Special Cat, introduced by the prestigious Italian brand Monge & C.S.P.A., has made a striking entrance into the cat food market with its promise of 100% complete nutrition. Benefiting from a reputation for quality and a wide array of offerings tailored to meet the nutritional needs of felines, Special Cat is quickly gaining favor among cat owners. However, the real challenge lies in its ability to satisfy the complex dietary needs of cats with such a diverse range of products. In our review, we’ll closely examine Special Cat, evaluating if it truly stands out in the rigorous contest for pet nutrition supremacy.
Manufacturing Excellence Behind Special Cat
Special Cat’s high-quality cat food is masterfully crafted by Monge & C.S.P.A., a company that started from humble beginnings as a small family poultry farm. It became Italy’s first pet food company, guided by the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, Baldassarre Giacomo Monge. His innovative approach of replacing traditional kitchen leftovers with steam-cooked chicken meat kickstarted the flourishing pet food industry in Italy. Today, Monge & C.S.P.A. proudly stands as a giant manufacturer of cat and dog food since 1963, carrying forward a legacy of efficiency and quality.
The creation of Special Cat brand was a strategic step by Monge. Every product in the lineup has been carefully developed by highly respected Italian veterinarians, ensuring that each recipe adheres to the highest nutritional standards. The brand’s offerings have not only revolutionized pet nutrition in Italy but also across various international markets, including the Philippines where the products are imported and distributed by Pet Discount PH.
This successful expansion of Special Cat indicates Monge & C.S.P.A.’s commitment to providing top-tier pet nutrition globally. The company’s continuous pursuit of manufacturing excellence, combined with its innovative approach to pet food production, validates its leading position in the industry and marks the high-quality assurance behind the Special Cat brand.
Special Cat’s Cat Food Range
Special Cat provides a variety of cat food options, including both dry and wet formats to cater to different feline dietary preferences and needs.
Dry Food Variants:
- Chicken and Turkey for All Ages: This variant is available in 1kg or 7kg bags, designed to cater to cats of all ages, providing a balanced diet with chicken and turkey as the primary protein sources.
- Urinary for Adults: Specifically formulated for adult cats, this dry food helps support urinary health. It is also available in 1kg or 7kg bags, catering to cats that require special dietary care.
Wet Food Variants:
- Mousse with Beef & Liver Adult: Packaged in 400g cans, this wet food variant offers a rich blend of beef and liver in mousse form, tailored for adult cats.
- Mousse with Chicken Heart & Liver Adult: Another adult cat-specific option, this variant combines chicken heart and liver, providing a palatable mousse texture in 400g cans.
- Mousse with Rabbit & Liver Adult: Bringing a less common protein source to the table, this rabbit and liver mousse offers variety in adult cats’ diets, available in 400g cans.
- Mousse with Tuna & Ocean Fish Adult: Focused on delivering the benefits of seafood, this tuna and ocean fish mousse is another adult-specific formula, offering essential omega fatty acids in 400g cans.
Special Cat’s range strives to meet the nutritional requirements of cats at different life stages, with a particular emphasis on adult dietary needs through its wet food offerings.
Review and Ratings of Special Cat’s 3 Most Popular Cat Food Products
1. Special Cat Mousse with Rabbit & Liver – Wet
Ingredients Breakdown
The Special Cat Mousse with Rabbit & Liver is formulated to cater to the nutritional needs of cats, featuring two primary ingredients: fresh rabbit and fresh liver, amounting to a total of 20% of the content. These ingredients not only provide a rich flavor that appeals to felines but also supply them with essential nutrients crucial for their health. Alongside these key components, minerals are included to fulfill the dietary requirements for a balanced meal.
Although this mousse doesn’t incorporate added artificial flavors, the lack of human-grade ingredients may be a downside for some pet owners who seek the highest quality food for their cats.
Understanding the Nutritional Content
Guaranteed Analysis: A Closer Look
The Guaranteed Analysis on the product’s packaging reveals the following:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | min ≥10.20% |
| Crude Fat | min ≥4.30% |
| Crude Fiber | max ≤0.40% |
| Moisture | max ≤81.00% |
The term “Crude” in this context refers to the method of analysis used to determine the levels of protein, fat, and fiber in the food.
Conversion to Dry Matter Basis
For a more precise comparison with the AAFCO’s standards, which are expressed on a dry matter basis, we’ve converted the values accordingly:
| Nutrient | Content on Dry Matter Basis | Adult Maintenance Requirement | Growth & Reproduction Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | ≥53.68% | ≥26.00% | ≥30.00% |
| Fat | ≥22.63% | ≥9.00% | ≥9.00% |
| Fiber | ≤2.11% | ≤10.00% | ≤10.00% |
| Carbohydrate | ≤21.58% | Not specified | Not specified |
This analysis shows that the Special Cat Mousse with Rabbit & Liver not only meets but exceeds the AAFCO’s nutrient requirements for protein and fat across various life stages.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High in moisture, beneficial for feline hydration.
- Contains a significant amount of high-quality animal protein.
- Offers a well-rounded balance of fat and fiber.
- Features a low carbohydrate content, aligning with a carnivorous dietary preference.
Cons:
- The carbohydrate content is higher than some may prefer.
- Lacks some essential nutrients, like taurine.
Our Rating Methodology
In evaluating the Special Cat Mousse with Rabbit & Liver, we consider the ingredient quality, nutritional balance, and price.
Ingredient Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)
This product has an average score for ingredient quality, considering it does not contain human-grade components. The primary ingredients being animal-based is a positive aspect, but the absence of certain essential nutrients slightly lowers the rating.
Nutritional Balance: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)
The cat mousse scores high in nutritional balance due to its adherence to AAFCO’s nutrient requirements and its low carbohydrate content. However, it’s marred slightly by its excessive carbohydrate levels.
Price: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5.0)
With a price point that’s economical compared to the market, this product is accessible for cat owners, reflected in a favorable price rating.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.8/5.0)
Considering all factors, the Special Cat Mousse with Rabbit & Liver achieves a solid score of 3.8 stars. It stands out for its nutritional content and affordability, although it could improve in terms of ingredient quality and reducing carbohydrate content.
2. Special Cat Urinary – Dry
Ingredients Breakdown
Special Cat Urinary Adult Cat Food is designed predominantly to promote urinary health. The main ingredients are Chicken (fresh 8%, dried 25%) and a mix of Wheat and Maize gluten, providing both high-quality protein and dietary fiber. The recipe also includes Animal fat (chicken oil) for healthy fat supplies and Rice for carbohydrates.
To enhance the formula, this diet adds Dried beet pulp and Hydrolyzed animal proteins for easy digestion. Dried peas and Fish meal (salmon) add extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart health. Fish oil (salmon oil 1%) also contributes to omega-3 levels.
For gut health, there are Yeasts products (source of mannan-oligo-saccharide – MOS 0,1%) and Fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS 0,1%). Yucca schidigera (0,1%) is a miscellaneous ingredient supporting various health aspects, but it’s noteworthy that its exact purpose in the formula isn’t clear.
Understanding the Nutritional Content
Understanding the nutritional adequacy of cat food is absolutely critical.
Guaranteed Analysis: A Closer Look
The Guaranteed Analysis provided on the packaging of Special Cat Urinary Adult Cat Food highlights:
| Nutrient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | min ≥34.00% |
| Crude Fat | min ≥12.00% |
| Crude Fiber | max ≤02.50% |
| Moisture | max ≤10.00% |
The term “Crude” in this context refers to the method of analysis used to determine the levels of protein, fat, and fiber in the food.
Conversion to Dry Matter Basis
To properly compare it to AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for cats, we need to adjust these metrics to a dry matter basis. This involves removing the moisture content for a better comparison of nutrient density.
Upon conversion, here’s how Special Cat Urinary Adult Cat Food stands:
| Nutrient | Content (Dry Matter Basis) | Adult Maintenance Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ≥37.78% | ≥26.00% |
| Fat | ≥13.33% | ≥9.00% |
| Fiber | ≤02.78% | ≤10.00% |
| Carbohydrate | ≤46.11% | Not specified |
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality protein primarily from real chicken
- High in essential fats for skin and coat health
- Managed carbohydrate level considering the grain-inclusive nature
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content, not ideal for cat’s dietary requirements
- Potentially lacking certain essential nutrients, such as taurine
Our Rating Methodology
For a comprehensive assessment, we consider ingredient quality, nutritional balance, and price to determine its overall score.
Ingredient Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)
Though it uses real chicken, the rating is impacted due to the lack of human-grade ingredients reported.
Nutritional Balance: ★★★★☆ (3.5/5.0)
While the food meets the AAFCO’s nutrient requirements for adult maintenance, it doesn’t clearly mention some crucial cat-specific nutrients, and its carbohydrate content appears elevated.
Price: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5.0)
This food offers a balanced diet at a mid-level price point, which is affordable for most pet owners.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5/5.0)
Taking into account all factors, Special Cat Urinary Adult cat food achieves a respectable rating, though it could benefit from improvements in nutritional clarity and ingredient quality.
3. Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry
Ingredients Breakdown
Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry is designed to support the wellbeing and health of your feline friend. It begins with cereals, fresh chicken (min. 8%), fresh turkey (min. 8%) as major ingredients providing essential proteins. To enhance the nutritional contents, salmon oil (0.5%) is added, offering necessary fatty acids for skin and coat health, while the addition of minerals and yeasts supports overall wellness.
Additionally, this cat food is augmented with mannan oligosaccharides MOS (500mg/kg), FOS (Fructo oligosaccharides 500mg/kg), and Yucca Schidigera (1,000mg/kg), offering comprehensive benefits for your cat’s health. However, for pet owners who lean towards a more natural diet for their cats, the high carbohydrate content may not align with their preferences.
Understanding the Nutritional Content of Special Cat Chicken & Turkey
Cat food’s nutritional adequacy is crucial to ensure it meets the feline dietary requirements.
Guaranteed Analysis: A Closer Look
The Guaranteed Analysis presented on Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry’s packaging reveals the following nutritional elements:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | min ≥32.00% |
| Crude Fat | min ≥12.00% |
| Crude Fiber | max ≤02.50% |
| Moisture | max ≤10.00% |
The term “Crude” in this context refers to the method of analysis used to determine the levels of protein, fat, and fiber in the food.
Conversion to Dry Matter Basis
To make a meaningful comparison with the AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for cats, it is necessary to adjust these figures to a “Dry Matter Basis” by eliminating the moisture content. This enables more precise analysis of nutrient density.
Here’s how Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry compares against AAFCO’s nutritional demands upon conversion:
| Nutrient | Content on Dry Matter Basis | Adult Maintenance Requirement | Growth & Reproduction Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | ≥35.56% | ≥26.00% | ≥30.00% |
| Fat | ≥13.33% | ≥9.00% | ≥9.00% |
| Fiber | ≤2.78% | ≤10.00% | ≤10.00% |
| Carbohydrate | ≤48.33% | — | — |
Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry meets and surpasses the AAFCO’s standards for protein, fat, and fiber and is an excellent nutritional choice for both adult and growing cats.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good amount of essential fatty acids.
- Rich in high-quality Animal protein.
- Suitable for different life stages – from kittens to adult cats.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content which might not align with the preferences of certain pet owners seeking a more natural high-protein, low-carb diet for their cats.
Our Rating Methodology
The quality of the ingredients, nutritional balance, and cost were used in forming a comprehensive rating for Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry:
Ingredient Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry received a rating of three stars for ingredient quality, mainly because it doesn’t use human-grade ingredients. However, it does use high-quality animal proteins.
Nutritional Balance: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The cat food scored four stars for nutritional balance, as it meets and surpasses all required nutrient specifications for both adult maintenance and growth & reproduction, except for its high carbohydrate content.
Price: ★★★★★ (5/5)
This product attained a full five stars for price due to its cost-effectiveness: at a suggested retail price of ₱131.00 for 1kg, Special Cat comfortably fits many budgets and is great value for money.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
With all factors considered, Special Cat Chicken & Turkey – Dry receives an overall rating of four stars. It is a fantastic choice for pet owners who prioritize a balanced dietary plan for their cats, balancing price and nutritional value.
Cost Analysis of Special Cat
Selecting the appropriate nutrition for your cherished feline entails striking a balance between cost and nutritional worth. Special Cat, celebrated for its premium quality, extends a variety of choices that accommodate different dietary needs and budget constraints. This guide offers an in-depth look at the financial considerations involved when opting for Special Cat for a regular-sized (3kg), neutered adult Puspin.
Retail Price
A standard 1kg packet of Special Cat is available at ₱131.00, translating to approximately ₱0.13 per gram. For a neutered adult cat on a consistent Special Cat diet, the estimated monthly cost falls in the range of ₱1,000.00.
Official Online Store Packages
Special Cat can feature diverse package sizes through official online channels, potentially leading to savings on bulk purchases. Considering theoretical package sizes for a cost overview:
- Single 1kg packet: ₱131.00 (~₱0.13 per gram)
- Bundle of 6 packets : ₱786.00 (~₱0.13 per gram, offering no substantial savings)
- Bundle of 12 packets: ₱1,572.00 (~₱0.13 per gram, maintaining consistent pricing)
Wholesale Prices
For those looking to buy in bulk—whether for multiple cat households or sharing with others—hypothetical wholesale offerings might present a cost-effective alternative:
- 10 packets (10kg total): ₱1,310.00 (~₱0.13 per gram, preserving the price point)
- 20 packets (20kg total): ₱2,620.00 (~₱0.13 per gram, illustrating steady pricing)
Cost Savings Tips
Opting for larger quantities, such as a 20-packet purchase, might not yield a direct price reduction per gram for Special Cat. However, it could reduce the frequency of shopping, thereby, indirectly saving money. Shoppers should look out for promotions or bulk purchase deals that might bring down the overall cost. Also, considering shipping expenses is crucial when ordering online; seeking offers with free shipping or buying from local stores could eliminate extra charges.
Your purchasing approach for Special Cat significantly influences the overall expenses, ensuring that your cat receives high-quality nutrition in an economical manner.
Special Cat Review: Is It Worth It?
When it comes to selecting cat food, things such as ingredient quality, nutritional balance, product variety, price, and availability for pet owners are important factors to consider. Here’s a comprehensive review of Special Cat based on these key criteria.
Ingredient Quality
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩ (3.0/5.0)
Special Cat ranks averagely with 3.0 out of 5-stars for ingredient quality. Its formulation falls short due to the absence of human-grade ingredients. However, according to feline tastes, Special Cat is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser. There’s something about its composition that cats seem to love, making it a reasonable choice for pet owners wishing to satisfy their cats’ dietary preferences.
Nutritional Balance:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4.5/5.0)
Scoring highly with a 4.5-star rating for nutritional balance, Special Cat meets the AAFCO’s minimum nutrient requirements for adult maintenance, growth and reproduction, and it’s also moisture-rich. Despite this, it loses a few points for its high carbohydrate content.
Product Variety
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5.0)
Special Cat excels in product variety, bagging a 5-star rating. The variety extends to wet and dry food options suitable for all life stages, making it convenient for pet owners to find the appropriate feed for their furred friends no matter their age.
Price
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4.0/5.0)
Special Cat acquires commendable 4.0 stars for pricing. For a neutered adult cat weighing around 3 kilograms, this brand presents a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise nutrition. A monthly budget of ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 suffices for this cat food. On average, the cost per gram ranges between ₱0.17 and ₱0.25, dovetailing with the daily 200-kilocalorie need of a typical adult neutered cat.
Availability
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4.0/5.0)
Special Cat also scores reliably on availability, being easily accessible in brick and mortar pet stores and online platforms like Grab, Shopee, and Lazada. Depending on your shopping preference, this brand’s widespread availability makes it a convenient option.
Overall Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4.1/5.0)
With roughly equal weight given to each aspect (~20%), Special Cat earns an overall star score of 4.1.
Final Thoughts
So, is Special Cat good? As per this analysis, it is a dependable choice. It provides an economical solution, especially if you have more than ten cats to feed daily and if you’re on a budget. Thus, Special Cat, particularly the Chicken & Turkey dry variant, gets a nod as an ideal choice if you’re looking for an economical and cat-approved brand.