? What do YOU entice your cat with when he/she won't eat??

20Merlin24

20Merlin24

Member
Hello all,

We have had two deaths in the family lately (one dog and one cat) so maybe that's affected Merlin. I have not added to the spreadsheet for a while because of all this stress (will update) plus Merlin also had a couple of vet visits (one emergency) due to a weird abscess of unknown cause. (Possibly/probably an infected anal gland that didn't burst on its own because I got him in fast. They lanced it and gave antibiotics).

Anyway, for several weeks now he is extremely finicky about eating. He used to eat LOTS, and get really excited about it. Now I can barely get anything in him at all and it's really starting to stress me out. He's losing weight and I got so desperate that I added back kibble since it's the only thing he would eat. The vet just says to switch to their prescription diet for blood glucose regulation instead but that looks just as bad as what he's been eating and has horrible reviews online. Today he's eating tiny pieces of chicken here and there but only if I put one piece in front of him at a time.

I've been feeding Gerber baby food, boiled chicken, various kinds of Fancy Feast and also Friskies pate. All of this he was very into before, meowing to get me to bring it faster, and he easily ate an entire jar of baby food in less than a minute. His glucose was starting to get really good and he was starting to look like he was in remission. But then he just started refusing food and it all went downhill. Does anyone have any ideas what could be going on? Any thoughts on what to feed?
 
I’m sorry about you losing your kitty and dog. I’m sure other cats and dogs feel the loss.
Have you checked Merlin’s teeth to see if they are all OK?
Have they checked to see if it could be pancreatitis? You would need to get a fPLsnap or an fPL spec blood test to check this?
Have you tried giving an antinausea medication to see if that helps? Ondansetron is the best on for that. The vet would have to write a script and you get it filled at the human pharmacy.

It is really important that diabetic cats eat, otherwise you run into other problems. The Hills MD dry is about 17% carbs and is not ideal but if he will only eat that while you are trying to find out what is happening, then I would give it to him…but only short term.
Bit I would keep digging as to the reason he won’t eat.

Have a look at SUGGESTIONS TO STIMULATE KETTY’S APPETITE
 
There may be a few of these ideas in the post How to Stimulate Kitty’s Appetite that you could try.

When was Merlin’s last vet visit, and did they happen to check his teeth? Some cats will tend to not want to eat if they have inflammation or possible dental issues. I’d also suggest if you haven’t tested for ketones lately, that might be worth doing. Inappetance and inflammation /source of stress along with not enough insulin are factors that can contribute to the development of ketones which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. If you don’t have ketone strips, you might want to get them from your local pharmacy to test his urine. The weight loss is also a bit concerning. It is always a good idea to get to the bottom of why a cat is not wanting to eat and losing weight, a vet checkup is probably in order.
 
Christie & Maverick said:
There may be a few of these ideas in the post How to Stimulate Kitty’s Appetite that you could try.

When was Merlin’s last vet visit, and did they happen to check his teeth? Some cats will tend to not want to eat if they have inflammation or possible dental issues. I’d also suggest if you haven’t tested for ketones lately, that might be worth doing. Inappetance and inflammation /source of stress along with not enough insulin are factors that can contribute to the development of ketones which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. If you don’t have ketone strips, you might want to get them from your local pharmacy to test his urine. The weight loss is also a bit concerning. It is always a good idea to get to the bottom of why a cat is not wanting to eat and losing weight, a vet checkup is probably in order.
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Thank you. And thank you for all your help. He has no teeth. He had panleukopenia as a baby (discovered shortly after I took him in), and obviously survived, but a couple of years ago almost all his teeth fell out all at once and the few that were left were ALL removed as they were rotten. The (new) vet says this all made sense after the illness. He was seen in September for the mysterious abscess. Rechecked after antibiotics to make sure he didn't need another round. All good at that time.
A different vet at the same office that I consulted with on the phone prescribed Mirataz, which I only used once because it did nothing. He said I could only give Cerenia (that I have on hand) if there's vomiting. This did not make sense to me, because it's been prescribed to my other cats before in combination with Mirataz... By the way, if you constantly do BG testing on the ears is there a problem with using this transdermal stuff? And what happens if you use the meds after 30 days of opening? (I was reading the insert which I never received before). This stuff was really expensive! I only used one dose and was never told there was such a short expiration. Two other vet offices never mentioned this either. As far as I can tell, it's just not guaranteed to have the full efficacy.

I do have ketone strips but tested myself twice to see how they worked and they were just impossible to read. The color didn't match the chart at all. So not sure if I got a bad batch or what. Also, no idea how to actually get urine to test. I have six other cats so unless I crate him this will just be tricky. He's a really easily stressed kitty, and I worry that if I lock him up to do this he'll get even worse in every way.

I'm waiting to hear back from the office right now to see if they'll change their mind on the Cerenia, or prescribe Ondansetron. If not I'll just have to make an appointment with one of the vets that's seen him before.
I have not tried the Hills MD yet. He WAS just wanting kitten kibble and nothing else for a while. Now he's completely lost interest in that again and is slowly getting back to his special stuff, but he's only eating a fraction of what he used to. He was down to 0.25 U insulin and now we're back up to 1.25 without being stabilized yet.
 
Vet office just called back. They don't want me to give anything but instead come in for blood work tomorrow. This we will do of course.
If anyone has any ideas in particular what I might ask about please let me know. This appointment is with a new (much older) vet that I've never met before, because our regular vets are both out for another 10 days. They don't prescribe Lantus at all normally so I'm kind of anticipating some questions/problems - even though the last vet was really happy with our results and said she wouldn't change a thing. She also said she'd make sure I got a new supply when needed.
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
I’m sorry about you losing your kitty and dog. I’m sure other cats and dogs feel the loss.
Have you checked Merlin’s teeth to see if they are all OK?
Have they checked to see if it could be pancreatitis? You would need to get a fPLsnap or an fPL spec blood test to check this?
Have you tried giving an antinausea medication to see if that helps? Ondansetron is the best on for that. The vet would have to write a script and you get it filled at the human pharmacy.

It is really important that diabetic cats eat, otherwise you run into other problems. The Hills MD dry is about 17% carbs and is not ideal but if he will only eat that while you are trying to find out what is happening, then I would give it to him…but only short term.
Bit I would keep digging as to the reason he won’t eat.

Have a look at SUGGESTIONS TO STIMULATE KETTY’S APPETITE
Click to expand...


Thank you! I'll ask about this tomorrow. They would not prescribe Ondansetron but maybe in person after testing I suppose. Is this a problematic/risky one...? Never seemed that way before.
As far as the appetite suggestions I'm already doing everything listed. A few times I have resorted to syringe feeding.
When I put a small warmed "buffet" in front of him he perks up, licks his lips and shows interest. Then he will usually take a bite or three and walk away. If I put/toss tiny chicken pieces on the ground in front of him it will sometimes stimulate him to have a few more. I don't think it's a whiskers issue because I'm using a small flat saucer instead of a bowl. If the food is too close he just appears to want it out of his sight. "Feels" like nausea to me.
 
I'm sorry for all the losses you've experienced :bighug::bighug::bighug:
I'm certain that this has its effect on Merlin. Though it sounds like the change in food in take is more than grieving.

Mirtaz didn't wrok for Fistuk either but Ondansetron did, especially when I gave the right dose, which is way more than what the vets recommended. best to ask @Wendy&Neko but if I'm not mistaken it's 1mg per kg. with the right dose and quite frequent -for Fistuk every 6 hours - it got him eating.

Adding some crumb of cheddar cheese or the yolk from a boiled egg as @Bron and Sheba (GA) once suggested also helped.

But eventually syringe feeding while being on Ondasentro was the best way to get Fistuk to eat.

Hope you'll have some blood results soon and find out the way to encourage Merlin to eat :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
@Fistuk & Shelly. Thank you. This year sure has been rough. (There were several other losses earlier in the year too due to cancer and CKD). :bighug::(

Update after a very expensive vet visit: Merlin has pancreatitis and a temp of 104... They did testing in-house to be able to start treatment immediately, and he got subq fluids, laser treatment of the pancreas, and a 3-day combo shot of pain meds and antibiotics. We're going back tomorrow for another round of laser and fluids. He is also anemic and the vet said the fluids will make that worse, but we will just have to do everything we can. They will re-evaluate him tomorrow. Everything depends on how he responds. I'm told the prognosis is always "guarded" in cases of pancreatitis. He's also concerned about the high fever. Apparently that is not one of the more common symptoms so there could be something else too. We got all sorts of labs done though. Right now, Merlin is a tiny bit more alert and ate a few pieces of kibble and a couple of licks of baby food. I was told to change nothing regarding his insulin. His BG will be all over the place due to this.

Please tell me this gets better. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts?
 
Any update on getting him some ondansetron? Not as good but better than nothing for nausea is Cerenia (or generic maropitant) - it is better for vomiting. Getting him eating will help a lot.

Have you seen this post: A Primer On Pancreatitis. We've had lots of kitties here with pancreatitis, it's unfortunately fairly common with diabetics.

Do you know what pain meds they gave him? I've not heard of cats getting lasers for pancreatitis. What is it supposed to do?
 
He got Convenia and Metacam-Meloxicam injectable. We go back tomorrow and I will ask again then. They didn't want to give anything else right now.
Apparently this office has been doing laser treatments for pancreas for 15 years, and they train other offices to do it too. It's to reduce inflammation.
 
I've heard of lasers for arthritis. Neko used to get acupuncture lasers for hers. Metacam is also an anti-inflammatory. Convenia was really developed for skin infections, but vets give it more often for ease of the caregivers. Has he had Convenia before? It can last two weeks or more, and if they have an allergic reaction, it goes on a along time.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
I've heard of lasers for arthritis. Neko used to get acupuncture lasers for hers. Metacam is also an anti-inflammatory. Convenia was really developed for skin infections, but vets give it more often for ease of the caregivers. Has he had Convenia before? It can last two weeks or more, and if they have an allergic reaction, it goes on a along time.
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Yes, that's what the vet told me. Most places don't realize that the laser can also be great for the pancreas. So they're trying to spread the word. I hope he's right.

I think Merlin has had Convenia before, but honestly I'm not certain. I have and have had many animals and I know some of them have received it. I never heard this warning. What kind of reaction would that be?? They told me it lasts for three days...
 
There is a page on it on the catinfo.org website. I have cats in the past who have had no problem with Convenia, but now I'd rather give antibiotics orally.
 
Thank you. THAT is extremely disturbing! No one asked my preference. I have no problem pilling Merlin. Another thing to be hyper vigilant about...

Now, for some reason this vet appears very much against giving me Ondansetron. I have no idea why, but will push for it again. How would you handle this in a diplomatic manner? Is there anything else I can ask for? They didn't want me to give the Cerenia that I have on hand either. Can you think of a reason why they wouldn't want to aggressively address the nausea?
 
I would ask them why they don't want you to give ondansetron. Maybe they know of a contraindication? Which would be good information for you to know too.

This paper is on kidney disease, but has a section on nausea:
Starting page 231 and the table the top of the next page which gives dosages. Maropitant is the generic for Cerenia. The drugs have been tested and are safe in cats. Neko took both ondansetron and Cerenia part of her last year.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
I would ask them why they don't want you to give ondansetron. Maybe they know of a contraindication? Which would be good information for you to know too.

This paper is on kidney disease, but has a section on nausea:
Starting page 231 and the table the top of the next page which gives dosages. Maropitant is the generic for Cerenia. The drugs have been tested and are safe in cats. Neko took both ondansetron and Cerenia part of her last year.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Will do, and read. Heading out shortly.
 
Update: Merlin's fever has come down (but not gone) and he just had another laser treatment plus subq fluids. He is looking a little bit brighter right now. I asked (different vet) about ondansetron and he agreed to prescribe it, no problem at all, but recommended a 24 hour Cerenia injection instead - for today - because we have to go back again tomorrow. So he got B12 and Cerenia. And we'll see what tomorrow brings. This vet is telling me it's a 3-day treatment and that should be it. I do hope he's right. I'm guessing he means the acute phase, but when I asked if we need to come back on Monday he said no. Only if he's doing worse.
(A lot of the links are not working by the way).
 
Good to hear he has improved somewhat.

It's fine he got a Cerenia injection, though most people find ondansetron is a better solution. I'd take this vet up on the offer of a prescription for it. It's a good one to have at home for emergencies.
20Merlin24 said:
A lot of the links are not working by the way
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Can you tell me which ones so I can see if I can fix them?
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Can you tell me which ones so I can see if I can fix them?
Click to expand...

IDEXX Roundtable Discussion (2008)
IDEXX Roundtable on Diagnosing and Managing Feline Pancreatitis
IDEXX Treatment Recommendations for Feline Pancreatitis
Pharmalogical Control of Vomiting

All of these have "503 Service Temporarily Unavailable"
What you Need to Know about Feline Pancreatitis
The Facts About Pancreatitis and your Feline
Advances in Diagnosing and Treating Feline Pancreatitis
Advances in Management of Pancreatitis
Suggested Guidelines for Suspected Feline Pancreatitis
ABCs of Feline Pancreatitis
How to Interpret the Snap fPL Test
How to Talk with Cat Owners About Feline Pancreatitis
Sometimes Skinny, Sometimes Not: Chronic Pancreatitis in Cats

And the link to Thriving pets: http://www.thrivingpets.com/
 
@Chris & China (GA) Thanks for the list, I've fixed all but one of the first set, couldn't find the 2008 roundtable discussion plus the Thriving Pets link.

The second group are part of the Idexx Learning Center - you need a free account to view them. Do you have an account there?
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Do you have an account there?
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Not that I know of but I'm not even getting an option to sign in or sign up. This is where they all go
upload_2024-12-7_0-32-20.png
 

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I'm also still getting the "503".

Merlin had his third (and final) treatment today, and I asked them to check his temp. It was back up - 105 now. Vet says it's probably because the Metacam has started wearing off. He gave me two doses to bring home and start tomorrow, but only because I was a bit pushy about getting something for pain for him. Also got the Ondansetron but only 10 tablets with no refills. I will start that a little later today. Vet says home IV is not necessary (I asked), but call back on Monday and give them an update.

They seem so calm about the whole thing. Apparently this is fairly common, but I can't help stressing about it. Merlin IS eating, but very little at a time. And he's a big cat; it's surely nowhere near enough. I've been doing some assisted feeding to supplement but only 5cc or so at a time. Don't want him to vomit. They said as long as he's eating something that's a good sign. And he shouldn't need any more treatments. Really...?

How long should this take to at least somewhat resolve (if it will resolve at all)? They are being very evasive/reluctant to give a straight answer when I ask, so I just don't know what to think. Are we talking days, weeks or months?

(Sorry, it's been a rough year. Merlin was just diagnosed with diabetes back in April and around the same time one of the other cats had to be euthanized because of CKD that just wasn't getting any better at all. And a couple of weeks ago Gizmo (hyperthyroid) had a seizure in the car and died on the way to the vet.)
 
I'm afraid there is no one answer for how long pancreatitis takes to resolve. Think more days or weeks, not months. It also depends whether this was an acute attack of pancreatitis or if it is chronic. You just have to give the supportive meds until he starts to feel better. Extra fluids (water down his food if they don't want you to do subq - not IV), pain medication, and anti-nausea meds.

Did the vet give you a dose of the ondansetron to give? My vet told me too low a dose, which I found out later. :( Dosing is based on weight.
 
Chris & China (GA) said:
IDEXX Roundtable Discussion (2008)
IDEXX Roundtable on Diagnosing and Managing Feline Pancreatitis
IDEXX Treatment Recommendations for Feline Pancreatitis
Pharmalogical Control of Vomiting

All of these have "503 Service Temporarily Unavailable"
What you Need to Know about Feline Pancreatitis
The Facts About Pancreatitis and your Feline
Advances in Diagnosing and Treating Feline Pancreatitis
Advances in Management of Pancreatitis
Suggested Guidelines for Suspected Feline Pancreatitis
ABCs of Feline Pancreatitis
How to Interpret the Snap fPL Test
How to Talk with Cat Owners About Feline Pancreatitis
Sometimes Skinny, Sometimes Not: Chronic Pancreatitis in Cats

And the link to Thriving pets: http://www.thrivingpets.com/
Click to expand...
Thanks, Chris. I went through the entire post, fixed broken links, added a couple sources and removed all of the IDEXX CE posts you listed above because they can no longer be found on IDEXX or anywhere else. Too bad because they were really good.

Thank you!
 
Wendy&Neko said:
I'm afraid there is no one answer for how long pancreatitis takes to resolve. Think more days or weeks, not months. It also depends whether this was an acute attack of pancreatitis or if it is chronic. You just have to give the supportive meds until he starts to feel better. Extra fluids (water down his food if they don't want you to do subq - not IV), pain medication, and anti-nausea meds.

Did the vet give you a dose of the ondansetron to give? My vet told me too low a dose, which I found out later. :( Dosing is based on weight.
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Thank you for all your support! Yes, I meant subq, sorry. (I have an IV pole for doing my own IV infusions so I used that for cat subq fluids before, but often end up calling everything IV). IV would be way too scary!

The Ondansetron is 4 mg and it says to give twice a day. He weighs about 12 lbs as of Thursday when they checked. What dose did you end up with? Was it like pulling teeth to get a prescription for it?

About two hours after I gave the Metacam yesterday he vomited, so I guess that could mean he's not tolerating it. He seemed fine with the same thing via injection. He actually both ate and drank shortly after, and no more vomiting, so maybe a coincidence...? What else might I ask for to manage the pain/fever? I hate these long-acting things; can't give anything else now until Wednesday.

Yesterday he was also pretty into kibble every few hours. I mean, he has access to a minor buffet at all times, but seemed to prefer the dry stuff. This morning he's not interested in anything at all so I syringe fed a couple of ccs of baby food and that inspired him to eat at least a little bit of it on his own.
 
Ondansetron can be given 3-4 times a day - it doesn't last that long in a cat. Any vet I've asked for an ondsansetron script, I've gotten it. I've been known to show peer reviewed papers backing my request before, though I didn't have to do that for my current vet. Dose is 0.5-1.0 mg/kg of cat. Merlin is 5.45 kg, so 3-6 mg would work. Maybe try giving that 4 mg 3 times a day?

This post is getting old, been a while since started. Could you start a new post with a link to this one, the next time you have a question. Thank you
 
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