Charlie: The Food Trial Diaries (ibd / Food Allergy (sensitivity) Or Stress)

verna davies

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Have you tried putting a small amount of wet and a small amount of dry in different bowls but side by side. As the owner of a picky eater this often works for me. Mine will dip into the wet then dry then wet and so on. One weird cat.
 
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FeralHearts

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:lol:
I promise at least one cat somewhere has eaten at least one (sometimes more) ingredient of that list, including my own boy (he will wake up from the deepest sleep when he hears the reddi whip can :tongue:)
:flail:Priceless. You know that is number one on my shopping list now. OMG if Charlie eats that I will practically die laughing.

Sigh. Me, too! I've now tried beef, lamb, rabbit and duck wet foods and so far no luck! Tonight I got her to eat half a portion I served by crushing up her kibble and putting it on top. She's so smart (or stubborn?) she just licks off the top layer and then stops so I have to put more on to get her to eat it...

My next stop might be raw, home cooked or baby food. I'm going to quickly run out of brands/novel proteins she just won't touch though I'm trying to be patient. Haven't tried adding broth yet, either. Or a lot of those on Furballsmom Furballsmom excellent list.

I'm crossing my fingers for you F FeralHearts ! If you discover the secret, please let me know!
*sigh* We do have willful children don't we!

Does yours like purebites? I push a few small bits right into the wet food and then I then crush one into power and sprinkle on top. (as yup - he'll lick if off too otherwise) 'sometimes' it makes him take a bite as they are pressed in and he LOVES them so he tries to get them.

The dry food I've been sprinkling FortiFlora on it. Odd but he sorta likes that most days. It does have beef in it. Beef he always hated. He's not had it since he was a baby - so I'm going to try that at some point too.

I have this terrible feeling we will end up cooking for them. That terrifies me to be honest, but, if that's what it takes.

*Crosses fingers for you too* We can do this!

Have you tried putting a small amount of wet and a small amount of dry in different bowls but side by side. As the owner of a picky eater this often works for me. Mine will dip into the wet then dry then wet and so on. One weird cat.
*nods* he gets dry food every night at bed with his last wet food meal. He takes bite of it but not much. He picks at it during my sleep hours. (We are changing his dry food up too - so it's a double whammy.) He doesn't do the dip though - that would be hilarious to watch! It does help him get a little food into him so he doesn't get sick though. That's something?

Weird cats for sure!

I remember saying to one of my vets a few years back that I wanted Charlie to eat more of a variety as I didn't want him picky and spoiled - her reply "Oh sweetie, I hate to tell you this but that ship sailed a long time ago." :flail:

What is your picky eaters favorite food?
 

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Yes... I don't know where Amber could possibly get it from? (me probably...!)

She does not like PureBites. I bought them for her and she won't touch them. She only likes crunchy treats! She loves Temptations, but I've stopped giving them now. She'll eat these VitalCat freeze dried rabbit bites I just got though.

She liked Fortiflora the first time I added it to her food, but she doesn't seem impressed anymore.

Other foods she loved in the past include goldfish crackers, cheese, cheerios and milk... I'll be back at the store tomorrow to get some more supplies! Hopefully we find something that works!

"I have this terrible feeling we will end up cooking for them. That terrifies me to be honest, but, if that's what it takes." - agreed. I have no idea how to cook meat being a vegetarian but I'll figure it out if I have to!
Let us know how its going.
 

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Has your vet mentioned blood allergy testing? Mowgli is our second cat with food allergies (he has IBD; our last cat had EGC and hyperesthesia).
In both cases the tests were spot on, and we've had several dogs and cats at the shelter tested, with definitive results.

It won't help you determine what your cat will eat, but it should tell you what proteins or carbs you shouldn't try in the first place.

The RC hydrolyzed protein food didn't work for Mowgli at all, though I've seen it work for other cats. IIRC, he was on an elimination diet from June to January, with a new protein being added after about 4 - 6 weeks. His test results indicated he couldn't tolerate chicken, most fish, or any grains at all. He's fine with (sweet) potatoes and turnips as well as somewhat exotic meats like horse, rabbit, kangaroo, reindeer, goat, and buffalo. He's not a picky eater at all, plus there's a wide variety of LID pet foods in Germany, so the food trials were fairly easy, fortunately.
 

verna davies

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I find this strange. Last year when my cat was having diarrhoea issues and all the tests came back negative, I asked my vet to test for allergies. He told me there is no such test, he even checked with a specialist. I had to go down the food trial route before I found out which he had a problem with.
 

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Has your vet mentioned blood allergy testing? Mowgli is our second cat with food allergies (he has IBD; our last cat had EGC and hyperesthesia).
In both cases the tests were spot on, and we've had several dogs and cats at the shelter tested, with definitive results.
I find this strange. Last year when my cat was having diarrhoea issues and all the tests came back negative, I asked my vet to test for allergies. He told me there is no such test, he even checked with a specialist. I had to go down the food trial route before I found out which he had a problem with.
I would love to know more about food allergy testing for cats as well. A lot of vet sites I looked at suggest that there is no testing for food allergies, which is why I never pursued it. If they are wrong I would really love to have this done. If doctors can do food allergy testing for humans then why can't vets do it for cats?
 

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Why dont you start a thread on the subject. I think several members have had the tests. You could put your questions to them.
Yes, I don't want to hijack Feral's thread :) I did a search on the site and found a recent thread on the topic Serum Allergy Testing . I also phoned a local dermatology clinic and they said the tests were possible but not accurate and not generally recommended. Too bad!
 
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FeralHearts

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Has your vet mentioned blood allergy testing? Mowgli is our second cat with food allergies (he has IBD; our last cat had EGC and hyperesthesia).
In both cases the tests were spot on, and we've had several dogs and cats at the shelter tested, with definitive results.

It won't help you determine what your cat will eat, but it should tell you what proteins or carbs you shouldn't try in the first place.

The RC hydrolyzed protein food didn't work for Mowgli at all, though I've seen it work for other cats. IIRC, he was on an elimination diet from June to January, with a new protein being added after about 4 - 6 weeks. His test results indicated he couldn't tolerate chicken, most fish, or any grains at all. He's fine with (sweet) potatoes and turnips as well as somewhat exotic meats like horse, rabbit, kangaroo, reindeer, goat, and buffalo. He's not a picky eater at all, plus there's a wide variety of LID pet foods in Germany, so the food trials were fairly easy, fortunately.
I'm so glad to hear that Mowgli was easy :-) Good kitty!

Germany has always been more advanced in many ways so the allergy testing may be better there than here.

Here (Canada / North America) I've been told by all the vets not to bother. That they were expensive and inaccurate. I was really hoping to go that root this time as I really didn't want to stress the poor cat out any more than he has been. (He's been through a lot lately.) The Vet said the same thing again this time - don't bother with the allergy testing - it's 99% of the time not accurate enough and can flat out be wrong.

I find this strange. Last year when my cat was having diarrhoea issues and all the tests came back negative, I asked my vet to test for allergies. He told me there is no such test, he even checked with a specialist. I had to go down the food trial route before I found out which he had a problem with.
They were probably trying to save you the money. Technically what they've said is accurate as testing for allergies, at least here, it is expensive and often wrong. So with that in mind - does the test exist if it's not accurate? ;-) All my vets have said simply that it's not worth it and that the only way to know for sure is the elimination diet.

I would have paid the higher price if they said it was accurate. :-(

I would love to know more about food allergy testing for cats as well. A lot of vet sites I looked at suggest that there is no testing for food allergies, which is why I never pursued it. If they are wrong I would really love to have this done. If doctors can do food allergy testing for humans then why can't vets do it for cats?
The human one isn't that great either - this is why humans with IBD or a sensitive stomach / Crones and Gluten intolerances also do elimination diets. There are a few specific tests - like lactose intolerance that are fairly accurate but only a few.

The medical industry sometimes likes to fool us that they know all.

As my old Dr said (he passed away - broke my heart) - you could have 1000 things wrong with you and I have tests for 50. After that 50 come back as a no - I better be very good at what I do. He always said medicine was 10% science and 90% creativity /problem-solving.

Yes, I don't want to hijack Feral's thread :) I did a search on the site and found a recent thread on the topic Serum Allergy Testing . I also phoned a local dermatology clinic and they said the tests were possible but not accurate and not generally recommended. Too bad!
Go ahead and hijack all you need. This is all about learning and our experiences so we can help the next poor soul traveling this nightmare road. :D
 
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Wile

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The human one isn't that great either - this is why humans with IBD or a sensitive stomach / Crones and Gluten intolerances also do elimination diets. There are a few specific tests - like lactose intolerance that are fairly accurate but only a few.
This makes a lot of sense. The vet tech I was speaking to today mentioned that she's seen these food allergy tests results come back showing allergies to humans :biggrin: I'm sure it is possible, but most of us aren't feeding our cats soylent green. :flail:
 
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FeralHearts

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Day 3: So on the HURRAY news - Charlie actually ate the Simply Nourish - LID - Duck and pea this morning. *Ahem* with Reddiwhip (just a little)- not kidding. It got weirder - he cried for more. I reduced the amount of reddiwhip and he ate seconds. I did jump for joy in a big way.

I'm not getting to overexcited as he's got my hopes up before and two days later - BAM! Hunger strike... but .. it's still something.

I have no idea how to explain that to the vet LOL I have no idea how to explain what I witnessed. Wth. Cats are really bizarre.

On the down side - he sadly had a meltdown tonight. I'm bleeding in many places. It was redirected aggression. A nasty bout of it. *sigh* He's upstairs now listening to harp music *thank you Furballsmom Furballsmom that does help him. I had to step outside as it drove me to tears. Not because he hurt me, but I worry the stress will cause more bladder and kidney issues. We're both okay now though. The behavior is next on my list, though I'm trying to do some of that now without adding too much stress to the mix. *sigh*

Yes... I don't know where Amber could possibly get it from? (me probably...!)

She does not like PureBites. I bought them for her and she won't touch them. She only likes crunchy treats! She loves Temptations, but I've stopped giving them now. She'll eat these VitalCat freeze dried rabbit bites I just got though.

She liked Fortiflora the first time I added it to her food, but she doesn't seem impressed anymore.
LOL @ getting it from you. Mostly that's a good trait. Except when we are trying to make them healthy!

Oh good that she likes the Freezedried rabbit - maybe you can manipulate her with those?

I could never explain the FortiFlora with Charlie. After rejecting everything in the known universe, to like that, made no sense. I worry he will become unimpressed too. I won't be shocked if he does.


Other foods she loved in the past include goldfish crackers, cheese, cheerios and milk... I'll be back at the store tomorrow to get some more supplies! Hopefully we find something that works!
Goldfish cracks? Yeah - cats are total weirdos. That was added to the shopping list now 'cause I know the tricks work once or twice normally and then I'm back to "Please kitty eat!!". Maybe it will be different this time for both of us? After all - we have a shopping list! *muhahahaha* Bring it on kitties! The mamas and friends have this!


"I have this terrible feeling we will end up cooking for them. That terrifies me to be honest, but, if that's what it takes." - agreed. I have no idea how to cook meat being a vegetarian but I'll figure it out if I have to!
Let us know how its going.
Too funny! When I spoke to the receptionist at the vet today we were joking about Charlie maybe being a vegetarian since the dry food she prescribed is mostly soy and it's the first one, other than his normal, he's actually given a chance.

If we have to cook you and I will beg Wile Wile for recipes. I used to be Vegan so I know how you feel. I still suck at cooking meat and don't each much of it. My life became to hectic to stay balanced so I had to concede. The only upside is no VitB shots every three months.

We can do this!

Oh, yeah, yeah, goldfish crackers!

:crossfingers:
Holy Bizarre! The list gets most wacky all the time lol I love it. Total creativity!

goodness, turnips?!
LOL the more I read - the more I realize how little I understand cats and eating.


This makes a lot of sense. The vet tech I was speaking to today mentioned that she's seen these food allergy tests results come back showing allergies to humans :biggrin: I'm sure it is possible, but most of us aren't feeding our cats soylent green. :flail:
:flail:Maybe that's it - it's not a food allergy Charlie has - he's allergic to me!

It's a shame they aren't good. People can talk and say "Yep - I eat this and it hurts, or, my tummy feels bad or.." and as we all know it can be really hard to read the subtle signs they give.

Cats do not make anything easy. *sigh* but we do love them. :heartshape:
 

Wile

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If we have to cook you and I will beg Wile Wile for recipes. I used to be Vegan so I know how you feel. I still suck at cooking meat and don't each much of it. My life became to hectic to stay balanced so I had to concede. The only upside is no VitB shots every three months.
Glad to hear he's eating! Very exciting news. The redirected aggression isn't fun... hopefully once his health issues are solved it will get better. It's so hard to tell when they are sick.

The recipes that I use are all available for free online here: http://www.hilarysblend.ca/CookBook-Recipe-List.aspx
They are super simple to make if it turns out that you need to. I just order the nutritional supplement through my vet. I would feed canned food if it worked though :) He just doesn't tolerate it well.
 
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FeralHearts

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Glad to hear he's eating! Very exciting news. The redirected aggression isn't fun... hopefully once his health issues are solved it will get better. It's so hard to tell when they are sick.

The recipes that I use are all available for free online here: http://www.hilarysblend.ca/CookBook-Recipe-List.aspx
They are super simple to make if it turns out that you need to. I just order the nutritional supplement through my vet. I would feed canned food if it worked though :) He just doesn't tolerate it well.
Me too - it was a step in the right direction! :-)

The aggression has always been there, since I brought the girls in, and he's not been well - it's just been way worse. It's my own fault really. I should have addressed it way sooner than this but I didn't know enough then. I assumed he was simply a cranky, picky cat and that it was part of his personality and accepted it as him being him. I know better now. *sigh* we live and learn!

XOXOX thank you so much for that link. I really hope we ( sidneykitty sidneykitty ) don't need it but if we do. It's so good to know that's an option. :-)
 

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Oh, my gosh Charlie!! You are NOT supposed to bite/scratch/shred the hand that is trying to feed you!!

If I may say so, I'm tickled pink about the reddiwhip, and I'm SO VERY glad the music is helping :musicnote::gift::musicnote:

Maybe some chamomile tea for you?
 
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FeralHearts

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Day 4: Steady progress. He ate most of the dry food last night. Doctored with FortiFlora. I had mixed slightly more of the awful Hydrolyzed food that's mostly soy. So some progress there. I hate this food though. Every time I use it I keep thinking about what horrible food it is. Then I remind myself. 13 weeks. Only 13 weeks. (Once it's by itself.)

Wouldn't touch the Simply Nourish - LID - Duck and pea this morning. I waited. Pulled out the Reddiwhip - and slowly checking it out - then 30 minutes later gooble gooble.

The vet is ordering some of the wet hydrolyzed. *shudders*

I am really beginning to think that the leg shredding is stress. The sensitive skin is probably the food - but that back leg. It's bad right now. I'm watching to make sure it doesn't become infected. It's the worst he's ever done to himself.

Oh, my gosh Charlie!! You are NOT supposed to bite/scratch/shred the hand that is trying to feed you!!
That's what I said to him! lol My cheek still hurts as he got my in the face too. Could be worse - could be the other "cheek" lol.

I figured out the trigger - I think. I was trimming his nails, which, he's never minded ever before, but it was downstairs by the girls. Maybe he felt to vulnerable? I won't do that again.

If I may say so, I'm tickled pink about the reddiwhip, and I'm SO VERY glad the music is helping :musicnote::gift::musicnote:

Maybe some chamomile tea for you?
Me too! :-) Thank you for that! I know it probably won't last long but it gives me one more thing to put into a "trick" bag for him. I can rotate the tricks out then. When one stops - I can start the other and so on.

I did have some tea :-) You trained me well. I have a stockpile of it.

Still looking for the right CBD oil for Charlie too. I have now three people looking. I'm being picky and making sure it's the right one. Pot is now legal hear so you'd think I'd have an easier time finding in - nope.
 

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I was trimming his nails, which, he's never minded ever before, but it was downstairs by the girls. Maybe he felt to vulnerable?
That could be, gosh, I'm sorry that happened, but hopefully he and you both recovered quickly! :vibes::heartshape:

You're right to be cautious with the CBD, --in order to find a true viable product as opposed to just hemp oil being sold as cbd, that sort of thing.

:hangin: :goldstar: :bouquet:
 

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Oh no I'm sorry to hear he freaked out :( that's awful. But that's amazing step he ate some of the duck with the reddiwhip! Good news.

Gosh maybe I should try the Reddiwhip! And goldfish crackers to sprinkle on...?

We boiled Amber some chicken last night which she ate most of without any coaxing. So maybe she just wants the real thing!

PRobably a stupid question, but - Is the idea with toppers to coax them into eating it until they will eat the food on its own without the toppers?
 
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