Hi,
My 14 yr old kitty, Blue, has eaten dry food (Science Diet) for the last 4 years. Before that, I don't know what she ate because I adopted her from the Pound when she was 10. I think she has probably eaten dry all her life. I now know that is not the best idea, but I unfortunately didn't realize that until recent research.
Anyhow, in April she began to get ill and not want to eat anything. I went to the vet and her blood tests were normal but an ultrasound showed probable inflammatory bowel disease (but couldn't rule out lymphoma). Because I could not afford an invasive test to rule between the 2 diseases, we went with assuming (hoping) it is i.b.d. She was given prednisone and a diet of novel protein has been attempted (without success) for the last couple of months. The prednisone brought her around and she seemed almost her old self again, but a very picky eater. I tried her on half the foods out there. Suddenly she won't eat dry at all. I have managed to get her to eat Evo 95% protein turkey-chicken wet most of the time. Sometimes she turns her nose up at it, but it mainly seems the only thing she will eat. The vet told me to "play hardball" with her and insist she eat novel proteins (canned) but she wouldn't. So I had to give her something, so we have settled on the Evo for now, although it is likely she is allergic to chicken.
A few days ago she wouldn't eat much of anything and the substitute vet told me she probably has lymphoma and the prednisone only puts lymphoma in remission for a few months and then they get sick again (wish they had told me this at the beginning..it was quite a shock!).
The whole time I keep reading on the internet that raw foods may CURE IBD. Every time I bring this up to either vet they don't recommend it because she is on prednisone and her immune system is compromised so the supposed bacteria in raw food might kill her. I think they are against the whole idea of raw food even in healthy kitties.
Well, oddly, she started eating again the last few days...not a ton, but some.
I wish I knew what to feed her or how to get her to eat novel protein. I tried veal, duck, etc. A million canned brands I got at Mud Bay natural pet foods, but she only wants this Evo.
I am frustrated and kind of out of ideas. I guess I could start all over again from the beginning on various food trials. I wish I had kept notes about what she likes and doesn't like. Mainly, she doesn't like most everything.
I don't know what to do. Any ideas? I love this little character so much.
My 14 yr old kitty, Blue, has eaten dry food (Science Diet) for the last 4 years. Before that, I don't know what she ate because I adopted her from the Pound when she was 10. I think she has probably eaten dry all her life. I now know that is not the best idea, but I unfortunately didn't realize that until recent research.
Anyhow, in April she began to get ill and not want to eat anything. I went to the vet and her blood tests were normal but an ultrasound showed probable inflammatory bowel disease (but couldn't rule out lymphoma). Because I could not afford an invasive test to rule between the 2 diseases, we went with assuming (hoping) it is i.b.d. She was given prednisone and a diet of novel protein has been attempted (without success) for the last couple of months. The prednisone brought her around and she seemed almost her old self again, but a very picky eater. I tried her on half the foods out there. Suddenly she won't eat dry at all. I have managed to get her to eat Evo 95% protein turkey-chicken wet most of the time. Sometimes she turns her nose up at it, but it mainly seems the only thing she will eat. The vet told me to "play hardball" with her and insist she eat novel proteins (canned) but she wouldn't. So I had to give her something, so we have settled on the Evo for now, although it is likely she is allergic to chicken.
A few days ago she wouldn't eat much of anything and the substitute vet told me she probably has lymphoma and the prednisone only puts lymphoma in remission for a few months and then they get sick again (wish they had told me this at the beginning..it was quite a shock!).
The whole time I keep reading on the internet that raw foods may CURE IBD. Every time I bring this up to either vet they don't recommend it because she is on prednisone and her immune system is compromised so the supposed bacteria in raw food might kill her. I think they are against the whole idea of raw food even in healthy kitties.
Well, oddly, she started eating again the last few days...not a ton, but some.
I wish I knew what to feed her or how to get her to eat novel protein. I tried veal, duck, etc. A million canned brands I got at Mud Bay natural pet foods, but she only wants this Evo.
I am frustrated and kind of out of ideas. I guess I could start all over again from the beginning on various food trials. I wish I had kept notes about what she likes and doesn't like. Mainly, she doesn't like most everything.
I don't know what to do. Any ideas? I love this little character so much.
to you for trying to work towards a better diet for her!! There is a member who will soon be here, I am sure :lol3:, Carolina who's Bugsy has the same issues and has made a complete turnaround on raw. I am sure she will have many tips/suggestions for you. In the meantime, this link will help you. 
Some cat's take to it so naturally and some not so. I have six and two of my six ate raw from day one. The other four - :lol3: well - it took some convincing and still does on some days. I think that a raw diet will absolutely be the best thing for your kitty suffering with IBD :nod: 
Having a healthy gut flora is the first step to a healthier overall immune system.
So who knows? After you find various toppings your kitty likes (assuming there are some!), you may actually find yourself able to use a "fake" topper! :lol3:
as we went through this process together!!! :nod: 
Aw that's great news! It's always so much easier on us when they're eating - and FEELING - well! 
