Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
I have no advice, but I'm pulling for you and Monkee. tonya Caroline Kaufmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi everyone. I just wanted to update you on Monkee's situation and ask for some help/advice with his eating. He has been doing really well since last week. I pretty much just decided to drop his other two vets for now and focus on getting him care from his homeopathic vet Dr. Maier. Monkee was eating his raw food really well. We went to see Dr. Maier on Friday and she said he looked really good- his heart was strong (weak murmur), he was alert and he weighed 12 pounds. Which was nice to know because every time he went to Dr. Daley's, I don't think they ever weighed him so I didn't know how much weight he'd lost with the chemo and anemia. He started at 13 pounds and some ounces, so he hasn't lost too much yet. Dr. Maier added another homeopathic remedy to further help detox him. He was so good for the ride out and back from Dr. Maier's and at her clinic. It was hilarious-- I could tell he was much more happier and I knew I made the right decision about his care. It was a total 180 from his behavior at Dr. Daley's!!! However, his appetite started dropping off this weekend. I can't get him to eat his raw food. I bought him all this Wellness wet food at the pet store to get him eating organic and he won't eat it at all, so I went back to the gravy-soaked Fancy Feast. He will only drink some of the gravy. I also tried putting his chicken livers and raw beef in a blender and liquefying it because he seems to like gravy so much and I thought the stringy chick livers were too much effort for him to chew. He really only drank a little of that. I can get him to eat table scraps of my own food- broiled restaurant fish- but that is not the kind of stuff he's supposed to be eating to help his anemia. He also started eating litter-- which has been really hard for me because I know if he wasn't anemic, he would never do anything like that. He's very OCD about his litter box and I think if he could think straight, the mere thought of nibbling on litter would appall his sensibilities. I emailed Dr. Maier about that and she told me to start him on Silica- which I got from the health food store and started on Sunday. I am aware the transfusion may be wearing off. Also, he is no longer on the appetite stimulant Cyproheptadine because last week he was eating fine without it. I have emailed Dr. Maier to let her know and see what she can do for him. But I also wanted to know if any of you have any other "tricks" up your sleeves that I can try on him? Thanks, Caroline - Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN.
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Glad I could help, & I have given up on being sane.. :( Yes, trim those posts, one of mine went to approval last night because I forgot. It also jams up the archives when the entire thread is repeated in every email. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: elizabeth trent To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:58 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update That's probably it...I have a hair trigger right now...might be looking at surgery very soon and a lot of chaos and mayhem at work. Don't mean to "knee-jerk". Thank you, Susan, for helping to keep me sane. I tell you -- it's not an easy responsibility right now! :0) The good news is that I have a house full of wonderful kitty babies who love me -- who could ask for anything more? love and kitty head butts. On 7/11/07, Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: A lot of the time it is automatically sent to "approval" if it is "too long". I found this out and started 'trimming" my posts to just the last person prior to me. make sense? Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: elizabeth trent To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:50 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update well -- apparently my response to this thread is awaiting moderator approval. all i did was talk about the treatment i used for mama kitty when she was so sick and had appetite troubles.. call me disillusioned --- but i have a really short fuse right now. if i get booted from this list -- any one of you are free to email me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
What did they say? Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:28 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update i just read a warning about using this drug for cats. - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:26 PM Subject: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
The below message was return too. I just got thru deleting several of the older parts and it will go thru. - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:18 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update I think it has to do with the length of the message. If previous ones are included (you reply to a reply that replies to a reply) the message gets too long. I've had this happen several times. Try going back in and deleting some of the oldest sections and resending the message with your section included. This has worked for me several times. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: elizabeth trent To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:50 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update well -- apparently my response to this thread is awaiting moderator approval. all i did was talk about the treatment i used for mama kitty when she was so sick and had appetite troubles.. call me disillusioned --- but i have a really short fuse right now. if i get booted from this list -- any one of you are free to email me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] On 7/11/07, Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I believe in the animal communicators. A fellow rescuer who has one of the "kannibal kitties" (like my Purrla Princess Pearl) went to a seminar and she took Cali's picture w/ her. That was all the psychic had to go on. She looked @ the picture and began crying and said, "Where are all the other cats (there were 240+) and what happened to that man?" It was pretty weird... Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:01 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:22 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update You are supposed to be anxiousevery time Dixie decides not to eat for a couple of days I go off. Luckily she understands this and starts eating about the time I am ready to yank her up and return to Louisville to her vets. It is amazing that she doesn't do this when we are in Louisville and the vets are 15-20 minutes awayshe really does not like vets. This is way out there but you sound open. Sit and talk to Monkee and see what he has to say about all of this. There are people on this list that use animal communicators and there are people who think they are con artists. I use them and they have been very helpful for me. The thing is you really can do it yourself although a lot of the times you can't with your own little one because you are so close.An idea..take from it what you can use and leave the rest. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:12 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Run to the grocery and get some whitefish and broil it yourself! and put some butter on it! Yum! "Consciousness is Causal and Physicality is its Manifestation." On Jul 10, 2007, at 12:44 PM, Caroline Kaufmann wrote: We will try these suggestions. Thank you. I guess I will be shopping again after work! Dr. Maier said to start Monkee on the Nutrical, so my mom is picking that up for me today. I fed him "human" tuna and tuna water over the weekend from the can, but as of yesterday, he'd only eat one piece. Of course, he eats a ton of my broiled whitefish though! But I can't keep getting take-out fish for dinner every night for Monkee! I forgot that I had a few cans of AD from when Monkee's anemia first started. He only ate that when he was really really down and as soon as he started feeling better, he wouldn't eat even one bit of it. But since I have some cans already, we will try it again. I did syringe feed him last night- but all I have is a 1 ml syringe, so it takes forever! I took advantage of the fact that he is so good for pilling, etc. and tried that last night. I had been syringe feeding him his colostrum mixed with water since I couldn't get him to eat a whole meal, I didn't want to waste a colostrum pill by adding it to food he wouldn't eat. That way, I felt like I could make sure he got water too. But last night, I probably added too much water and it took about 10, 1 ml syringe-fulls to get all the colostrum in him! He was so good though! So then I did the same procedure to get some of the beef/ chicken livers gravy I'd blended up in him. We have tried hand-feeding and what my mom calls "community feeding"- where I sit on the ground with him and talk to him, hand him pieces and pet him- which he usually loves. But I tried that this morning and it's like he tries to "fake" eat by just licking some gravy just to get me off his back! Even in his weakened state he is still too smart for his own good! The funniest thing about all this for me is that, since he won't eat a whole small can of food, I never give him one- usually just a half. The other half that Monkee never touched- I HATE wasting it and throwing it away. My neighborhood has these "neighborhood" strays (not feral, just friendly strays who've been taken care of by the neighborhood) that a bunch of us watch over, feed, water, etc. They have all been fixed by a lady up the street who started this whole street-cat thing. The issue regarding these cats though is a whole other can of worms that I am not ready to get into yet because I rent and worry about what will happen when I move, but for now, they are very well taken care of, safe and happy- even if they are outdoor cats (which I don't "believe" in). I have been feeding them for about a year since I moved in and figured out they were strays and there are two of the 6 cats that seem to "prefer" the food I give them so they are almost permanent fixtures on my front stoop now, with a few others who sometimes visit for food if they are extra hungry, but routinely come for the water that I change everyday. Anyway, instead of always just getting fed cheap 9 Lives dry food- which they love- these two now get Monkee's rejected premium food! They've been fed AD, Fancy Feast, and as of yesterday, the Wellness wet food! It drives my mom crazy, but I'd rather some cat (even a rag-a-muffin stray!) eat that food than just throw it away! -Caroline From: "Susan Dubose" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:17:13 -0500 hi Caroline, I am sorry Monkee is a bit under the weather again. Try the baby food, but only the turkey or chicken w/ gravy mix. Try PetGuard brand cat food if you have it there, it's usually @ Whole Foods or other health food stores. The fish, chicken & liver formula is quite tasty to cats. And the beef mix has LOTS of juice. Try a product called "Mix It" by Science Diet. It is the dog food section @ PetSmart w/ the moist foods. It is for either cats or dogs, but they keep it w/ the dog stuff. Try Pro Plans moist food, the sardines in the "aspic" is quite gross, but cats LOVE it. It is chunks of sardines in some kinda slimey sauce. Try Sardines, try tuna. Try Pet Gold Gourmet Tuna for cats, LOTS of gravey. This is only available @ the pet food specialty stores. I guess the vet has also tried the A/D moist food for cats? Only available @ the vet. Last of all, have you tried syringe feeding him? Some cats get to the point where they will only eat if hand fed, even if they are feeling better. I usually mix up baby food
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
That's probably it...I have a hair trigger right now...might be looking at surgery very soon and a lot of chaos and mayhem at work. Don't mean to "knee-jerk". Thank you, Susan, for helping to keep me sane. I tell you -- it's not an easy responsibility right now! :0) The good news is that I have a house full of wonderful kitty babies who love me -- who could ask for anything more? love and kitty head butts. On 7/11/07, Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: A lot of the time it is automatically sent to "approval" if it is "too long". I found this out and started 'trimming" my posts to just the last person prior to me. make sense? Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com <http://www.petgirlspetsitting.com/> www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org <http://www.tx.siameserescue.org/> www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - *From:* elizabeth trent <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:50 PM *Subject:* Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update well -- apparently my response to this thread is awaiting moderator approval. all i did was talk about the treatment i used for mama kitty when she was so sick and had appetite troubles.. call me disillusioned --- but i have a really short fuse right now. if i get booted from this list -- any one of you are free to email me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
i just read a warning about using this drug for cats. - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:26 PM Subject: Appetite issues and Monkee update Cyproheptadine is also a decongestant, maybe the vet thought it would mask a URI.? - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:05 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update He was on one (Cyproheptadine), but I ran out of it right after his blood transfusion (2 weeks ago). The Vet didn't want to give him anymore/keep him on it in case it was "masking" anything. I don't know what the H that means. I mean, what could it be masking? Hello? He has cancer and FeLeuk and anemia-- we know all that! Anyway, he gets his primary care now from his new Holistic Vet and we saw her last Friday for the 2nd time. At that time, and all last week, Monkee was eating like a fiend, so she said she'd rather not have him on the stimulant if he didn't need it. She also said Cyproheptadine can cause liver problems (but then again, that's probably the least of his concerns right now...). I have an email and a call into her and I am sure I will hear from her tomorrow, so we'll see. I'm going to look to her to determine if it's time for another transfusion, or if just an appetite stim would help, etc. What's comforting with Monkee though is that he was doing so well last week, eating great; also his Holistic Vet always talks about his "strong life force"- which, I can admit that sounds funny- but when you see him, you just get it; and finally the fact that he still weighs 12 pounds...all that excess weight that poor cat spent 4 years eating Science Diet Light to lose is really coming in handy now! Ah...the irony. -Caroline
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Wendy: I haven't wanted to "bother" you because you've been crazy-busy lady (I've been reading about your Feral cat rescue)! -Caroline From: wendy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee updateDate: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:20:05 -0700 (PDT) Hi Caroline, I am sorry that Monkee isn't doing better. Dealing with anemia can be so frustrating. Prayers going out for increased RBC's for Monkee and strength for both of you. Feel free to email me off list, as I am having serious problems technically with FeLVtalk and Susan's post below is the only one I've received out of 15 so far in this thread. :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:50:07 PMSubject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update I believe in the animal communicators. A fellow rescuer who has one of the "kannibal kitties" (like my Purrla Princess Pearl) went to a seminar and she took Cali's picture w/ her. That was all the psychic had to go on. She looked @ the picture and began crying and said, "Where are all the other cats (there were 240+) and what happened to that man?" It was pretty weird... Susan J. DuBose >^..^<www.PetGirlsPetsitting.comwww.Tx.SiameseRescue.orgwww.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:01 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:22 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update You are supposed to be anxiousevery time Dixie decides not to eat for a couple of days I go off. Luckily she understands this and starts eating about the time I am ready to yank her up and return to Louisville to her vets. It is amazing that she doesn't do this when we are in Louisville and the vets are 15-20 minutes awayshe really does not like vets. This is way out there but you sound open. Sit and talk to Monkee and see what he has to say about all of this. There are people on this list that use animal communicators and there are people who think they are con artists. I use them and they have been very helpful for me. The thing is you really can do it yourself although a lot of the times you can't with your own little one because you are so close. An idea..take from it what you can use and leave the rest. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message ----- From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:12 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs stretched out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! I did give him his Nutrical, colos
Appetite issues and Monkee update
Cyproheptadine is also a decongestant, maybe the vet thought it would mask a URI.? - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:05 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update He was on one (Cyproheptadine), but I ran out of it right after his blood transfusion (2 weeks ago). The Vet didn't want to give him anymore/keep him on it in case it was "masking" anything. I don't know what the H that means. I mean, what could it be masking? Hello? He has cancer and FeLeuk and anemia-- we know all that! Anyway, he gets his primary care now from his new Holistic Vet and we saw her last Friday for the 2nd time. At that time, and all last week, Monkee was eating like a fiend, so she said she'd rather not have him on the stimulant if he didn't need it. She also said Cyproheptadine can cause liver problems (but then again, that's probably the least of his concerns right now...). I have an email and a call into her and I am sure I will hear from her tomorrow, so we'll see. I'm going to look to her to determine if it's time for another transfusion, or if just an appetite stim would help, etc. What's comforting with Monkee though is that he was doing so well last week, eating great; also his Holistic Vet always talks about his "strong life force"- which, I can admit that sounds funny- but when you see him, you just get it; and finally the fact that he still weighs 12 pounds...all that excess weight that poor cat spent 4 years eating Science Diet Light to lose is really coming in handy now! Ah...the irony. -Caroline
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Hi Caroline, I am sorry that Monkee isn't doing better. Dealing with anemia can be so frustrating. Prayers going out for increased RBC's for Monkee and strength for both of you. Feel free to email me off list, as I am having serious problems technically with FeLVtalk and Susan's post below is the only one I've received out of 15 so far in this thread. :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:50:07 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update I believe in the animal communicators. A fellow rescuer who has one of the "kannibal kitties" (like my Purrla Princess Pearl) went to a seminar and she took Cali's picture w/ her. That was all the psychic had to go on. She looked @ the picture and began crying and said, "Where are all the other cats (there were 240+) and what happened to that man?" It was pretty weird... Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:01 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:22 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update You are supposed to be anxiousevery time Dixie decides not to eat for a couple of days I go off. Luckily she understands this and starts eating about the time I am ready to yank her up and return to Louisville to her vets. It is amazing that she doesn't do this when we are in Louisville and the vets are 15-20 minutes awayshe really does not like vets. This is way out there but you sound open. Sit and talk to Monkee and see what he has to say about all of this. There are people on this list that use animal communicators and there are people who think they are con artists. I use them and they have been very helpful for me. The thing is you really can do it yourself although a lot of the times you can't with your own little one because you are so close.An idea..take from it what you can use and leave the rest. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:12 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs stretched out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with water) via a syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but he's so good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe fulls in him. I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" ab
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
A lot of the time it is automatically sent to "approval" if it is "too long". I found this out and started 'trimming" my posts to just the last person prior to me. make sense? Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: elizabeth trent To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:50 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update well -- apparently my response to this thread is awaiting moderator approval. all i did was talk about the treatment i used for mama kitty when she was so sick and had appetite troubles.. call me disillusioned --- but i have a really short fuse right now. if i get booted from this list -- any one of you are free to email me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Beth: If you have suggestions for Monkee that won't go through, you can email me privately. [EMAIL PROTECTED]. I totally don't care and I am just not paying attention to this whole OT thingI don't have the energy for that. I tried to post some pix of Monkee a while ago so that you all could get a look at who you've been helping so much in the past few weeks...and it was awaiting moderator approval and never went through. But as long as my Super-Duper important emails go through, that's all that matters! -Caroline and Monkee From: "elizabeth trent" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee updateDate: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:50:53 -0500 well -- apparently my response to this thread is awaiting moderator approval. all i did was talk about the treatment i used for mama kitty when she was so sick and had appetite troubles.. call me disillusioned --- but i have a really short fuse right now. if i get booted from this list -- any one of you are free to email me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] On 7/11/07, Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I believe in the animal communicators. A fellow rescuer who has one of the "kannibal kitties" (like my Purrla Princess Pearl) went to a seminar and she took Cali's picture w/ her. That was all the psychic had to go on. She looked @ the picture and began crying and said, "Where are all the other cats (there were 240+) and what happened to that man?" It was pretty weird... Susan J. DuBose >^..^<www.PetGirlsPetsitting.comwww.Tx.SiameseRescue.orgwww.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:01 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:22 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update You are supposed to be anxiousevery time Dixie decides not to eat for a couple of days I go off. Luckily she understands this and starts eating about the time I am ready to yank her up and return to Louisville to her vets. It is amazing that she doesn't do this when we are in Louisville and the vets are 15-20 minutes awayshe really does not like vets. This is way out there but you sound open. Sit and talk to Monkee and see what he has to say about all of this. There are people on this list that use animal communicators and there are people who think they are con artists. I use them and they have been very helpful for me. The thing is you really can do it yourself although a lot of the times you can't with your own little one because you are so close. An idea..take from it what you can use and leave the rest. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:12 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check o
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
well -- apparently my response to this thread is awaiting moderator approval. all i did was talk about the treatment i used for mama kitty when she was so sick and had appetite troubles.. call me disillusioned --- but i have a really short fuse right now. if i get booted from this list -- any one of you are free to email me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] On 7/11/07, Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I believe in the animal communicators. A fellow rescuer who has one of the "kannibal kitties" (like my Purrla Princess Pearl) went to a seminar and she took Cali's picture w/ her. That was all the psychic had to go on. She looked @ the picture and began crying and said, "Where are all the other cats (there were 240+) and what happened to that man?" It was pretty weird... Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com <http://www.petgirlspetsitting.com/> www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org <http://www.tx.siameserescue.org/> www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - *From:* Marylyn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:01 PM *Subject:* Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update - Original Message - *From:* Marylyn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:22 PM *Subject:* Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update You are supposed to be anxiousevery time Dixie decides not to eat for a couple of days I go off. Luckily she understands this and starts eating about the time I am ready to yank her up and return to Louisville to her vets. It is amazing that she doesn't do this when we are in Louisville and the vets are 15-20 minutes awayshe really does not like vets. This is way out there but you sound open. Sit and talk to Monkee and see what he has to say about all of this. There are people on this list that use animal communicators and there are people who think they are con artists. I use them and they have been very helpful for me. The thing is you really can do it yourself although a lot of the times you can't with your own little one because you are so close.An idea..take from it what you can use and leave the rest. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - *From:* Caroline Kaufmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:12 PM *Subject:* Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs stretched out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with water) via a syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but he's so good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe fulls in him. I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" about the not eating. It's hard though because this is my first time in this realm and I do feel like a nursing mother who has a baby that won't latch on or something! It's like I have all this anxiety about it that pops into my head all the ti
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
I believe in the animal communicators. A fellow rescuer who has one of the "kannibal kitties" (like my Purrla Princess Pearl) went to a seminar and she took Cali's picture w/ her. That was all the psychic had to go on. She looked @ the picture and began crying and said, "Where are all the other cats (there were 240+) and what happened to that man?" It was pretty weird... Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:01 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:22 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update You are supposed to be anxiousevery time Dixie decides not to eat for a couple of days I go off. Luckily she understands this and starts eating about the time I am ready to yank her up and return to Louisville to her vets. It is amazing that she doesn't do this when we are in Louisville and the vets are 15-20 minutes awayshe really does not like vets. This is way out there but you sound open. Sit and talk to Monkee and see what he has to say about all of this. There are people on this list that use animal communicators and there are people who think they are con artists. I use them and they have been very helpful for me. The thing is you really can do it yourself although a lot of the times you can't with your own little one because you are so close.An idea..take from it what you can use and leave the rest. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:12 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs stretched out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with water) via a syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but he's so good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe fulls in him. I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" about the not eating. It's hard though because this is my first time in this realm and I do feel like a nursing mother who has a baby that won't latch on or something! It's like I have all this anxiety about it that pops into my head all the time! Thanks for calming me down. -Caroline ---- From: "Marylyn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:56 -0500 Don't read so much into the lack of appeti
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
I went to a seminar by a cat behaviorist (Dr. Barry @ TLAC0 and she said that when cats "get stressed" , their brains tell them to shut down all unnecessary activities. And for some reason, eating falls in this category. Explains why cats stop eating in shelters, but in homes, that's another question. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: "Kelley Saveika" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:52 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Is it possible to give him an appetite stimulant? Caroline gets one and I think it is all that makes her eat anything at all. She's not FELV+, though - the vet suspected it but she's been tested twice, negative both times. No one knows what's wrong with her. On 7/11/07, Caroline Kaufmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food > and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested > in > the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of > "air > nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he > needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just > can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- > especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches > the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. > When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the > edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires > (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. > He's > also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he > was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I > always > check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs > stretched > out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! > > > I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with water) via > a > syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but he's so > good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a > super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe fulls in > him. > > > I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" about the not eating. It's hard > though because this is my first time in this realm and I do feel like a > nursing mother who has a baby that won't latch on or something! It's like > I > have all this anxiety about it that pops into my head all the time! > > Thanks for calming me down. > > -Caroline >
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
- Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:22 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update You are supposed to be anxiousevery time Dixie decides not to eat for a couple of days I go off. Luckily she understands this and starts eating about the time I am ready to yank her up and return to Louisville to her vets. It is amazing that she doesn't do this when we are in Louisville and the vets are 15-20 minutes awayshe really does not like vets. This is way out there but you sound open. Sit and talk to Monkee and see what he has to say about all of this. There are people on this list that use animal communicators and there are people who think they are con artists. I use them and they have been very helpful for me. The thing is you really can do it yourself although a lot of the times you can't with your own little one because you are so close.An idea..take from it what you can use and leave the rest. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 7:12 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs stretched out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with water) via a syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but he's so good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe fulls in him. I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" about the not eating. It's hard though because this is my first time in this realm and I do feel like a nursing mother who has a baby that won't latch on or something! It's like I have all this anxiety about it that pops into my head all the time! Thanks for calming me down. -Caroline -- From: "Marylyn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:56 -0500 Don't read so much into the lack of appetite. It is hot, humid, has been raining there, and he may just not be hungry. This is not the time to get depressed. Next time you are at Whole Foods try the Fage (Greek yogurt) or Chatham's sheep's yogurt. Dixie loves them. Cool, creamy, full of good stuff (I don't tell her this though), and not as tart as the cow's yogurt. She gets the full fat version (if I am going to buy the stuff for her I want her to really enjoy it). She likes it so well that I brought back 3 16 oz sheep's yogurts, a Fage and a goats' yogurt this trip. You are going to worry. That is what people who love do. Call Susan in the morning if you have not heard from her. You are feeding high protein buffalo which is good. Try to relax a little and enjoy Monkee. He has lots to teach you. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
He was on one (Cyproheptadine), but I ran out of it right after his blood transfusion (2 weeks ago). The Vet didn't want to give him anymore/keep him on it in case it was "masking" anything. I don't know what the H that means. I mean, what could it be masking? Hello? He has cancer and FeLeuk and anemia-- we know all that! Anyway, he gets his primary care now from his new Holistic Vet and we saw her last Friday for the 2nd time. At that time, and all last week, Monkee was eating like a fiend, so she said she'd rather not have him on the stimulant if he didn't need it. She also said Cyproheptadine can cause liver problems (but then again, that's probably the least of his concerns right now...). I have an email and a call into her and I am sure I will hear from her tomorrow, so we'll see. I'm going to look to her to determine if it's time for another transfusion, or if just an appetite stim would help, etc. What's comforting with Monkee though is that he was doing so well last week, eating great; also his Holistic Vet always talks about his "strong life force"- which, I can admit that sounds funny- but when you see him, you just get it; and finally the fact that he still weighs 12 pounds...all that excess weight that poor cat spent 4 years eating Science Diet Light to lose is really coming in handy now! Ah...the irony. -Caroline From: "Kelley Saveika" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee updateDate: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:52:57 -0500>Is it possible to give him an appetite stimulant? Caroline gets one>and I think it is all that makes her eat anything at all. She's not>FELV+, though - the vet suspected it but she's been tested twice,>negative both times. No one knows what's wrong with her.>>On 7/11/07, Caroline Kaufmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:>>>>>>Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried >>baby food>>and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed >>interested in>>the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind >>of "air>>nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection >>that he>>needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I >>just>>can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much->>especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and >>watches>>the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously >> Ugh.>>When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over >>the>>edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and >>desires>>(even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good >>sign. He's>>also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, >>pre-transfusion, he>>was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and >>I always>>check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs >>stretched>>out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief!>>>>>>I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with >>water) via a>>syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but >>he's so>>good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a>>super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe >>fulls in him.>>>>>>I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" about the not eating. >>It's hard>>though because this is my first time in this realm and I do feel >>like a>>nursing mother who has a baby that won't latch on or something! >>It's like I>>have all this anxiety about it that pops into my head all the time!>>>>Thanks for calming me down.>>>>-Caroline>>>>>>From: "Marylyn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>>>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>>To: >>Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update>>Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:56 -0500>>>>>>Don't read so much into the lack of appetite. It is hot, humid, >>has been>>raining there, and he may just not be hungry. This is not the time >>to get>>depressed. Next time you are at Whole Foods try the Fage (Greek >>yogurt) or>>Chatham's sheep's yogurt. Dixie loves them. Cool, creamy, full of >>good>>stuff (I don't tell her this though), and not as tart as the cow's >>yogurt.>>She gets the full
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Is it possible to give him an appetite stimulant? Caroline gets one and I think it is all that makes her eat anything at all. She's not FELV+, though - the vet suspected it but she's been tested twice, negative both times. No one knows what's wrong with her. On 7/11/07, Caroline Kaufmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs stretched out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with water) via a syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but he's so good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe fulls in him. I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" about the not eating. It's hard though because this is my first time in this realm and I do feel like a nursing mother who has a baby that won't latch on or something! It's like I have all this anxiety about it that pops into my head all the time! Thanks for calming me down. -Caroline From: "Marylyn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:56 -0500 Don't read so much into the lack of appetite. It is hot, humid, has been raining there, and he may just not be hungry. This is not the time to get depressed. Next time you are at Whole Foods try the Fage (Greek yogurt) or Chatham's sheep's yogurt. Dixie loves them. Cool, creamy, full of good stuff (I don't tell her this though), and not as tart as the cow's yogurt. She gets the full fat version (if I am going to buy the stuff for her I want her to really enjoy it). She likes it so well that I brought back 3 16 oz sheep's yogurts, a Fage and a goats' yogurt this trip. You are going to worry. That is what people who love do. Call Susan in the morning if you have not heard from her. You are feeding high protein buffalo which is good. Try to relax a little and enjoy Monkee. He has lots to teach you. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 2:53 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update I tried a whole arsenal of things last night to get Monkee to eat. I went shopping and tried to find as many of the suggested items as possible, but it was hard. He ate some raw buffalo meat from Whole Foods that the butcher gave me at no charge since I wanted such a tiny amount. He ate about a spoonful. That is the most he ate on his own. He did pick at some sardines, but it wasn't much. I syringe fed him some gravy I made from 2 types of cat food. I did get at least a tablespoon of Nutrical in him because if I put it on his nose, he will lick it off EVERY time. He did have a BM last night- it was small. He got Nutrical in him this morning and he drank some gravy from a Whiskas pouch. He also drank some meal replacement formula for cats that I found at the pet store- but not a lot of it. His pupils look a little dilated to me. As for his hydration, I think his usually pink nose looks a little white- as well as his gums. But color comes back to them if I press on his gums. They just seem to have more of white color though- less pink. His gums are not dry/tacky though- they are somewhat moist. He's still moving around good and talking and wanting to do things- like sit out on the front porch. He purrs when I pet him. The hovering over th
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Well, he's not eating at tonight. It's so frustrating. I tried baby food and kitten formula cat food and the buffalo again. He seemed interested in the buffalo, but when it came time to actually eat it, he just kind of "air nibbled" over it? It seems like he's not making the connection that he needs to eat. Yet, he wants to go outside and walk around. And I just can't let him do that because I know it wear him out way too much- especially with not eating. So he just sits out on his porch and watches the colony of street cats eats his premium cat food voraciously Ugh. When he was healthy, I swear, that would have driven him right over the edge! He's still bright eyed. And while he still has wants and desires (even if they are mostly to go outside!), I think that's a good sign. He's also sleeping well-- which when the anemia kicked in, pre-transfusion, he was not sleeping well at all. I wake up many times each night and I always check on him and if he on my bed, laying on his side with his legs stretched out, all passed outI breath such a sign of relief! I did give him his Nutrical, colostrum and some baby food (with water) via a syringe (my mom brought me a 12 cc one). He doesn't LOVE it, but he's so good for me when it comes to handling (for what was originally a super-skittish stray?), and he swallows fine. I got 3 syringe fulls in him. I will try not to "sound the alarm bells" about the not eating. It's hard though because this is my first time in this realm and I do feel like a nursing mother who has a baby that won't latch on or something! It's like I have all this anxiety about it that pops into my head all the time! Thanks for calming me down. -Caroline From: "Marylyn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee updateDate: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:56 -0500 Don't read so much into the lack of appetite. It is hot, humid, has been raining there, and he may just not be hungry. This is not the time to get depressed. Next time you are at Whole Foods try the Fage (Greek yogurt) or Chatham's sheep's yogurt. Dixie loves them. Cool, creamy, full of good stuff (I don't tell her this though), and not as tart as the cow's yogurt. She gets the full fat version (if I am going to buy the stuff for her I want her to really enjoy it). She likes it so well that I brought back 3 16 oz sheep's yogurts, a Fage and a goats' yogurt this trip. You are going to worry. That is what people who love do. Call Susan in the morning if you have not heard from her. You are feeding high protein buffalo which is good. Try to relax a little and enjoy Monkee. He has lots to teach you. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 2:53 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update I tried a whole arsenal of things last night to get Monkee to eat. I went shopping and tried to find as many of the suggested items as possible, but it was hard. He ate some raw buffalo meat from Whole Foods that the butcher gave me at no charge since I wanted such a tiny amount. He ate about a spoonful. That is the most he ate on his own. He did pick at some sardines, but it wasn't much. I syringe fed him some gravy I made from 2 types of cat food. I did get at least a tablespoon of Nutrical in him because if I put it on his nose, he will lick it off EVERY time. He did have a BM last night- it was small. He got Nutrical in him this morning and he drank some gravy from a Whiskas pouch. He also drank some meal replacement formula for cats that I found at the pet store- but not a lot of it. His pupils look a little dilated to me. As for his hydration, I think his usually pink nose looks a little white- as well as his gums. But color comes back to them if I press on his gums. They just seem to have more of white color though- less pink. His gums are not dry/tacky though- they are somewhat moist. He's still moving around good and talking and wanting to do things- like sit out on the front porch. He purrs when I pet him. The hovering over the litter box and attempting to eat it has lessened. My mom is brining me some larger syringes so I will at least have some bigger than a 1 ml syringe to feed him with. I emailed an update to his Vet, Dr. Maier, but I haven't heard from her yet. I just called there and the receptionist said she'
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Don't read so much into the lack of appetite. It is hot, humid, has been raining there, and he may just not be hungry. This is not the time to get depressed. Next time you are at Whole Foods try the Fage (Greek yogurt) or Chatham's sheep's yogurt. Dixie loves them. Cool, creamy, full of good stuff (I don't tell her this though), and not as tart as the cow's yogurt. She gets the full fat version (if I am going to buy the stuff for her I want her to really enjoy it). She likes it so well that I brought back 3 16 oz sheep's yogurts, a Fage and a goats' yogurt this trip. You are going to worry. That is what people who love do. Call Susan in the morning if you have not heard from her. You are feeding high protein buffalo which is good. Try to relax a little and enjoy Monkee. He has lots to teach you. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 2:53 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update I tried a whole arsenal of things last night to get Monkee to eat. I went shopping and tried to find as many of the suggested items as possible, but it was hard. He ate some raw buffalo meat from Whole Foods that the butcher gave me at no charge since I wanted such a tiny amount. He ate about a spoonful. That is the most he ate on his own. He did pick at some sardines, but it wasn't much. I syringe fed him some gravy I made from 2 types of cat food. I did get at least a tablespoon of Nutrical in him because if I put it on his nose, he will lick it off EVERY time. He did have a BM last night- it was small. He got Nutrical in him this morning and he drank some gravy from a Whiskas pouch. He also drank some meal replacement formula for cats that I found at the pet store- but not a lot of it. His pupils look a little dilated to me. As for his hydration, I think his usually pink nose looks a little white- as well as his gums. But color comes back to them if I press on his gums. They just seem to have more of white color though- less pink. His gums are not dry/tacky though- they are somewhat moist. He's still moving around good and talking and wanting to do things- like sit out on the front porch. He purrs when I pet him. The hovering over the litter box and attempting to eat it has lessened. My mom is brining me some larger syringes so I will at least have some bigger than a 1 ml syringe to feed him with. I emailed an update to his Vet, Dr. Maier, but I haven't heard from her yet. I just called there and the receptionist said she's out of the office on Wed. afternoons. I guess I am just worried because I am wondering if the blood transfusion he got exactly two weeks ago is wearing off and/or if he needs an appetite stimulant and/or if he is feeling bad. I just don't think he's one to truly show how bad he's feeling so I am just anxious about where we go from here? -Caroline From: "Susan Dubose" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:21:09 -0500 Ask your vet for a 5cc syringe. They do make them bigger, of course, but I like the control of the 5cc. He should be getting @ least 30cc's of food TID. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:44 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update We will try these suggestions. Thank you. I guess I will be shopping again after work! Dr. Maier said to start Monkee on the Nutrical, so my mom is picking that up for me today. I fed him "human" tuna and tuna water over the weekend from the can, but as of yesterday, he'd only eat one piece. Of course, he eats a ton of my broiled whitefish though! But I can
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
I tried a whole arsenal of things last night to get Monkee to eat. I went shopping and tried to find as many of the suggested items as possible, but it was hard. He ate some raw buffalo meat from Whole Foods that the butcher gave me at no charge since I wanted such a tiny amount. He ate about a spoonful. That is the most he ate on his own. He did pick at some sardines, but it wasn't much. I syringe fed him some gravy I made from 2 types of cat food. I did get at least a tablespoon of Nutrical in him because if I put it on his nose, he will lick it off EVERY time. He did have a BM last night- it was small. He got Nutrical in him this morning and he drank some gravy from a Whiskas pouch. He also drank some meal replacement formula for cats that I found at the pet store- but not a lot of it. His pupils look a little dilated to me. As for his hydration, I think his usually pink nose looks a little white- as well as his gums. But color comes back to them if I press on his gums. They just seem to have more of white color though- less pink. His gums are not dry/tacky though- they are somewhat moist. He's still moving around good and talking and wanting to do things- like sit out on the front porch. He purrs when I pet him. The hovering over the litter box and attempting to eat it has lessened. My mom is brining me some larger syringes so I will at least have some bigger than a 1 ml syringe to feed him with. I emailed an update to his Vet, Dr. Maier, but I haven't heard from her yet. I just called there and the receptionist said she's out of the office on Wed. afternoons. I guess I am just worried because I am wondering if the blood transfusion he got exactly two weeks ago is wearing off and/or if he needs an appetite stimulant and/or if he is feeling bad. I just don't think he's one to truly show how bad he's feeling so I am just anxious about where we go from here? -Caroline From: "Susan Dubose" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee updateDate: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:21:09 -0500 Ask your vet for a 5cc syringe. They do make them bigger, of course, but I like the control of the 5cc. He should be getting @ least 30cc's of food TID. Susan J. DuBose >^..^<www.PetGirlsPetsitting.comwww.Tx.SiameseRescue.orgwww.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:44 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update We will try these suggestions. Thank you. I guess I will be shopping again after work! Dr. Maier said to start Monkee on the Nutrical, so my mom is picking that up for me today. I fed him "human" tuna and tuna water over the weekend from the can, but as of yesterday, he'd only eat one piece. Of course, he eats a ton of my broiled whitefish though! But I can't keep getting take-out fish for dinner every night for Monkee! I forgot that I had a few cans of AD from when Monkee's anemia first started. He only ate that when he was really really down and as soon as he started feeling better, he wouldn't eat even one bit of it. But since I have some cans already, we will try it again. I did syringe feed him last night- but all I have is a 1 ml syringe, so it takes forever! I took advantage of the fact that he is so good for pilling, etc. and tried that last night. I had been syringe feeding him his colostrum mixed with water since I couldn't get him to eat a whole meal, I didn't want to waste a colostrum pill by adding it to food he wouldn't eat. That way, I felt like I could make sure he got water too. But last night, I probably added too much water and it took about 10, 1 ml syringe-fulls to get all the colostrum in him! He was so good though! So then I did the same procedure to get some of the beef/chicken livers gravy I'd blended up in him. We have tried hand-feeding and what my mom calls "community feeding"- where I sit on the ground with him and talk to him, hand him pieces and pet him- which he usually loves. But I tried that this morning and it's like he tries to "fake" eat by just licking some gravy just to get me off his back! Even in his weakened state he is still too smart for his own good! The funniest thing about all this for me is that, since he won't eat a whole small can of food, I never give him one- usually just a half. The other half that Monkee never touched- I HATE wasting it and throwing it away. My ne
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
Ask your vet for a 5cc syringe. They do make them bigger, of course, but I like the control of the 5cc. He should be getting @ least 30cc's of food TID. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:44 PM Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update We will try these suggestions. Thank you. I guess I will be shopping again after work! Dr. Maier said to start Monkee on the Nutrical, so my mom is picking that up for me today. I fed him "human" tuna and tuna water over the weekend from the can, but as of yesterday, he'd only eat one piece. Of course, he eats a ton of my broiled whitefish though! But I can't keep getting take-out fish for dinner every night for Monkee! I forgot that I had a few cans of AD from when Monkee's anemia first started. He only ate that when he was really really down and as soon as he started feeling better, he wouldn't eat even one bit of it. But since I have some cans already, we will try it again. I did syringe feed him last night- but all I have is a 1 ml syringe, so it takes forever! I took advantage of the fact that he is so good for pilling, etc. and tried that last night. I had been syringe feeding him his colostrum mixed with water since I couldn't get him to eat a whole meal, I didn't want to waste a colostrum pill by adding it to food he wouldn't eat. That way, I felt like I could make sure he got water too. But last night, I probably added too much water and it took about 10, 1 ml syringe-fulls to get all the colostrum in him! He was so good though! So then I did the same procedure to get some of the beef/chicken livers gravy I'd blended up in him. We have tried hand-feeding and what my mom calls "community feeding"- where I sit on the ground with him and talk to him, hand him pieces and pet him- which he usually loves. But I tried that this morning and it's like he tries to "fake" eat by just licking some gravy just to get me off his back! Even in his weakened state he is still too smart for his own good! The funniest thing about all this for me is that, since he won't eat a whole small can of food, I never give him one- usually just a half. The other half that Monkee never touched- I HATE wasting it and throwing it away. My neighborhood has these "neighborhood" strays (not feral, just friendly strays who've been taken care of by the neighborhood) that a bunch of us watch over, feed, water, etc. They have all been fixed by a lady up the street who started this whole street-cat thing. The issue regarding these cats though is a whole other can of worms that I am not ready to get into yet because I rent and worry about what will happen when I move, but for now, they are very well taken care of, safe and happy- even if they are outdoor cats (which I don't "believe" in). I have been feeding them for about a year since I moved in and figured out they were strays and there are two of the 6 cats that seem to "prefer" the food I give them so they are almost permanent fixtures on my front stoop now, with a few others who sometimes visit for food if they are extra hungry, but routinely come for the water that I change everyday. Anyway, instead of always just getting fed cheap 9 Lives dry food- which they love- these two now get Monkee's rejected premium food! They've been fed AD, Fancy Feast, and as of yesterday, the Wellness wet food! It drives my mom crazy, but I'd rather some cat (even a rag-a-muffin stray!) eat that food than just throw it away! -Caroline ---------------- From: "Susan Dubose" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Subject: Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:17:13 -0500 hi Caroline, I am sorry Monkee is a bit under the weather again. Try the baby food, but only the turkey or chicken w/ gravy mix. Try PetGuard brand cat food if you have it there, it's usually @ Whole Foods or other health food stores. The fish, chicken & liver formula is quite tasty to cats. And the beef mix has LOTS of juice. Try a product called "Mix It" by Science Diet. It is the dog food section @ PetSmart w/ the moist f
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
It may just be a cat thingDixie didn't eat much this weekend either. Hot, humid. Come to think about it, neither did I. One of the better pet food companies makes a small can of gravy to put on dog food.don't tell Monkee it is for dogs. That, added to the Wellness, might help. I found this at Metzger's but you may be able to find it elsewhere (it is a long drive out there). There is a gravy that Susan suggested for a cat once -- she said she got it at Feeders' Supply. Ask her for the name if Monkee is a gravy addict. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:01 AM Subject: Appetite issues and Monkee update Hi everyone. I just wanted to update you on Monkee's situation and ask for some help/advice with his eating. He has been doing really well since last week. I pretty much just decided to drop his other two vets for now and focus on getting him care from his homeopathic vet Dr. Maier. Monkee was eating his raw food really well. We went to see Dr. Maier on Friday and she said he looked really good- his heart was strong (weak murmur), he was alert and he weighed 12 pounds. Which was nice to know because every time he went to Dr. Daley's, I don't think they ever weighed him so I didn't know how much weight he'd lost with the chemo and anemia. He started at 13 pounds and some ounces, so he hasn't lost too much yet. Dr. Maier added another homeopathic remedy to further help detox him. He was so good for the ride out and back from Dr. Maier's and at her clinic. It was hilarious-- I could tell he was much more happier and I knew I made the right decision about his care. It was a total 180 from his behavior at Dr. Daley's!!! However, his appetite started dropping off this weekend. I can't get him to eat his raw food. I bought him all this Wellness wet food at the pet store to get him eating organic and he won't eat it at all, so I went back to the gravy-soaked Fancy Feast. He will only drink some of the gravy. I also tried putting his chicken livers and raw beef in a blender and liquefying it because he seems to like gravy so much and I thought the stringy chick livers were too much effort for him to chew. He really only drank a little of that. I can get him to eat table scraps of my own food- broiled restaurant fish- but that is not the kind of stuff he's supposed to be eating to help his anemia. He also started eating litter-- which has been really hard for me because I know if he wasn't anemic, he would never do anything like that. He's very OCD about his litter box and I think if he could think straight, the mere thought of nibbling on litter would appall his sensibilities. I emailed Dr. Maier about that and she told me to start him on Silica- which I got from the health food store and started on Sunday. I am aware the transfusion may be wearing off. Also, he is no longer on the appetite stimulant Cyproheptadine because last week he was eating fine without it. I have emailed Dr. Maier to let her know and see what she can do for him. But I also wanted to know if any of you have any other "tricks" up your sleeves that I can try on him? Thanks, Caroline -- Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN.
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
VERY visit. That's really uncool. Please keep us posted. I will keep him in my thoughts. Susan J. DuBose >^..^<www.PetGirlsPetsitting.comwww.Tx.SiameseRescue.orgwww.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:01 AM Subject: Appetite issues and Monkee update Hi everyone. I just wanted to update you on Monkee's situation and ask for some help/advice with his eating. He has been doing really well since last week. I pretty much just decided to drop his other two vets for now and focus on getting him care from his homeopathic vet Dr. Maier. Monkee was eating his raw food really well. We went to see Dr. Maier on Friday and she said he looked really good- his heart was strong (weak murmur), he was alert and he weighed 12 pounds. Which was nice to know because every time he went to Dr. Daley's, I don't think they ever weighed him so I didn't know how much weight he'd lost with the chemo and anemia. He started at 13 pounds and some ounces, so he hasn't lost too much yet. Dr. Maier added another homeopathic remedy to further help detox him. He was so good for the ride out and back from Dr. Maier's and at her clinic. It was hilarious-- I could tell he was much more happier and I knew I made the right decision about his care. It was a total 180 from his behavior at Dr. Daley's!!! However, his appetite started dropping off this weekend. I can't get him to eat his raw food. I bought him all this Wellness wet food at the pet store to get him eating organic and he won't eat it at all, so I went back to the gravy-soaked Fancy Feast. He will only drink some of the gravy. I also tried putting his chicken livers and raw beef in a blender and liquefying it because he seems to like gravy so much and I thought the stringy chick livers were too much effort for him to chew. He really only drank a little of that. I can get him to eat table scraps of my own food- broiled restaurant fish- but that is not the kind of stuff he's supposed to be eating to help his anemia. He also started eating litter-- which has been really hard for me because I know if he wasn't anemic, he would never do anything like that. He's very OCD about his litter box and I think if he could think straight, the mere thought of nibbling on litter would appall his sensibilities. I emailed Dr. Maier about that and she told me to start him on Silica- which I got from the health food store and started on Sunday. I am aware the transfusion may be wearing off. Also, he is no longer on the appetite stimulant Cyproheptadine because last week he was eating fine without it. I have emailed Dr. Maier to let her know and see what she can do for him. But I also wanted to know if any of you have any other "tricks" up your sleeves that I can try on him? Thanks, Caroline Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN. Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN.
Re: Appetite issues and Monkee update
hi Caroline, I am sorry Monkee is a bit under the weather again. Try the baby food, but only the turkey or chicken w/ gravy mix. Try PetGuard brand cat food if you have it there, it's usually @ Whole Foods or other health food stores. The fish, chicken & liver formula is quite tasty to cats. And the beef mix has LOTS of juice. Try a product called "Mix It" by Science Diet. It is the dog food section @ PetSmart w/ the moist foods. It is for either cats or dogs, but they keep it w/ the dog stuff. Try Pro Plans moist food, the sardines in the "aspic" is quite gross, but cats LOVE it. It is chunks of sardines in some kinda slimey sauce. Try Sardines, try tuna. Try Pet Gold Gourmet Tuna for cats, LOTS of gravey. This is only available @ the pet food specialty stores. I guess the vet has also tried the A/D moist food for cats? Only available @ the vet. Last of all, have you tried syringe feeding him? Some cats get to the point where they will only eat if hand fed, even if they are feeling better. I usually mix up baby food w/ a squirt of Nutri Cal in it. It is good to feed the best quality of foods to him, but @ this point, you have to find out what he will eat, even if it is "junk" in your eyes, and let him have it. Even if it is Whiskars. And lastly, I cannot believe the vets were not weighting him w/ EVERY visit. That's really uncool. Please keep us posted. I will keep him in my thoughts. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:01 AM Subject: Appetite issues and Monkee update Hi everyone. I just wanted to update you on Monkee's situation and ask for some help/advice with his eating. He has been doing really well since last week. I pretty much just decided to drop his other two vets for now and focus on getting him care from his homeopathic vet Dr. Maier. Monkee was eating his raw food really well. We went to see Dr. Maier on Friday and she said he looked really good- his heart was strong (weak murmur), he was alert and he weighed 12 pounds. Which was nice to know because every time he went to Dr. Daley's, I don't think they ever weighed him so I didn't know how much weight he'd lost with the chemo and anemia. He started at 13 pounds and some ounces, so he hasn't lost too much yet. Dr. Maier added another homeopathic remedy to further help detox him. He was so good for the ride out and back from Dr. Maier's and at her clinic. It was hilarious-- I could tell he was much more happier and I knew I made the right decision about his care. It was a total 180 from his behavior at Dr. Daley's!!! However, his appetite started dropping off this weekend. I can't get him to eat his raw food. I bought him all this Wellness wet food at the pet store to get him eating organic and he won't eat it at all, so I went back to the gravy-soaked Fancy Feast. He will only drink some of the gravy. I also tried putting his chicken livers and raw beef in a blender and liquefying it because he seems to like gravy so much and I thought the stringy chick livers were too much effort for him to chew. He really only drank a little of that. I can get him to eat table scraps of my own food- broiled restaurant fish- but that is not the kind of stuff he's supposed to be eating to help his anemia. He also started eating litter-- which has been really hard for me because I know if he wasn't anemic, he would never do anything like that. He's very OCD about his litter box and I think if he could think straight, the mere thought of nibbling on litter would appall his sensibilities. I emailed Dr. Maier about that and she told me to start him on Silica- which I got from the health food store and started on Sunday. I am aware the transfusion may be wearing off. Also, he is no longer on the appetite stimulant Cyproheptadine because last week he was eating fine without it. I have emailed Dr. Maier to let her know and see what she can do for him. But I also wanted to know if any of you have any other "tricks" up your sleeves that I can try on him? Thanks, Caroline -- Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN.
Appetite issues and Monkee update
Hi everyone. I just wanted to update you on Monkee's situation and ask for some help/advice with his eating. He has been doing really well since last week. I pretty much just decided to drop his other two vets for now and focus on getting him care from his homeopathic vet Dr. Maier. Monkee was eating his raw food really well. We went to see Dr. Maier on Friday and she said he looked really good- his heart was strong (weak murmur), he was alert and he weighed 12 pounds. Which was nice to know because every time he went to Dr. Daley's, I don't think they ever weighed him so I didn't know how much weight he'd lost with the chemo and anemia. He started at 13 pounds and some ounces, so he hasn't lost too much yet. Dr. Maier added another homeopathic remedy to further help detox him. He was so good for the ride out and back from Dr. Maier's and at her clinic. It was hilarious-- I could tell he was much more happier and I knew I made the right decision about his care. It was a total 180 from his behavior at Dr. Daley's!!! However, his appetite started dropping off this weekend. I can't get him to eat his raw food. I bought him all this Wellness wet food at the pet store to get him eating organic and he won't eat it at all, so I went back to the gravy-soaked Fancy Feast. He will only drink some of the gravy. I also tried putting his chicken livers and raw beef in a blender and liquefying it because he seems to like gravy so much and I thought the stringy chick livers were too much effort for him to chew. He really only drank a little of that. I can get him to eat table scraps of my own food- broiled restaurant fish- but that is not the kind of stuff he's supposed to be eating to help his anemia. He also started eating litter-- which has been really hard for me because I know if he wasn't anemic, he would never do anything like that. He's very OCD about his litter box and I think if he could think straight, the mere thought of nibbling on litter would appall his sensibilities. I emailed Dr. Maier about that and she told me to start him on Silica- which I got from the health food store and started on Sunday. I am aware the transfusion may be wearing off. Also, he is no longer on the appetite stimulant Cyproheptadine because last week he was eating fine without it. I have emailed Dr. Maier to let her know and see what she can do for him. But I also wanted to know if any of you have any other "tricks" up your sleeves that I can try on him? Thanks, Caroline Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN.