One of the most popular cat food brands in world, 9 Lives probably has the most recognizable packaging among all brands. They are endorsed by none other than Morris the cat.
With every pack and can signed by “the world’s most finicky cat”, it is no wonder the brand has taken one of the top spots in the cat food market.
To find out if this brand is good enough for your own finicky kitty, we have created this 9 Lives cat food review of the brand’s top-rated products on Amazon.com.
Launched by then owner StarKist Foods in 1959, 9Lives was the first to offer wet cat food in the US. They launched variants such as the Meaty Paté Super Supper wet food that is still available to this day.
9 Lives is now owned by Big Heart Pet Brands of the J.M. Smucker Company. The company also owns other brands of cat food such as Meow Mix and Rachael Ray Nutrish.
The brand is not just about selling cat food. The company is known for supporting and promoting the adoption of shelter cats. Morris himself was a shelter cat before becoming an advertising icon.
The brand advocates the adoption of rescued kitties, works with shelters, and donates food and money to help support the cause.
Who makes 9Lives cat food?
The brand’s dry cat food products are manufactured in Pennsylvania and Kansas. Their wet variants are made in the US, with some made in international facilities. The ingredients are sourced mostly in North America.
9 Lives offers both wet and dry cat foods. The brand’s dry foods come in 5 variants. Their wet cat foods are available in 4 different textures with various flavors. Read the comprehensive review below to help you pick the right food for your kitty.
The review is based on quality of ingredients, affordability, results delivered, as well as feedback from other cat parents.
9Lives Cat Food Review
1. Daily Essentials with Chicken, Beef & Salmon Flavor
First 5 ingredients:
Whole Ground Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Wheat
Protein: 30.0% min
Fat: 9.0% min
Fiber: 3.0% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Adult
Daily Essentials is the brand’s kibble for healthy felines of all life stages.
Specially crafted to feature the flavors cats crave, this balanced blend includes savory chicken, hearty beef and tasty salmon, making mealtime a delight for even the pickiest eaters.
Packed with high-quality protein, it helps support strong muscle growth and maintenance, promoting overall vitality and well-being.
It has omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat; taurine for eye and heart health.
Perfect for adult cats, this formula delivers the essential nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy and active every day.
Pros
- Tasty
- Affordable
- Improves skin and coat
- Fortified with taurine and other nutrients
Cons
- Meat is not first ingredient
- Too much plant components
2. Plus Care with Tuna & Egg
First 5 ingredients:
Whole Ground Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal, Whole Wheat, Animal Digest
Protein: 31.0% min
Fat: 9.0% min
Fiber: 3.0% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Adult
This cat food product is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older kitties.
The first in its list of ingredients is whole ground corn. This cat food helps support the digestive system and promotes a healthy immune system.
This specially formulated recipe provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition tailored to meet the needs of aging cats, with the incredible flavors of grilled tuna and egg that they’ll love.
Enriched with Vitamin E and selenium, it helps support a healthy immune system, while added dietary fiber promotes good digestion and overall digestive health.
It supports urinary health by reducing the urinary pH.
Pros
- Palatable
- Lowers urinary pH
- Suitable for older cats
- Supports healthy digestion
- Helps resolve urinary issues
Cons
- Kibbles too small
3. Indoor Complete with Chicken & Salmon
First 5 ingredients:
Whole Ground Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Wheat
Protein: 30.0% min
Fat: 9.0% min
Fiber: 3.0% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Adult
Specially formulated for less active indoor cats, this recipe features lean protein and B vitamins to help maintain a healthy weight and support a balanced metabolism.
Every bite is bursting with flavors your cat will love, including savory chicken, delicious salmon and a hint of garden greens for a tasty, wholesome mealtime experience.
It is designed to help maintain their weight and support digestive health.
Keep your feline companion happy, healthy, and satisfied with the delicious goodness of this kibble.
Pros
- Reduces hairballs
- More active kitties
- Fortified with B vitamins
- Especially made for indoor cats
- Promotes metabolism and maintain healthy weight
Cons
- First ingredient is not meat
4. Tender Morsels with Real Beef In Sauce
First 5 ingredients:
Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken, Liver, Meat By-products, Soy Flour
Protein: 9.0% min
Fat: 2.5% min
Fiber: 1.0% max
Moisture: 82.0% max
Food Type: Wet, Chunks in Gravy
Best for: All Lifestages, Adult
Made with real beef, this savory recipe delivers bold taste and wholesome goodness in every bite.
Tender slices in a rich, flavorful sauce provide added moisture for hydration and are easy for cats to chew and enjoy.
Perfect for kittens and adult cats alike, this chunky, protein-rich meal offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance and growth.
With every mouthwatering morsel, your furry friend gets the nourishment they need and the meaty flavor they crave.
Pros
- Good price
- Classic favorite
- Comes in easy open can
- Helps boost hydration
- Chunky, highly palatable meal
Cons
- Picky eaters may not like it
5. Hearty Cuts with Real Beef & Chicken in Gravy
First 5 ingredients:
Water Sufficient for Processing, Meat By-Products, Beef, Chicken, Soy Protein Concentrate
Protein: 8.0% min
Fat: 2.0% min
Fiber: 1.0% max
Moisture: 82.0% max
Food Type: Wet, Chunks in Gravy
Best for: All Lifestages, Adult
Made with real beef and chicken, this savory recipe delivers the high-quality protein your cat needs to support a long, healthy, and happy life.
Each can is packed with hearty chunks of meat smothered in a thick, rich gravy for a texture and flavor cats can't resist.
Formulated to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition for cats of all life stages, it's a delicious and nutritious way to keep your feline friend satisfied and thriving at every age.
Pros
- Delicious
- Hearty, meat chunks
- With thick, savory gravy
- Liked even by picky kitties
- Features real chicken and beef meats
Cons
- Slightly too dry
6. Meaty Paté Super Supper
First 5 ingredients:
Meat By-Products, Water Sufficient for Processing, Poultry By-Products, Fish, Chicken
Protein: 9.0% min
Fat: 4.5% min
Fiber: 1.0% max
Moisture: 78.0% max
Food Type: Wet, Pate
Best for: All Lifestages, Adult
Super Supper is a protein-packed wet cat food has real fish and chicken in its ingredients.
Fortified with vitamins and minerals, this paté provides complete and balanced nutrition with moisture that cats need.
The first in the list of ingredients is meat by-products. This wet food has a smooth and moist texture.
Perfect for kitties of all life stages from young kittens to oldies with less teeth than they used to have.
Pros
- Great flavor
- Healthier skin and coat
- Soft, creamy texture
- Contains real chicken and fish
- Suitable for all life stages
Cons
- With carrageenan
Takeaway
This company has been around for more than 60 years. Many cats have thrived on their products for decades. Their cat foods are available in almost every supermarket across the globe. It is not only easy to find, but it is also affordable. Even on a tight budget, you’d still be able to provide your cats’ meals with this brand.
As far as quality of ingredients is concerned, the brand may not have the best in the market. The products are able to provide vitamins and minerals through supplements needed by cats without the inclusion of vegetables and fruits typically found in natural pet food products’ ingredients.
Their products include animal by-product meals along with real meat in its ingredients. While animal by-products meals are sources of protein, some find this an indication of inferior quality.
Their dry cat foods have whole ground corn as the first of its ingredients. All of their products contain artificial enhancers such as food dye in the ingredients.
Many cat owners buy their products because it makes their cats happy. We have to admit that keeping fussy cats happy and healthy can be quite a challenge. It is not uncommon to see reviews stating that their cats eat nothing else. The brand has definitely captured the taste of some very finicky kitties.
With regard to results delivered, the company has its own supporters. Their cats have thrived on the products by having noticeably healthy skin and coats. Their Indoor Complete dry cat food has received rave reviews for eradicating hairballs.
No need for hairball treats or laxatives. Some have even noticed more active and playful pets. Plus Care has received many reviews about the significant improvement it has given to their cats’ urinary health.
Overall, 9Lives is an economical brand that cats love. Affordable and easy to find, there is less worry of scrambling to find the cat a meal in case of emergency, or you know, forgetting to buy cat food.
As with all pet products, every cat is different. What works for one may not work for your cat, in the same way that a specific brand a pet got very sick on may not have the same effect on yours.
It is always best to follow the feeding guide when transitioning your cat to new food. And of course, we mustn’t forget to provide them with a bowl of fresh water.
