How do you get them to eat?

The good stuff? Bella has been on WD dry until her visit to the vet w/ liver problems. They fed WD canned and a little dry so she would eat (liver problems stopped her from eating at all), and she ate ok there (was on IV fluids too).

While she was at the vet I researched and Vet agreed to a natural 1 protein source diet. We tried IVD rabbit/peas that she ate a couple of times, but now wont touch. Thinking it was the peas, tired NV prairie rabbit (since its 95% rabbit) but she ate 3 bites and no more. I tried mixing with WD and 1 bite. Tried putting in WD & Rabbit in 2 different bowls. Nothing. Got her to eat 1/4 can of WD by feeding her in my bed directly out of the CAN. ??!?!

Wondering if she is irritated because just got home from vet (after 1wk on IV fluids) and is still on alot of meds (antibotics, liver meds, etc). She is getting better so I am happy to feed her WD just so she eats. Soon though she needs a healthier canned since her IBD doesnt do well with canned WD.

Anyone to help? Should I assume its the rabbit and try other meats or formulas? Any ideas about how to switch to a healthier diet? (She wouldnt eat the WD if it was next to the rabbit in another bowl! -- PICKY!!)

My cats eat raw and the choices are chicken, turkey, rabbit, or duck. I've found they really don't like rabbit and though they will eat it, they won't eat much and don't like it. Cats tend to like a little higher fat content which rabbit is about the leanest you can get. Its great if a cat likes it, but many don't. Turkey and chicken are my biggest hits for taste.

How sick is Bella now? I'm think it's more important that a sick cat eats something than try to insist that she eats the best food right now.

[edit] sorry, i missed your line about her IBD not doing well on the W/D. Still, I think you'll just have to try some different diets until you find one she likes and can tolerate well.

IVD makes other single-protein diets such as Venison & Pea, Duck & Pea, or Lamb & Pea. Has the vet offered any opinions on these? I've met kitties that will eat one but not the others.

Amanda

Her lack of appetite may be related to her liver issues. Ask the vet if they feel assist-feeding her is the way to go at the moment.

Thanks Pat, She is eating well now. Mostly I want her to eat what *I* want, which is the natural 1 protein food and not the canned WD. She currently is eating a 1/2 can of WD/day.. and I am wondering how to eventually switch her to better food.

MyBabies, I would test your baby again. Bella's blood work was perfect on 10/4 and by 10/24 her liver was really bad. I didnt notice anything specifically but for a wk she was eating only 1-2Tbs/day and very mellow/skittish. Didnt play much, and slept in my bed under the covers most of the day. I thought it was from the stress of her not getting along w/ my new kitty and maybe tired of her WD dry (its not her favorite and she eats it grudgingly). Thank God I called just to ask the vet if we could switch foods and he said bring her in, it could be her liver from the Metronidizole.. and it was. Luckily we caught in time and she is fine now. Vet also said that the stress of fighting with my new kitty (who I had to find another home for) added to how quickly she got sick. Not eating is the first thing to look for w/ liver problems, so if your girl isnt eating well it could be from her liver .. maybe too from the stress of her teeth being out?
Hope that helps..