Just as a side note about the high-protein, I was switching my cats over from another premium dry to EVO canned only when the Orange One developed pancreatitis. I used to be somewhat of a food snob and got preachy about the benefits of a more natural, appropriate diet for my cats. In DOGS, it is common to have a high- or different-fat/pancreatitis correlation, but not so much in cats. I was told the causes of feline pancreatitis are not really understood. Still, after episode #2, the vet recommended we try a low fat diet, which has kept him out of the hospital for pancreatitis. I used a premium, low-fat food (combination wet/dry.) After he had a urinary tract blockage on said food, we had to switch him again to a food that addressed both issues. The vet mentioned they were starting to see more pancreatitis, particularly in dogs, as people switch to these super premium diets.

Now that my cat is the third most expensive thing I own, I put my reservations aside and decided I don't care what he eats as long as he's eating it, thriving, and not racking up vet bills. I picked the "better" (read: not Hills/Science Diet) of the market available prescription foods. We did work out a, "this actually has food in it" non-prescription wet food to augment the prescription dry food. He refused the prescription wet, as he thought it contained aliens, and doesn't eat any wet food consistently.

So....I'm just saying. I get it. My cats are family, I fed them as family, and took them to the doctor as family. This "step down" in food quality was a big deal for me. But it's working, so I am not going to complain and am just going to be happy my beloved kitty is still here and trying to get into my fridge so he can eat all my yogurt.

I also agree that various water bowls tucked away across the house are preferred and more heavily used. I left some out after his blockage and they proved so popular with my two that they all but abandoned the fountain. I do think they're both drinking more.

Whatever works!