crystal blockages in uretha

Question
My 2 male cats, 1 is 1 year old, 1 is 6 years old, the same week they could not pee and seemed in pain.  Took them to vet, she said it is caused by cheap food.  They both went on antibiotics.  The 1 year old had another blockage and the vet was able to get it out on office visit, same with 6 yr.old.  1 year old had 2 other episodes.  The third time, they kept him, he's been in for 2 weeks.  First they said to put him down.  We asked them to do an abdominal search.  His bladder was burst and she sewed it up.  He has been extremely ill and is still at vets.  Recently, she said he might be able to come home tomorrow.  They are adamant, however, that they need to be on PRESCRIPTION FOOD FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE!  I'm more than willing to upgrade their food, but my question is is their an alternative 'on the shelf' food that is safe?

Answer
Hello Holly,

I'm sorry, but since your cats are having so much trouble, you definetly need to keep them on prescription food if you want them to live a normal life.  I know that stuff is expensive, but as you can see, the cheap food has cost dearly in the long run.  A male cat will die if he gets a blockage and is not treated.  The prescription food will keep them from getting the blockages.   
Since you are having so much trouble with this, I would do as the vet recommends, or you will end up back at the veterinary clinic with a sick cat again, which can't be cheap.

God Bless,
Becky