High calorie Food

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Mushman

Mushman

Member Since 2019
Most likely I will call the vet. Before I do, I was wondering if anyone uses a high calorie cat food?
I feel this could be a little tricky because of the diabetes.

Mush was never a soft food fan. Once in a while he would eat a can of fancy feast classics, but it had to be seafood. Lately, he’s very picky.

Or has anyone used an appetite stimulate, and if so, which one.

He lost weight and I don’t want it to continue.

Thanks so much.

Laura and Mush
 
I don't have any experience with appetite stimulates or high calorie food, hopefully someone can give some input, but with the weight loss you're going to struggle to put weight on until Mush gets better regulated. My cat was down to 4 lbs and my vet even suggested giving her Purina DM dry despite the high carb amount, just because of the high calorie intake. Nothing worked until she was on a better insulin and a correct dosage, and of course a bit of time.
 
For high calorie, I think that Hill's A/D (critical care) food is one of the highest. I think there was another Purina Rx version that ended with "Max" in its name, can't remember at the moment, but I've only used the A/D. The A/D is what we always go for whenever anyone is off their food, it seems to be well liked - maybe only because they don't usually get it. For non-diabetics there is a high calorie paste called Nutri-cal, but it's basically all sugar (corn syrup, malt, molasses).

For appetite stimulant, there is Mirtazapine and Cyproheptadine. Lately I tend to go to Cypro first, there is chance of something called Seratonin Syndrome with Mirtazapine, although I've never experienced it with ours.

But I agree with Elizabeth. If this is a short term issue and Panic just is not eating at all, then absolutely go to high calorie and stimulants. But in general, getting the blood sugar lower is your real key and then the rest should fall into place.

Regardless of the issue, our best to you and the Mushman! You'll get there.
 
Panic said:
I don't have any experience with appetite stimulates or high calorie food, hopefully someone can give some input, but with the weight loss you're going to struggle to put weight on until Mush gets better regulated. My cat was down to 4 lbs and my vet even suggested giving her Purina DM dry despite the high carb amount, just because of the high calorie intake. Nothing worked until she was on a better insulin and a correct dosage, and of course a bit of time.
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I would’ve been in a panic, if Panic was four lbs.
I would give anything in that case. I heard of the NUTRI- CAL because I had to give it to him at one time when he had an infection of some sort. Yes it’s for non-diabetic cats.

He just doesn’t eat with gusto, he’ll eat a little bit then he’ll stop. I consider that a poor appetite. She looked in his mouth last visit nothing seems to be wrong with his teeth if he has any.
Blood work very good.
I’m just aware of this change, and any changes I see, of course are bothersome.

His glucose numbers are good, and I would say he’s pretty much regulated.

I know of the two drugs you mentioned, and I had heard that Mirtazapine, sometimes makes them howl, hence they call it Meow-Sa-Pan.


I guess I’ll have to speak to the vet soon. Because his gait is still bad, and I’m going to discuss Adequan with her which I brought up before. I know it’s an injection, and the thought of that wasn’t thrilling, but now I give him insulin maybe I could give him Adequan.

He’s got a lot going on this cat. He’ll be 15 in February, God Willing.

But thank you so much for your suggestion.
I wrote down the hills AD. I recall years ago another lady told me this was a chronic care food.

Take care.

Please note, I’m using my phone, as my computer is not working, so any errors, I’m sorry.
 
Sandi & Whisper said:
For high calorie, I think that Hill's A/D (critical care) food is one of the highest. I think there was another Purina Rx version that ended with "Max" in its name, can't remember at the moment, but I've only used the A/D. The A/D is what we always go for whenever anyone is off their food, it seems to be well liked - maybe only because they don't usually get it. For non-diabetics there is a high calorie paste called Nutri-cal, but it's basically all sugar (corn syrup, malt, molasses).

For appetite stimulant, there is Mirtazapine and Cyproheptadine. Lately I tend to go to Cypro first, there is chance of something called Seratonin Syndrome with Mirtazapine, although I've never experienced it with ours.

But I agree with Elizabeth. If this is a short term issue and Panic just is not eating at all, then absolutely go to high calorie and stimulants. But in general, getting the blood sugar lower is your real key and then the rest should fall into place.

Regardless of the issue, our best to you and the Mushman! You'll get there.
Click to expand...


Sandi & Whisper said:
For high calorie, I think that Hill's A/D (critical care) food is one of the highest. I think there was another Purina Rx version that ended with "Max" in its name, can't remember at the moment, but I've only used the A/D. The A/D is what we always go for whenever anyone is off their food, it seems to be well liked - maybe only because they don't usually get it. For non-diabetics there is a high calorie paste called Nutri-cal, but it's basically all sugar (corn syrup, malt, molasses).

For appetite stimulant, there is Mirtazapine and Cyproheptadine. Lately I tend to go to Cypro first, there is chance of something called Seratonin Syndrome with Mirtazapine, although I've never experienced it with ours.

But I agree with Elizabeth. If this is a short term issue and Panic just is not eating at all, then absolutely go to high calorie and stimulants. But in general, getting the blood sugar lower is your real key and then the rest should fall into place.

Regardless of the issue, our best to you and the Mushman! You'll get there.
Click to expand...
 
Mushman said:
I would’ve been in a panic, if Panic was four lbs.
I would give anything in that case.
Click to expand...

Panic actually didn't even want the DM dry, as starving as she acted she only wanted wet food. You said Mushman was well regulated, what are his average BG levels?

Mushman said:
I guess I’ll have to speak to the vet soon. Because his gait is still bad, and I’m going to discuss Adequan with her which I brought up before. I know it’s an injection, and the thought of that wasn’t thrilling, but now I give him insulin maybe I could give him Adequan.
Click to expand...

I recently started using Adequan for one of my cats (not Panic) and it's exactly the same as administering insulin. :)

I'm going to tag @AliceMeowliss&Cassandra , she also had problems with Alice's weight. Maybe she can give you some advice!
 
Mushman said:
Sandi,

Thank you so very much! I appreciate all the suggestions and so does Mush.

-:)

Laura and Mush
Click to expand...

You are welcome. I know that it can feel like you are walking a tightrope at times.

I have given Adequan intramuscular (in their "butt"), but I thought I read that some here had given it subcutaneously? Might want to search FDMB. And also look into Zobaline for his gait -- I have no experience but there are plenty of posts here about it. Depends on if it is arthritis or neuropathy.

:bighug::cat::bighug:
 
There is a dry food that claims to be zero (digestible) carbs called Young Again Zero. It's high-protein and I believe calorie-dense. We tried it in the past when I was getting desperate trying to get Rocket regulated. Some here report terrible stinky poo with this food; we didn't really have that problem. It's only available from their website unfortunately, but maybe worth a try?

edit: it's not on their website, but I think if you call them they'll send a free sample.
 
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Keskat&Rocket said:
There is a dry food that claims to be zero (digestible) carbs called Young Again Zero. It's high-protein and I believe calorie-dense. We tried it in the past when I was getting desperate trying to get Rocket regulated. Some here report terrible stinky poo with this food; we didn't really have that problem. It's only available from their website unfortunately, but maybe worth a try?

edit: it's not on their website, but I think if you call them they'll send a free sample.
Click to expand...


: it's not on their website, but I think if you call them they'll send a free sample.[/QUOTE]
 
@Panic , thank you for the tag. Unfortunately I can’t help a lot for lack of appetite. My diabetic cat was always starving when she was unregulated. Some of my cats have a bad respiratory viral syndrome that keeps them from being able to smell their food as well though, which makes them not as interested in food. The best thing I have found for that is purebites duck liver crumbled and sprinkled on food. My food-motivated cat will smell it from across the house and jump the baby gate for it even. He will eat anything, but he won’t jump for much at all.

Best wishes to The Mushman. I hope you find something that will work.
 
AliceMeowliss&Cassandra said:
@Panic , thank you for the tag. Unfortunately I can’t help a lot for lack of appetite. My diabetic cat was always starving when she was unregulated. Some of my cats have a bad respiratory viral syndrome that keeps them from being able to smell their food as well though, which makes them not as interested in food. The best thing I have found for that is purebites duck liver crumbled and sprinkled on food. My food-motivated cat will smell it from across the house and jump the baby gate for it even. He will eat anything, but he won’t jump for much at all.

Best wishes to The Mushman. I hope you find something that will work.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Alice,

I’m sorry to hear about the respiratory syndrome going around in your house. Have you tried only natural chicken bites - freeze dried.?
That usually does the trick for me. By the way, Mush is eating a little better. Although, most of the time, I have to keep doling it out, because his back legs are not strong.

Thank you and Best wishes,

Laura and Mushman
 
My old girl was getting skinny and not eating well and the vet prescribed Mirtazapine liquid every three days. My girl, but then was under 7 pounds. You should taste that stuff; it is awful, oh so bitter. My cat would drool when I gave it to her. I ended up giving it to her in two smaller doses and she still hated it but it didn't make her drool. Avoid the liquid; it comes in pills and there's a transdermal ointment.

I am now kicking myself for not looking to see if it came in pills. I swear my vet doesn't write down important cat info like "easy to pill". All my cats hate liquid meds, now that I think about it.

My Gypsy seems to be losing weight even though she is in remission. I give her additional servings of wet food, as much as she will eat, but I'm concerned she's not getting enough calories.
 
Hi Gypsy Parent,

Sorry to hear Gypsy is losing weight.

If, I ask for an appetite stimulant, I’ll ask for Cypro.
Maybe you should try what Sandi suggested,
Hills A/D.
A friend of mine is trying Whole Earth Farms, but I don’t know if that’s for diabetic cats. You could look it up. She does a lot of research and she says this it’s a good cat food in general.
Try the Nutri-cal gel. It’s messy but it’s supposed to add calories.

I understand your concern.
 
Nutrical is corn syrup. Gypsy is in remission, but sometimes she has a number in the blue if I give her more food during the day. I'm reluctant to give her anything high carb. I still have cans of Hill's m/d which is 13% carbs, but that might be enough to keep her from losing more weight, but not sending her sugar high enough to require insulin. I'll stop by the vets this week. I'm always surprised when vets recommend w/d for diabetic cats when it's 25% carbs, while the m/d is half that.

Edit:
I've been looking around at the spread sheet and after 30 minutes, here's a summary. I'll post calories per 5.5 oz, which is a standard sized can and won't involve math :) Chewy is a good site because it has the calories per can under the nutritional food link.

In other words, there are healthier choices than a/d! All of these except the Pro Plan have low enough phosphorous for CKD cats.

kcal / 5.5 oz Food
180 Hill's a/d
242 Blue Buffalo Wilderness chicken grain free
213 Wellness Core Pate chicken, turkey and chicken liver
215 Wellness Core Pate turkey and duck
186 Wellness Complete Health Chicken Pate
181 Fancy Feast Classic Pate chicken
191 Purina Pro Plan DM
147 Hills m/d chicken and liver
173 Hills m/d pork (new flavor, original is 156 kcal)
131 Weruva cats in the kitchen chicken frick a zee
200 Purina Pro Plan True Nature Chicken and Turkey -or- Chicken and Liver (P is a bit high... 350-400)
 
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