does sick cat need to be kept warmer?

I can't believe it! I bought some Purina One Kitten food at the grocery store, and he just snarfed down about 1/4 cup of it! I know it's not the best quality food, but I am so excited that he ate it on his own.
He also used the kitty box while I was gone.
Should I still syringe some a/d tonite, or just let him rest and be glad that he actually has an appetite?
Thank you all for your vibes and prayers and wonderful advice. I don't think Alex would be alive tonite if it weren't for you!
Sierra

If he likes the purina one and is eating as much as an adult cat should eat, let him at it. It is most likely the appetitie stimulant working. Dont stop giving it, keep it up for a week and hopfully, some nourishment will give him a chance to heal whatever ails him. Ask the vet about tapering off. Don't worry about quality of food now, just as long as he eats and drinks plenty. You could try the AD food in a dish. Of course if he is just taking a few bites, you might need to supplement.

I wish you and he the best. I have been there too many times, and sometimes things don't always work. You just have to give it your best shot, and know you did everything you could. Don't give up hope until you know it is hopeless. And you will know when it is. So keep on.

Gail, thanks for your encouraging words. He doesn't like the a/d at all. I also tried some different canned foods, and he really seems to prefer dry crunchy food. I'm going to give him a break tonite. I have measured how much food and water he has, and will evaluate in the morning. I know that I will probably still have to syringe the a/d for a while to supplement whatever he is eating. He was still eating the kitten food when I left the room, so I am very encouraged.
Sierra

I'm so sorry I missed your posts last night. I went to bed early, as I had to be at the surgery center 1/2 hour away, at 6 am this morning for my procedure!

If Alex is eating the kitten food, by all means, give it to him! The best, most nutritious food in the world, does no good for our kitties if they don't eat it! I would guess that Alex has developed an aversion to the a/d because of the syringe feeding (which is not uncommon.) There is another high calorie prescription food which is used for the same indications as Hills a/d. It is called IAMS MAXIMUM CALORIE. It might be a little harder to find, as most vets, for some reason, seem to carry Hills products more than any others (they probably have more aggressive sales staff, lol!) I found a vet in a neighboring town, which carried the Iams Multi-Stage Renal diet. My vet was kind enough to call them and confirm that Cleo has CRF, so that they would sell me the food without my having to get her examined and worked up by their vet.

If you can't find the Maximum Calorie, then stick with a kitten food for Alex. Kitten food is usually higher in protein and calories than maintenance foods or adult foods, and canned food is usually also higher in protein and fat calories than dry foods. However, if dry food is all that he will eat....it's FAR better that he eats, than what he eats!!!

Good luck! You both continue to be in my prayers!


EDIT: Here is a link to some food tables, which can tell you the calorie content of many foods. There are two links on this page. You will get the most up-to-date information on the "New Canned Food Table", but the "Old Canned Food Table" might also have pertinent information too!
http://www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/canfood.html

I also found the link for the Dry Food Table:
http://www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/dryfood.html

With the dry foods, you will need to evaluate how much carbohydrate, protein and fat. The canned food usually has much less carbohydrate, and a higher protein and fat content.

Remember: It's much more important that he eats, not what he eats!

Today we went to the vet for a recheck. They took blood and weighed Alex. He gained about 1 ounce(not bad considering I was syringe feeding almost all week)
The vet was very encouraged by his bilirubin(sp?) level. Last week it was 13and today it was down to 10. I forgot to ask what is normal.
They also gave him subcutaneous fluid for mild dehydration.
I am to continue with the antibiotics, liver med, and appetite stimulant. They were totally in favor of the kitten food at this time, since it is higher in protein and calories.
We have to go back in 2 weeks, unless he starts doing worse. I was so excited that he was doing better!
I am still keeping him isolated so that I can monitor how much he eats and drinks(I have 2 other inside kitties).
Thanks again to all of you for your support, information, words of encouragement, vibes, and prayers. I love this site....it's the only place where my Alex isn't "just a cat".
Sierra

good for you.

Wonderful news!!! You are obviously doing all the right things. Depending upon the lab, most TBIL (total Bilirubin) ranges are something like 0.0 - 0.9 mg/dL., so while Alex's is still elevated, it is coming down! Baby steps! Just keep doing what you're doing, and I bet he'll be good as new in short order! Hugs to you and Alex!

Alex is steadily getting better. He is eating a lot of kitten food and drinking lots of water on his own. I still have to give him meds twice a day (which he hates)
My question is about keeping him isolated. I've had him in a spare bedroom all this time for a few reasons.
1. He likes to hide, and I need to find him to give meds. I can't be late for work because I couldn't find my cat
2. I have two other cats. One is a 2 year old male who is very bossy. He guards all 3 food and water bowls and controls the litter box. I am afraid that he wouldn't let Alex eat, and more afraid that he might hurt Alex on one of his daily beatings. Joey regularly beats up Alex and Sassy to maintain his dominance.
3. Alex seems to like the privacy, but I miss him. He used to sleep on my pillow before he got sick.

Should I let him out? How long should I keep him locked up? The vet is no help--she just says to use my own judgement. I don't think she lives with cats. I want to do what is best for Alex, and I don't want to have him relapse and get sick again. This has been a very difficult time for us. Assist feeding is NOT fun!
Thanks for any advice.
Sierra

I have not been able to keep up with the whole thread, but am glad to see the parts I have read were positive, and he was improving. I am no expert, but maybe they could take turns being isolated to prevent Alex from being preyed upon while you are not there to supervise, and while sleeping. Or maybe you could let Alex keep his privacy while you are at work, and bring him in his own food, water and litterbox.
I know what you mean about missing having your baby sleep on your pillow. There has been an unusual amount of stress around here lately, so Pepper has taken to sleeping on a pillow above mine against the wall, when she used to cuddle like a baby in my arms at night. Pearl has gotten over shyness and sleeps in different spots all over the house now.
I hope Alex keeps on improving, and is completely well soon. Please keep us posted on his progress.

Thank you! Alex has been alone in that room for over 2 weeks. He has his own litter box, food and water. I have also put a heating pad on the floor, covered with a clean beach towel(folded up in 4 parts so it won't burn him). He loves that heating pad, and I am so grateful for that suggestion.
He is not vocal, so he doesn't cry to get out. He also does not get near the door when I go in and out, so I don't think he is anxious to get out.
Joey would be furious if I locked him up for long
I guess I'll just keep Alex in his own room until I'm sure he can hold his own, maybe letting him out for short spells while I am at home to supervise Joey.
Boy, cat dynamics in the household can sure be a challenge, huh? I'm sorry you are having stress at your house.

Yes, I think he should remain isolated from the others until he is recovered. However, it wouldn't hurt to change up once in a while, like every other day or so. Put the others in the one room and let Alex have the house while you are at work., or maybe at night they go in the room and he stays out with you. That is only fair. Can't he sleep in your room at night with you, keep the others out, so you can administer morning meds as soon as you get up?

He needs extra care right now, don't slack off until he is totally recovered. If he is out with the others he might not get enough food or they might pick on him because he is weak. You need to spread the love.

Thanks Gail. Our bedroom is a second-story open loft with no door(and no privacy) so it'll be a while till Alex can sleep with me.
I am going to take your suggestion and let him out this evening while we are up, (locking Joey up), but he'll still have to be isolated to keep the others from picking on him and starving him. I know that he is still not able to hold his own while I'm not there.
I called the vet today and they are calling in some more meds to continue until we see her on Friday.

Glad that your little guy seems to be doing better! I bet he'll enjoy getting to be out with you in the evening. Continued prayers for you and Alex!

Thank goodness we go to the vet tomorrow. Alex seems to be doing better, and I can sure tell because he is REALLY fighting me to get the meds down now. He says "ughhh" when I come in his room now, as he knows that meds are coming. I am hoping we are about done with that because it hurts when my sweet kitty runs from me.
Not since I was a new mom(to human kids ) have I ever been so excited to see a big fat happy poop! To me, that's a good sign that he really is getting better.
I was reading another thread about getting meds down. I'm having more trouble with the liquid amoxicillin by syringe than the pills or powder.
Thanks for your continued prayers and vibes for Alex.

We just got back from the vet, and Alex has made amazing progress. His bilirubin count went down from 10(2 weeks ago) to 1.4 today The vet was extremely pleased. She said she would like to see it go down to .6, so we are to continue with the meds.
He also gained over 3 pounds---from 12.1 to 15.7 !! She would like to see him back around 16, so that is really good. I know 16lb sounds like overweight, but Alex is a giant. Can I post pictures here?
I sincerely want to thank you all for advice, prayers and vibes for my sweet Alex .
Sierra

Originally Posted by Sierra_K

We just got back from the vet, and Alex has made amazing progress. His bilirubin count went down from 10(2 weeks ago) to 1.4 today

The vet was extremely pleased. She said she would like to see it go down to .6, so we are to continue with the meds.
He also gained over 3 pounds---from 12.1 to 15.7 !! She would like to see him back around 16, so that is really good. I know 16lb sounds like overweight, but Alex is a giant. Can I post pictures here?
I sincerely want to thank you all for advice, prayers and vibes for my sweet Alex

.
Sierra

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Absolutely WONDERFUL news!!! I'm so glad things are going so well for Alex. I would really love to see a picture of the guy who has been in my prayers! Please give that sweet boy a hug from me and my girls!

Thank you, Pookie-Poo! Everyone that works in that vets office came in to see him because they were amazed at how much better he is!
I posted a couple of older pictures of Alex on the pics and videos section, but don't know how to link it here.
Thanks for your continued prayers....they have certainly worked. I really got the impression that the vet didn't expect my boy to pull through.

Good Job!! You are to be commended for your hard work.
Alex is very lucky to have you as his meowmy.

I am very happy for you.