Expert: Karen Craft - 8/14/2009

Question
My 8 and 1/2 year old orange Tabby named Topaz was just diagnosed with kidney failure. Something was really off with her, she wouldn't eat or drink and then started drooling. I took her to the vet where they gave her fluids and some anti nausea medicine. Her BUN levels are off the charts at 300. I was told her outlook is grim. I the. Took her in again for more IV's and asked the doctor to let me take her home and that I will give her the iv's and medicine. She is also taking liquid antacid and Azodyl. I'm using a syringe to feed her the Hills a/d and water. I was wondering what else I could give her to eat that would be healthy for her. I heard canned pumpkin and baby food could be possibilities. Her potassium and creatine levels are also very high. What are some other safe alternatives to try?  She has used the litter box twice in the last 24 hours and she still is swatting her tail with the same attitude she always has. She has been surrounded with lots of love. I haven't really left her side. What can I do for her

Answer
Hi Sara,

Here's a good link about cat nutrition. http://catinfo.org/index.htm
I subscribe to the belief that if you feed a cat very quality protein diet it will help your cat over the long run. High quality protein diets produce little waste. Here's another link about cat and renal problems. http://www.felinecrf.com/ You want your cat to have Potassium levels that are in the normal to slightly high level. It is Phosphorus that shouldn't be high. BUN levels show how his diet is working and if he is dehydrated. High Creatine levels show overall kidney function. Here's another link of Q and A about kidney disease. http://www.vetinfo.com/ckidney.html and http://www.vetinfo.com/ckidney2.html
There is a lot of good info in the answers.

I am attaching my recipe for Kitty Glop. This stuff is great with ailing cats, (as a supplement to his regular food). Diet is highly important in helping your cat. Another thing to consider is a kidney transplant. Your vet will be able to help you there. Hope this helps you. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen


KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten,)
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.