. They have fingerprints

on them, possibly, and will doubly prove my case in court, if it gets that far.

Jeanette

Re: Crazy Neighbors in my yard

Jeanette wrote:

> I am serious! I have the actual bowls- this time I decided to keep

> them. C'mon, now. Wouldn't you get mad if your fucking neighbors or

> someone was trespassing on your property?

>

> Of course, I don't know who it is for sure, but they are the only

> ones who would have motive and opportunity, and would live close

> enough not to be noticed by others.

At the very least, I would do as you are-- keep the bowls. I would

consider them to be gifts... unwanted gifts, but gifts nonetheless. The

expense of putting bowls of stuff in your yard would deter anyone after

a while, I'd think.

Yes, it would bother me if someone was entering my property without my

permission, especially the fenced back yard. A closed gate says DO NOT

ENTER, as far as I am concerned.

If it were me, I would be likely to set a trap. Not a dangerous trap,

or one that would catch and hold anyone, mind you; those would be

illegal, and you would probably end up in jail if they worked (neat how

property rights work these days, but that's probably how it would work

in LA County)... but you could do something to make a lot of noise if

the gate is opened or something. It would not be difficult to rig a

momentary switch that would be open when the gate is closed, closing the

circuit when the gate is opened, and run the wires inside to alert you

if the gate were opened. I used to do things like that all the time

when I was a kid. Duct tape, some wire, whatever switches I managed to

pilfer from dead or discarded electrical goodies, some batteries, and

something to make noise, and whatever else I could find around the house

to become the bracketry for the switch itself. I used a piezoelectric

buzzer from Radio Shack when I made an alert system for when my bedroom

door was opened.

As for locking the gate-- you do have the right to lock your gate. The

meter readers will have to deal with it. If they can't get back there,

they'll come bother you, though, by knocking on the door. That's what

they do if they are afraid of your large black dog, as we learned. The

last time I lived in a house, the water and gas meters were in the

basement-- you had to let the invaders into your house to read them.

Only the electric meter could be accessed without entering the house.

Most of the time, they just sent us postcards, and we filled in the

meter readings ourselves.

[Guest guest]

Jeanette wrote:

> BTW, I'm not keeping the bowls as " gifts " but evidence. They have

> fingerprints on them, possibly, and will doubly prove my case in

> court, if it gets that far.

I don't think fingerprints stick around that long. I don't really know,

though. My mom's significant other had his shop broken into years ago,

and when he tried to get the police to come get the fingerprints, they

told him that too much time had passed, and that the prints would only

stick around for about 24 hours. Now, they could have been lying to

keep from having to do their jobs, incompetent, or maybe technology has

changed (that was probably 15-20 years ago), but that is what they told him.

[Guest guest]

Jeanette wrote:

>I really hate having to do this, but when this sort of shit happens what

>the hell am I suppose to do?

>

>What would YOU do?

If you can't talk to the young man you believe is putting

the bowls of food in your yard, then write him a letter.

You say he likes the cats. Explain to him that, although

you realize the person putting the food in your yard is

trying to be good to the cats, that kind of food actually

is harmful for the cats. Explain that the cats do get

enough to eat, and that it is necessary for their health

that they eat the special food you are able to provide.

Say that you hope whoever is putting the food in your

yard will stop, because if your cats eat that food, they

will get sick and might even die. Say that you hope he

will let you know if he sees anyone putting food in your

yard. (In fact, you could make it a general letter,

addessed to " Dear neighbors, " and put one in every

mailbox on your block.)

Do not accuse. Simply explain in an informative way.

Draft a letter and post it here first, if you like, so

you can get feedback on it.

Jane

[Guest guest]

I first want to note that not *all* dry food is poison. There are some good dry

food brands. But not ones you will find in a grocery store, which is doubtless

where the food is coming from. My suggestion is to ask your neighbors if one of

them is putting out food for your cats, and then let them know you know they

mean no harm but your cats are on a special diet so would they please stop

putting out this food for them as it is potentially harmful to their health. I

understand why you are angry. If you prefer, go ahead and set up the hidden

camera, and then when you know who did this, go directly to THEM and tell them

you know they're putting cat food in your yard for the cats, but (as above) they

are on a special diet and this food is potentially harmful to them, so please

stop doing it.

I only recently learned the evils of store-brand cat food. I am now feeding my

cat Felidae cat food which I've been told does not contain any carcinogens and

is corn-free, among other things. Not that you should or should not be feeding

your cat a good dry food, but I know cats' teeth can benefit from dry food if

other precautions are not taken in dental care (my husband's parents insisted on

feeding their cat only store-brand canned cat food; all his teeth rotted and had

to be removed, except his canines. It was horrible for him and, though I'm sure

you are taking better care of your cats than that, it's especially problematic

if you aren't feeding them dry food to use proper dental care).

If I were you, I'd go ahead with hidden camera (if you own or can borrow a

camera, but I wouldn't buy one for this purpose) and confront the individual,

telling them of your cats' special diet. It seems the most diplomatic

way...just like telling a nice neighbor that a child may not have candy due to

diabetes, or cannot have Dorritos due to a corn allergy.

Jeanette wrote:

Hi All,

I have noticed on more than one occasion GOD DAMN food bowls and water bowls in

my yard that I DID NOT PUT THERE- paper bowls of stuff. I tried to ignore it, in

hopes it would stop, but it hasn't, and I just found two paper bowls. One with

water and one with dry food crumbs.

I think the boy next door is full HFA, or was more than that before ( I'm not

100% sure, but I specifically remember him not talking and being weird, the word

" autism " and what not. He's in his 20s, and works under his father's trade as an

Electrician. I don't know what to do at this point.) It's very interesting,

since he's been there all along, his parents said I needed the same type of

" help " when I was five, or something, and now I have to deal with him sneaking

into my yard. It's a very innocent thing to do- I think he wants to help the

cats, but he's fucking them up. I could just scream at him right now. I know he

doesn't mean to harm.

He put DRY FOOD out for my cats- I think it's him- he loves the cats and he's

the only one who would be non-NT enough to do that and have opportunity to watch

me. I am FUCKING PISSED OFF that someone would be in my yard, giving my cats

food they are not suppose to have. DRY FOOD IS POISON, as far as I am concerned.

You do not know how hard I worked to cure Buttons, and how much money I have

spent. AHHHHHH!! I'm sure he has no idea what he's doing- but then again, his

parents hate me so may be they put him up to this? I don't know- but it pisses

me off to all hell.

I'm getting a hidden camera. If he comes back again, I'll have him on tape!!

That'll prove what's going on, and show who is really coming in the yard.

Maybe this is just another mind fuck from my neighbors. They will deny

everything. But a camera will fix this little problem.

It could be the father and mother doing this, too. I hate people.

I really hate having to do this, but when this sort of shit happens what the

hell am I suppose to do?

What would YOU do?

Let me know.

Jeanette

[

[Guest guest]

nah wrote:

>I am now feeding my cat Felidae cat food which I've been told >does not contain

any carcinogens and is corn-free, among other >things.

It is much, much better than store bought dry, without a doubt. But if you read

the ingredients, you may find different herbal things- like alfalfa, garlic,

other things- I have to double check the list.

Those things are not good for cats, and any dry food still doesn't have enough

moisture to give the cat what they need. They still have to drink tons of water

just to make up for what they need. Most cats don't do that, so they have low

grade dehydration.

Also, even if the food doesn't have corn, carbs of any kind are not very good

for obligate carnivores. The cooked rice ( that has been broken down

artificially by cooking) and refined carbs of that sort may be used by the cat's

system, but they are sub-optimal because of the biochemistry of the cat.

Refined carbs cause obesity.

>I know cats' teeth can benefit from dry food

This is a myth. The canned food your parents were giving your cat probably had

lots of carbs and sugars- THAT is what causes tooth decay. Dry food just

crumbles in their mouths, and in some cases can cause problems by getting food

built up in their teeth. Again, it depends on the quality of the dry food- how

much refined carbs vs. protein they have.

If you really want your cat to have clean teeth- give them a mouse, small bird,

small rat, chicken wing (RAW ONLY- small bones- like the wing- only). ( I know,

some people's stomachs are turning.) The bones in the cat's prey DO clean the

teeth- and very well. Feathers and fur act like fiber. Mr. Buttons gets a

mouse every once in a while, to help him eliminate the tons of long hair he has,

and to clean his teeth. Mr. Pixel LOVES rats ( Buttons doesn't like the taste).

At first he would only eat it if I prepared it for him ( like a butcher does- I

had to skin it ( yes it was pre-killed), quarter it and clean it, as if we were

surviving off the wild or something on a hunting trip. He used to leave the

head and tail behind.(ICK!!! This is the meaning of " love " , when I say I love

my cats...)

Now I just give him the pre-killed rat and he eats it whole- bones, skull and

all. He just loves it! He's become quite a hunter, and has gotten pigeons and

other birds in the yard. It's OK, because he eats them.

Not one thing has happened to him or any of my cats from eating their natural

prey foods or raw meat. They are better than ever.

Jeanette

Re: Crazy Neighbors in my yard

I first want to note that not *all* dry food is poison. There are some good

dry food brands. But not ones you will find in a grocery store, which is

doubtless where the food is coming from. My suggestion is to ask your neighbors

if one of them is putting out food for your cats, and then let them know you

know they mean no harm but your cats are on a special diet so would they please

stop putting out this food for them as it is potentially harmful to their

health. I understand why you are angry. If you prefer, go ahead and set up the

hidden camera, and then when you know who did this, go directly to THEM and tell

them you know they're putting cat food in your yard for the cats, but (as above)

they are on a special diet and this food is potentially harmful to them, so

please stop doing it.

I only recently learned the evils of store-brand cat food. Not that you

should or should not be feeding your cat a good dry food, butother precautions

are not taken in dental care (my husband's parents insisted on feeding their cat

only store-brand canned cat food; all his teeth rotted and had to be removed,

except his canines. It was horrible for him and, though I'm sure you are taking

better care of your cats than that, it's especially problematic if you aren't

feeding them dry food to use proper dental care).

If I were you, I'd go ahead with hidden camera (if you own or can borrow a

camera, but I wouldn't buy one for this purpose) and confront the individual,

telling them of your cats' special diet. It seems the most diplomatic

way...just like telling a nice neighbor that a child may not have candy due to

diabetes, or cannot have Dorritos due to a corn allergy.

Jeanette wrote:

Hi All,

I have noticed on more than one occasion GOD DAMN food bowls and water bowls

in my yard that I DID NOT PUT THERE- paper bowls of stuff. I tried to ignore it,

in hopes it would stop, but it hasn't, and I just found two paper bowls. One

with water and one with dry food crumbs.

I think the boy next door is full HFA, or was more than that before ( I'm not

100% sure, but I specifically remember him not talking and being weird, the word

" autism " and what not. He's in his 20s, and works under his father's trade as an

Electrician. I don't know what to do at this point.) It's very interesting,

since he's been there all along, his parents said I needed the same type of

" help " when I was five, or something, and now I have to deal with him sneaking

into my yard. It's a very innocent thing to do- I think he wants to help the

cats, but he's fucking them up. I could just scream at him right now. I know he

doesn't mean to harm.

He put DRY FOOD out for my cats- I think it's him- he loves the cats and he's

the only one who would be non-NT enough to do that and have opportunity to watch

me. I am FUCKING PISSED OFF that someone would be in my yard, giving my cats

food they are not suppose to have. DRY FOOD IS POISON, as far as I am concerned.

You do not know how hard I worked to cure Buttons, and how much money I have

spent. AHHHHHH!! I'm sure he has no idea what he's doing- but then again, his

parents hate me so may be they put him up to this? I don't know- but it pisses

me off to all hell.

I'm getting a hidden camera. If he comes back again, I'll have him on tape!!

That'll prove what's going on, and show who is really coming in the yard.

Maybe this is just another mind fuck from my neighbors. They will deny

everything. But a camera will fix this little problem.

It could be the father and mother doing this, too. I hate people.

I really hate having to do this, but when this sort of shit happens what the

hell am I suppose to do?

What would YOU do?

Let me know.

Jeanette

[

[Guest guest]

nah wrote:

> I first want to note that not *all* dry food is poison. There are

> some good dry food brands. But not ones you will find in a grocery

> store, which is doubtless where the food is coming from.

Our local grocery store started carrying Iams, which is why I switched

to that from Nutro... but after doing some more research, I went back to

the Nutro recently.

> Not that you

> should or should not be feeding your cat a good dry food, but I know

> cats' teeth can benefit from dry food if other precautions are not

> taken in dental care (my husband's parents insisted on feeding their

> cat only store-brand canned cat food; all his teeth rotted and had to

> be removed, except his canines. It was horrible for him and, though

> I'm sure you are taking better care of your cats than that, it's

> especially problematic if you aren't feeding them dry food to use

> proper dental care).

I know that dogs are not cats, but we had a number of dogs when I was a

kid, from a Yorkshire Terrier to a large German Shepherd (who was quite

a bit larger than most shepherds), and they always had dry food. The

vet always used to comment about how good their teeth were, and how they

never needed anything beyond cursory dental care. All of them died of

natural causes with all of their teeth intact.

Right now, my cats' teeth are in great shape, and so are their gums.

Still, I have no doubt that the best food for them is the diet which

they have evolved to eat, which is whole small animals.

[Guest guest]

My young cat consumes Kitten Replacement Milk and my older cat consumes Cat Sip

(lactose-free milk) so they probably get more moisture than most cats on dry

food.

Also, it was not my *parents* that were feeding a cat canned food, it was my

*husband's* parents that were doing so, and the cat vanished (was stolen or

wandered off to die) about 2 months before I even met my husband (so I never

actually met this cat).

From my understanding, the dry food helps clean the teeth in a way quite similar

to the way the bones of prey animals help clean the cat's teeth.

The cats I had as a child lived outdoors and ate mostly prey (mainly snakes,

mice, birds, and chipmunks) and were provided with dry food and water for those

times when they didn't feel like hunting or had poor luck with it. Many lived

outside all the time, and a few were indoor/outdoor cats. They were given that

fowl grocery store cat food, or dog food, for when they wanted it. They were

rather like wild cats, except they came when called and enjoyed being petted and

played with and that sort of thing. Gatita (now about 4 1/2 years old) is the

only cat I've ever had that wasn't an indoor/outdoor cat who caught plenty of

prey. She has been an exclusively indoor cat because we've lived in a city. I

am not sure whether I will let her out or not when we live in the country,

because I am concerned with her being eaten by a coyote (it happens; coyotes are

the only thing I know of in my native area that eats cats) or hit by a car (I

had this happen to once of my cats when I lived in

the country).

I do want to give my cats the food that is best for them. I want them to live

long and healthy lives. I want them to have the best food and liter they can,

and I want them to be happy and fulfilled (which is one reason I now have two;

this is the baby's unsupervised day with Gatita and thus far they're doing very

well).

I am certainly not objecting to sound evidence indicating that my cats' overall

health would improve if I switched their food.

I know their current food contains cranberries. It also contains brown rice,

and lots of herbs and that sort of thing. Have studies been performed to show

how these are harmful to cats? Gatita's fur is much shinier and she is more

playful and has lost some of her excess weight since I switched her to Felidae.

If I can switch her to a food that's even better, of course I will. But I am

skeptical as to whether or not indoor cats need as much water as wild cats.

Otherwise, they would probably drink more water if it's available (I see my cats

drink water a lot and they don't seem to have any objection to doing so).

nah

[Guest guest]

Nutro and Iams are probably about the same, quality-wise, since Nutro was bought

out the quality has gone down. I'd suggest looking into some of the other

high-quality brands if I were you. Nutro isn't terrible, and it might be better

than Iams, but it's not the best dry food on the market.

Klein wrote:nah wrote:

> I first want to note that not *all* dry food is poison. There are

> some good dry food brands. But not ones you will find in a grocery

> store, which is doubtless where the food is coming from.

Our local grocery store started carrying Iams, which is why I switched

to that from Nutro... but after doing some more research, I went back to

the Nutro recently.

> Not that you

> should or should not be feeding your cat a good dry food, but I know

> cats' teeth can benefit from dry food if other precautions are not

> taken in dental care (my husband's parents insisted on feeding their

> cat only store-brand canned cat food; all his teeth rotted and had to

> be removed, except his canines. It was horrible for him and, though

> I'm sure you are taking better care of your cats than that, it's

> especially problematic if you aren't feeding them dry food to use

> proper dental care).

I know that dogs are not cats, but we had a number of dogs when I was a

kid, from a Yorkshire Terrier to a large German Shepherd (who was quite

a bit larger than most shepherds), and they always had dry food. The

vet always used to comment about how good their teeth were, and how they

never needed anything beyond cursory dental care. All of them died of

natural causes with all of their teeth intact.

Right now, my cats' teeth are in great shape, and so are their gums.

Still, I have no doubt that the best food for them is the diet which

they have evolved to eat, which is whole small animals.

nah