Apologies if this has already been covered but some advice would be appreciated. I need some ideas on food stuffs/ supplements which would help build-up a sick cat. Jess (fiv) is doing ok but she seems not to be getting any better just staying stable. She is still on medication, I understand this could be life-long thats not a problem but she appears to have lost all enthiusiasm and get up and go. she eats, poos and pees but thats about all. I've tried all the better quality foodstuffs but all she wants to eat is felix with the occassional piece of raw chicken and beef. She has fresh water as well as another bowl with pro-c vit probiotic. I am now thinking would it be better to let her go but with all I have been through with her this is a very upsetting thought. Would supplements like fish oil be of any benefit or is there by any chance a wonder food/supplement out there with Jess' name on it.? Thanks.

Have you thought of using raw as she likes bit of chicken etc?

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What does your vet think her chances of battling the pneumonia are? What meds is she on? If she's responding to treatment ( sounds as if she is since she's not getting worse ) even in little stages I'd be inclned to leave it a bit longer. It could well be once she's over this then things will improve-similar to humans with flu! However, you may have to consider syringe feeding her in the meantime to give her that additional nutritional boost!

It's a good sign ( not ready to give up ) she's eating something independently. How much food is she actually eating? I speak to the vet about additional convalescent type supplemental foods like Nutri-Cal etc. Here's a link to Tanya's site for CRF cats but the information applies to cat's like Jess. Also an appetite stimulant might help again discuss with vet! Another thing Vitamin V12 injections might help.

Tanya's Comprehensive Guideto Feline Chronic Renal Failure - Persuading Your Cat to Eat

Hope she improves soon!

She's on a long term sylnulux and 1/4 b.d diuretic which has been reduced today to once a day. When she had her check-up on tuesday they were pleased. Her heart is nice and strong and her lungs are clearer, her breathing is all but back to normal. She's probably eating about 1 sachet per day with the occssional bit of raw (her choice) chicken and beef is offered. I've had a look on line and salmon oil has been recomended I'm thinking I might try this until she has her check-up on tuesday. A friend of mine has recommended I try 'almo' but kitten. To be honest I havent heard of this one any thoughts. Thanks again.

That is actually a good response then considering she was only recently diagnosed! Think you need to concerntrate on finding a high calorific food to build her up. Not familiar with Almo kitten.

Perhaps a tad geeky but the abstract should give you some of the info you seek: http://jarvm.com/articles/Vol5Iss3/Cupp%20133-149.pdf . Salmon oil is a great idea. The fatty acids are natural anti-inflams and not only help with joint health but also more generally.


Re the Almo Nature, do you mean the wet food? I personally would stay clear of this as it really is only a complementary food that is high in phosphorus (not a great idea for elderly cats). Mind you, the kitten version might be slightly different.

I'm currently trying to "build up" my 18-year-old, Misi, who has just had a bought of serious illness. She is slowly gaining weight, thanks, I think to my making sure she has a decent amount of food every day, even if it means syringe feeding her a meal. I also supplement her diet with Nutri-plus gel by Virbac. It's similar to Nutri-cal and the like. She also has a dish of pro-biotic natural yoghurt once or twice a day. In the first week of this intensive regime, she gained 400g and is now slowly, but steadily building up. Her diet is made up of Beaphar or Kattovit wet renal food in the morning as she has crf and either cooked or raw chicken / quail / rabbit for the rest of the day. The soft food allows me to supplement her with the nutri-plus, and the other meds and supps she has, such as taurine, a multi-vit for senior cats (try tasty-vits, great for seniors), and co-enzyme q10.

In short, making sure she has enough to eat every day + a dietary supplement should be enough! AND, raw is great because it is so full of available nutrients, that you don't have to feed so much, so if puss has a poor appetite, it doesn't take huge platefuls to satisfy them ;-)

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