diabitic

We have been told that our cat (12 yr) is now diabitic. He is not eating well and the Vet has asked us to give him human baby food. (meats). Can anyone else think of any thing that could make him want to eat. He is on insulin and has to eat. All he wants to do is drink his water. help!

Have you tried Fancy Feast? Something about the gravy flavors is very attractive to kitties. You might also try some plain boiled (or baked) chicken...just be sure there aren't any spices on it. I've also discovered that my kitty loves scrambled eggs. If I mix some in with his wet food, sometimes he'll eat.

get some bonito flakes ... Kitty Kaviear is a name brand for it ... I use them to stimulate my kidney girl to eat and take meds.. try some baby food with broth

Originally Posted by flood

We have been told that our cat (12 yr) is now diabitic. He is not eating well and the Vet has asked us to give him human baby food. (meats). Can anyone else think of any thing that could make him want to eat. He is on insulin and has to eat. All he wants to do is drink his water. help!

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There are a number of treats that would be appropriate (as I understand it from one of my favorite sites on diabetes in cats - gorbzilla.com in that they contain only protein, no carbohydrates, these include: wildside salmon, liv-a-littles, dr.harvey's whisker smackers, grandma lucy's roasted chicken or freeze-dried tuna, kitty kaviar (the best and original flaked tuna treat, you can also find it under dr. fosters and smith's own label and cosmic sells this too). Rosie's Rewards and Rosedust, Old West Freeze-Dried Shrimp, if he likes catnip, try smartykat shrimpnip (contains organic catnip seasoned freeze-dried shrimp).

The gorbzilla site lists suitable treats which includes what I listed above and a site on canned and dry cat foods - giving you the per centages in each of fat/carbs/protein etc.

I would try any of the above sprinkled atop your cats food.

Once your kitty is eating better try switching him to purina Diabetes Management formula. I know a lot of animals that regulate much better on this diet.

Originally Posted by Dr. Doolittle

Once your kitty is eating better try switching him to purina Diabetes Management formula. I know a lot of animals that regulate much better on this diet.

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I ~love~ this stuff for "sugar kitties". Not to slam any of the other prescription foods recommended for diabetic cats out there, but my little "sweeties" did real well on the Purina d/m.

~gf~

I dont know if you still are checking in here as this is a couple weeks old but if he is still drinking excess water you need to check his dosages of insulin . I have a LOT of experience with a sugar cat . You need to tell your vet he is still drinking a lot more water than nornal . Water consumption for a sugar cat is good indication if your giving the correct dosages . Hope that helps .


J

Originally Posted by flood

We have been told that our cat (12 yr) is now diabitic. He is not eating well and the Vet has asked us to give him human baby food. (meats). Can anyone else think of any thing that could make him want to eat. He is on insulin and has to eat. All he wants to do is drink his water. help!

Click to expand...

One way to make the food more appealing is to microwave it just a tiny bit- maybe 30 seconds tops--before giving it to kitty. Makes it extra smelly! Also, you can try dripping a little tuna "juice" from a can of tuna onto the food as well.
Good luck

Ask your vet to prescribe Cyproheptadine, a safe and effective appetite stimulant.

Nevermind the juice , when they get REALLY fussy just feed them the tuna , ( ONCE in a while ) . Never seen a cat turn down a can of tuna

J

Originally Posted by OllyExtra05

One way to make the food more appealing is to microwave it just a tiny bit- maybe 30 seconds tops--before giving it to kitty. Makes it extra smelly! Also, you can try dripping a little tuna "juice" from a can of tuna onto the food as well.
Good luck

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Just a note re using cyproheptadine (aka Periactin) an antihistamine as an appetite stimulant - click here for information on it's possible side effects which include howling and lethargy. If you are going to use it, you'll want to know what to look for, and per your vet, then adjust the dose accordingly to see if the side effect lessens or will cease.

I LOVE cyproheptadine! If all else fails ask your vet about it. As Pat said it could have side effects (as any drug could) but I have yet to see any negative ones and we use it quite a bit. Warming up the food also really helps! And if you kitty is still really thirsty try adding lots of water to the food to get her to lap it up. How are things going?