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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / May 2005Icarus & UTI
I previously posted about another topic regarding peeing inappropriate places. I just had Icarus checked as it was originally thought he was spraying as a result of territory dispute. The vet confirmed that he did have UTI (although they did state that spraying or urinating in places other than the litterbox doesn't always mean a cat has UTI) and he is going to be on anti-biotics for a few weeks. He also has to be on a special diet as well. The vet also instructed me that he also needs to be confined to a separate room for a while with his own food, water, and litterbox. I put him in the bedroom so he'd be at least a little more comfortable than a small bathroom. I also had to put his food and water on top of a bureau so I wouldn't have problems with ants. The cats will have the main room to sleep in and also have the dining area to eat but no access to the bedroom. Once his condition clears up they'll all be sharing everything. I have decided to switch all the cats on the same food as a precaution. Though they all did fine on the stuff I was feeding them I would rather prevent the other cats from getting what Icarus has now. The UTI was caught early which was a good thing. The vet was also good and was very patient when handling Icarus because he's a fireball when it comes to doctors. The vet didn't talk down to me and I actually got to be present when he was with Icarus unlike others that make you wait in another room or only do the initial exam in front of you. He also showed me the urine sample as well as showed me under the microscope so I could see the crystals for myself. My parents have been happy with this vet ever since they adopted their two dogs (it seems Animal Control recommends them for the first free adoption exam). At least this vet is better than the last one our family used. Anyway, if you suspect UTI then get the cat checked out at the vet. Catching the signs early can really be the best thing and you also avoid having the cat worked on surgically which is a lot more expensive than the $140 I had to pay (that included the exams, shots, urinalysis, anti-biotic shot, pills, first bad of special diet food, and of course the liquid anti-biotic. As high as the price was for me, it was a small price to pay for Icarus' well being not to mention that I now have a good vet for my cats. I learned something new as I was never faced with a cat having UTI before. The vet said that if it wasn't caught early then it could have cost at least $300. I guess I saved some money and also got Icarus the help he needs. Maybe he might be a little calmer with other cats in the process.  SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com OK, my only question is, if you put htem all on the same food, why does Icarus have to be isolated? That is what I did when Grant got crystals. They all just eat the same food and my other two are girls with no problems. Well he recommended isolating them because the other two cats are still on the same food (I have one more bag of the old stuff) and the food Icarus needs to be eating for the next few weeks is a prescription diet. It is also because of the litterbox issue and it was recommended that he have his own litterbox for now that is not usable by the other cats in the household until the UTI clears up. I'll be putting all the cats on the same food once Icarus has ended having to eat this special dry food as well as the canned. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > OK, my only question is, if you put htem all on the same food, why does > Icarus have to be isolated? That is what I did when Grant got crystals. > They > all just eat the same food and my other two are girls with no problems. > Well he recommended isolating them because the other two cats are still on > the same food (I have one more bag of the old stuff) and the food Icarus [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > until the UTI clears up. I'll be putting all the cats on the same food once > Icarus has ended having to eat this special dry food as well as the canned. I can sort of understood separating him because of the food bit - until they're all eating the same food, but I don't understand the litter box part. When one of my cats had a UTI, there was no problem w/ him using the same litter boxes as my other cat. Although, considering you have 3 cats, having a second litter box would certainly be advisable - no matter what. Cathy > > OK, my only question is, if you put htem all on the same food, why does > > Icarus have to be isolated? That is what I did when Grant got crystals. > > They > > all just eat the same food and my other two are girls with no problems. > Well he recommended isolating them because the other two cats are still on > the same food (I have one more bag of the old stuff) and the food Icarus [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > same food once Icarus has ended having to eat this special dry food as > well as the canned. I hope after this incident you will take some of us who have been warning you about this very situation seriously. I know you think I'm a bitch and a food snob, but I speak from the heart, and with experience. My cat Bartleby got blocked twice within a few months. I was feeding middle-of-the-road food at the time, I think either Science Diet or Iams. Dry only. The vet switched to c/d and he still blocked a second time. Both of these instances cost me about $300 at the vet. Bartleby did not pee outside the box as a warning sign. The first one I caught when he sat on newspaper right in front of me and peed blood. The second he was very lethargic and coughing. He probably came very close to dying on that one. My vet never encouraged canned food for Bartleby, I had to find that one out on my own. Once I switched to super-premium food, Bartleby never had a problem again. He eats mostly Wellness canned and a little bit of dry snacks, Nutro Weight Management. I also have a water fountain for the cats to encourage drinking more water. I interact with hundreds of cats a year at the shelter, and am a part of vetting day every week. I've picked up a lot in this experience. I'm sorry that I got nasty with you before, but I felt you were not taking me seriously. I care about all cats, and I was concerned for yours. I hope he makes a full recovery from this and you do not have any further problems. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG >From: "KellyH" Kelly@farringtons.net >I hope after this incident you will take some of us who have been warning >you about this very situation seriously. I know you think I'm a bitch and a [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >snacks, Nutro Weight Management. I also have a water fountain for the cats >to encourage drinking more water. Yes, unfortunately a low quality food, and especially dry food, can indeed cause urinary tract problems. It kind of surprises me how vets will still prescribe a dry diet, even when the cat has urinary tract problems. Kelly is right, CP, you should listen to what we've been telling you about how important it is to feed a good quality food. I would also suggest getting your cats entirely off the dry. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm > Yes, unfortunately a low quality food, and especially dry food, can indeed > cause urinary tract problems. It kind of surprises me how vets will still [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Lauren I must say I was not pleased and kind-of surprised to hear the vet recommend a dry diet. That's one reason why I have to do much research and googling. She did later say Mingy could continue to lick the gravy off his wet food, which is all he does with it. (Does this gravy even predispose him to crystals? I wonder how that balances out with getting more fluid into him? Doe ANY premium food come in a chunks with gravy form? I still have to look at the attachment sent to me by a poster here--thought I would wait til I have all of Mingy's test results and confirm they were struvite crystals.) I will segue him into the prescription dry food for now but am thinking there must be better choices out there. Also, is this prescription stuff too low in taurine, as I have read? If so, why? SignatureJean B. Well, the food war seems to happen a lot here. My vet prescribed both dry and canned so I am willing to go with the vet here on this one. I know a lot of people here say many vets have no clue what they are doing but what about the good vets? It seems many here think they know more than the vet does when it comes to nutrition but I have to believe that this vet knows what they are doing. It's amazing that when people had a problem with the dry food I was feeding them stated I should change to another dry food while others say totally canned. I try not to get into these food debates simply because that what it boils down to is individual choice. My cats get both dry and canned food as well as plenty of water. The vet stated that the food I was feeding my cats before was a little high in salt which is why cats like it so much. That is why I was switched to a different food than the ones Icarus and the others were eating. I say if the vet is one of the good ones, you should listen to them as they after all are the ones who will be working on your cat when problems do come up. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > I must say I was not pleased and kind-of surprised to hear the vet > recommend a dry diet. That's one reason why I have to do much [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > there. Also, is this prescription stuff too low in taurine, as I > have read? If so, why? Did you ask your vet if he was one of the "good" ones? ---MIKE--- I knew he was one of the good ones because of they way he handled Icarus and the mere fact that every step of the way I was in the office, I could see the testing done, shown what the test levels were, and even saw the crystals under the microscope. You can tell a lot about a vet by using your eyes. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Did you ask your vet if he was one of the "good" ones? > > ---MIKE--- >From: twinmountain@webtv.net (---MIKE---) >Did you ask your vet if he was one of the "good" ones? LOL!! ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm Well, the food war seems to happen a lot here. My vet prescribed both dry and canned so I am willing to go with the vet here on this one. I know a lot of people here say many vets have no clue what they are doing but what about the good vets? Sorry, CP, but I have to agree with Lauren and Cathy and suggest that a canned-only diet would be much healthier for your cats, and will probably be _less expensive_ than buying all 3 prescription food. I thought my (now previous) vet was one of the "good" ones too. Turns out she was a decent vet, but was very weak in the area of cat nutrition. If you've read any of my posts re: Tucker's weight loss, the previous vet was very against canned food for weight loss. I did a lot of online reading, emailing and talking with people, and decided to go "against" the vet's word (and things are working out great!) I'm not going to get into the "canned vs. dry" debate. I'm only suggesting that, when it comes to food choices/types, it's not wise to just accept what your vet may say as the final word. If I had done that, one of my cats would *still* be gaining weight. My cats get both canned and dry food and they get plenty of both. I hate these debates because with some you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. My cats are healthy with exception of this UTI with Icarus. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Sorry, CP, but I have to agree with Lauren and Cathy and suggest that a > canned-only diet would be much healthier for your cats, and will [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > just accept what your vet may say as the final word. If I had done > that, one of my cats would *still* be gaining weight. > Sorry, CP, but I have to agree with Lauren and Cathy and suggest that a > canned-only diet would be much healthier for your cats, and will > probably be _less expensive_ than buying all 3 prescription food. I can't remember who it was, but I thought I read a post from someone who switched their cat who was having urinary problems to Wellness canned food and now the cat is doing great. > I thought my (now previous) vet was one of the "good" ones too. Turns > out she was a decent vet, but was very weak in the area of cat > nutrition. If you've read any of my posts re: Tucker's weight loss, the > previous vet was very against canned food for weight loss. I did a lot > of online reading, emailing and talking with people, and decided to go > "against" the vet's word (and things are working out great!) I give you a lot of credit, Rene, for doing your research. I'm glad to hear it's paid off for you and Tucker. Unfortunately, in my experience, most vets really don't know too much about feline nutrition, and what they know, they've learned from pet food reps and brochures that come across their desk. Lauren (who's trying out google groups but really needs a good newsreader) I give you a lot of credit, Rene, for doing your research. I'm glad to hear it's paid off for you and Tucker. Unfortunately, in my experience, most vets really don't know too much about feline nutrition, and what they know, they've learned from pet food reps and brochures that come across their desk. Lauren (who's trying out google groups but really needs a good newsreader) I agree with you, Lauren! My old vet just seemed to know about the foods on her shelf, and nothing else. I'd ask questions about how much to feed, only to be told to "read the bag." (Like I couldn't figure that out!) I'm thankful we have places like this n/g. It's connected me with a number of knowledgeable folks and I've learned so much. Rene (I know what you mean about google groups!!) > I give you a lot of credit, Rene, for doing your research. I'm glad to > hear it's paid off for you and Tucker. Unfortunately, in my [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > with a number of knowledgeable folks and I've learned so much. > Rene (I know what you mean about google groups!!) That is what I'm really afraid of. We see what has gone on in the human drug etc. industry, how ignorant human dieticians can be, how little human doctors know about nutrition (unless they have some interest beyond what they were taught in med school)..... While I will segue Mingy into the suggested food, my first concern is getting him to eat and drink, and then I have to do my homework. (I have started, but my daughter keeps stealing the computer.) SignatureJean B. > Lauren (who's trying out google groups but really needs a good > newsreader) Might I suggest xnews? It was recommended to me over on the dogs newsgroups, and I have been using it ever since, and it's great and it's freeeeeeee. Here's the website: http://xnews.newsguy.com/ --Catherine & Rosalie the calico, who has a new dog at her house and IS NOT HAPPY As I sit here pondering this, has anyone else had a vet recommend a cat with UTI be separated from the other cats because of a litterbox or because a special food was prescribed? It did sound strange to me when the vet recommended it. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Well he recommended isolating them because the other two cats are still on > the same food (I have one more bag of the old stuff) and the food Icarus [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >> They >> all just eat the same food and my other two are girls with no problems. > As I sit here pondering this, has anyone else had a vet recommend a cat with > UTI be separated from the other cats because of a litterbox or because a > special food was prescribed? It did sound strange to me when the vet > recommended it. Nope, re: separation. Just two courses of antibiotics - the first course didn't work. Changed antibiotics & the second round did the trick. Cathy > > Well he recommended isolating them because the other two cats are still on > > the same food (I have one more bag of the old stuff) and the food Icarus [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > >> They > >> all just eat the same food and my other two are girls with no problems. > As I sit here pondering this, has anyone else had a vet recommend a cat with > UTI be separated from the other cats because of a litterbox or because a > special food was prescribed? It did sound strange to me when the vet > recommended it. Mine did not. He may be afraid that because of the UTI, Icarus might continue to pee indiscrimantly (sometimes what is caused by a physical problem becomes a habit) and this would be the way you handle a behavioural spraying by isolating with a box. The vet may just be being extra cautious that this will help Icarus rebond with his litter box as the crystal situation gets better. > > As I sit here pondering this, has anyone else had a vet recommend a cat with > > UTI be separated from the other cats because of a litterbox or because a [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > that this will help Icarus rebond with his litter box as the crystal > situation gets better. I was thinking of that as well as we did have Isabelle pee outside the box after her UTI cleared up. I took her back up to the vet and they did x-rays and sent a sterile urine sample out for testing and both showed no problem. I can only assume she used the carpet in the hall for old times sake. W > As I sit here pondering this, has anyone else had a vet recommend a cat > with UTI be separated from the other cats because of a litterbox or > because a special food was prescribed? It did sound strange to me when the > vet recommended it. No, but I don't think it would hurt. It would make it easier to monitor his litterbox usage. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG >> As I sit here pondering this, has anyone else had a vet recommend a cat >> with UTI be separated from the other cats because of a litterbox or [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > No, but I don't think it would hurt. It would make it easier to monitor his > litterbox usage. That's true. He may be worried that if the crystal situation worsens, Icarus might block and this way it will be obvious if he isn't going. Grant's crystals were like sludge. The second time it happened I was on it pronto (Grant never went outside the box, but he would leave his food to go to the box which was highly unusual and I could see he couldn't go). Changing his food to mostly high quality wet with urinary tract dry as just a small nibble and a Feliway diffuser and he has not had a problem since. Well he has ant-biotics. I added another litterbox to the bathroom and showed him where it is. When we got home he used the litterbox without a problem. He also is using the second litterbox so I'll monitor it. I separated him from the other cats for a couple of hours and he used the litterbox without a problem. I also added the special diet food to the bowls mixed with the regular food so he will not only have an easier time switching to it but so will the other cats so it can help prevent further UTI. After reading what others here have had to say, I think it will be safe to allow him the run of the house. Thanks to all who shared their thoughts with me. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > That's true. He may be worried that if the crystal situation worsens, > Icarus [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > food to mostly high quality wet with urinary tract dry as just a small > nibble and a Feliway diffuser and he has not had a problem since. Well after talking with someone else who's cat had UTI they pretty much thought that monitoring his litterbox usage might be the only reason but cats using another litterbox would not be harmful. I decided to just add another litterbox to the bathroom and make sure he knows where it is. I think regardless of the second litterbox, I'll check from time to time to make sure he is using the litterbox without problems. I am going to add the prescription food to the cat dishes with small doses of the regular as a preventative to the other cats from getting UTI. Icarus is also on anti-biotics so I don't forsee not being seperated as being a problem. The vet did say that the food he was eating might be part of the problem. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com >> As I sit here pondering this, has anyone else had a vet recommend a cat >> with UTI be separated from the other cats because of a litterbox or [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > No, but I don't think it would hurt. It would make it easier to monitor > his litterbox usage. > Anyway, if you suspect UTI then get the cat checked out at the vet Exactly. I'm glad you finally took him to the vet. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG I'm so glad to hear that you caught Icarus' problem before it got too late. My cat blocked three times very close together because despite following the vet's instructions and being very vigilant with his care, we were unable to clear up his infection. Thank god we seem to have resolved his problem. After the seige I went through with my baby I think I've read more about urinary problems than most vets. I suspect that the reason your vet wanted you to keep Icarus separate forlitter use is partly because you'll have to monitor his urine output without the confusion of other cats using the same box and also because a cat will sometimes hold its urine if the litter has been used or is not as clean as they would like it. Urinary retention is a major problem for cats who are prone to or recovering from UTI. From experience, I've found that it is best to treat the infection with antibiotics for 30 days to ensure that all the infection has cleared up. I made the mistake of treating him for 10 days the first two times and the infection returned. It was not until I found a great vet and kept him on the antibiotics for a full month that we were able to kick it. I have also found that canned food helps to keep the cat hydrated and the urine dilute and prevent urine retention. I will never feed my cat dry food again due to his urinary tract problems. You really have to be on top of things when your cat starts having urinary tract problems (as I'm sure you know). Best of luck with your kitty. Thanks. After seeing others post I decided to not separate him but instead add an extra litterboxto the bathroom and monitor his usage when I am home. I also mixed his special diet food in with the regular food so he can easily switch to the diet and I can also have the cats eat it as a preventative. Icarus also has to take medication for the next 3 weeks for it. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > I'm so glad to hear that you caught Icarus' problem before it got too > late. My cat blocked three times very close together because despite [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > your cat starts having urinary tract problems (as I'm sure you know). Best > of luck with your kitty. > Thanks. After seeing others post I decided to not separate him but instead > add an extra litterboxto the bathroom and monitor his usage when I am home. > I also mixed his special diet food in with the regular food so he can easily > switch to the diet and I can also have the cats eat it as a preventative. > Icarus also has to take medication for the next 3 weeks for it. Is this medication a pill? How many times a day does it have to be administered? My daughter will probably have to do that, since she is good at opening Mingy's mouth. Oh joy! SignatureJean B. He gets both a liquid and a pill. The liquid medication he has to take twice a day and the pill only once a day. You need to wrap the cat in a towel like a burrito and then administer the meds. Icarus is pretty tough so it took a couple of tries to get the pill in his mouth. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com >> Thanks. After seeing others post I decided to not separate him but >> instead [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > be administered? My daughter will probably have to do that, since > she is good at opening Mingy's mouth. Oh joy! > He gets both a liquid and a pill. The liquid medication he has to take twice > a day and the pill only once a day. You need to wrap the cat in a towel like > a burrito and then administer the meds. Icarus is pretty tough so it took a > couple of tries to get the pill in his mouth. You might see if he likes Pill Pockets. My vet sells them but they're easily googled up on the web. They are a chicken or salmon flavored treat, soft like soft fudge, shaped like a small pouch that you put the pill in and pinch closed. They have a sticky consistency, so the pill won't squirt out if the cat chews it. I think various places on the web sell them for about $6 for a packet of 40. They were great for getting Gideon to take Tapazole, before his surgery last year, because it's a foul-tasting, uncoated pill. Signaturejamie (jamiemck@newsguy.com) "There's a seeker born every minute." > > You might see if he likes Pill Pockets. My vet sells them but they're [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > They were great for getting Gideon to take Tapazole, before his > surgery last year, because it's a foul-tasting, uncoated pill. Mingy doesn't even like treats! I think any pills would have to be placed in his mouth. Someone elsewhere mentioned some goo you could put the pill in before it is placed in the cat's mouth. SignatureJean B. I have a female cat who has exactly the same problems-continuous UTI's. I feed my cats dry Wysong Uretic but after much research, I've found that this isn't working. What I did find was-I simply put the dry Wysong in warm water-let it sit for about half an hour-and the cats loved it-and drank all of the water. Is this a good or bad thing? If I do this, do I need to add wet food? My cats have never tried canned food. What is the best brand for chronic UTI's? > I previously posted about another topic regarding peeing inappropriate > places. I just had Icarus checked as it was originally thought he was [quoted text clipped - 41 lines] > Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! > www.panthertekit.com Oh! Timely post for me. I hope I can get Mingy to the vet's TODAY! How long had Icarus been urinating inappropriately before you got him to the vet? How did you get the urine sample? I know this has been discussed, but I don't know that I can use the methods I have seen (meaning I have doubt that Mingy would cooperate). SignatureJean B. I started noticing it a week or so ago. At first it was thought he was just doing that because he is fighting to be top cat in the household and also likes to be near me most of them time. When I started monitoring his urine output and reading about UTI online I just decided to take him in to get checked out. They had to take a urine sample at the hospital because he was pretty much holding it in when it came to the blank litterbox in an isolated room idea. They pressed on the location of his bladder (located just before his hind legs) and they got enough urine to spray out into a small black pan to take the sample. It looked similar to those plastic instant dinner pans that come with the Banquet brand meals. The other option collecting the urine would have been a needle through the bladder but Icarus had enough to collect the other way. I got a good vet this time around and I'll be using them for my other three cats. Not only were they patient with Icarus but I was allowed to be there with him the whole time. He is a fireball with vets so it was good to have this one and felt involved in the process. He showed me the sample in the test tube where he stick tested it and showed me the colored areas which measured the ph levels, etc. I saw some white stuff in the bottom of the tube that was either the crystals or the white blood cells (he had a more than normal white cell count as he was fighting the infection). I also got to see the sample under the microscope as well and saw the crystals for myself. This UTI was caught early so all he Icarus needs is a special diet and meds for the next few weeks. The vet was pretty reasonable in price. I was a little taken back by the bill at first but it cost around $140 which included the exam, urine testing, first shot of anti-biotic, first pill, and the special food he has to eat. All of it was itemized and in hindsight seems reasonable now. Yes it is an expense but if the UTI were allowed to progress I was told it would have cost $300 or more probably because they'd have to do surgery. My parents were the ones who told me about this vet as they take their dogs to this doctor now. They found him through a list that the pound gives people when they adopt an animal because the listing shows area vets that do a first exam for free. They were impressed and have been taking their dogs to him ever since. I can see why they recommended this vet. He actually listens to what you have to say, shows you the results, gives you the steps he took in order to explain things and allowed me to be there with Icarus the whole time. A lot of vets just take you in a room, allow you to be there for the exam and then the rest of the time takes the cat away and does their thing and explains the results later on a piece of paper and you pay the bill. This one didn't do that. I have no problem recommending this vet to others and feel comfortable taking my other 2 cats there as I'll know they'll be in good hands. It is nice to finally find a good vet for a change. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Oh! Timely post for me. I hope I can get Mingy to the vet's > TODAY! How long had Icarus been urinating inappropriately before > you got him to the vet? How did you get the urine sample? I know > this has been discussed, but I don't know that I can use the > methods I have seen (meaning I have doubt that Mingy would > cooperate). > I started noticing it a week or so ago. At first it was thought he was just > doing that because he is fighting to be top cat in the household and also [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > taking my other 2 cats there as I'll know they'll be in good hands. It is > nice to finally find a good vet for a change. Thank you for all the details! I rather like this Hospital where I took Mingy, although they took him out to get a sample, and I did not get to go with him. Then I was waiting for what seemed like forever, and getting more and more anxious. Turns out the vet must have assessed things at the same time, because she then came in and shocked me with the news--esp. the news that he should spend the night. :-((( They seems to be very good with the little patients, but slightly less good with the owners. I can deal with that as long as they really are as kind to the babies when their owners are not watching as they seem to be when they are watching. I have already called once, although the vet should be calling soon. He has been unblocked and was coming out of the anesthesia (ketamine, alas). I hope the valium doesn't wear off for a while, because he is so shy--hates anything new, hides from everyone but me and my daughter. I am actually more worried about his mental state than his physical state, although that will change immediately when he is back with me........... SignatureJean B. NP. I probably would have been more anxious having to wait in the reception area. If they weren't able to get a urine sample I probably would have had to leave Icarus there overnight and then probably worried about it a little but then again the other two cats would have gotten the night off without him chasing them. Being able to be with Icarus through the whole thing takes the anxiety off and allows me to face the problem head on which at least takes the pain out of it. I am glad to see your cat is going to be ok. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Thank you for all the details! I rather like this Hospital where > I took Mingy, although they took him out to get a sample, and I [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > state than his physical state, although that will change > immediately when he is back with me........... > NP. I probably would have been more anxious having to wait in the reception > area. If they weren't able to get a urine sample I probably would have had [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > the anxiety off and allows me to face the problem head on which at least > takes the pain out of it. I am glad to see your cat is going to be ok. Definitely! I hope the valium is long-lasting though. He's going to be SO unhappy in strange surroundings!!!!! SignatureJean B. > Definitely! I hope the valium is long-lasting though. He's going > to be SO unhappy in strange surroundings!!!!! Jean, I've had to leave cats overnight a few times and it's best not to think about that part. Better to think about how they are in the best place for them to be right now. Surprisingly, they get over it very quickly and are happy to see you and more happy to be home when its over. :) SignatureCheryl > Jean, I've had to leave cats overnight a few times and it's best not > to think about that part. Better to think about how they are in the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > -- > Cheryl Thanks, Cheryl. I do tell myself that it is MUCH better that he is there, under the circumstances, than it would be to have him here. What if he got really sick here, and I could not get out because of the storm? THAT would have been even more hideous. SignatureJean B. I probably would have worried a little about having Icarus stay overnight which could have happened if not caught early and Icarus had a blockage. I also have two other cats I could spend time with so the pain of leaving him would have been lessoned a bit. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Thanks, Cheryl. I do tell myself that it is MUCH better that he > is there, under the circumstances, than it would be to have him > here. What if he got really sick here, and I could not get out > because of the storm? THAT would have been even more hideous. > I probably would have worried a little about having Icarus stay overnight > which could have happened if not caught early and Icarus had a blockage. I [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! > www.panthertekit.com Well, I do have the two abandoned foster cats, so I can spend some extra time with them. I'd better go look outside. More later. SignatureJean B. > Well, I do have the two abandoned foster cats, so I can spend some > extra time with them. I'd better go look outside. More later. I was just about to ask you about them. They're very long-term fosters, aren't they? But the more the merrier, I say (though my mother would disagree, since she's the one taking care of my cat). Has your daughter warmed up to them, yet? Hope Mingy is doing well, and will be back in time for your birthday! Happy Birthday, btw!! rona Signature***For e-mail, replace .com with .ca Sorry for the inconvenience!*** "[America] is filled with people who decided not to live in Europe. We had people who really wanted to live in Europe, but didn't have the energy to go back. We call them Canadians." ---Grover Norquist in Newsweek, November 22, 2004 > > Well, I do have the two abandoned foster cats, so I can spend some > > extra time with them. I'd better go look outside. More later. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > I was just about to ask you about them. They're very long-term fosters, > aren't they? Yes, they are. Their mom has pretty much abandoned them. Today I was wondering what would happen if they needed emergency care, since I had to sign something that said I was Mingy's legal owner. But the more the merrier, I say (though my mother would > disagree, since she's the one taking care of my cat). Has your daughter > warmed up to them, yet? No. In fact, she has been behaving cooly toward Mingy recently, and that drives me crazy. I just don't understand how she went from adoring him on day to ignoring him the next. I hope this will remind her she loves him. > Hope Mingy is doing well, and will be back in time for your birthday! Well, if they say he can go home, the good news is I can go get him any hour of the day or night, so as soon as I get dug out I can rescue him. He is very unhappy--they think because of the surgery, but I am sure he is also unhappy to be there. He cannot stand anything different/new people. At least they have his cage pretty much covered, and I think he is off in a quiet(er) spot. Still......... Happy > Birthday, btw!! Thanks. Hard to think about that til Mingy is back though.... Nice to see you, rona. SignatureJean B. Will you be able to visit him or possibly take him home today? SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Definitely! I hope the valium is long-lasting though. He's going > to be SO unhappy in strange surroundings!!!!! > Will you be able to visit him or possibly take him home today? Waiting for the vet to call. I don't know about the visit--from their point of view or because of the storm. She wanted to keep him catheterized and on fluids tonight, and since she felt that was best for him/his recovery, I just had to do it. I guess part of the problem, beyond knowing how very unhappy he must be, is that I really didn't think I'd be leaving him there tonight. This will sound really stupid, but it is my birthday tomorrow, and all I can think of is that he may not be here, and I may not even be able to go get him!!!! I wish they had rooms where you could stay with your pets overnight, like they have for kids at hospitals.......... SignatureJean B. Maybe a vet will come up with that concept. I am sorry you have to leave him. If this is an emergency vet then maybe they have visiting hours where you can go and see him. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Waiting for the vet to call. I don't know about the visit--from > their point of view or because of the storm. She wanted to keep [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > I wish they had rooms where you could stay with your pets > overnight, like they have for kids at hospitals.......... > Maybe a vet will come up with that concept. I am sorry you have to leave > him. If this is an emergency vet then maybe they have visiting hours where [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! > www.panthertekit.com This is complicated by the fact that we are just getting the beginnings of a blizzard!!!! By the time I get out, he will be ready to come home--or so I think. I just hope I can get him as soon as he can be released!!!! I hate thinking of his being there one second longer than necessary, because he is just going to be so scared.......... Maybe I should take a peek outside and go get that litterbox if it isn't too snowy. The vet does have my cell phone number, although I hate using it. SignatureJean B. I'd carry the cell phone and get the litterbox. No need to worry about the weather as you can't stop it or change it. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > This is complicated by the fact that we are just getting the > beginnings of a blizzard!!!! By the time I get out, he will be [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > isn't too snowy. The vet does have my cell phone number, although > I hate using it. > I'd carry the cell phone and get the litterbox. No need to worry about the > weather as you can't stop it or change it. Makes me wonder if you've ever been snowed in... Or been driving in the middle of a white-out. Cathy > > This is complicated by the fact that we are just getting the > > beginnings of a blizzard!!!! By the time I get out, he will be [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > isn't too snowy. The vet does have my cell phone number, although > > I hate using it. > > Makes me wonder if you've ever been snowed in... Or been driving in the > middle of a white-out. > > Cathy I did go get a new litterbox and litter. I wonder whether it should be in a different place too? I hate driving in the snow, but it wasn't too bad yet--most of it was still being blown away by the traffic. BUT tomorrow will be an issue. SignatureJean B. > > Makes me wonder if you've ever been snowed in... Or been driving in the > > middle of a white-out. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > was still being blown away by the traffic. BUT tomorrow will be > an issue. Just to clarify: I was directing that question at CP, not you. ;-) Cathy A couple of weeks ago we had really bad flooding due to rain. I guess I figure if the weather is going to come it's going to come. It was a little tough to drive in but I did have to go to work. The snow in the high country was pretty bad but still the news showed that nobody was willing to let it stop them. In fact some people actually welcomed the snow storm and went out and played in it. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > I did go get a new litterbox and litter. I wonder whether it > should be in a different place too? > > I hate driving in the snow, but it wasn't too bad yet--most of it > was still being blown away by the traffic. BUT tomorrow will be > an issue. > A couple of weeks ago we had really bad flooding due to rain. I guess I > figure if the weather is going to come it's going to come. It was a little > tough to drive in but I did have to go to work. The snow in the high country > was pretty bad but still the news showed that nobody was willing to let it > stop them. In fact some people actually welcomed the snow storm and went out > and played in it. One can enjoy the snow, but it *can* have an impact safety-wise. There are times when the state closes roads, the county closes roads, & only emergency related traffic is allowed. There are times when - unless you *have* to go out, it is just plain stupid to try to drive. Cathy > > I did go get a new litterbox and litter. I wonder whether it > > should be in a different place too? > > > > I hate driving in the snow, but it wasn't too bad yet--most of it > > was still being blown away by the traffic. BUT tomorrow will be > > an issue. >A couple of weeks ago we had really bad flooding due to rain. I guess I >figure if the weather is going to come it's going to come. It was a little >tough to drive in but I did have to go to work. The snow in the high >country was pretty bad but still the news showed that nobody was willing to >let it stop them. In fact some people actually welcomed the snow storm and >went out and played in it. We play in the snow here in New England, too. Just don't go driving around when it's coming down 3 inches an hour. OK, well some dipsh*ts do, but it's really not smart. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG Well we usually get a few idiots willing to ignore the flooded area signs and decide to drive through it only to get stuck. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > We play in the snow here in New England, too. Just don't go driving > around when it's coming down 3 inches an hour. OK, well some dipsh*ts do, > but it's really not smart. > I'd carry the cell phone and get the litterbox. No need to worry about the > weather as you can't stop it or change it. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! > www.panthertekit.com That's what I ended up doing. No call--unless she just didn't leave a message on my machine here. SignatureJean B. I hope it all works out and your cat is finally able to come home. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > That's what I ended up doing. No call--unless she just didn't > leave a message on my machine here. > I hope it all works out and your cat is finally able to come home. I hope he can come home tomorrow afternoon (the earliest possible time, I guess)--and we can get to him. He is most unhappy. (I wish I didn't have that confirmed.) SignatureJean B. Why would you not want it to be confirmed that he was coming home tomorrow? I would think you'd be happy about that? SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com >> >> I hope it all works out and your cat is finally able to come home. > > I hope he can come home tomorrow afternoon (the earliest possible > time, I guess)--and we can get to him. He is most unhappy. (I > wish I didn't have that confirmed.) I didn't want it confirmed that he is very unhappy. Of course, I want him home tomorrow!!! Jean B. Cat Protector wrote: > Why would you not want it to be confirmed that he was coming home tomorrow? > I would think you'd be happy about that? > > > I hope he can come home tomorrow afternoon (the earliest possible > > time, I guess)--and we can get to him. He is most unhappy. (I > > wish I didn't have that confirmed.) SignatureJean B. >> Maybe a vet will come up with that concept. I am sorry you have to leave >> him. If this is an emergency vet then maybe they have visiting hours where [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > isn't too snowy. The vet does have my cell phone number, although > I hate using it. It will probably work out just right. By the time the roads are clear he will be ready to come home. Grant was in about 48 hours. Hang in there. > It will probably work out just right. By the time the roads are clear he > will be ready to come home. Grant was in about 48 hours. Hang in there. Was he totally blocked or partially blocked? The vet did say it might be the next day. As far as strategy goes, that would be good, because then I wouldn't feel so guilty if I couldn't get there. BUT he's going to just hate it. One thing I haven't absorbed here--is it bad to hope they keep him on valium? Would they do that if they saw he was totally scared???????????????? SignatureJean B. >> It will probably work out just right. By the time the roads are clear he >> will be ready to come home. Grant was in about 48 hours. Hang in there. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > absorbed here--is it bad to hope they keep him on valium? Would > they do that if they saw he was totally scared???????????????? Grant was totally blocked. They probably won't keep him on valium but there is another med they will probably give him ( I know forget the name) and it will make him very sleepy. He will probably rest the whole time he is gone and probably when he comes back too. He will probably pee small short pees at first as well. They may give you a med for him to take for a day or so called amatryptiline. It will help the swelling from the trauma and the catheter but will make him sleepy too. It's a good thing it is a 24 hour emergency vet because it will be staffed and that is a GOOD thing. They really do know when people are helping. I think Mingy will be fine while he is there. > > Grant was totally blocked. They probably won't keep him on valium but there [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > really do know when people are helping. I think Mingy will be fine while he > is there. Thank you for the reassurance. Would they give him that med so he would not disrupt the IV and the catheter? I did ask about staffing tonight, worried that they would not have a vet there, and no one would be able to get in. It sounds like there will be at least one there. I do wish his vet had called me tonight, as she said she would. I will call there later for an update. I am trying not to be too whingy about it, but it is very hard not to call. SignatureJean B. >> Grant was totally blocked. They probably won't keep him on valium but there >> is another med they will probably give him ( I know forget the name) and it [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > update. I am trying not to be too whingy about it, but it is very > hard not to call. I think he will sleep through a lot of it. It is hard not to want to know! Hopefully they will still call. Actually the cat might sleep plenty when at home and on medication. I know Icarus has been sleeping a bit more while on the meds. Of course he is also a little lively as well. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > I think he will sleep through a lot of it. It is hard not to want to know! > Hopefully they will still call. > Actually the cat might sleep plenty when at home and on medication. I know > Icarus has been sleeping a bit more while on the meds. Of course he is also > a little lively as well. Mingy now sleeps much of the say anyway, so that's a good bet. I wonder if he'll get any sleep at the hospital? He is so upset, he may not be able to. SignatureJean B. I can see why. He is in a strangle place with people checking him regularly and also having to pee under pressure. I wouldn't be happy either. Hopefully they gave him a nice towel or something soft to sleep on. I would think good thoughts here. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > Mingy now sleeps much of the say anyway, so that's a good bet. I > wonder if he'll get any sleep at the hospital? He is so upset, he > may not be able to. > I can see why. He is in a strangle place with people checking him regularly > and also having to pee under pressure. I wouldn't be happy either. Hopefully > they gave him a nice towel or something soft to sleep on. I would think good > thoughts here. I did leave a towel with him, so maybe he has that. I hope he can sleep............. SignatureJean B. I would sit back and relax and know he is being cared for. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > I did leave a towel with him, so maybe he has that. I hope he can > sleep............. > > I think he will sleep through a lot of it. It is hard not to want to know! > Hopefully they will still call. The vet finally called. They have had a lot of emergencies, so they couldn't call earlier. Mingy sounds like he is very unhappy, she thinks because of the surgery, but it is hard to say what percentage is that and what percentage is his being there. His cage is somewhat covered, and he is somewhat better when he doesn't see anyone.... The vet said there were a lot of struvite crystals. I said I guessed that meant we'd have to change his diet and asked whether we could segue into the new stuff. She seemed to be saying he should eat dry food, but I thought wet food was better for such things. (Actually, FBOFW, I let Mingy graze on dry food and then feed him wet food at night. He likes chunks with gravy and only licks the gravy off the chunks.) She did seem to say, Mingy could lick the gravy off his usual food and just switch his dry food. She mentioned Hill's ?CDS?. I am going to have to do some research on that and various other foods that might be good for him now that we know he has this problem................ My main concern now is that he is so upset!!!!! That can't be good for him! At least I can pick him up any hour of the day or night, so as soon as he can get home and the roads are the least bit drivable (for my more-intrepid friend), I will go rescue him. SignatureJean B. My vet prescribed both dry and canned food. He is eating Hills s/d dry and c/d canned and of course a/d. He doesn't like it too much but the other cats were willing to eat it. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > The vet finally called. They have had a lot of emergencies, so > they couldn't call earlier. Mingy sounds like he is very unhappy, [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > night, so as soon as he can get home and the roads are the least > bit drivable (for my more-intrepid friend), I will go rescue him. > My vet prescribed both dry and canned food. He is eating Hills s/d dry and > c/d canned and of course a/d. He doesn't like it too much but the other cats > were willing to eat it. I think I might have misheard the type of food the vet mentioned. I am sure I'll get some when I am picking baby up. Unfortunately, I gather the wet food does not come in a chunks with gravy. I think it will probably be easier to segue him into a new dry food, since I would do it gradually. The wet food will be an issue though. So is Hill's just available at the vet's? SignatureJean B. That's how I got the Hills Special Prescription Diet was at the vet. Icarus has to eat it for 3 weeks. But I am also giving it to the other cats as a preventative. I think you might be able to get Hills at Petsmart but I went with what the vet prescribed at first since he only needs a cup a day of the dry food. I mixed it with the old food so they can easily transition over to it. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > I think I might have misheard the type of food the vet mentioned. > I am sure I'll get some when I am picking baby up. Unfortunately, > I gather the wet food does not come in a chunks with gravy. I > think it will probably be easier to segue him into a new dry food, > since I would do it gradually. The wet food will be an issue > though. So is Hill's just available at the vet's? > That's how I got the Hills Special Prescription Diet was at the vet. > Icarus has to eat it for 3 weeks. But I am also giving it to the other > cats as a preventative. I think you might be able to get Hills at Petsmart > but I went with what the vet prescribed at first since he only needs a cup > a day of the dry food. I mixed it with the old food so they can easily > transition over to it. You can only get Prescription foods at the vet. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG > You can only get Prescription foods at the vet. > > -- > -Kelly > kelly at farringtons dot net > "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG Now why is that? Surely there must be good foods that do no promote crystals that are available elsewhere. It's not like these foods are drugs! But then I am just beginning this journey. SignatureJean B. > > You can only get Prescription foods at the vet. > > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > promote crystals that are available elsewhere. It's not like > these foods are drugs! But then I am just beginning this journey. Probably so that people who shouldn't feed their cats the prescription foods, don't. IOW - sort of like prescription Vs. OTC drugs. Hill's Prescription Diet foods are available only at the vets', whereas Hill's Science Diet regular foods are available at pet supply stores. Cathy > Probably so that people who shouldn't feed their cats the prescription > foods, don't. IOW - sort of like prescription Vs. OTC drugs. Hill's > Prescription Diet foods are available only at the vets', whereas Hill's > Science Diet regular foods are available at pet supply stores. > > Cathy I wonder what would motivate folks who don't have to use such foods to buy them? I really have to read up on this here (boy, I don't relish getting into THOSE interminable threads) and elsewhere on the net. (Not saying I will ignore the vet's advice, but I want to educate myself too. I guess it would be wise to start doing that before Mingy is released, so I can ask whatever questions occur to me at that time.) SignatureJean B. > That's how I got the Hills Special Prescription Diet was at the vet. > Icarus has to eat it for 3 weeks. But I am also giving it to the other > cats as a preventative. I think you might be able to get Hills at Petsmart > but I went with what the vet prescribed at first since he only needs a cup > a day of the dry food. I mixed it with the old food so they can easily > transition over to it. Did you ask the vet about mixing the prescription food with the old for Icarus? I'm not sure that's a good idea. I thought the whole deal with the Rx food is it is specially formulated to stop the crystals from formulating. If mixed with regualr food, it won't be as effective. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG Yes, I did ask about letting the other cats have it and the vet said it would not harm the cats. I mixed it with the other dry to get Icarus to eat it as I have read that cats take the new food a lot easier than not touching it at all. Icarus wouldn't touch the prescription food when he was seperated last night but when I mixed it with the old food he started eating it. I also have been exchanging emails with others whos cats also had a UTI and that's what they did as well with no ill effects. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com >> That's how I got the Hills Special Prescription Diet was at the vet. >> Icarus has to eat it for 3 weeks. But I am also giving it to the other [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > the Rx food is it is specially formulated to stop the crystals from > formulating. If mixed with regualr food, it won't be as effective. > Did you ask the vet about mixing the prescription food with the old for > Icarus? I'm not sure that's a good idea. I thought the whole deal with the [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > kelly at farringtons dot net > "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG I asked, and the initial response was favorable. That may change when I go to pick Mingy up. I would just do that to try to avoid intestinal upsets from an abrupt transition. SignatureJean B. I talked to someone last night whos cat had a UTI and he two mixed the old with the new to get his cat to transition over. It seems like the popular thing to do. SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > I asked, and the initial response was favorable. That may change > when I go to pick Mingy up. I would just do that to try to avoid > intestinal upsets from an abrupt transition. > I talked to someone last night whos cat had a UTI and he two mixed the old > with the new to get his cat to transition over. It seems like the popular > thing to do. I asked the vet about that AGAIN, and she said that was fine. It really seems like there is a lot of disagreement about these things, even among the vets! SignatureJean B. > That's how I got the Hills Special Prescription Diet was at the vet. Icarus > has to eat it for 3 weeks. But I am also giving it to the other cats as a > preventative. I think you might be able to get Hills at Petsmart but I went > with what the vet prescribed at first since he only needs a cup a day of the > dry food. I mixed it with the old food so they can easily transition over to > it. Right. I asked about mixing it at first, maybe not optimal from some points of view, but better in some ways too. I will also do research on foods for his condition, whether that turns out to JUST be struvite crystals or whether there turn out to be other issues. I want him to have whatever food (actually I would prefer FOODS) are best for him, preferably wet and dry. I may get a new fountain for him too. I got one a few years ago, and it leaked. Maybe they are better now. And I will lay in a supply of ice cubes. He drinks a lot when he has ice floating in his water. SignatureJean B. >> My vet prescribed both dry and canned food. He is eating Hills s/d dry and >> c/d canned and of course a/d. He doesn't like it too much but the other cats [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > since I would do it gradually. The wet food will be an issue > though. So is Hill's just available at the vet's? Hills c/d is usually the first they try. There are a couple of other brands from the vet too. The whole "dry food" thing is still debated by some vets. They are beginning to come around to the fact that high quality wet food is important, but it is not universal. They will definitely admit that water intake is inmportant and cats being desert animals are used to getting water through their food (live prey) so, unless Mingy drinks a LOT of water, I would sure consider a very high quality wet food, with c/d as support (Since I don't recall seeing c/d in a canned version, but there may be one. Hills usually has both even for their prescription foods. You should definitely ask). My cats have the Eukanuba dry as a supplement to their wet food rather than the Hills c/d. |
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