Hi, fellow cat lovers!
(old picture, but still cute!)
It has been quite a while since his stones so I don't remember the exact brand, just that it was Hill's something, for his kidneys. Now I have 2 cats. I have been feeding them Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinners Chunks & Gravy in tuna flavor. I noticed they liked it the most and don't seem to have any problems aside from Junior's extreme weight loss. They sometimes eat it all, but mostly lick the gravy off.
Is it Hill's Science Diet, or is it Hills Prescription Diet? There's a big difference between the two. If Junior had kidney or bladder stones, your vet might have prescribed the diet to keep his pH levels optimal - you don't want to feed a food that is detrimental to that. You can of course ask him if he can recommend a proper canned diet for Junior IF he is not predisposed to urinary/stone issues.
Yeah that's what my cats do too - just lick the gravy and leave the food morsels. That's why I haven't invested too heavily in the "wet food" thing. They're eating the Orijen and doing fine so right now I'm satisfied (and not spending $$$ on wet food they won't eat).
It has been quite a while since his stones so I don't remember the exact brand, just that it was Hill's something, for his kidneys. Now I have 2 cats. I have been feeding them Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinners Chunks & Gravy in tuna flavor. I noticed they liked it the most and don't seem to have any problems aside from Junior's extreme weight loss. They sometimes eat it all, but mostly lick the gravy off.
It's been a good while but I think he is fine other than his weight. I noticed that after his surgery though. I'm used to him being a chubby kitty. Back then he was eating all kinds of store brand food to fatten him up. I really don't think it's major, to be honest. It's not something I'm used to -- to me he is skin & bones.
You're saying "skin and bones" and "extreme weight loss" - these are red flags that something else may be going on undetected. When is the last time he's seen your vet? If over 6 months to a year, and if he's lost a significant amount of weight in only a couple/few months, you need to get him examined ASAP.
If you were originally feeding him HILLS science diet for STONES (which CAN be purchased at Petsmart, but does require a prescription) that is no where near the same food as what you are buying them now. At least the prescription food had the benefit of working to prevent stones. This other food in all likelihood doesn't. How long ago did he have this problem...years, months?It has been quite a while since his stones so I don't remember the exact brand, just that it was Hill's something, for his kidneys. Now I have 2 cats. I have been feeding them Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinners Chunks & Gravy in tuna flavor. I noticed they liked it the most and don't seem to have any problems aside from Junior's extreme weight loss. They sometimes eat it all, but mostly lick the gravy off.
I totally agree here. Any noticeable weight loss in a short amount of time is suspect of a health issue. Is he acting any different? Drinking more, more vocal, more lethargic, anything off?
You're saying "skin and bones" and "extreme weight loss" - these are red flags that something else may be going on undetected. When is the last time he's seen your vet? If over 6 months to a year, and if he's lost a significant amount of weight in only a couple/few months, you need to get him examined ASAP.
I read that Hill's Science Diet has some bad ingredients in it. I couldn't remember if it were the same thing or not. He had stones about 2 years ago. After surgery was the weight loss and he was lethargic. He has since perked up and is actively running around hopping/climbing on everything. His water consumption is normal. I mix a little in their food,too. My other cat has always been skinny and energetic. Her body type is different than Juniors. Inky is naturally skinny and Junior is boney, skinny.
If you were originally feeding him HILLS science diet for STONES (which CAN be purchased at Petsmart, but does require a prescription) that is no where near the same food as what you are buying them now. At least the prescription food had the benefit of working to prevent stones. This other food in all likelihood doesn't. How long ago did he have this problem...years, months?
If all they are doing is licking off the gravy, they aren't getting the MEAT portion of the food, which is the most important part...that's the protein, which they really need. Is you other cat losing weight too? Since you shop at Petsmart anyway, perhaps you could try Nutro Natural Choice Chunky Chicken. It seems to be a favorite of many cats in our community, and it's a pretty healthy food. There is no gravy for this to lick as it's primarily a pate with some chunks added in. They also have other "Chunky" flavors. I wouldn't go with any other types yet, since they are gravy lickers.
I totally agree here. Any noticeable weight loss in a short amount of time is suspect of a health issue. Is he acting any different? Drinking more, more vocal, more lethargic, anything off?