Am I overreacting?

[Kwik]

Still struggling with getting Twyla back to eating after this last vet visit. She turned up her nose at both wet and dry food yesterday evening, overnight and this morning. She ate baby food last night and a couple of Temptations purées this morning as well as about a quarter of a can of wet food with phos-bind added (not a low phos food). I gave her a couple of pieces of Hooper’s dry food as a test which she gobbled up (of course, because she is not allowed). I know she would eat probably eat a serving of that If I gave it to her but I’m not going down that road because the phosphorus level is way too high. She has had 2 doses of Mirataz 36 hours apart that haven’t done much and has had Cerenia two days in a row.

Prior to the vet visit she had an excellent appetite with a weekly “boost” from the Mirataz so this is not normal for her.I’m hoping she will get excited over the prescription food when it gets here since she loved the sample.

We are having severe weather today which likely isn’t helping. I am taking a work from home day though plan to run out to get more baby food and some Fortiflora as an appetite enhancer. I am praying this is just a bump in the road and not the start of a serious decline.

Her attitude is good and she’s being very snuggly with the weather.

Weather plays a significant role I'm sure- you in the States? Might I mention during an eclipse animals get very screwy! True

 

[Twylasmom]

Weather plays a significant role I'm sure- you in the States? Might I mention during an eclipse animals get very screwy! True

It has been cloudy and rainy since yesterday and severe weather forecast for tomorrow. Yes, in southern US. Twyla always hides when it storms, so that can disrupt her routine. I was home sick today, except for a trip out to get chicken soup for me and things to entice Twyla. She has made baby steps today - ate maybe a tablespoon of dry food with Fortiflora and a bit of wet food. Still a ways to go to her normal intake but at least it’s a start.

 

[Kwik]

It has been cloudy and rainy since yesterday and severe weather forecast for tomorrow. Yes, in southern US. Twyla always hides when it storms, so that can disrupt her routine. I was home sick today, except for a trip out to get chicken soup for me and things to entice Twyla. She has made baby steps today - ate maybe a tablespoon of dry food with Fortiflora and a bit of wet food. Still a ways to go to her normal intake but at least it’s a start.

Glad to hear she is making steps forward- I think between the Vet visit and bad weather her anxiety got the best of her ....I'm sorry you were sick but on the other hand your day off probably helped her to get back in the swing of things,sweet girl- prayers for Twyla

 

[Twylasmom]

She is back to eating well. The Fortiflora topper did the trick! Such a relief!

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[Twylasmom]

Boy, I hate the picky eating days. I broke down and gave her some moderate phosphorus wet food with binder to get her jump started. It’s been a good couple of weeks though. She mostly likes her prescription dry but is very hit or miss on wet foods. She only gets a half a can at a time since she is a nibbles and she always turns away the second half, even if I sit it out to reach room temperature first.

Earlier this week she devoured half a can of prescription tuna pate, but hasn’t touched any of it since.

 

[Twylasmom]

I am chalking up the pickiness to my 4 month old tube of Mirataz. Started a new tube last night and she has been an eating machine today, her usual response to getting mirtzed.

However, this new tube is only about 2/3 full. I had to flatten about half the tube before anything came out. Usually the med comes out with hardly a squeeze with a new tube. This was the first tube I was able to get after the shortage and hope this isn’t going to be an ongoing issue. It’s not cheap!

 

[Mac and Cats]

I am chalking up the pickiness to my 4 month old tube of Mirataz. Started a new tube last night and she has been an eating machine today, her usual response to getting mirtzed.

However, this new tube is only about 2/3 full. I had to flatten about half the tube before anything came out. Usually the med comes out with hardly a squeeze with a new tube. This was the first tube I was able to get after the shortage and hope this isn’t going to be an ongoing issue. It’s not cheap!

Are you able to give pills to your girl? I find those work better than the ointment. Where do you fill your prescription at? You can fill both the ointment and pill at Costco and I'm fairly certain they are less expensive there. You don't have to be a member to get prescriptions filled there. I haven't filled mine for awhile so I can't tell you the cost. But you can call the location near you and ask their pricing.

 

[Twylasmom]

Are you able to give pills to your girl? I find those work better than the ointment. Where do you fill your prescription at? You can fill both the ointment and pill at Costco and I'm fairly certain they are less expensive there. You don't have to be a member to get prescriptions filled there. I haven't filled mine for awhile so I can't tell you the cost. But you can call the location near you and ask their pricing.

She already gets multiple meds orally twice daily, and an inhaler once daily, so I prefer the gel. The Mirataz is generally reliable and a tube lasts over 3 months on her current dosing schedule, so I don’t mind the cost, as long as I am getting a full amount. I was just surprised that the tube was obviously not completely filled.

I get my refills from my vet. It may be a little more expensive but is more convenient than Costco, and I can call them and get meds same day or the next, which is helpful when there are multiple meds that never run out at the same time! I do get her asthma meds from a Canadian pharmacy and save hundreds of dollars on that!

 

[Mac and Cats]

She already gets multiple meds orally twice daily, and an inhaler once daily, so I prefer the gel. The Mirataz is generally reliable and a tube lasts over 3 months on her current dosing schedule, so I don’t mind the cost, as long as I am getting a full amount. I was just surprised that the tube was obviously not completely filled.

I get my refills from my vet. It may be a little more expensive but is more convenient than Costco, and I can call them and get meds same day or the next, which is helpful when there are multiple meds that never run out at the same time! I do get her asthma meds from a Canadian pharmacy and save hundreds of dollars on that!

Ah ok. My cats get multiple pills daily too and it's so small that I just stick the pills in a gel cap and that way they're only taking "one" pill. I also get the inhaler from a Canadian pharmacy and it is SO MUCH cheaper. I am a little annoyed with our vet because they tried talking me out of a generic Cerenia prescription. They try to discourage "outside" pharmacy prescriptions because they refuse to deal with "outside pharmacies" and won't fax or take calls So I have to physically mail it in. But I found it to be $18 cheaper than the name brand through an online pharmacy. I'm fine with mailing it in myself because to me it's worth it since we pay so much for other prescriptions for two elderly cats. I need to save where and whenever I can to keep them going!

 

[Twylasmom]

Ah ok. My cats get multiple pills daily too and it's so small that I just stick the pills in a gel cap and that way they're only taking "one" pill. I also get the inhaler from a Canadian pharmacy and it is SO MUCH cheaper. I am a little annoyed with our vet because they tried talking me out of a generic Cerenia prescription. They try to discourage "outside" pharmacy prescriptions because they refuse to deal with "outside pharmacies" and won't fax or take calls So I have to physically mail it in. But I found it to be $18 cheaper than the name brand through an online pharmacy. I'm fine with mailing it in myself because to me it's worth it since we pay so much for other prescriptions for two elderly cats. I need to save where and whenever I can to keep them going!

Gel caps are a life saver with multiple medications! My vet recently switched from regular Cerenia to the generic, which is a considerable savings, and they are the ones who recommended a Canadian pharmacy for the inhaler.

 

[IzzysfureverMom]

Food trials have been hit or miss and there hasn’t been anything she likes consistently. Her appetite overall seems decreased and she didn’t eat much at all today, which is really unusual for her. No nausea, vomiting or signs of discomfort, but walked away from all wet food meals after eating really well yesterday. Did enthusiastically eat some dry and her bite of flaked tuna after her inhaler.

She is on a very low dose of gabapentin - could that affect her appetite? Should I ask my vet for an appetite stimulant or try sprinkling Fortiflora on her food first (I’ve never tried that)?

Hi
My girl gets gabapentin, it has never affected her appetite. Even when she gets a higher dose to go to the vet. Call your vet just to be sure it is not. She probably just is not feeling well. You know how they hide things. Wishing you and Twyla the very best.

 

[Kwik]

It has been cloudy and rainy since yesterday and severe weather forecast for tomorrow. Yes, in southern US. Twyla always hides when it storms, so that can disrupt her routine. I was home sick today, except for a trip out to get chicken soup for me and things to entice Twyla. She has made baby steps today - ate maybe a tablespoon of dry food with Fortiflora and a bit of wet food. Still a ways to go to her normal intake but at least it’s a start.

How's Twyla doing ? Is she getting her appetite back and more into her routine again?

You know I'm sure your Vet told you that Gabapentin can cause a decreased appetite in some cats and yet an increased appetite in others- these are both reported side effects of the drug and still there are cats that don't experience any side effects at all - just like humans they are all different,just be sure to let your Vet know of any symptoms you notice after taking any medications especially if they persist..... Sometimes just a dosage adjustment can alleviate side effects,both common and unexpected

I do hope she's leveling out now,it's so hard to get it just right with cats and meds but it sounds like you have a great Vet thats easy to communicate with to work it all out

 

[Twylasmom]

How's Twyla doing ? Is she getting her appetite back and more into her routine again?

You know I'm sure your Vet told you that Gabapentin can cause a decreased appetite in some cats and yet an increased appetite in others- these are both reported side effects of the drug and still there are cats that don't experience any side effects at all - just like humans they are all different,just be sure to let your Vet know of any symptoms you notice after taking any medications especially if they persist..... Sometimes just a dosage adjustment can alleviate side effects,both common and unexpected

I do hope she's leveling out now,it's so hard to get it just right with cats and meds but it sounds like you have a great Vet thats easy to communicate with to work it all out

Twyla actually gets increased appetite with gabapentin (it gives her the munchies). Currently she only gets it before a vet visit though I do have some on hand for nerve pain if needed,

Unfortunately we are still struggling with appetite and for the first time Mirataz isn’t helping much. She is being extremely picky but will eat certain things with gusto (purees, baby food), is hit or miss with wet food and is really off her dry food (where she gets most of her calories). She has been pretty consistent with her prescription dry for over a month but now refuses it - but if I bury one piece of regular dry food in the bowl she will seek it out and eat it. It does seem to be partly smell related. If it smells strong she is more likely to eat it. The pickiness has been going on for about a week now and I am a little concerned that it may be her CKD progressing. Finger crossed it’s only temporary.

Also, I figured out what was going on with the partially empty tube of Mirataz I got at my last refill. I compared the tube itself to an older tube and the new one was slightly larger, so I’m assuming it’s the same amount of medicine, just in a bigger container. There was a supply chain issue with Mirataz and my guess is they weren’t able to source the proper size tubes.

 

[Twylasmom]

I’m happy to report that Twyla is eating much better. I had been noticing that her arthritis was making her a bit stiff and uncomfortable so I reintroduced a low daily dose of gabapentin (which I had been giving before she started Solensia over a year ago). It seems to be giving her relief and may be helping a bit with appetite. I’ve also started putting a small amount of Hooper’s kibble in a baggie with aluminum hydroxide and using it as a topper on her meals. I have to make a show that she is getting something from Hooper’s feeding area. Two pieces gets her going and then she’ll eat the other food. And if she sits by ner bowl and doesn’t eat, rather than offering something else or trying to coax her, I just walk away. She gives up and starts eating! She is my strong-willed girl. We are on day 3 with no Mirataz and is eating better then when she got it two days in a row. I’m sure she’ll need some again soon.

 

[Kwik]

I’m happy to report that Twyla is eating much better. I had been noticing that her arthritis was making her a bit stiff and uncomfortable so I reintroduced a low daily dose of gabapentin (which I had been giving before she started Solensia over a year ago). It seems to be giving her relief and may be helping a bit with appetite. I’ve also started putting a small amount of Hooper’s kibble in a baggie with aluminum hydroxide and using it as a topper on her meals. I have to make a show that she is getting something from Hooper’s feeding area. Two pieces gets her going and then she’ll eat the other food. And if she sits by ner bowl and doesn’t eat, rather than offering something else or trying to coax her, I just walk away. She gives up and starts eating! She is my strong-willed girl. We are on day 3 with no Mirataz and is eating better then when she got it two days in a row. I’m sure she’ll need some again soon.

Nice!!!!You certainly persevere- you are a great Catmama.....whatever it takes,right?

I think you are right about pain and discomfort adding to the problem,I know when I'm terribly uncomfortable I'm much less inclined to eat.....poor baby,thank God she has YOU

 

[Twylasmom]

Continuing to struggle with feeding issues. She’ll be great for a week or two and then….not. Mirataz sometimes really seems to work and then not at all. Her weight has dipped below 12 pounds for the first time in over a year, not drastically, but a drop. I think she is also dealing with seasonal allergies which may be impacting her sense of smell as she is more attracted to stronger smelling foods. That could explain why she is more interested in wet food and almost totally shunning the prescription dry that she has been devouring. I have ordered some Young Again dry food to try as the phosphorus level is comparable to her prescription diet. It seems really calorie dense so even using it as treats could help. I’ve read it can cause diarrhea which concerns me a little.

She is not vomiting at all (maybe one regurgitation in the past two months, but no real vomit or stomach acid/water) and is getting Cerenia for nausea.

It is definitely summer here and hot! That might be a factor as well even though the house is cool. Hooper isn’t eating as much either.

 

[Twylasmom]

I don’t know what’s going on. Does she just dislike all the low phosphorus options she’s been eating? She loved the first bag of prescription ocean fish dry and now will not touch it (or her Hills 11+ which she also loved). Temptations? Yes. Hooper’s Purina One Tender Selects? Yes! But now she will only sniff out the latter two, eat them and leave the rest. I do put the Temptations in a bag with some binder to alleviate some of the phosphorus. I only let her have a piece or two of the Tender Selects.

Same with wet food. She liked the tuna pate I got from the vet, which had a great pate texture. The case I got from Chewy is a more sticky gummy texture and she hates it. It also seems like it is more difficult for her to eat, she will lick on it for a few minutes and not make much progress. In desperation I have given her two different Fancy Feasts (both low phos for Fancy Feast) with binder added and she ate those right down. (Both were bits in gravy and seem easier to eat) But that’s what I was feeding before and it wasn’t keeping her phosphorus down enough.

She loves the Temptations purées and baby food but those aren’t nutritionally complete. I think part of the problem is she likes variety - in the past two years she has been on three different dry foods (two were prescription) and likes to rotate wet options. She will not eat any Weruva foods. I feel like I am running out of options. Mirataz does not seem to be helping much - this new batch doesn’t seem as effective.

I’m just not sure how to proceed. We’ve been through spells like this before. Considering a vet visit to check out her mouth for possible issues and to see if anything else is going on, but I hate to put her through an extra visit if I don’t have to. But it’s on the list if her weight starts to go down any further. She has been hovering right around 12 pounds but the last couple of weigh ins have been about four to six ounces under.

 

[Kwik]

I don’t know what’s going on. Does she just dislike all the low phosphorus options she’s been eating? She loved the first bag of prescription ocean fish dry and now will not touch it (or her Hills 11+ which she also loved). Temptations? Yes. Hooper’s Purina One Tender Selects? Yes! But now she will only sniff out the latter two, eat them and leave the rest. I do put the Temptations in a bag with some binder to alleviate some of the phosphorus. I only let her have a piece or two of the Tender Selects.

Same with wet food. She liked the tuna pate I got from the vet, which had a great pate texture. The case I got from Chewy is a more sticky gummy texture and she hates it. It also seems like it is more difficult for her to eat, she will lick on it for a few minutes and not make much progress. In desperation I have given her two different Fancy Feasts (both low phos for Fancy Feast) with binder added and she ate those right down. (Both were bits in gravy and seem easier to eat) But that’s what I was feeding before and it wasn’t keeping her phosphorus down enough.

She loves the Temptations purées and baby food but those aren’t nutritionally complete. I think part of the problem is she likes variety - in the past two years she has been on three different dry foods (two were prescription) and likes to rotate wet options. She will not eat any Weruva foods. I feel like I am running out of options. Mirataz does not seem to be helping much - this new batch doesn’t seem as effective.

I’m just not sure how to proceed. We’ve been through spells like this before. Considering a vet visit to check out her mouth for possible issues and to see if anything else is going on, but I hate to put her through an extra visit if I don’t have to. But it’s on the list if her weight starts to go down any further. She has been hovering right around 12 pounds but the last couple of weigh ins have been about four to six ounces under.

I know how terribly frustrated you must be - Im so sorry you are going through all of these food issues,very stressful

It might very well be the consistency of those foods that do not appeal to her but how the heck can you tell,it ain't easy that's for sure

I think it's a good idea to bring her in to the Vet for the extra visit as you mentioned,I would..... At least to rule out what it isn't ,it's difficult to figure out so process of elimination might help a lot,surely it cannot hurt and hopefully make you feel a heck of a lot better too......

 

[Twylasmom]

I know how terribly frustrated you must be - Im so sorry you are going through all of these food issues,very stressful

It might very well be the consistency of those foods that do not appeal to her but how the heck can you tell,it ain't easy that's for sure

I think it's a good idea to bring her in to the Vet for the extra visit as you mentioned,I would..... At least to rule out what it isn't ,it's difficult to figure out so process of elimination might help a lot,surely it cannot hurt and hopefully make you feel a heck of a lot better too......

I keep telling myself to not freak out when this happens, and have been fairly successful, but none of my usual tricks seem to be working this time, especially the Mirataz.I’m going to stick with different food options today and pick up a couple other options. If I don’t see some improvement in the next couple of days I will give the vet a call. She seems OK otherwise, played some yesterday, snuggled all night and spent the early morning laying on my chest and patting me on the face. She also exhibits her “I want food behaviors” which include pawing on me, or whatever I happen to be sitting on. Just doesn’t want “mama approved” foods.