As a cat owner, finding affordable, nutritious, and palatable food for your feline friend is a top priority. 9 Lives Cat Food has been a household name for decades, known for its budget-friendly options and wide variety. But does it live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into five popular 9 Lives Cat Food products available on Amazon: 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food, 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food, 9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food, 9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper, and 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety. We’ll explore their ingredients, nutritional value, pros, cons, and customer feedback, and provide a comparison table and FAQs to help you decide if 9 Lives is the right choice for your cat.
This review is designed to be transparent, informative, and engaging, with insights drawn from trusted sources like Catster, Cats.com, and ConsumerAffairs, as well as customer reviews on Amazon and other platforms. Whether you’re a long-time 9 Lives user or considering it for the first time, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Overview of 9 Lives Cat Food
Since its debut in 1959 as the first wet cat food brand in the United States, 9 Lives Cat Food has built a reputation for affordability and variety. Owned by Big Heart Pet Brands (a subsidiary of J.M. Smucker Company), 9 Lives offers both dry and wet cat food options tailored to different feline needs, from weight control to urinary health. Marketed with the iconic “Morris the Cat,” the brand emphasizes accessible nutrition for cats of all life stages. But with mixed reviews online, it’s worth examining whether 9 Lives Cat Food delivers on quality as well as price.
We’ll break down each product, highlighting its ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, and suitability for your cat. Let’s start with the dry food options, followed by the wet food varieties, before diving into a comparison and answering common questions.
1. 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food
Product Overview
9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food is formulated for cats with specific health needs, particularly those prone to urinary tract issues. Available in a 12-pound bag on Amazon, this formula includes ingredients to support urinary health and is marketed as a high-protein option for all life stages. It’s a budget-friendly choice for cat owners looking to address health concerns without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Whole ground corn
- Chicken by-product meal
- Corn gluten meal
- Soybean meal
- Animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
- Added vitamins and minerals (e.g., magnesium oxide for urinary health)
Nutritional Analysis
- Protein: 31% (dry matter basis)
- Fat: 9%
- Carbohydrates: High due to corn and soybean meal
- AAFCO Compliance: Meets nutritional standards for all life stages
Pros
- Affordable Price: At roughly $0.10 per day for a 10-pound cat, it’s one of the cheapest options on the market.
- Urinary Health Support: Contains ingredients like magnesium oxide to promote urinary tract health, which is ideal for cats with a history of urinary issues.
- Palatability: Many Amazon reviewers note that their cats, even picky eaters, enjoy this food. One user mentioned, “My cat hasn’t had urinary infections since switching to 9 Lives Plus Care.”
- Widely Available: Easily found on Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers.
Cons
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Whole ground corn as the first ingredient and reliance on by-products (e.g., chicken by-product meal) make this a less species-appropriate choice for obligate carnivores.
- High Carbohydrates: Corn and soybean meal contribute to a higher carb content, which may not suit cats with weight or diabetes concerns.
- Artificial Additives: Contains artificial colors (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) and BHA as a preservative, which some pet owners prefer to avoid.
- Mixed Reviews: While some cats thrive, others experience vomiting or digestive issues, as noted in ConsumerAffairs reviews.
Who It’s For
9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food is best for budget-conscious owners of cats with urinary health concerns who aren’t overly sensitive to plant-based ingredients. It’s not ideal for cats requiring grain-free or high-meat diets.
2. 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food
Product Overview
9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food is designed for indoor cats, focusing on weight control and hairball management. Available in a 20-pound bag on Amazon, it’s marketed as a balanced formula to support healthy skin, coat, and digestion.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Whole ground corn
- Chicken by-product meal
- Corn gluten meal
- Soybean meal
- Whole wheat
- Beef fat
- Added fiber for hairball control
Nutritional Analysis
- Protein: 30% (dry matter basis)
- Fat: 9%
- Carbohydrates: High due to grain-heavy formula
- AAFCO Compliance: Meets nutritional standards for all life stages
Pros
- Budget-Friendly: Costs approximately $0.10 per day for a 10-pound cat, making it an economical choice for multi-cat households.
- Hairball Control: Includes fiber to help reduce hairballs, a common issue for indoor cats.
- Positive Feedback: Some Amazon reviewers praise its palatability, with one stating, “My cat and dog both love it!”
- Supports Indoor Cats: Formulated to help maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for less active indoor cats.
Cons
- Grain-Heavy Formula: Whole ground corn and soybean meal dominate, which may not be ideal for cats with grain sensitivities.
- Low-Quality Meat Sources: Relies on chicken by-product meal and meat and bone meal, which are less nutritious than whole meats or meat meals.
- Digestive Issues: Multiple ConsumerAffairs reviews report vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in cats after eating this food.
- Artificial Colors: Includes unnecessary additives like Red 40, which don’t benefit cats.
Who It’s For
9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food suits indoor cats with no grain allergies and owners looking for an affordable option to manage weight and hairballs. It’s less suitable for cats needing high-protein, low-carb diets.
3. 9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food
Product Overview
9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food is a canned option available in a 13-ounce pack of 12 on Amazon. It’s marketed as a high-protein, meaty paté that appeals to cats’ carnivorous instincts, with beef as a key ingredient.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Meat by-products
- Water (for processing)
- Beef
- Poultry by-products
- Soy protein concentrate
- Added vitamins and minerals
Nutritional Analysis
- Protein: High (around 40% on a dry matter basis)
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
- AAFCO Compliance: Meets nutritional standards for all life stages
Pros
- Higher Protein Content: Offers more protein than 9 Lives dry foods, aligning better with cats’ carnivorous needs.
- Affordable Wet Food: At approximately $0.77 per day for a 10-pound cat, it’s a cost-effective canned option.
- Palatable: Many cats enjoy the paté texture, with Amazon reviews noting that even finicky eaters gobble it up.
- Hydration Benefits: Wet food helps keep cats hydrated, which is especially important for those with urinary issues.
Cons
- Unnamed Meat By-Products: The use of vague “meat by-products” raises concerns about quality and potential allergens.
- Additives: Contains soy protein concentrate and caramel color, which are unnecessary for feline nutrition.
- Health Concerns: Some ConsumerAffairs reviews link this food to vomiting, diarrhea, and even severe issues like seizures.
- Recall History: 9 Lives wet foods were recalled in 2018 for low thiamine levels, which may cause health issues.
Who It’s For
9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food is ideal for budget-conscious owners seeking a wet food option for cats who prefer paté textures and need extra hydration. It’s less suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
4. 9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper
Product Overview
9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper is another canned option, available in a 13-ounce pack of 12 on Amazon. It’s designed to provide a balanced diet with a mix of meaty flavors, appealing to cats who love variety.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Meat by-products
- Water
- Chicken
- Poultry by-products
- Fish
- Added vitamins and minerals
Nutritional Analysis
- Protein: High (around 40% on a dry matter basis)
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
- AAFCO Compliance: Meets nutritional standards for all life stages
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Like other 9 Lives wet foods, it’s priced at about $0.77 per day for a 10-pound cat.
- High Protein: Offers a meatier profile than dry options, better suiting cats’ dietary needs.
- Appealing Texture: The paté consistency is a hit with many cats, per Amazon reviews.
- Hydration Support: Helps maintain hydration, beneficial for kidney and urinary health.
Cons
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Unnamed meat by-products and fish make it hard to assess quality or allergen content.
- Negative Reviews: ConsumerAffairs reports instances of cats experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after eating this food.
- Recall Concerns: Part of the 2018 thiamine recall, raising questions about quality control.
- Additives: Includes caramel color, which serves no nutritional purpose.
Who It’s For
9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper is a good pick for owners looking for an affordable wet food with a meaty flavor profile. It’s not recommended for cats with digestive sensitivities or those requiring premium ingredients.
5. 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety
Product Overview
9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety is a pack of 24 5.5-ounce cans available on Amazon, offering flavors like chicken, tuna, and seafood. It’s designed to provide variety for picky eaters while maintaining affordability.
Ingredients
Key ingredients (varies by flavor):
- Meat by-products
- Water
- Chicken, tuna, or fish
- Poultry by-products
- Soy protein concentrate
- Added vitamins and minerals
Nutritional Analysis
- Protein: High (around 40% on a dry matter basis)
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
- AAFCO Compliance: Meets nutritional standards for all life stages
Pros
- Variety: Offers multiple flavors to keep cats interested, ideal for finicky eaters.
- Affordable: Priced similarly to other 9 Lives wet foods, around $0.77 per day.
- Hydration Benefits: Wet food supports hydration, crucial for cats prone to urinary issues.
- Positive Reviews: Amazon customers often praise the variety pack for keeping their cats satisfied.
Cons
- Unnamed By-Products: Vague ingredients like “meat by-products” and “fish” raise quality concerns.
- Health Issues: Some cats experience vomiting or diarrhea, as reported on ConsumerAffairs.
- Recall History: Included in the 2018 thiamine recall, which may affect trust in the brand.
- Additives: Contains soy protein and caramel color, which are unnecessary.
Who It’s For
9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety is perfect for owners of picky cats who want a budget-friendly wet food with flavor variety. It’s less ideal for cats with food sensitivities or those needing high-quality meat sources.
Comparison Table: 9 Lives Cat Food Products
| Product | Type | Key Features | Protein (Dry Matter) | Price (Approx.) | Pros | Cons |
| 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food | Dry | Urinary health support, high protein | 31% | $0.10/day | Affordable, urinary health benefits, palatable | Grain-heavy, low-quality ingredients, artificial additives |
| 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food | Dry | Weight control, hairball management | 30% | $0.10/day | Budget-friendly, hairball control, widely available | High carbs, by-products, digestive issues reported |
| 9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food | Wet | High protein, paté texture | 40% | $0.77/day | High protein, affordable, hydrating | Unnamed by-products, additives, recall history |
| 9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper | Wet | Balanced diet, meaty flavor | 40% | $0.77/day | High protein, palatable, hydrating | Low-quality ingredients, health concerns, additives |
| 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety | Wet | Flavor variety, high protein | 40% | $0.77/day | Variety, affordable, hydrating | Unnamed by-products, recall history, additives |
Pros and Cons of 9 Lives Cat Food Overall
Pros
- Affordability: 9 Lives Cat Food is one of the cheapest brands available, with dry food costing around $0.10 per day and wet food at $0.77 per day for a 10-pound cat.
- Variety: Offers both dry and wet options, including specialized formulas like 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food and 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food, as well as wet varieties like 9 Lives Meaty Paté and 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites.
- Availability: Widely available on Amazon, Chewy, Walmart, and grocery stores.
- Palatability: Many cats enjoy the taste, especially the wet food varieties, based on Amazon reviews.
- Hydration (Wet Food): 9 Lives Wet Cat Food supports hydration, which is beneficial for kidney and urinary health.
Cons
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Relies heavily on grains (e.g., corn, wheat) and unnamed by-products, which are less nutritious for obligate carnivores.
- Health Concerns: Numerous ConsumerAffairs reviews report vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even severe issues like seizures or organ failure linked to 9 Lives Cat Food.
- Recall History: Recalls in 2017 and 2018 for low thiamine levels raise concerns about quality control.
- Artificial Additives: Includes artificial colors (e.g., Red 40) and preservatives like BHA, which are unnecessary and potentially harmful.
- High Carbohydrates: Dry foods like 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food and 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food have high carb content, which may not suit all cats.
FAQs About 9 Lives Cat Food
Based on Google Trends and common questions online, here are answers to frequently asked questions about 9 Lives Cat Food:
1. Is 9 Lives Cat Food good for my cat?
9 Lives Cat Food is a budget-friendly option that meets AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages. However, its reliance on grains and by-products makes it less ideal for cats with sensitivities or those needing high-meat diets. Wet varieties like 9 Lives Meaty Paté and 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites are better for hydration and protein but still contain low-quality ingredients. Always consult your vet, especially if your cat has health issues.
2. Has 9 Lives Cat Food been recalled?
Yes, 9 Lives Cat Food has been recalled twice. In 2017 and 2018, several wet food varieties, including 9 Lives Meaty Paté, were recalled due to low thiamine (vitamin B1) levels, which can cause neurological issues in cats. Check the FDA website for the latest recall information before purchasing.
3. Why does 9 Lives Cat Food get bad reviews?
Many negative reviews stem from cats experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or more severe issues like seizures after eating 9 Lives Cat Food. The use of low-quality ingredients like corn, soybean meal, and unnamed by-products, along with artificial additives, is often criticized. However, some cats tolerate it well, especially those without sensitivities.
4. Is 9 Lives Cat Food grain-free?
No, 9 Lives Cat Food, including 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food and 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food, is not grain-free. Whole ground corn, wheat, and soybean meal are prominent ingredients in dry formulas. Wet foods like 9 Lives Wet Cat Food have lower grain content but still include fillers like soy protein.
5. Where can I buy 9 Lives Cat Food?
9 Lives Cat Food is widely available on Amazon, Chewy, Walmart, and grocery stores. For the best deals, check Amazon’s product pages for 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food, 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food, 9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food, 9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper, and 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety.
6. Is 9 Lives Cat Food safe after the recalls?
Since the 2018 recall, there have been no major reported issues, but some cat owners remain cautious due to past quality control problems. Always inspect cans for damage and check for updated recall notices. If your cat shows signs of illness, consult a vet immediately.
Comparison with Other Budget Brands
How does 9 Lives Cat Food stack up against other affordable brands like Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Sheba? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Friskies: Offers similar pricing and variety but uses slightly higher-quality meat sources in some wet formulas. Friskies also has a recall history but is often praised for palatability.
- Fancy Feast: Known for its wet food patés, Fancy Feast tends to have more named meat ingredients and fewer fillers than 9 Lives Wet Cat Food. It’s slightly more expensive but widely trusted.
- Sheba: Focuses on high-protein, grain-free wet foods, making it a better choice for cats with grain sensitivities. It’s pricier than 9 Lives Wet Cat Food but offers premium ingredients.
For budget-conscious owners, 9 Lives Cat Food remains competitive due to its low price and availability. However, if ingredient quality is a priority, Fancy Feast or Sheba may be worth the extra cost.
Final Verdict: Is 9 Lives Cat Food Worth It?
9 Lives Cat Food offers undeniable value for cat owners on a tight budget. Products like 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food and 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food cater to specific needs like urinary health and weight control, while wet options like 9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food, 9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper, and 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety provide hydration and variety. However, the brand’s reliance on grains, unnamed by-products, and artificial additives raises concerns about long-term nutrition, especially for cats with sensitivities.
If your cat tolerates 9 Lives Cat Food well and you’re looking for an affordable option, it can be a practical choice. However, for cats with health issues or those needing a high-meat, low-carb diet, you may want to explore alternatives like Fancy Feast or Sheba. Always monitor your cat’s health and consult a vet before making dietary changes.
Ready to try 9 Lives Cat Food? Check out these products on Amazon:
- 9 Lives Plus Care Dry Cat Food
- 9 Lives Indoor Complete Dry Cat Food
- 9 Lives Meaty Paté With Real Beef Wet Cat Food
- 9 Lives Wet Cat Food Meaty Paté Super Supper
- 9 Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites Wet Cat Food Variety
Sources
- Catster
- ConsumerAffairs
- CatFoodAdvisor
- Cats.com
- PetFoodRatings.org
- Amazon.com: Customer Reviews for 9 Lives Cat Food
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase products through the links provided. All opinions and recommendations in this review are my own and product descriptions, customer feedback, and analysis of available information. Always check the latest reviews and product details before purchasing. Prices and product availability are subject to change, so please verify details on Amazon before purchasing. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes for your cat. Thank you for supporting this blog!
