11/19, Help With New Kitty, Boo

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Hi folks,

My girl, Susie, is gone but now I have a new kitty. His name is Boo. He was found as a stray in a salvage yard, taken in by a rescue, and fed Rachel Ray dry. After living with my sweet Susie's diabetes, and trying to get Boo to eat wet food, I am having a hard time. He will nibble a bit on the wet food but seems to slightly prefer the old Dr. Elsey's dry that I had bought for Susie when she stopped eating. He doesn't eat much of it but eats more of the dry than the wet. He is not happy with any of the food I am feeding.

My question is this. I do not want another diabetic or CDK kitty again. If I have to transition from cheap, high carb dry (Rachel Ray) to a better low carb dry, does anyone have any suggestions on what dry food to try. I need something that will really make him want to eat. Anyone have any success with other low carb, commercial foods to start him out on? Of course, I will always want to transition him to low carb wet food. Thank you and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Little Man's mom (GA)]

Hey summer!

While I dont have any ideas for dry...have you tried just a teaspoon or so wet pate with a lot of water almost make it into a juice?

Little man was terrible when dx with cystitis and that's how we started transition to more wet than dry...only just recently got him off completely right at time of dx of fd.

Just a thought

 

[Bama Kitty Mom (GA)]

IMO, Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein Chicken is the best dry to feed. Bama eats it. Must be something about the crunch that none of the wet food has. The heritage of cats is to have little bones to crunch down on. Must be in their DNA. Of course, if they've always eaten dry, there's that reason as well.

 

[Little Man's mom (GA)]

IMO, Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein Chicken is the best dry to feed. Bama eats it. Must be something about the crunch that none of the wet food has. The heritage of cats is to have little bones to crunch down on. Must be in their DNA. Of course, if they've always eaten dry, there's that reason as well.

Never thought about the crunch and bones...I bet you're right!

I've decided if I ever have any new kitties years down road like @Summer and Susie (GA) there are so many things I will do differently. Cystitis and diabetes alone have opened my eyes! Not to mention the eye opening realization that even rx foods like hills are a lot of garbage!

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Hi Summer! The only two low carb dry foods are Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein (I use chicken ... although they now have a turkey flavor that they didn't have before ... as well as a duck version ... before it was only salmon and chicken @Bama Kitty Mom -- anyway... the other low carb dry food is Young Again. It is my understanding that they will send samples to people who are interested (I never tried it.)

I can't believe he won't eat Fancy Feast! It's like CRACK for kitties, right? What about Fancy Feast Savory Salmon Feast (it's a classic pate). He just needs more time. You could do what I do sometimes. Put pate food down and use a little of the favorite kibble as a food topper. Another idea is to use Forti Flora as a food topper -- open a packet and sprinkle a bit on the wet food. Most cats are crazy for Forti Flora. He's clearly going to be a hard case! Other than the food issue, how is Boo and how is he doing with the dogs now?

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Also
Wysong Epigen 90.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Hey summer!

While I dont have any ideas for dry...have you tried just a teaspoon or so wet pate with a lot of water almost make it into a juice?

Little man was terrible when dx with cystitis and that's how we started transition to more wet than dry...only just recently got him off completely right at time of dx of fd.

Just a thought

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think it will work though. If he won't eat pate without water I don't think he will want it with water but I'll will try it.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

IMO, Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein Chicken is the best dry to feed. Bama eats it. Must be something about the crunch that none of the wet food has. The heritage of cats is to have little bones to crunch down on. Must be in their DNA. Of course, if they've always eaten dry, there's that reason as well.

I am happy that he does eat the Dr. Elsey's but isn't terribly fond of it. It is the Clean Protein Salmon. I bought the Salmon because Susie used to like the fish products. Boo isn't too fond of fish. I need to get some Clean Protein Chicken. Thanks, Gina.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Never thought about the crunch and bones...I bet you're right!

I've decided if I ever have any new kitties years down road like @Summer and Susie (GA) there are so many things I will do differently. Cystitis and diabetes alone have opened my eyes! Not to mention the eye opening realization that even rx foods like hills are a lot of garbage!

Yes, being in this forum was not only incredibly helpful for a diabetic cat but also great learning tips on how to feed better for good health down the road for all cats. Vets always try to push their garbage RX food because they have contracts, I think, with the specific companies i.e. Hills, Royal Canine, etc. Very sad that they do this.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Hi Summer! The only two low carb dry foods are Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein (I use chicken ... although they now have a turkey flavor that they didn't have before ... as well as a duck version ... before it was only salmon and chicken @Bama Kitty Mom -- anyway... the other low carb dry food is Young Again. It is my understanding that they will send samples to people who are interested (I never tried it.)

I can't believe he won't eat Fancy Feast! It's like CRACK for kitties, right? What about Fancy Feast Savory Salmon Feast (it's a classic pate). He just needs more time. You could do what I do sometimes. Put pate food down and use a little of the favorite kibble as a food topper. Another idea is to use Forti Flora as a food topper -- open a packet and sprinkle a bit on the wet food. Most cats are crazy for Forti Flora. He's clearly going to be a hard case! Other than the food issue, how is Boo and how is he doing with the dogs now?

He really isn't interested in the Fancy Feast much but I believe that is because he has been eating dry at his foster moms and who knows what he got to eat when he was living outside. I just gave him some FF Salmon earlier today and he is still begging for something else. I will remember the Young Again and see if they will send a sample. Also, will consider the Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein chicken and turkey. Boo is doing great. He is so much more active now. He is still wary of Kali but I think they are going to be great friends someday. They both have playful natures. I hope you are well, Suzanne!

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Also
Wysong Epigen 90.

Thank you, Diane. I'll look into the Wysong Epigen 90, too. I hope you and Ashley and your dad have a great Thanksgiving. Is you dad going to be spending it with you or your brother?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

A couple of considerations...

Diet alone is not the culprit for a cat developing diabetes or kidney disease any more than it is for a human. Typically, there are predisposing factors present such as genetics or a systemic stress or in the case of FD, steroids that are treating another condition. There are members here who either intentionally or unintentionally have been feeding their cat a low carb diet from day one and the cat still developed diabetes. Certainly, being cognizant of the influence of diet and nutrition can help but don't assume it is entirely preventative.

If you want to transition your new cat to a canned or raw food diet, either of which are species appropriate for an obligate carnivore, I'd suggest you read Dr. Lisa's page on the subject.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

He really isn't interested in the Fancy Feast much but I believe that is because he has been eating dry at his foster moms and who knows what he got to eat when he was living outside. I just gave him some FF Salmon earlier today and he is still begging for something else. I will remember the Young Again and see if they will send a sample. Also, will consider the Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein chicken and turkey. Boo is doing great. He is so much more active now. He is still wary of Kali but I think they are going to be great friends someday. They both have playful natures. I hope you are well, Suzanne!

I am so happy that he is adjusting to the dogs and to his new life in general. I think he will adjust (eventually) to wet food. You will find a flavor he likes. But the texture is probably what he likes. I have a suggestion that I will send in a bit - I need to check the name of the food.

 

[Bama Kitty Mom (GA)]

I am happy that he does eat the Dr. Elsey's but isn't terribly fond of it. It is the Clean Protein Salmon. I bought the Salmon because Susie used to like the fish products. Boo isn't too fond of fish. I need to get some Clean Protein Chicken. Thanks, Gina.

@Bandit's Mom Bhooma has some great info on carb amounts in the various Dr. Elsey's products. The Clean Protein Chicken is the lowest while the others are a bit higher. I'll let her tell you as I don't recall the specifics. All come in less than 10% though, I believe. You can get 2 lb bags @ Chewy.

 

[Bandit's Mom]

@Bandit's Mom Bhooma has some great info on carb amounts in the various Dr. Elsey's products. The Clean Protein Chicken is the lowest while the others are a bit higher. I'll let her tell you as I don't recall the specifics. All come in less than 10% though, I believe. You can get 2 lb bags @ Chewy.

It's available on the Dr. Elsey's website:
https://www.drelseys.com/kibble-values-chart/

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

A couple of considerations...

Diet alone is not the culprit for a cat developing diabetes or kidney disease any more than it is for a human. Typically, there are predisposing factors present such as genetics or a systemic stress or in the case of FD, steroids that are treating another condition. There are members here who either intentionally or unintentionally have been feeding their cat a low carb diet from day one and the cat still developed diabetes. Certainly, being cognizant of the influence of diet and nutrition can help but don't assume it is entirely preventative.

If you want to transition your new cat to a canned or raw food diet, either of which are species appropriate for an obligate carnivore, I'd suggest you read Dr. Lisa's page on the subject.

Thanks, Sienne. It makes since that genetics are a factor and systemic stress. Also the use of steroids in treating other medical issues which I have read time and time again on this site and hope to avoid if possible. Also, I think I read bad teeth and mouth problems can cause diabetes. I will look at Dr. Lisa's page. I know I don't have complete control over Boo avoiding diabetes but I have learned so much about diet, and how it contributes to multiple medical issues, while being a member of this site. I just want to start with something I can control - diet.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

I am so happy that he is adjusting to the dogs and to his new life in general. I think he will adjust (eventually) to wet food. You will find a flavor he likes. But the texture is probably what he likes. I have a suggestion that I will send in a bit - I need to check the name of the food.

Thanks, Suzanne. Yesterday, I bought some Tiki Cat, Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Grain-Free Dry. According to the carb calculator this dry food is only 4.5% carbs which is hard for me to believe. Maybe others can verify my number. Protein: 43%, Fat: 19%, Fiber: 3.5%, Moisture: 10%.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

@Bandit's Mom Bhooma has some great info on carb amounts in the various Dr. Elsey's products. The Clean Protein Chicken is the lowest while the others are a bit higher. I'll let her tell you as I don't recall the specifics. All come in less than 10% though, I believe. You can get 2 lb bags @ Chewy.

Thanks, Gina. See my comment to Suzanne in post #17. I bought some Tiki Food (dry) that I am only calculating at 4.5% carbs. I don't know if that is correct. I am looking for other people's confirmation based on the content. I will also look into The Dr. Elsey's chicken.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

It's available on the Dr. Elsey's website:
https://www.drelseys.com/kibble-values-chart/

Great chart! Thanks, Booma.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Just thought I would share another photo of my "little man" and Susie look-a-like.

 

[Little Man's mom (GA)]

Definitely a look alike! Handsome boy!!

I agree about doing the one thing in your control diet!

Ageed on some things may just be predisposed. I know Maine coon makes from what I read are already more likely to develop diabetes....and cystitis.

We can do our best and that's what counts

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Thank you, Diane. I'll look into the Wysong Epigen 90, too. I hope you and Ashley and your dad have a great Thanksgiving. Is you dad going to be spending it with you or your brother?

Hi Summer ,what cute pics of Boo, I'm happy to hear he's adjusting better with the dogs. No my Dad will be staying at the nursing home for Thanksgiving, they aren't allowed to leave yet because some residents are still under investigation for covid.
3 residents have tested positive , thank God it's not on my dad's floor

I'll probably go up there for awhile to visit, to tell you the truth he won't even know it's Thanksgiving. My sister just saw him yesterday and he's doing good.
I haven't celebrated any holiday probably for the last 12 years
Too much noise for Ashley to go to my sisters for any holiday
It really doesn't bother me , it's just another day to me
I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving and mom is doing well

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Definitely a look alike! Handsome boy!!

I agree about doing the one thing in your control diet!

Ageed on some things may just be predisposed. I know Maine coon makes from what I read are already more likely to develop diabetes....and cystitis.

We can do our best and that's what counts

Oh, I didn't mean to steal your Little Man's title. I saw it from Pamela, too, and really liked it. I hope it is okay. Yes, he is my sweet boy and after learning so much from this site I just want to give him the best chance in life going forward because I do not know what he has been through in the past.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Dental issues are not a cause of diabetes. Any infection or inflammation (i.e., "stress") causes stress hormones to be released. Endogenous hormones cause a rise in BG levels. It's essentially the same thing that happens if you take your cat to the vet -- their BG readings may be higher due to the stress. Cats fall out of remission if they need a dental due to the inflammation cause by gingivitis.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Hi Summer ,what cute pics of Boo, I'm happy to hear he's adjusting better with the dogs. No my Dad will be staying at the nursing home for Thanksgiving, they aren't allowed to leave yet because some residents are still under investigation for covid.
3 residents have tested positive , thank God it's not on my dad's floor

I'll probably go up there for awhile to visit, to tell you the truth he won't even know it's Thanksgiving. My sister just saw him yesterday and he's doing good.
I haven't celebrated any holiday probably for the last 12 years
Too much noise for Ashley to go to my sisters for any holiday
It really doesn't bother me , it's just another day to me
I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving and mom is doing well

I'm glad your dad is doing well, Diane. I hope you and Ashley will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving in some special manner. Mom fell, again, last Tuesday on our concrete patio. Landed on her knees and then hit her head. Thank God her injuries were not too severe. She really cut her arm up and we don't know how she did that when looking at where she fell. Anyway, we will be having my brother's family over for Thanksgiving. Everyone (except Mom) will be making something to eat so it won't all fall on my shoulders. Of course, I have to do the cleaning, the table setting, the stuffing and gravy and the clean-up but that will be okay. I actually just want it all to be over with. I told Mom I wasn't going to decorate for Christmas and I think she is upset. Honestly, I don't want to have to do it all myself and she won't be able to (or just won't) help. I used to love the holidays. Not so much anymore. We got in a big fight last night. She keeps saying she wants to move to a smaller house, which would be fine with me, but she is a "hoarder" and refuses to get rid of all her junk so how can we downsize? Anyway, sorry to gripe. I hope you have a good Sunday.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Just got home from visiting my dad. He's doing ok , but keeps talking about wanting
to get out of there. We just tell him you can't because of the virus and then he stops talking about it for awhile. With the Alzheimer's he still knows who we all are, just makes up stories that really never happened.
He gets very frustrated when he wants to tell me something but can't remember what it was. Here's aware of it and gets frustrated.
I'm sorry your mom fell again. I hope Thank god is right she didn't really hurt herself that bad.
Glad your brother's family is coming over.
I haven't decorated in years. I don't like the holidays anymore at all
Sorry about the fight with your mom.
Has to be hard on you.
How's Boo and the dogs getting along
I'll talk to you latter. Hope your day is better

 

[Gus the Furminator]

Hi Summer! On the off days where Gus doesn’t want his wet food, I put a few Dr. Elsey’s chicken kibble on the floor next to his wet food dish (literally only 4 kibbles) and for whatever reason he might eat one then go to his wet food then back for another kibble, etc. I call it his breadsticks with dinner.

Since Boo likes his dry more, you might need to put a few more kibble next to this dish than 4, but if it works, gradually take a few kibbles away each day or two. Good luck!

 

[Little Man's mom (GA)]

Oh, I didn't mean to steal your Little Man's title. I saw it from Pamela, too, and really liked it. I hope it is okay. Yes, he is my sweet boy and after learning so much from this site I just want to give him the best chance in life going forward because I do not know what he has been through in the past.

I dont mind at all that you call him little man that's what he is.

When we first got him at 7 wks he was small enough to fit in my hand. We only had female cats and my daughter had a female dog so he was in fact the little man of house. Daughter officially named him scamp...but little man stuck and he has been little man for 12 yrs now even when he got to 20 lbs....

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Hi Summer! On the off days where Gus doesn’t want his wet food, I put a few Dr. Elsey’s chicken kibble on the floor next to his wet food dish (literally only 4 kibbles) and for whatever reason he might eat one then go to his wet food then back for another kibble, etc. I call it his breadsticks with dinner.

Since Boo likes his dry more, you might need to put a few more kibble next to this dish than 4, but if it works, gradually take a few kibbles away each day or two. Good luck!

Thanks, Kim. Susie was the same way in the end. If I couldn't get her to eat her wet food I could usually give her a few Temptations and then she would go in and eat her wet food. I don't know why she did this except maybe it stimulated her appetite. I know the Temptations were so bad for her but when you cat doesn't eat you will do anything to get them to.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

I dont mind at all that you call him little man that's what he is.

When we first got him at 7 wks he was small enough to fit in my hand. We only had female cats and my daughter had a female dog so he was in fact the little man of house. Daughter officially named him scamp...but little man stuck and he has been little man for 12 yrs now even when he got to 20 lbs....

Love the icon after your comment about little man being 20 lbs now. That has always been my favorite icon. I guess Little Man isn't really a "little man". I want your first name. We have been chatting a while now and I still don't know what to call you.

 

[Little Man's mom (GA)]

Love the icon after your comment about little man being 20 lbs now. That has always been my favorite icon. I guess Little Man isn't really a "little man". I want your first name. We have been chatting a while now and I still don't know what to call you.

So I also posted in my other thread...my name is actually Rainbow...its in my signature but its unusual enough some ppl may not realize that's my first name...ironically enough growing up I was called summer a lot...ppl one it was unusual but couldnt remember what my name was LOL

So since DX of diabetes he isnt 20 lbs anymore...he lost a ton of weight too much in fact...went to 13.5 and just recently came up to 14 finally...he should be about 16 most 17 so a little ways to go yet

 

[Adrienne & Molly (GA)]

Your new Kitty is cute! All the best and Happy Thanksgiving

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

So I also posted in my other thread...my name is actually Rainbow...its in my signature but its unusual enough some ppl may not realize that's my first name...ironically enough growing up I was called summer a lot...ppl one it was unusual but couldnt remember what my name was LOL

So since DX of diabetes he isnt 20 lbs anymore...he lost a ton of weight too much in fact...went to 13.5 and just recently came up to 14 finally...he should be about 16 most 17 so a little ways to go yet

Very pretty and unusual name. Funny that people would call you Summer. By the way, congratulations on those beautiful blues last night. You must be tired this morning. He has really dropped a lot of weight. Keep an eye on that. You don't want him to lose too much weight too soon. Might be an indication of a problem.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Your new Kitty is cute! All the best and Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you so much, Adrienne. Boo keeps me on my toes. Loves attention but if I even slightly pet him in the wrong place (belly) he grabs my arm with all fours and sinks his teeth in. Not too hard but hard enough to let me know who is boss. Molly kept you on your toes yesterday with that 41. She is getting some good numbers. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your girl too! Thanks for dropping by.

 

[Little Man's mom (GA)]

Very pretty and unusual name. Funny that people would call you Summer. By the way, congratulations on those beautiful blues last night. You must be tired this morning. He has really dropped a lot of weight. Keep an eye on that. You don't want him to lose too much weight too soon. Might be an indication of a problem.

Thankyou I finally like my name as an adult. Torture for a kid to have such an unusual name.

So weight loss was followed by the dx for diabetes. So it was the diabetis that caused all the weight loss. He is slowly gaining weight.

Thankyou for the congrats on blues and yes I have a splitting headache that I hope doesnt turn into a migraine just because I'm so tired.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Thankyou I finally like my name as an adult. Torture for a kid to have such an unusual name.

So weight loss was followed by the dx for diabetes. So it was the diabetis that caused all the weight loss. He is slowly gaining weight.

Thankyou for the congrats on blues and yes I have a splitting headache that I hope doesnt turn into a migraine just because I'm so tired.

Thankyou I finally like my name as an adult. Torture for a kid to have such an unusual name.

So weight loss was followed by the dx for diabetes. So it was the diabetis that caused all the weight loss. He is slowly gaining weight.

Thankyou for the congrats on blues and yes I have a splitting headache that I hope doesnt turn into a migraine just because I'm so tired.

I didn't like my name growing up either. It was Summer Ketcham and I was always called Winter Mustard. Plus, I have two different colored eyes and my brother was always calling me a "freak of nature". Now, I appreciate being a little different. Looks like you are going to have plenty of time to nap this morning. I'm glad to hear he is slowly putting a little weight on. Hope you don't get a migraine. Have a nice, restful day, Rainbow.

 

[Little Man's mom (GA)]

Winter mustard wow kids are inventive! My maiden name is Fischer....so I was Rainbow brite Fisher price...

Thankyou I will hopefully get a little rest today after dumb vet visit.