Expert: Karen Craft - 1/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
         I have a 17-year old short hair who has been diabetic for several years.  She has recently developed a bad dental condition.  Normally the vet would go in and clean/extract the problem teeth but she was also diagnosed with a heart murmur and kidneys that are starting to show signs of slowing.  The vet advises against the procedure because of her various conditions and the risk that she would die or be severely injured.
         Because of her teeth she will barely touch anything but baby food.  Sometimes not even that however.  Is there any way to prepare proper cat food that would make it comfortable for her to eat?  Or is there a cat food out there somewhere for cats with dental problems?  
         I'm in a very tough place right now since so many things are working against her.  

Thanks, and I hope you can help!

Steven



ANSWER: Hi Steven,

She needs very soft food. Sometimes adding water to canned food helps. Here is a good link about cat foods. http://catinfo.org/index.htm

I am also attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. Try feeding her this stuff. Most cats absolutely love this. You can add a soft vitamin supplement to it because of her age. 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.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Have you heard of anything call Nutrical?  It's supposed to be high-calorie but packed with carbohydrates...can't be good for a diabetic right?

Thanks for your help.

Steven  

Answer
Hi Steven,

I don't suggest using Nutrical. Very high in carbs. Try to follow some suggestions that Dr. Lisa suggested in her article. http://catinfo.org/felinediabetes.htm
I think when you follow what she says you will have a new kitty on your hands. Soft, wet food is ideal for her. This article suggests some very good ones for your cat.

I believe this will make a huge difference in the quality of your cat's life. The kitty glop recipe I gave you may have too much sugar in it. Go with what Dr. Lisa suggests. Good luck. Let me know how she does.

Ciao,
Karen