Michelle,
As Tonya said, I think the amount of food you describe, while not hardy,
is enough that I wouldn't be too terribly concerned. She is eating and
that's good. The behavior you describe, going through different flavors
until you hit just the right one, was so reminiscent of what I've gone
through with Gypsy, that it made me cringe. I worked so hard on my AC
skills so I wouldn't waste so much food! Luckily my dogs happily ate
all of her left-overs.
I can get turkey breast, just like chicken breast, fresh from my regular
grocery store. The kind with the bone and skin, is juicier and Gypsy
prefers it. I have also bought "turkey breast only" frozen from the
grocery store. These are just the two breasts still attached, no legs,
no wings. I'm sorry, I know this is probably really grossing you out.
The turkey breasts are smaller than a whole turkey and are sort of
shaped like a deformed ball. The ones my store sells are salted, and
while I was concerned about the salt, Gypsy thought they were delicious.
Marilyn suggested boiling the turkey and using the broth. This is a
good idea, but it makes the meat tougher and you lose nutrients in the
broth, (of course if she'll lap the broth, that's just fine). I cook
the turkey by placing the breast on a small rack in a shallow Pyrex
baking dish. Put a glass of filtered water in the bottom of the dish,
(replenish the water if it simmers out) and cover the breast with
aluminum wrap. Bake it in the oven at 350 for approx 15 minutes per
pound. Undercooked is better than overcooked, (more tender). Remove
the skin and extra fat before serving it to Her Highness. The water
catches all the juices and is a very nutritious broth that you can use
as well. Pour it into a wide mouth glass container, and put it in the
fridge. When it cools, the fat will rise to the top and you can scrape
it off and discard it, or add tiny amounts to your dog's food a bit at a
time. The deli counter meats are usually seasoned too much and can have
additives, and/or preservatives she doesn't need. It's also much more
expensive, if this is going to be an ongoing thing. Cats are such a
sensitive judge of freezer burn, and meat gone off, that they notice
before we do. If meat looks "off" to you, it probably is. I'd go back
and smack that butcher that told you meat that has been frozen that long
is probably fine.
I wouldn't give her the non-meat prescription diet. My cats love those
horrible, junk filled Whiskas Temptation treats, that doesn't mean they
should eat them on a regular basis. Stick to foods that are as close to
their natural state, foods that aren't "processed".
I understand completely why thoughts of cancer keep surfacing. Get them
out of your brain if you can. There are so many times when I begin to
freak out and then I realize that this same behavior in a "healthy" cat
would not get a second glance. You are hyper vigilant for good reason,
but do your best to imagine a strong healthy result instead of the
reverse. We've all learned how effective our good thoughts and prayers
are for our babies on the list. I truly believe the combined energy of
this group brings about miracles. Keep that in mind when you are
focusing on the worst case outcome and imagine the opposite instead!
Our thoughts are very powerful.
Much love to you and yours,
Nina
