How to get her to eat..

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Courtney kimbe

Courtney kimbe

Member Since 2019
Hello!
I am new here and have a question..
My almost 4 year old cat just recently got diagnosed with diabetes. We give her insulin every 12 hours, and she’s been doing great so far..until we had a scare today. She was rushed to the vet, they thought she might have kidney failure..but turned out to be just an infection, and she starts her antibiotics.. anyways, it’s about that time to give her insulin again, and she just won’t eat.. she’s had a rough day, I don’t blame her.. She’s on a “special food” for diabetes, and we even got wet food cause she used to love wet food! But we can not get her to eat.. I’ve tried warning up her wet food for 5 seconds. But I’m lost.. any ideas??
 
I have read about the Parmesan trick and used it a couple times successfully, where you just sprinkle some on top and that may encourage her to eat.
Sometimes you just have to nudge it in their face to give them a taste and they may want to eat a bit.

Hopefully others can weigh in soon, it sounds like your girl has had a rough day. <3
 
Courtney kimbe said:
Hello!
I am new here and have a question..
My almost 4 year old cat just recently got diagnosed with diabetes. We give her insulin every 12 hours, and she’s been doing great so far..until we had a scare today. She was rushed to the vet, they thought she might have kidney failure..but turned out to be just an infection, and she starts her antibiotics.. anyways, it’s about that time to give her insulin again, and she just won’t eat.. she’s had a rough day, I don’t blame her.. She’s on a “special food” for diabetes, and we even got wet food cause she used to love wet food! But we can not get her to eat.. I’ve tried warning up her wet food for 5 seconds. But I’m lost.. any ideas??
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Hi I'm pretty new also, what was her BG this morning when you tested it.
When you say special food, what food are you talking about
My cat eats Fancy Feast Chicken Pate and I will add some water to it eat , to make
It kind of soupy
 
another newbie here -- you wouldn't want to do this routinely, but it's a rare cat who won't at least nibble on tuna
or tuna juice topping her normal food

tuna or another fishy flavor of low carb canned food (Fancy Feast, Meow Mix Tender, Blue Wilderness, etc) would be even better

dry bonito flakes from an Oriental type grocery is a good treat or topping to have on hand -- you can buy the special-for-cats version (Cat Man Doo brand) or order the stuff online

if your "special" food is a prescription food from the vet, we've found that there are other foods which work better for diabetic felines, lots of postings on that topic, but do take a look at this link showing carbohydrate and other content for most canned cat foods .. https://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf
 
Mamakin said:
Hi I'm pretty new also, what was her BG this morning when you tested it.
When you say special food, what food are you talking about
My cat eats Fancy Feast Chicken Pate and I will add some water to it eat , to make
It kind of soupy
Click to expand...

She had a blood glucose test all day at the vet he said it’s still up there in the 300s... he told us to up her insulin, we need to do that but she won’t eat! Also..it’s a kind from the vet. I will check what it’s called.
 
Hi there and welcome!

Plain baby food chicken, turkey or beef (not ham, too salty) is good short term, but not as a long term solution because it is just protein and does not have added vitamins and minerals cats need.

Also the pet store has freeze dried cat treats. Some of those you can smash up and sprinkle the “dust” on top of their food to entice them. My cat likes the salmon freeze dried. I have heard other people use the freeze dried chicken too.

If you are giving insulin the cat has to have food. Also you said vet said to increase dose and your cat was only recently started on insulin.

A curve done at vets is not always reliable because when cats are stressed (at vet) their sugar will be higher than normal, so the data may not be accurate. 300’s is not terribly high if that was the highest number he is talking about and am concerned at a quick increase in dose based on that info alone.

Also very important to add that once that infection clears her blood sugar numbers will come down and if you increase the insulin now, that could be setting her up for her sugar going too low and could be a dangerous situation.

Are you home testing her blood sugar? That is the best way to make sure she stays safe.

Please set up a signature with particulars like your kitty’s weight, diagnosis date, type of food, other health conditions, type of insulin, dose, etc. this will help other members to answer your questions and not have to repeatedly ask about the basics of your cat.

Setting up your signature (light grey text under a post). Here's how:
click on your name in the upper right corner of this page
click on "signature" in the menu that drops down
type the following in the box that opens: kitty's name/age/date of diabetes diagnosis/insulin you're using and dosage amount /glucose meter you're using/what (s)he eats/any other meds or health issues (s)he has. You can add your name, and a geographic location (sometimes the time zone matters) Be sure to SAVE when you are finished.

Once signature is set up it will be easier to assist with advice.
 
Hi. Checking up in the morning and she’s not doing so great..
she will not eat and she’s very limp.. doctor said to bring her in to be hospitalized.. I can not get her to eat. I’m very scared
 
Glad you're bringing her in to see the vet. Make sure they test for ketones. As hard as it is to see her feeling so badly, taking her in is the best thing you can do for her right now. The vet will be able to assess her condition and suggest what kind of treatment is necessary.

Update when you can (we worry).
Hang in there! :bighug:
 
She has an appointment to get a shot of antibiotics since she can’t keep it down.. I’m so scared. She is my best friend. I would be so lost without her.
I can not afford all these vet bills.. already have paid over 800$ in just two weeks. I feel so broken. Any advice on that? they don’t bill, you have to pay before you leave. Any ideas?? I am willing to sell my own car to help, but I just don’t know anymore.
 
Hey! Also, she will NOT keep her head out her dish?? I don’t mean she’s drinking it, she simply just has her head in her dish...not licking it just hanging her chin over the dish.. any ideas?? She just has some iv fluids so she’s not dehydrated or anything.. I’m confused...
 
Courtney kimbe said:
She has an appointment to get a shot of antibiotics since she can’t keep it down.. I’m so scared. She is my best friend. I would be so lost without her.
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I'm glad they're taking a look at her. You'll want a diagnosis, a treatment plan in place, and any meds and/or supplies you might need since we're going in to a holiday weekend. Many vets close or have shortened hours over holidays.
Courtney kimbe said:
I can not afford all these vet bills.. already have paid over 800$ in just two weeks. I feel so broken. Any advice on that? they don’t bill, you have to pay before you leave. Any ideas?? I am willing to sell my own car to help, but I just don’t know anymore.
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Try talking to them about your situation. Sometimes they're willing to work with you if you agree to make regular payments.

We've also put together a list of financial aid links: Financial Help Links. The organizations listed are independent of and do not have any affiliation with the FDMB, but may offer some relief or help to qualified candidates. Some of these links are to commercial enterprises, some to non-profit organizations. Their listing here is a courtesy. Please check with the individual organization. Each organization has their own set of rules, requirements, and policies. Most organizations rely on donations to fund their financial aid programs. Be aware if funds are not available organizations may temporarily close financial aid programs.
Courtney kimbe said:
Hey! Also, she will NOT keep her head out her dish?? I don’t mean she’s drinking it, she simply just has her head in her dish...not licking it just hanging her chin over the dish.. any ideas?? She just has some iv fluids so she’s not dehydrated or anything.. I’m confused...
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Was she tested for ketones? If not, please pick-up some "keto-stix" from any pharmacy. They can be purchased for around $10-$15 dollars. Sometimes you have to ask for them because they're kept behind the counter. You can test her urine to see if she's throwing ketones. Follow the directions found on the canister or pamphlet that comes with them. If the ketone dipstick indicates she's throwing ketones, please start a new thread asking for help. "Need help, ketones!
Courtney kimbe said:
Hey! Also, she will NOT keep her head out her dish?? I don’t mean she’s drinking it, she simply just has her head in her dish...not licking it just hanging her chin over the dish.. any ideas?? She just has some iv fluids so she’s not dehydrated or anything.. I’m confused...
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I'm not sure why she's doing that. Although, the only time I remember Alex resting her head on her dish was when she was throwing ketones. I don't know if that's the case with Bliss. Testing her urine for ketones will give you the answer you need.

"If" needed, here's a link to more information than you've ever wanted to know about ketones and ketoacidosis: Ketones, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), and Blood Ketone Meters.

Please press the vet for a diagnosis, treatment plan, and supplies so hopefully you're able to save some money by treating her at home. Let us know how or if we can help.
 
I forgot to mention, you can apply for "Care Credit" online. If you qualify and are approved, they respond quickly.

Care Credit - A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care. "Care Credit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every budget."
http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
Courtney, I want to apologize for bombarding you with information, but I keep thinking of things I haven't mentioned. I hope it's not too overwhelming! I'm also going out shortly and won't be home til late so I want to leave you with this stuff.
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Thank you so much for the help. They gave her some antibiotics...they said if she’s not better by tomorrow we have to talk about the quality of her life.. I feel broken. She’s only almost 4 years old.. I am completely heart broken. I pray she heals. She still has yet to eat.
 
She might have pancreatitis or just an upset stomach in general - or she might have a mouth/tooth issue. If she's hanging over the bowl she WANTS to eat but can't for some reason, those would be my suspicions.

Diabetes and pancreatitis can go hand in hand and cause nausea and digestive upset.

Has she been vomiting, burping? Also can you put your head/ear down on her tummy when she lays on her side? If there's A LOT of angry noises coming from her abdomen, I'd ask your vet about anti-nausea drugs.

How are her bowel movements? It can also cause constipation which my baby had along with pancreatitis - an x-ray will usually reveal any trouble there if she's backed up and it can show any possible tumors.

If you need to syringe feed, please let us know, we can help you - but ask your vet to check those things ASAP.

Does your vet offer a payment plan? If not, call around and see who does.

God love you and your baby! xxxx
 
Candy&Company said:
She might have pancreatitis or just an upset stomach in general - or she might have a mouth/tooth issue. If she's hanging over the bowl she WANTS to eat but can't for some reason, those would be my suspicions.

Diabetes and pancreatitis can go hand in hand and cause nausea and digestive upset.

Has she been vomiting, burping? Also can you put your head/ear down on her tummy when she lays on her side? If there's A LOT of angry noises coming from her abdomen, I'd ask your vet about anti-nausea drugs.

How are her bowel movements? It can also cause constipation which my baby had along with pancreatitis - an x-ray will usually reveal any trouble there if she's backed up and it can show any possible tumors.

If you need to syringe feed, please let us know, we can help you - but ask your vet to check those things ASAP.

Does your vet offer a payment plan? If not, call around and see who does.

God love you and your baby! xxxx
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The constipation is a good idea- I have not seen her go number 2... unfortunately she shares a litter box with her sister (they’ve shared there whole lives) so I wouldn’t be able to tell.. I will definitely be calling the vet first thing tomorrow about that.
When she walks she almost is stumbling but catches herself.. I’m assuming she’s weak from having not ate anything over a day.. she is just lying down. When I listen to her belly all I hear is her heart and breathing, which do sound normal. She tried to purr earlier today when I was giving her loves... usually she is a very vocal and loud and loving kitty.. I just would love to hear her meow at me again.. I miss her old self. I feel so heartbroken for her. I don’t want her to be miserable but I don’t want to stop fighting for her. When is enough, enough? I’m so sad.
 
Has anyone had a kitty almost pass but had a miracle? I need a miracle by tomorrow.. I can not chose to end her life for her. She is to young.
 
Yeah I would definitely check constipation then, just in case - they can palpate the abdomen (feel around with their hands outside the body) and sometimes that'll tell them too. But if she's weak and stumbling that's a little more worrying, and has me wondering about neuropathy or the malnutrition that goes with diabetes - if she hasn't eaten for only a day, that reaction seems extreme.

Granted cats should NEVER go beyond 24 hours without food for fear of further problems, but I'm wondering if she's having multiple issues. Is she dehydrated, do you know?

A way to check is to pinch a fold of skin, anywhere on her body but usually around the shoulders and scruff - pinch and lift it for a second or two, then let it go.. does it spring back, or take a bit?

If you can lift her lips and check her gums are they pink, or pale...?

Your baby is 4 years old and right now, I think she IS able to be helped so I'd fight until a more firm diagnosis is made if you can afford that - my baby Fena had all of these same problems.
 
She gets fluids every 12 hours..I would say she is a little dehydrated. I put turkey in front of her earlier and she puked but nothing really came out since she has not had anything...and okay. Thank you for believing in her. I think she can do it! I am willing to sell my car for any treatment, since I don’t really drive it that much anyways. I won’t give up.
 
Courtney kimbe said:
She gets fluids every 12 hours..I would say she is a little dehydrated. I put turkey in front of her earlier and she puked but nothing really came out since she has not had anything...and okay. Thank you for believing in her. I think she can do it! I am willing to sell my car for any treatment, since I don’t really drive it that much anyways. I won’t give up.
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Gets fluids, so she's getting subQ or...? Did you do the dehydration check and that's why you said a little, or...?

No thanks needed, we're here for you both in any way we can - keep hold of the car though! Least for now, check out the posts above on financial help, etc. and keep talking to us - where there's a will there's a way, I truly believe that. It might not stop the inevitable but it can help us learn as much as we can, to make the best decisions possible for our babies.

Can I ask, where do you live...? xxx
 
Courtney kimbe said:
When is enough, enough?
Click to expand...
This might help: Making "The Decision": Help to know when and how
Courtney kimbe said:
Has anyone had a kitty almost pass but had a miracle?
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Yes. Many of us have, but you'll have to help make that happen... and even at that, there are no guarantees... especially when we don't know exactly what's wrong. You'll need to get some food and water into her every hour or two all night long... any kind of food... whatever she may like... whatever she may eat... could be cat food... could be people food. All that matters is that it's food.
  • If you have an oral syringe, use a blender to blend food into a mousse or pudding-like consistency. Use the syringe to feed her. Gently squirt small amounts of food at a time into the side of her mouth. Don't just shoot it down her throat. Let her lick and swallow each time before attempting to give her more.
  • You can use a teaspoon to give her water. Use the same method... giver a little in the side of her mouth and let her swallow before giving her more.
  • Make small "meatballs" of her food if you don't have an oral syringe. Place one hand on the top of her head and use your fingers to open her jaws. Place the little food meatball on the roof of her mouth... scraping your finger on those small top teeth as you're removing your finger from her mouth. That'll help stick the meatball on the roof of her mouth so there's less chance of her spitting it right out. Let her chew and swallow before giving her any more. We don't want her to choke on the food.

Getting food and water in to her should help until morning.

Were you able to get any ketone strips today OR did the vet check to see if she was throwing ketones?
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
This might help: Making "The Decision": Help to know when and how

Yes. Many of us have, but you'll have to help make that happen... and even at that, there are no guarantees... especially when we don't know exactly what's wrong. You'll need to get some food and water into her every hour or two all night long... any kind of food... whatever she may like... whatever she may eat... could be cat food... could be people food. All that matters is that it's food.
  • If you have an oral syringe, use a blender to blend food into a mousse or pudding-like consistency. Use the syringe to feed her. Gently squirt small amounts of food at a time into the side of her mouth. Don't just shoot it down her throat. Let her lick and swallow each time before attempting to give her more.
  • You can use a teaspoon to give her water. Use the same method... giver a little in the side of her mouth and let her swallow before giving her more.
  • Make small "meatballs" of her food if you don't have an oral syringe. Place one hand on the top of her head and use your fingers to open her jaws. Place the little food meatball on the roof of her mouth... scraping your finger on those small top teeth as you're removing your finger from her mouth. That'll help stick the meatball on the roof of her mouth so there's less chance of her spitting it right out. Let her chew and swallow before giving her any more. We don't want her to choke on the food.
Getting food and water in to her should help until morning.

Were you able to get any ketone strips today OR did the vet check to see if she was throwing ketones?
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Just to add to this -

If using 3 oz can, add 1.5 tablespoons water to blend for mousse. Add 2.25 (2 tbs + 1/4 teaspoon) for pudding.

If using 5.5 oz can, add 2.5 tablespoons water for mousse. Add 3.25 (3 tbs + 1/4 teaspoon) for pudding.

Pulse and blend - pulse 4-5 times, then blend for 10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times for smoothness. You can also add liquid medicine or crushed up pills as needed into the mixture.

If your baby fights, you can LIGHTLY coat the feeding syringe with a smear of butter and roll in crumbled dehydrated treats like chicken (HALO brand, Red Barn brand, etc.) to make accepting the syringe into the cheek more palatable.

TIP - use WARM water when adding to food, or microwave it until warm. NOT HOT. Warm, like bath water to enhance smell and especially taste and texture.

TIP - talk to her CONSTANTLY, tell her what a good girl she is, how much you love her, watch your tone of voice - keep CALM, do not freak out, get frustrated, etc. Keep as calm as you can to keep her calm.

More tips available if you need us! xxxx
 
Candy&Company said:
Just to add to this -

If using 3 oz can, add 1.5 tablespoons water to blend for mousse. Add 2.25 (2 tbs + 1/4 teaspoon) for pudding.

If using 5.5 oz can, add 2.5 tablespoons water for mousse. Add 3.25 (3 tbs + 1/4 teaspoon) for pudding.

Pulse and blend - pulse 4-5 times, then blend for 10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times for smoothness. You can also add liquid medicine or crushed up pills as needed into the mixture.
Click to expand...
Thank you Candy. Good tips!

Courtney, play the amounts of water and pulsing and blending times by ear. They will be different depending on the food and processor/blender used. For example, I don't add any water to Wellness Cat Foods to blend into a beautiful mousse-like texture. Your mileage will vary depending on food choice and equipment.
 
our little family is hoping and praying for a miracle right along with you

agreed, something more is going on inside Bliss, times like this I wish we could magically read cat's mind

we're all behind you, beside you, hugging you ...:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
Thank you Candy. Good tips!

Courtney, play the amounts of water and pulsing and blending times by ear. They will be different depending on the food and processor/blender used. For example, I don't add any water to Wellness Cat Foods to blend into a beautiful mousse-like texture. Your mileage will vary depending on food choice and equipment.
Click to expand...

Yes I forgot about that part, there are SO many variables with wet food, thank you Jill & Alex!

The texture, mousse or pudding, isn't just to ensure the ease of your babies eating but it also makes a huge difference in the syringe you feed them with - too thick and it won't pass through, giving your baby a hard time. Too liquid and you could accidentally choke them, aspirate them, or lose a lot of it via dribbling out of their mouths.

Just remember, once you get a consistency that you want, go SLOW. 1-3 syringe fulls at a time, which can actually take a good hour or so - then let them go for awhile, then try some more.

Cats don't sit still well and do even worse for extended periods of time in general (especially if you have to wrap them in a blanket or towel), so give them and you, a break every now and then and come back to it later.

TIP - expect grumbling, lots of it! Growling, hissing, groaning, etc. This is where a calm demeanor, loving voice/talking, and a secure platform (wrapped in a towel, etc.) come in handy. Once you KNOW you've hit their: "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" threshold, let them go for awhile BUT, at LEAST get 1 syringe in them at a time if they're fussy.

TIP - expect messes! Keep a damp wash cloth or paper towels handy, plus dry ones to take care of babies messes. They WON'T appreciate it but you will, and it might help curb their need to groom/clean which could upset/clog their systems more.

TIP - keep a very very special treat handy for after each feeding, they might not eat it, but they'll know and like it.
 
Thank you guys so much. I really do appreciate it, I was so scared to wake up but she is fighting! She drank water last night!!! It was amazing to see. I fed her a full syringe today, and she did better today with it then yesterday.. I’m giving her a break for now.
Any tips on calling the vet? I’m a shy person but I want to get my point across. We wasted 35$ on amoxicillin cause after we bought they decided on the shot instead.. very frustrating to waste any amount of money cause I need every nickel and dime.
 
I’m really afraid of her apt today to discuss her quality of life.. I really don’t want to give up yet. She’s seems like 5% better today. She walked a little better, and she drank water. I know 5% isn’t much, but it’s enough to me. Do you think I will know when the time is right?

Btw- I live in Washington state.. forgot to reply to that earlier, sorry.
 
Please push your vet to say what is wrong. And get those ketostix- they should be 5 bucks or so. I'm not sure I understand why the vet wants to talk about quality of life when they haven't said what is wrong. If she doesn't eat, and has ketones, the longer she waits, the more expensive and intensive her treatment will need to be.

I apologize if I sound harsh, I only slept a few hours, and I'm a bit sensitive about vets recommending euthanasia unless there is good reason (which varies case to case of course!) I mean no offense at all- I just want to make sure that you don't get led into something without knowledge.

*hug*
Keeping you in my thoughts
 
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Not harsh at all!! Thank you. It bugs me to..I will see what they have to say. I will make them test her for that. It’s hard to think straight at the vet. I will not leave without a diagnosis.. I really like her doctor but I’m starting to get frustrated.
 
Yes, @majandra is correct. The vet needs to figure out what is wrong with Bliss. To do that the vet has to examine her and do whatever testing necessary to make a diagnosis.

I'm glad you were able to get her to eat a little. Hopefully you'll be able to continue with small frequent feedings. She needs it to keep her strength up.

  • Have you checked out the financial aid and Care Credit information I mentioned in posts #14 and 15?
  • Has the vet checked her for ketones? If not, did you buy some ketone strips and check her urine yourself?
 
Hello all..
my sweet girl did not make it through. She was peacefully put to rest around midnight last night.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. We are grieving hard today. It’s gonna be tough, but she is so free and happy now. I will miss her dearly. But may god love her and take care of her.
Thanks again,
Bliss’ mom.
 
I'm so sorry to hear this news honey, so sorry, for you and your baby. God bless you both.

"You are my sun, my moon and my stars. I'm yours and you are mine, always now till the end of time." xxx

:rb_icon:cat_wings>o
 
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