Vicki Whyte wrote in message .131...
Whilst licking their paws in aus.pets on 07 Aug 2003, RW purred:

hi - i am in melbourne for a few days and would like to do a bit of
shopping for my cat (was also given a list of items to get for my
colleague's cats because her understanding is that cat food is much
cheaper and more varied in australia than in singapore). i've only
been to coles so far and would like to know where there are wider
varieties of cat food/supplies available, i.e perhaps a large pet
supply store somewhere in the city? coles appears to carry only
whiskas, purina, farmland and snappy tom. if anyone has a pet store
to recommend that they use in melbourne (city), please do let me know,
thanks.

I don't live in Melbourne but you could try these people - if they
can't help you perhaps they could point you in the right direction?

Upmarket Pets
440 Queen St Melbourne VIC 3000
ph: (03) 9600 9120 Pet Shops
http://www.upmarketpets.com

Supermarkets have by far and away the most variety when it comes to cat
food than any other store. Specialist pet stores and Vets will carry only
a limited supply and usually of the more expensive diets like IAMS or
Science Diet. While both of these are wonderfully nutritious cat foods
they limited in flavours and usually only used for cats that need a special
diet like for cats with kidney problems or overweight cats.

That is not true at all. The expensive brands like IAMS, Hills, etc.
are standard diets for cats - they cost more because they are made
with higher quality ingredients and are completely balanced diets. It
is true that you can get specialist diets from these companies but
they are only available at vet practices and should ONLY be used if
prescribed by a veterinarian - I am referring to kidney/heart/reduced
protein/liver problems - not over the counter diets like light,
active, furballs, senior, or kitten which you can get most places.

Cheap brands contain lower quality ingredients and a less balanced
diet - they may state that they adhere to some of the AFFCO standards
but they do not pass as complete and balanced diet.

Troy.