Expert: Karen Craft - 1/14/2011

Question
And if he isn't, what should I look for in the future?
I have a 19 yr old black and white Tabby. And is name is Tabby. My daughter named him way back about 19 yrs ago before we knew what breed he was.
Anyway, when we first got him, he wasn't even old enough to be neutered. That was back in 1992.

Well, we went to the vet a few days ago and he (the vet) noticed that his intestines were swollen. The vet says he is worried about intestinal cancer.
Well, Tabby is a walking skeleton with fur. When he walks, he sort of wobbles. Similar to if you get up in the middle of the night and start walking into walls.
He's not purring like he used to. He purrs,still, but not like he did. He'll go 'purr, purr, purr.. ( and then it sounds like he's coughing or clearing his throat -I don't know if cats can do that)
He doesn't seem to want to cuddle like he did. It was just a few days ago, he didn't want to get down off my lap now I can't get him to stay. On the other hand, he's always been a bit indepedent as much as loveable.
I've noticed that when he tries to get up from a sleeping position, that it'll take him a few minutes. All 4 paws are up in the air till he can get his balance and get up.
The vet suggested canned food only but I can only get him to take a few bites of that at a time.
After 19 years, I've gotten so attached to him. I don't want him to suffer but I don't know if I can stand to see him go either.
He has heart problems, but I don't know specifics. I keep forgetting to ask the vet. But he gets Felvoite (vitamin) and he has arthritis.
So in short, I need someone to help me!

Answer
Hi Joyce,

I'm in the same boat as you. I have an old man here too. And he is in about the same condition as yours is,(walking skeleton). I feed my guy 3-5 times a day. I give him about a couple of tablespoons of wet food each time. I also give him kitty glop. I'll attach the recipe for it at the end. He loves it and eats it up.

You need to heat his food slightly. It helps them to eat. As they get older their sense of smell diminishes. This helps them. I also will feed him a bit of raw hamburger slightly warmed up. He loves this.

He doesn't sound like he is in pain. He will sleep a lot. There is nothing wrong with that. You need to make sure he is warm though. Since he has no excess fat he will feel the cold more. I moved a high sided cat bed for my guy to right on top of a heating vent. It soaks up the heat for him. You can also use this. http://cozywinters.com/shop/kh-3191-3193.html
This will do wonders for him.

Keep up with the vitamins. They definitely help. You will know when the time is for you to let him go. He may go gently at home or if he is in pain or incapacitated you will know what to do. It is the one big drawback of having our fuzzy companions. But you have had a long wonderful time with him. Take care of him now and worry about the other later. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can goat milk or evaporated milk, (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat) Greek yogurt is good.
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)
2 jars Stage One Meat Baby food (chicken,turkey, or beef)
1 can cat food, (same flavor as baby food)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, cat food, and syrup together well. Hand blender works well for this. 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.
Feed a couple of tablespoons to cat 3-4 times a day. If he wants more let him have it.

Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.