Expert: Karen Craft - 3/27/2011

Question
My 16 year old male cat, Buddy, has not touched food or water without being coaxed or force fed with a syringe for the last three days. The vet said it may be related to his liver, as his eyes are yellowed. I can't afford the extra testing needed to find an answer. I'm at a loss as to how to help him.

Answer
Hi Brooke,

I'm sorry to hear this. Here's a couple of good links to explain what the different types of liver disease he may be subject to.

http://www.cat-world.com.au/liver-disease-in-cats

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/liver.html


I am attaching my recipe for Kitty Glop. I am adapting it for your cat's condition. You can try feeding him this. It is a high protien diet that is called for in cats with liver disease.

Ask your vet about antibiotics if it is bacterial related. Ask your vet about sub-q fluids. And keep in mind that as hard as it is to do you may have to make that decision we all hate to make. Try the Kitty Glop and see if this helps. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

INGREDIENTS:
1 can goat milk (Wal Mart carries it)
2 tbsp. low fat plain flavored Greek yogurt
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, Wellness or Nature's Variety, (same flavor as baby food)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, 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 your 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. You can use a feeding tube or syringe also to feed your cat this.