Monica
Cruising the avenue
Avenue Veteran
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Looking for suggestions. I may know a lot about birds, but when it comes to cats and dogs, well, not so much... despite having been raised with dogs and cats my entire life but only having birds for a little over half of my life.
Not to say that I'm stupid... I mean, I feel like I know more than the average pet owner. I've learned that the diets that my family has always fed their animals (dogs and cats) is, well, crappy. I've done my best to provide *better* diets to them, but I know that their diets could still be lacking.
My mother has a 14 year old male cat. He was neutered at a young age, and he also developed the urinary crystals... $1,000 vet trip later (that we couldn't afford at the time...), he was put on a special diet, which, at the time, cost around $55-$60 for a 17lb bag... he wasn't kept on this diet because, well, Target sells a similar diet that's much cheaper! Six months later, and another $600 vet trip..... he's back on the prescription diet that's now about $70! It's the Royal Canine Urinary S/O diet.
He's always puked up food, although it was usually infrequently. Maybe a max of 2-3 times a week? Never was an issue though, he always maintained weight, acted normal, etc. Never could figure out the reason behind it, either... Was an indoor/outdoor kitten, but after getting sick once, he's remained an indoor cat ever since.
When he was younger, he easily weighed 11-13 lbs, but wasn't a fat cat. He had his belly flub but that was it.
Earlier this year, I had to put his sister down due to cancer. (second pet this year that I've lost to cancer, worse, in the same month, as well) I don't feel like this is part of the issue with his health, but who knows... Squirt (male cat) does not like other cats. His sister, Sprite, was the only cat he ever accepted, and because he grew up with her. Towards the end of her life, Sprite was moved to a separate home where someone could keep a closer eye on her. (only found out she had cancer on the day that I had to put her down, despite previous vet visits and being under the care and guidance of my vet for her failing health - no doubt now due to the cancer) The last two times that Squirt saw his sister, he hissed and growled at her. You could tell that he *knew* she was familiar, but her smell, or something about her, wasn't right. He didn't treat her like a new cat, but also didn't treat her like he normally did.
Squirt has been a cat to eat almost anything, including dog food, cabbage, brussel sprouts, corn, peas, green beans, etc.
This year, he's had noticeable weight loss, and it just seems to be getting worse... The last time I weighed him, which was a couple of days ago, he was down to 6.2 lbs. He's lethargic, not eating as much, puking more frequently, less annoying and demanding...
He's also started pooping and peeing outside of the litter box, which may be related to hip issues, or something else. Recently set up a new litter box, which might be helping... except for the fact that his butt hangs over the side... so even if he's *IN* the freakin litter box, he still poops outside of it... (always been an issue with him if using the short cat litter boxes...)
Most of his pops are normal and firm, but he does get the occasional diarrhea.
Just over a month ago, he was taken in for blood work, x-rays and some other tests. (whatever the vet recommended!) Nothing came back conclusive. He was also at the vets earlier this year (with his sister, before her passing) Back then, he was put on antibiotics and probiotics. He's still getting probiotics.
So, in short...
Neutered male cat
14 years old
Been on Royal Canine Urinary S/O dry diet over half of his life
Losing weight
Puking much more frequently
Not eating as much food
Cares less about eating a varied diet
Bathroom issues
Is being seen by my vet
Last night, he was put on Prednisone in case he also has cancer (not that any was found over a month ago) and to hopefully increase his appetite.
Considering the way his health is going, I realize he may not see the end of the year... and it's been a pretty crappy year. (well, years...
)
My vet has basically said to feed him whatever he wants, despite his urinary issues, so he's been getting fed canned food more frequently, and he was recently introduced the FreshPet Cat Food that comes out of the fridge in the store. He loved it at first, but now there's hardly any interest in it.
He is no longer eating his dry food, despite having the same access to it as always.
My mother is now wanting to try him on a raw food diet. I've made this post long to hopefully get some ideas, suggestions, thoughts and ideas.
Between my mother and I, we've found "two" options for raw food diets. One, pre-made raw food diets for cats. Two, raw food diet supplements - just add meat!
So with all that in mind, looking for suggestions. (will also speak to my vet about this diet change - since it's my mother's cat, it's happening regardless of what the vet says - although it does fall under the category of "feed him whatever he'll eat"...)
1.) Recommendations on a 'complete' raw cat food diet brand
Natural Selections™ Raw Cat Food - Darwin's Pet Food (one brand I've seen recommended)
1a.) Anyone who has a single cat being fed pre-made cat food, what brand do you use and how much does it cost a month to feed? (just to get a general idea of cost)
2.) Thoughts on the following products that you add to meat
Amazon.com : Better in the Raw for Cats - Make your own homemade raw cat food! : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com : TCfeline Raw Cat Food - A Premix (Supplement) to make a Homemade raw cat food diet. All Natural, Grain Free, Human Grade and Species Appropriate Raw for Cats. (with Chicken Liver - Trial 4.2 oz) : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com: Life Extension Cat Mix 100 Grams Powder: Health & Personal Care
I've noticed that one of the supplements contains whole bone extract. While looking at the raw food diets, I saw that at least some of the recommendations was to include ground bone. Some of the pre-made diets include bone in their ingredients list. Would it be necessary or not to source someone who sells ground bone and meat if feeding a supplement that doesn't contain bone? Or would it be fine to add any of them to just ground up meat?
Following along that line of thought, is "any" ground meat fine, or again, should we source someone who can sell ground meat with organs? Then add the supplements?
(picture of Squirt from his younger years...)
Not to say that I'm stupid... I mean, I feel like I know more than the average pet owner. I've learned that the diets that my family has always fed their animals (dogs and cats) is, well, crappy. I've done my best to provide *better* diets to them, but I know that their diets could still be lacking.
My mother has a 14 year old male cat. He was neutered at a young age, and he also developed the urinary crystals... $1,000 vet trip later (that we couldn't afford at the time...), he was put on a special diet, which, at the time, cost around $55-$60 for a 17lb bag... he wasn't kept on this diet because, well, Target sells a similar diet that's much cheaper! Six months later, and another $600 vet trip..... he's back on the prescription diet that's now about $70! It's the Royal Canine Urinary S/O diet.
He's always puked up food, although it was usually infrequently. Maybe a max of 2-3 times a week? Never was an issue though, he always maintained weight, acted normal, etc. Never could figure out the reason behind it, either... Was an indoor/outdoor kitten, but after getting sick once, he's remained an indoor cat ever since.
When he was younger, he easily weighed 11-13 lbs, but wasn't a fat cat. He had his belly flub but that was it.
Earlier this year, I had to put his sister down due to cancer. (second pet this year that I've lost to cancer, worse, in the same month, as well) I don't feel like this is part of the issue with his health, but who knows... Squirt (male cat) does not like other cats. His sister, Sprite, was the only cat he ever accepted, and because he grew up with her. Towards the end of her life, Sprite was moved to a separate home where someone could keep a closer eye on her. (only found out she had cancer on the day that I had to put her down, despite previous vet visits and being under the care and guidance of my vet for her failing health - no doubt now due to the cancer) The last two times that Squirt saw his sister, he hissed and growled at her. You could tell that he *knew* she was familiar, but her smell, or something about her, wasn't right. He didn't treat her like a new cat, but also didn't treat her like he normally did.
Squirt has been a cat to eat almost anything, including dog food, cabbage, brussel sprouts, corn, peas, green beans, etc.
This year, he's had noticeable weight loss, and it just seems to be getting worse... The last time I weighed him, which was a couple of days ago, he was down to 6.2 lbs. He's lethargic, not eating as much, puking more frequently, less annoying and demanding...
He's also started pooping and peeing outside of the litter box, which may be related to hip issues, or something else. Recently set up a new litter box, which might be helping... except for the fact that his butt hangs over the side... so even if he's *IN* the freakin litter box, he still poops outside of it... (always been an issue with him if using the short cat litter boxes...)
Most of his pops are normal and firm, but he does get the occasional diarrhea.
Just over a month ago, he was taken in for blood work, x-rays and some other tests. (whatever the vet recommended!) Nothing came back conclusive. He was also at the vets earlier this year (with his sister, before her passing) Back then, he was put on antibiotics and probiotics. He's still getting probiotics.
So, in short...
Neutered male cat
14 years old
Been on Royal Canine Urinary S/O dry diet over half of his life
Losing weight
Puking much more frequently
Not eating as much food
Cares less about eating a varied diet
Bathroom issues
Is being seen by my vet
Last night, he was put on Prednisone in case he also has cancer (not that any was found over a month ago) and to hopefully increase his appetite.
Considering the way his health is going, I realize he may not see the end of the year... and it's been a pretty crappy year. (well, years...
)My vet has basically said to feed him whatever he wants, despite his urinary issues, so he's been getting fed canned food more frequently, and he was recently introduced the FreshPet Cat Food that comes out of the fridge in the store. He loved it at first, but now there's hardly any interest in it.
He is no longer eating his dry food, despite having the same access to it as always.
My mother is now wanting to try him on a raw food diet. I've made this post long to hopefully get some ideas, suggestions, thoughts and ideas.
Between my mother and I, we've found "two" options for raw food diets. One, pre-made raw food diets for cats. Two, raw food diet supplements - just add meat!
So with all that in mind, looking for suggestions. (will also speak to my vet about this diet change - since it's my mother's cat, it's happening regardless of what the vet says - although it does fall under the category of "feed him whatever he'll eat"...)
1.) Recommendations on a 'complete' raw cat food diet brand
Natural Selections™ Raw Cat Food - Darwin's Pet Food (one brand I've seen recommended)
1a.) Anyone who has a single cat being fed pre-made cat food, what brand do you use and how much does it cost a month to feed? (just to get a general idea of cost)
2.) Thoughts on the following products that you add to meat
Amazon.com : Better in the Raw for Cats - Make your own homemade raw cat food! : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com : TCfeline Raw Cat Food - A Premix (Supplement) to make a Homemade raw cat food diet. All Natural, Grain Free, Human Grade and Species Appropriate Raw for Cats. (with Chicken Liver - Trial 4.2 oz) : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com: Life Extension Cat Mix 100 Grams Powder: Health & Personal Care
I've noticed that one of the supplements contains whole bone extract. While looking at the raw food diets, I saw that at least some of the recommendations was to include ground bone. Some of the pre-made diets include bone in their ingredients list. Would it be necessary or not to source someone who sells ground bone and meat if feeding a supplement that doesn't contain bone? Or would it be fine to add any of them to just ground up meat?
Following along that line of thought, is "any" ground meat fine, or again, should we source someone who can sell ground meat with organs? Then add the supplements?
(picture of Squirt from his younger years...)
Do you know if it contains liver? Taurine? Cats are also susceptible to Vitamin A overdose so that is a consideration too when mixing supplements and meats. 
Well, thinking about it, I really don't know how big of an issue vegetables are, because many of the animals that wild cats prey upon eat grass, seeds and other things. If the wild cat consumes the stomach contents, along with their prey, then, well, they are consuming other foods. Just one thing I don't know much about, but I know that cats don't need rice and vegetables in their everyday diet.