Nature's Variety Instinct canned food

reba

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Fortiflora really does get them to eat, I'd be lost without it:  

http://www.chewy.com/cat/purina-veterinary-diets-fortiflora/dp/49852

Lisa Pierson DVM:   "Other tips:  Coat the meat pieces in parmesan cheese or FortiFlora.  FortiFlora is a probiotic that I use to entice cats to eat.  I do not use it as the label states since I am not using it for its probiotic properties.  Instead, I am using it as I would if I wanted to season my own food with salt and pepper.  As little as 1/10th or 1/20th of a package sprinkled on top of food can go a long way to entice a cat to eat something new.  This is because  FortiFlora is formulated using animal digest which is the same substance that pet food manufacturers coat dry food with to make it very palatable for cats and dogs."
 
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artiemom

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Thanks Reba!  Where did you get the FortiFlora?

 can I order it on Amazon? I do not think I have seen it at either Petsmart or Petco..

Just got back from my 'journey'...I went to The compounding pharmacy for Artie's script. Then I went to Pet Life. Large selection, but small supply. I forgot to pick up, Taste of the Wild, just what I wanted to try!!

What I bought:

                                                    Weruva grain free: Steak frites and Glam 'n Punk (lamb and tuna); one of the Cats in the Kitchen: lamb burgini

                                                    Hound and Gatos: Pork and the other Lamb

                                                    Wild Calling: Magic Meadow (buffalo): Rabbit Burrow (rabbit); and Inland Waters (duck)

                                                    Evo:   Duck and one Venison

I went to the Pet Express, which is near me.. I should have known the minute I walked in, to walk right back out. The stink! of dirty animals..and they were having a puppy "sale"

I remember them from an investigative report, years ago. They get their dogs from puppy mills and were charged with sick animals...

They did not have much in there. Mostly FF, Wellness, and Blue. The few types that appealed to me were either outdated or out of stock...

On to another store next week!! 

Artie has been sleeping on my bed for hours!!  

I put in 40 miles on my car today! Just for my stubborn cat!! I am such a slave to him!
 
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reba

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Chewy.com is probably your best bet, but you can get it at the vet. Not sure if petsmart carries it as well.

Slaves - aren't we all.  I love this study though:

The bond between cats and their owners turns out to be far more intense than imagined, especially for cat-aficionado women and their affection-reciprocating felines, suggests a new study.

Cats attach to humans, and particularly women, as social partners, and it's not just for the sake of obtaining food, according to the new research, which has been accepted for publication in the journal Behavioural Processes.

The study is the first to show in detail that the dynamics underlying cat-human relationships are nearly identical to human-only bonds, with cats sometimes even becoming a furry "child" in nurturing homes.

"Food is often used as a token of affection, and the ways that cats and humans relate to food are similar in nature to the interactions seen between the human caregiver and the pre-verbal infant," co-author Jon Day, a Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition researcher, told Discovery News. "Both cat and human infant are, at least in part, in control of when and what they are fed!"

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41763121/...elines-bond-females-study-shows/#.VRW6wWbxZNc
 
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artiemom

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Just ordered fortiflora. Should get it Monday.

Great article!  Yes, they are our 'children'....so interesting...
 

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Just got back from my 'journey'...I went to The compounding pharmacy for Artie's script. Then I went to Pet Life. Large selection, but small supply. I forgot to pick up, Taste of the Wild, just what I wanted to try!!
What I bought:

                                                    Weruva grain free: Steak frites and Glam 'n Punk (lamb and tuna); one of the Cats in the Kitchen: lamb burgini

                                                    Hound and Gatos: Pork and the other Lamb

                                                    Wild Calling: Magic Meadow (buffalo): Rabbit Burrow (rabbit); and Inland Waters (duck)

                                                    Evo:   Duck and one Venison

I went to the Pet Express, which is near me.. I should have known the minute I walked in, to walk right back out. The stink! of dirty animals..and they were having a puppy "sale"

I remember them from an investigative report, years ago. They get their dogs from puppy mills and were charged with sick animals...

They did not have much in there. Mostly FF, Wellness, and Blue. The few types that appealed to me were either outdated or out of stock...

On to another store next week!! 

Artie has been sleeping on my bed for hours!!  

I put in 40 miles on my car today! Just for my stubborn cat!! I am such a slave to him!
All those miles to buy cat food remind me of when our previous cat was sick and I went on expeditions to all sorts of stores to buy foods. I learned a lot about cats foods during those months! Pet Life was a highlight because a woman took me through the whole store, telling me about all the foods and how she fed her cat. You bought a couple foods our previous cat, Brooksie, loved and ate even when she was at her sickest: Steak Frites and Lamb Burgerini (spelling is off, I know!). Artie is very lucky to have you taking such great care of him... and adopting him in the first place! I hope he likes at least some of what you bought.

@Reba: thank you for that article about cats and bonding! I was just thinking about this today because our cats, who we adopted at 10 months, are now about two years old, calming down, and really starting to read us better.
 
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artiemom

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Well, I am feeling that I will travel now to find which foods he likes. After he decides which one he likes, I can order them on line. At least I think so....I am not going to be traveling this much on a routine basis. I mean, I do have to get his compounded meds, so that is a trip. I can have them shipped, but that is too expensive. The Pet Life store is 6 miles from the pharmacy, so that is not bad. The pharmacy is about 15 miles from me. A lot of the driving is back roads, so it takes a while.

The Vet was hoping if I got him on a novel protein, then I could cut back on the pepcid. At that point I could go back to the pills and forget the compound. I am using the compound liquid because Artie was fighting me with pilling him. 

He fights me with the liquid, trying to gag it up, drooling it out, etc..My wood floors are a mess with spots all over them. But It seems a tiny bit easier than the pill. The pill I found everywhere. And he was putting his tongue on the roof of his mouth so I could not get the pill gun in his mouth. Being alone, it is hard to medicate him.

I just love Artie so much. As long as I am able to afford this, who knows for how long, I will do it. 

Artie has become my 'therapy' cat. He has helped me through many horrible times over the past few years. 

When I broke my arm, it was hard for him to understand. He tried to play with me, but I could not. He then knew I was hurt and would not leave me. He followed me everywhere. He became my lap cat.

When I had my shoulder surgery (arthroscope), he would not leave me, only to eat or use the litter box.  He was either on my lap or next to me on the floor or coach. When he started leaving me, I knew I was feeling better; and I was....
 

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Well, I am feeling that I will travel now to find which foods he likes. After he decides which one he likes, I can order them on line. At least I think so....I am not going to be traveling this much on a routine basis. I mean, I do have to get his compounded meds, so that is a trip. I can have them shipped, but that is too expensive. The Pet Life store is 6 miles from the pharmacy, so that is not bad. The pharmacy is about 15 miles from me. A lot of the driving is back roads, so it takes a while.

The Vet was hoping if I got him on a novel protein, then I could cut back on the pepcid. At that point I could go back to the pills and forget the compound. I am using the compound liquid because Artie was fighting me with pilling him. 

He fights me with the liquid, trying to gag it up, drooling it out, etc..My wood floors are a mess with spots all over them. But It seems a tiny bit easier than the pill. The pill I found everywhere. And he was putting his tongue on the roof of his mouth so I could not get the pill gun in his mouth. Being alone, it is hard to medicate him.

I just love Artie so much. As long as I am able to afford this, who knows for how long, I will do it. 

Artie has become my 'therapy' cat. He has helped me through many horrible times over the past few years. 

When I broke my arm, it was hard for him to understand. He tried to play with me, but I could not. He then knew I was hurt and would not leave me. He followed me everywhere. He became my lap cat.

When I had my shoulder surgery (arthroscope), he would not leave me, only to eat or use the litter box.  He was either on my lap or next to me on the floor or coach. When he started leaving me, I knew I was feeling better; and I was....
I know what you mean about a "therapy cat". Lilith and Sophie (and now Henry) were/are the ones who helped (and are still helping) me get through my DH's death. He's been gone 3 1/2 years and sometimes it feels like 3 1/2 seconds. I, too, will travel to whatever store, order online, pay shipping if needed and alter my own food to make them happy and give them the best food possible. I used to season meats with garlic, onion, etc but now every piece of meat I eat is grilled, broiled or baked plain so they can have some, too. If I want seasoning or sauces, I keep it on the side and add some to my portion or dip it in as I eat it. Having them brings a comfort to me that I don't think I could get anywhere else. Henry was terrified when he got here but I am determined to let him know that we love him and want him here and I couldn't care less how long that takes. He has very expressive eyes and I can tell what he's feeling by looking into them. His eyes were hard at first but gradually, they have softened. He now has a sweet expression. I spend more money on cat food than I do on food for myself and it's worth every cent because the companionship and love these cats give me is priceless. DH would be happy that I have them. He wanted a cat but he was allergic. The ironic part is that cats adored him. Even cats that were normally shy around people other than their owners just couldn't stay away from him.

So before I hijack this thread completely, have you considered commercial raw? I suggest dipping your (and their) toes into the pool with freeze dried. Pure Bites is a great way to start. From there, you can try Primal Pronto or Stella and Chewy's frozen raw and then if you can find it near you, Rad Cat. My 3 will eat all 3 (Pure Bites and S& C freeze dried more as a treat/topper) but Rad Cat has been their favorite so far. They have tried the chicken and turkey but they do have lamb as well.

http://www.radfood.com/
 
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artiemom

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Update, so far:

It seems that Pork is well received by Artie! He is eating up both the NV pork and the Hound and Gatos (1/2 of the 6 oz can gone)

He is turning his nose up and walking away from duck~~both NV and Nutro. I could swear he ate some a couple weeks ago--but...

Weruva: Steak frites is a definite no go! He lapped a tiny bit and then walked away. Later in the day I tried again, putting it under him and he just stared at it...

I did mash it up and add water.

I will try lamb later today. He did eat it last week.

Hesitant about the buffalo, but I will try

I add water to all his food. 

He is so stubborn..he will starve himself rather than eat.....sigh

The forti-flora should arrive tomorrow....

Was it on this site that I saw a change over chart for cats? I mean it told you what kind novel protein they would go for if chicken or fish or beef was their favorite...

I am not really thinking about trying a raw diet. I leave food out all day for him because he is a grazer. I also left food during the night for him.  I could nor would I do that with raw food. Artie has always been a grazer. A little bit at a time.

I hope I am not jinxing myself, but he has not vomited in an entire week!! 

not working on his bowels--I know the change over in food will effect them.. he has been constipated, but between the food change, miralax (always gave it to him) and one dose of laxatone (no bm for 3 days); he had a lot of diarrhea yesterday.. no miralax today.....
 
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bonepicker

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Update, so far:

It seems that Pork is well received by Artie! He is eating up both the NV pork and the Hound and Gatos (1/2 of the 6 oz can gone)

He is turning his nose up and walking away from duck~~both NV and Nutro. I could swear he ate some a couple weeks ago--but...

Weruva: Steak frites is a definite no go! He lapped a tiny bit and then walked away. Later in the day I tried again, putting it under him and he just stared at it...
I did mash it up and add water.

I will try lamb later today. He did eat it last week.

Hesitant about the buffalo, but I will try

I add water to all his food. 

He is so stubborn..he will starve himself rather than eat.....sigh

The forti-flora should arrive tomorrow....

Was it on this site that I saw a change over chart for cats? I mean it told you what kind novel protein they would go for if chicken or fish or beef was their favorite...

I am not really thinking about trying a raw diet. I leave food out all day for him because he is a grazer. I also left food during the night for him.  I could nor would I do that with raw food. Artie has always been a grazer. A little bit at a time.

I hope I am not jinxing myself, but he has not vomited in an entire week!! 

not working on his bowels--I know the change over in food will effect them.. he has been constipated, but between the food change, miralax (always gave it to him) and one dose of laxatone (no bm for 3 days); he had a lot of diarrhea yesterday.. no miralax today.....
freeze dried Purbites treats crumbled on food works great and sold in pet stores comes in different flavors my cats and dog live the chicken
 

Kat0121

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Update, so far:

It seems that Pork is well received by Artie! He is eating up both the NV pork and the Hound and Gatos (1/2 of the 6 oz can gone)

He is turning his nose up and walking away from duck~~both NV and Nutro. I could swear he ate some a couple weeks ago--but...

Weruva: Steak frites is a definite no go! He lapped a tiny bit and then walked away. Later in the day I tried again, putting it under him and he just stared at it...

I did mash it up and add water.

I will try lamb later today. He did eat it last week.

Hesitant about the buffalo, but I will try

I add water to all his food. 

He is so stubborn..he will starve himself rather than eat.....sigh

The forti-flora should arrive tomorrow....

Was it on this site that I saw a change over chart for cats? I mean it told you what kind novel protein they would go for if chicken or fish or beef was their favorite...

I am not really thinking about trying a raw diet. I leave food out all day for him because he is a grazer. I also left food during the night for him.  I could nor would I do that with raw food. Artie has always been a grazer. A little bit at a time.

I hope I am not jinxing myself, but he has not vomited in an entire week!! 

not working on his bowels--I know the change over in food will effect them.. he has been constipated, but between the food change, miralax (always gave it to him) and one dose of laxatone (no bm for 3 days); he had a lot of diarrhea yesterday.. no miralax today.....
This is great news. I'm glad he's doing better with eating and keeping it down. I know the frustration very well of not being able to get them to eat. Mine didn't take to canned pork or beef foods at all but adore grilled pork chops and steak off Mommy's plate
  

Unfortunately, as much as they'd like to, they can't live off of that. I went to my local independent pet store yesterday to pick up my order of Rad Cat and looked to see what kind of canned foods they have.

I did notice that the section for cats was about 10% of the store to the 90% devoted to dogs. The cat food is tucked away in the corner.


They did have quite a few foods that the pet twins Co and Smart don't carry and their prices are comparable and in some cases lower than their big box counterparts. They also carry Stella and Chewy's and Primal. I picked up some cans for the girls and Henry to try. I treid Fussie Cat Gold Chicken and sweet potato on Lilith and Sophie and they did eat it but left the carrots behind. It had a very similar texture to Weruva but with some vegetables in it. Henry tried Wild Calling duck (Inland waters) and he didn't like it. I also bought a can of the rabbit and I'll try it out on the girls. Henry had Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul for breakfast and he ate about half of it. This one was on clearance for .95 for a 5.5 ounce can. The only one we have yet to try is the Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau and I think the girls will like it as it's pretty much like Weruva also. Henry's not big on the shredded varieties. He's more of a pate/minced/sliced/stew kind of guy. He's a much better eater than his sisters.

Have you tried giving him plain canned pumpkin for his diarrhea/constipation?? It works like a charm for all 3 of mine. Fortunately I don't need to use it very often. Henry had some diarrhea when he first came to live with us and was transitioning to an all wet diet. Some pumpkin got that fixed right up. I buy Libby's and it's just pure pumpkin with nothing else added.

I also second @bonepicker with the recommendation of Pure Bites freeze dried treats, they are great crumbled onto foods as a topper and of course, as treats. I buy the dog sized bag of chicken treats from Amazon and I have it as part of my subscribe and save. I get an 11.6 ounce bag for $19.88 with my 15% discount for having 5 or more items in my order. This is significantly cheaper than the big box pet stores. Petco gets $29.99 in store for the same bag and Petsmart gets $17.99 for a 6.24 ounce bag. The only difference between the bag with the cat and the bag with the dog is the size of the treat but they can be broken easily and of course, the price. Ounce for ounce, the cat version is way more expensive. The do have other flavors available besides chicken.
 
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artiemom

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Have to remember the Purebites on my next stop.

Artie is a pate eater. He does not like shreds.

I have also been trying to stay away from chicken. My 'gut" feeling is chicken does not agree with him. He is not much of a chicken lover either. 

If I get him squared away with the transition, then I will try a different brand of chicken and see what happens. 

When I got him, I was feeding Blue Buffalo and a rotation of other things. He was very fussy at the time, wanting the cheap grocery store brand, which he was accustomed to at his previous home. I wanted to give him some 'good' food. He loved the BB flaked chicken. 

It took him a while to get into the BB. I also rotated it with other 'better' foods. He then started to vomit a lot. He had a URI, and then iFLUTD. At the time of the iFLUTD, he was diagnosed with early kidney disease. After that, it seemed that overtime he had the BB again, he got sick. 

I stopped the BB (all flavors) and he quieted down for a while. Still vomiting occasionally. I thought it was furballs, although I rarely saw one.

Then, because of all the noise from apartment renovations in the building, he came got very nervous and came down with iFLUTD. He had to start with RC SO prescription food from the Vet. That lasted a year. He got sick of that. I tried other 'good' food. He turned his nose up at everything except  Fancy Feast. The Vet said FF was ok. He has been eating that for over a year now. 

Now his Vet knows him better, suggesting the novel food diet....

so here I am....
 

bonepicker

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Have to remember the Purebites on my next stop.

Artie is a pate eater. He does not like shreds.

I have also been trying to stay away from chicken. My 'gut" feeling is chicken does not agree with him. He is not much of a chicken lover either. 
If I get him squared away with the transition, then I will try a different brand of chicken and see what happens. 

When I got him, I was feeding Blue Buffalo and a rotation of other things. He was very fussy at the time, wanting the cheap grocery store brand, which he was accustomed to at his previous home. I wanted to give him some 'good' food. He loved the BB flaked chicken. 
It took him a while to get into the BB. I also rotated it with other 'better' foods. He then started to vomit a lot. He had a URI, and then iFLUTD. At the time of the iFLUTD, he was diagnosed with early kidney disease. After that, it seemed that overtime he had the BB again, he got sick. 
I stopped the BB (all flavors) and he quieted down for a while. Still vomiting occasionally. I thought it was furballs, although I rarely saw one.

Then, because of all the noise from apartment renovations in the building, he came got very nervous and came down with iFLUTD. He had to start with RC SO prescription food from the Vet. That lasted a year. He got sick of that. I tried other 'good' food. He turned his nose up at everything except  Fancy Feast. The Vet said FF was ok. He has been eating that for over a year now. 

Now his Vet knows him better, suggesting the novel food diet....
so here I am....
Purebites come in shrimp,liver,beef etc also
 
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artiemom

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I tried shrimp before, it was a 'no go'...had to get rid of it..thanks, anyway..
 
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Thanks--that was my thought, also..
 

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artiemom

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Well, I am using one thing at a time..But I appreciate all the info.. I will try them all!! thank you!

The forta-flora arrived today. I used it tonight on the NV rabbit, which he turned his nose up at before....Well, let's just say he ate 1/2 of a small can of the NV rabbit, voraciously!!! 

That means 3/4 large (6ox)  can of H&G pork and 1/2 can of NV rabbit today!!  Yay!! happy dance!!

I wish he would eat like that always!! no issues, no prodding, no cajoling, etc......

so glad he has a 'happy' belly!!!

thank you!

I will make a list of all the toppers and pick them up at the pet store....thank you so much for your help and advice...
 
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bonepicker

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Try a can of Pride by instinct rockstar rabbit, it has pork in it, unless your guy only likes Pate, mine like all textures. My cats never finished instinct it seems really dense!
 
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reba

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Great news!  I find sprinkling just a bit of the FF is the best bet - and then try a little more if they don't eat.  Then they'll eat something one day and turn their noses up and then I wait a few days and they'll eat it again.
 
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