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- Sep 14, 2015
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Wasn't sure where to place this post - so I'll start here. If anyone can recommend where else to post this, please advise. Thanks.
I’m having some behavior as well as dietary/physical problems with my cat, Montana (9 yo). First a brief history. I lost a very special cat 3 months ago. I know I have been grieving so much; and I suspect so has Montana as they got along so well.
I fed them both the same thing for 9 years. A constant supply of Natural Balance dry food, and ½ small can of wet food in the evening (Wellness, Natural Balance). I never saw any problems with their eating until everything changed and Montana is not the kind of cat that is easy to understand.
First & foremost, I noticed that Montana was vomiting more than he should be (at least once every other day). Sometimes it was right after he ate; other times is was several hours later. Simultaneously, he also began to be finicky with what he used to eat. He suddenly stopped eating what he used to and I went through many cans/flavors to see what he would eat and narrow it down. I finally narrowed it down to 2 things which he seemed to like. Then, suddenly, I’d put these foods down and he’d turn away. What he DOES want is those Purina Treats which I gave him after he ate sometimes. It was the only thing he would eat and often I’d rather see him eat what’s good for him rather than just treats, but his crying for food, even when he’s hungry makes me give in sometimes and I give him the treats he wants. I even started putting the treats inside the food and some on top. At first he went for that and I was relieved. I found something that worked. But now, that is failing and all he wants are the treats alone. I did not think a cat could survive on just ‘treats’ until I brought him to my vet.
I brought him in because I was concerned about the vomiting, so he was examined and given a blood test and all came back normal. I could give him an ultrasound to see if anything wrong with his GI tract, but I have a feeling it’s not that serious and the test is very expensive. So, the vet is trying to diagnose what is commonly very difficult to diagnose.
When I told the vet about his predilection to just ‘treats’ – it was ironic because one of her cats eats just treats because, like Montana, it’s all her cat want to eat. I’m thinking now if perhaps I put some vitamins in with the treats to meet his nutritional needs, that maybe it would be OK.
His behavior is another thing, but I won’t get into that here. Right now, I just want him to eat what he’s used to eating (and he’s refusing) and to stop vomiting every other day. If I refuse him treats because I want him to eat the regular food that he liked the day before, it becomes a standoff and he is relentless with his crying and looking up at me until I give in out of frustration.
I’m still going through a lot missing my soulcat and this problem is not making it any easier. I want him to be happy & healthy.
To be honest, the combination of these 2 problems is driving me crazy. I have wasted so much food and then when I finally do find food that he likes, a few days later, he doesn’t like it anymore. I promised myself I wouldn’t give him any more treats – EVER – but he wins that battle so I can be left a lone for awhile.
I’m having some behavior as well as dietary/physical problems with my cat, Montana (9 yo). First a brief history. I lost a very special cat 3 months ago. I know I have been grieving so much; and I suspect so has Montana as they got along so well.
I fed them both the same thing for 9 years. A constant supply of Natural Balance dry food, and ½ small can of wet food in the evening (Wellness, Natural Balance). I never saw any problems with their eating until everything changed and Montana is not the kind of cat that is easy to understand.
First & foremost, I noticed that Montana was vomiting more than he should be (at least once every other day). Sometimes it was right after he ate; other times is was several hours later. Simultaneously, he also began to be finicky with what he used to eat. He suddenly stopped eating what he used to and I went through many cans/flavors to see what he would eat and narrow it down. I finally narrowed it down to 2 things which he seemed to like. Then, suddenly, I’d put these foods down and he’d turn away. What he DOES want is those Purina Treats which I gave him after he ate sometimes. It was the only thing he would eat and often I’d rather see him eat what’s good for him rather than just treats, but his crying for food, even when he’s hungry makes me give in sometimes and I give him the treats he wants. I even started putting the treats inside the food and some on top. At first he went for that and I was relieved. I found something that worked. But now, that is failing and all he wants are the treats alone. I did not think a cat could survive on just ‘treats’ until I brought him to my vet.
I brought him in because I was concerned about the vomiting, so he was examined and given a blood test and all came back normal. I could give him an ultrasound to see if anything wrong with his GI tract, but I have a feeling it’s not that serious and the test is very expensive. So, the vet is trying to diagnose what is commonly very difficult to diagnose.
When I told the vet about his predilection to just ‘treats’ – it was ironic because one of her cats eats just treats because, like Montana, it’s all her cat want to eat. I’m thinking now if perhaps I put some vitamins in with the treats to meet his nutritional needs, that maybe it would be OK.
His behavior is another thing, but I won’t get into that here. Right now, I just want him to eat what he’s used to eating (and he’s refusing) and to stop vomiting every other day. If I refuse him treats because I want him to eat the regular food that he liked the day before, it becomes a standoff and he is relentless with his crying and looking up at me until I give in out of frustration.
I’m still going through a lot missing my soulcat and this problem is not making it any easier. I want him to be happy & healthy.
To be honest, the combination of these 2 problems is driving me crazy. I have wasted so much food and then when I finally do find food that he likes, a few days later, he doesn’t like it anymore. I promised myself I wouldn’t give him any more treats – EVER – but he wins that battle so I can be left a lone for awhile.