Introducing a cat with struvic(sp) crystals into a multi cat household

onleejudy

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Hi all.  I have a mess I don't know how to deal with!

My mom died, and my dad doesn't want her cat around.  He is nine years old, 20 pounds, black, and has LUTD previously mentioned.  My dad wants him gone, so to my house he comes.

I have four cats.  None of them are on his diet.  They are 14, 14, 11 and 2, and have been feet cafeteria style their entire lives.

Any suggestions on how to make this work as far as diet?
 

Columbine

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I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard it must be, even without having to relocate your mom's cat. :hugs:

To start with food shouldn't be an issue, as your mom's cat needs his own 'sanctuary' room at the beginning. Losing his mom and coming to live with you is a big upheaval in itself, and he'll need time to adjust to his new surroundings before being gradually introduced to your four. You can use this time to get your guys onto timed meals - long term, it's the only way to deal with specific dietary requirements...unless you want to feed all five of them only food appropriate for FLUTD. This article has tips on how to transition to timed meals http://www.thecatsite.com/a/transitioning-free-fed-kibble-kitties-to-timed-meals
Once everyone's on timed meals, you just have to feed your mom's cat in another room.

Here are some other articles that may be helpful :-
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-multi-cat-household

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/do-cats-mourn

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/six-surefire-strategies-to-reduce-stress-in-cats
 
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onleejudy

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Thank you for your condolences, and the info.  I left a bunch of stuff and one question off -- newbie nerves (LOL).

I have purchased a cat condo to aid in the transition.  New furry kid typically spends 23.5 hours per day under the bed.  He is JUST NOT active.  I am hoping my two year old cat, who absolutely adores and needs other cats, can get under his skin and become a good buddy, and increase his activity and decrease his scardycat-ness.

The cat that is arriving is currently being successfully maintained on Hills C/D (1/2 half can daily) and Purina One Urinary Tract Health.  This has been his diet for the past four years.  

Here my furry kids eat Blue Buffalo dry, and roasted chicken.

Can I transition my four to a urinary tract health dry food, and feed the new kid that dry and the roasted chicken I currently feed my four?
 

Columbine

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I wouldn't recommend switching your guys onto the purina kibble - I've looked at the ingredients, and the Blue Buffalo is a much better quality food. I have an flutd cat who does very well on a diet of non prescription wet food plus a very small amount of royal canin urinary dry. Water is the single biggest thing that will stop crystals recurring - the more dilute the urine, the lower the risk of crystals.

How long is it since he had crystals? I'm almost wondering whether he'd do better on the Blue Buffalo kibble, but with the Hills prescription wet. Roast chicken certainly won't do him any harm, but the point about the Hills and Royal Canin prescription diets is that they have ingredients that actually break down crystals - no non prescription diet has this feature.

All the cats would benefit for measures to increase fluid intake - a cat's thirst drive just isn't strong enough to compensate for the dryness of kibble, so if you have to feed a largely dry diet it's important to take special measures to get them to drink enough to compensate. This article has great ideas http://www.thecatsite.com/a/tips-to-increase-your-cat-s-water-intake

This article is also useful if you've never dealt with flutd before http://www.thecatsite.com/a/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease-flutd

http://www.catinfo.org is another useful resource.

I really hope your new boy can settle in soon. Remember, he's had a massive amount of change in a very short time. It'll take a while for him to relax in his new home. He's a lucky boy to have such a caring new mom.

Ask as many questions as you need to - we're here to help if we can :)
 
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