What to do when kitty doesn't want to eat?

Status
Not open for further replies.
H

Harper'sHuman

Member
My cat was diagnosed about 6 weeks ago. He's always been lanky, but now he's downright skinny. Some days he eats well, and some days it's really a challenge. He spent almost two weeks at the vet and they had to force feed him much of the time (Purina DM, which I quickly transitioned him off as soon as I got him home because he clearly hates it). I'm feeding FF Classics, but even varying the flavors isn't much help the last few days. How can I stimulate his appetite and safely get some weight on him? I'm afraid if I force feed him he'll avoid me and make it difficult to administer his injections. Right now, we're on 1 unit of PZI twice a day. My vet consulted a specialist, who suggested we try this regimen for one month to see if we can level off his BG levels (as opposed to checking BG levels twice and day and varying the insulin dosage between .5 to 2 units based on the readings - he was all over the place, some mornings in the 400's then under 50 by evening). I don't want to wreak havoc with his levels, but I need to get some food in him. I'm thinking about trying him on one of the low-carb Friskies varieties to see if that might help. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I can't tell y'all how much you have helped me with your words of wisdom and encouragement.
 
You can try an appetite stimulant like Mirtazapine. You need a script. Or you can just assist feed. Three of my four diabetics have not been eating sell for months and I just assist feed them as necessary. They do not seem to mind.
 
Forti Flora - the animal digest in it makes it nearly irresistable. Less pricey if purchased online, but carried by many vets.

Warming the food to make it smell more.

Sprinkling Parmesan cheese over if.

Adding up to 1/6th real meat - chicken, turkey, etc.

Trying it raw.

Doing a bit of active play before meals to elicit the hunt, catch, kill, eat, eliminate, groom, sleep cycle.
 
I don't have problems getting Hershey to eat, but Oreo (non-diabetic) has started giving me problems about eating. Some meals I have to try multiple things before finding one that'll work :YMSIGH:

This meal, does he want
- it straight from the fridge?
- it warmed?
- it warmer?
- a little water mixed in?
- a little more water mixed in?
- the bowl elevated?
- the bowl in regular spot in the dining room?
- the bowl moved to the kitchen?
- to eat it from a spoon?
- to eat it from a lid rather than a formed bowl?
- flavors mixed?

And, sometimes, I will offer him a treat, but drop it in the food instead of letting him take it from my hand. Often, if I can get him started eating, he'll forget he was being hard to get along with.

Hope this helps -

Libby (and Hershey, too!)
 
I think maybe its an older cat thing - at our house its called "what is Sitka's flavor of the day"? Some days its canned food, some days its lunch meat, some days its baby food. I've taken to when she's fussy finger feeding her - its time consuming but the only way I can be sure she eats enough. I was finding a lot of the time she would take a couple licks and leave - then my other two cats would finish off her dinner. Then I'd think "oh good she ate" when in fact she hadn't. You can also buy a RX food Hills AD or Royal Canin Recovery - they are very mushy and if necessary load into a feeding syringe well. A lot of times if you can just get food in the mouth that stimulates the cat to eat. Appetite stimulants can also be helpful - I tried it with Sitka and it only made her throw up (not really the outcome I'd hoped for). Jan
 
Thanks, everyone. I'll try some of these suggestions. Sounds like I'm not the only one with a picky eater. Libby, I have another, non-diabetic cat in the house who's having feeding issues, as well. They seem to be alternating: one day Harper won't eat but Zelda will, and the very next day they switch. Hmmm . . sometimes I think these kitties know they've got me over a barrel and wrapped around their paws!
 
Well, I had a modicum of success this evening by putting a plate of food in the den on top of an antique sewing machine I use as a side table. Maybe he just wanted a change of scenery. With kitties, who knows???? If I could figure out how their little minds work, I'd be sitting on the beach on my private island taking phone consultations and writing my next book!
 
Harper'sHuman said:
Hmmm . . sometimes I think these kitties know they've got me over a barrel and wrapped around their paws!
Click to expand...

well, the faster you learn we're just here to serve them, the happier you'll be ;-) :lol:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top