Expert: Jessica - 12/2/2009

Question
I mistakenly purchased science diet mature adult indoor rather than the regular adult in door. I have 2 male cats who are just over a year old. Is it ok to feed them this? I doubt the store will take it back and it is the $42 bag. I definitely don't want to be feeding them something they shouldn't eat. Is there a big difference between the adult and mature adult? If so, what is it?

Answer
Hi Jennifer.  Science Diet products actually have a 100% money-back guarantee, so you should be able to return the food for a full refund, even if it's been opened.  However, if you prefer, it won't harm your cats to feed them this bag of the Mature Indoor formula.  The most dramatic difference in the foods is the carbohydrate content.  The mature formula has fewer carbohydrates than the adult formula does.  This is because mature cats tend to be less active, so they don't have a great need for quickly available sources of short-term energy.  However, the protein content of the two foods is comparable, and this is what provides them with long-lasting energy to build lean muscle.  There isn't likely to be any stomach upset caused by feeding the different food, either, since the first four ingredients in the foods are the same.

Best wishes!

Jessica