These discussions and information are good, but I personally feel that people, especially those here, do what they feel is best for their cats in their personal situations, with finances being a top reason for the choices they make. My Mimi ate Purina Kitten Chow for the first 12 years of her life. I gave her the kitten formula because she has always had the tendency to be on the thin side. When Butter moved in, he didn't need that high protein content, so I went searching for something else. They both eat Pro Plan Salmon and Rice (also made by Purina) now, in the dry form, and Mimi is supplemented with a can of Fancy Feast each day since she doesn't eat enough of the dry.

I do know that lots of animals have lived long, healthy lives on grocery store food (Purina, Friskies, Pedigree). I've owned a lot of them myself! I'm glad I'm in a situation where I can buy a higher quality food now, but I have been in a different situation and I tried to save my $$$$ for veterinarian care and emergencies.