2nd post - new member - how much to feed

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by NicoleC46237, Feb 8, 2020.

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  1. NicoleC46237

    NicoleC46237 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2020
    My sugar cat Lou lost 6 pounds and is back up 2 putting him at 13 lbs. The vet wants him to stay about there but put back on his muscle tone that he lost before his diagnosis. I had already transitioned him to Friskies pate when he first lost all his weight trying to put weight back on him so he's good about eating what i give him when i give it to him so feeding him every 12 hours goes very well. My worry is how much should i be giving him at each feeding? Right now i split a 5.5 oz can in half and he gets a full can a day. I don't feel like it's enough and he's sure it isn't lol. He's been started on 1 unit of ProZinc every 12 hours since Thursday evening. I'm getting a glucose meter tomorrow to start monitoring his sugar before each shot tomorrow. TIA
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2020
  2. sandscout

    sandscout Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2018
    Hi Nicole,
    Most of us feed several smaller meals throughout the day, it seems that it makes it easier on the pancreas as well as the whole digestive system in general.
    One 5.5 oz can a day might not be enough for your kitty. I’m sure others who are more knowledgeable will chime in.
    It’s awesome you’re getting a meter tomorrow so you can start your own testing.
    Take care.
     
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  3. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    The rule of thumb is about 20 calories per pound of ideal weight. So if 13 lbs is good he should be getting about 260 calories per day.
     
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  4. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    So if your Friskies is about 180 calories, he would need 1 1/2 cans to maintain the weight.
     
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  5. Sienne and Gabby (GA)

    Sienne and Gabby (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Just to add to what @JanetNJ said, the scale should also be your guide. The calorie count is approximate. If Lou's weight is stable with 260 calories per day, great. If you're seeing weight go up or down, adjust the calories accordingly.
     
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  6. NicoleC46237

    NicoleC46237 Member

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    Feb 7, 2020
    Thank you all so much. I was thinking between 1.5 and 2 cans a day. I just really want to make sure I'm doing the best for him that i can. :)
     
  7. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Hi Nicole. Any updates on your kitty Lou?
    I see you came over from our facebook group, but you only joined there a couple of days ago.

    Did you see this?
    New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
    Sure would help us out if you set some info up in your Profile Signature. Then our standardized format spreadsheet (ss) is a great tool to use to track Lou's blood glucose readings. Good directions on how to do that setup are in that link above. SS can be set up on a pc, tablet, smartphone.

    What other questions do you have for us? Anything besides how much to feed Lou?
     
  8. NicoleC46237

    NicoleC46237 Member

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    Feb 7, 2020
    I have read the link above and will be setting up my signature soon. I haven't started the SS yet because i don't have my meter yet so i don't have any readings to put in it. I work nights and weekends so i haven't had time to hit the store yet today.

    Lou seems to be doing ok. He's handling the shots well and I'm playing with his ears to get him ready for the testing. He's a good boy so I'm not thinking it will be too bad. I'm not a fan of needles but I'm getting over it lol.
     
  9. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Have you tried the rice sock trick, to get his ears warmed up for testing?
    Introducing the steps for BG testing slowly and gradually eases the transition to the testing process itself.
    Bribes. Highly recommend them. What kind of bribes are you using to reward your Lou?

    p.s. When you set up your SS, you might want notes in the Remarks column about your working nights and weekends.
    I used to do a lot of weekend work. No nights though. Tough to get enough sleep during the day time.

    What do you do if you don't mind sharing that information?
     
  10. NicoleC46237

    NicoleC46237 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2020
    So far we're doing brushing (his favorite thing) before and after shots and lots of loving. I am going to get some treats when i go to the store but I'm big on love and attention as treats too. He does tend to be food motivated ;)

    I was thinking of using the hot water in the pill bottle because he has tiny ears for his head but I'm going to try all the different things and see what works best for him. I'll get the sock ready for his evening practice.

    I'm an after hours supervisor for dispatching commercial HVAC, plumbing and electrical techs. I'm on call 144 hours a week but only on shift around 24 hours myself. It lets me be home for my autistic son and my small farm so I can't complain too much :)
     
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