NEED HELP HERE! Diabetic Cat

[CameozMom]

I have a friend who is thinking about adopting a diabetic cat. She doesn't mind the special food and extra attention that it is going to need, but she does have another cat who eats regular food. She is afraid that the diabetic cat is going to try to eat the other cat's food, instead of it's own. Is there anyone who knows of a way that she can keep it from eating food other than it's own? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!
Susie

[Lerah021399]

Sure I can help...Ali is a diabetic, Jack is not. Ali loves to eat. Especially Jack's wet food. What we do to make sure that Ali doesn't eat Jack's food:

1)don't free feed the cats. feed them once in the morning and once in the evening.

2) put the food away after they are done eating. That way Ali doesn't eat Jack's food and Jack doesn't eat Ali's food.

3) feed them in seperate areas/rooms. Ali get's fed on one side of the kitchen and Jack gets fed on the other.

This doesn't mean that Ali still doesn't try to eat Jack's food, so I really have to watch her.

Hope this can help your friend.

[jenluckenbach]

Lerah021399 advice is right on the money! And do not think it is not possible to retrain cats to eat like this. I have 13 and ALL of them eat in an area separate from the others (most in a carrier). They were all free fed before they came here and needed to adjust and they did just fine. Their first couple of meals were not as smooth as you would like (they would not eat the whole thing) but soon they realize that it is now or wait until 12 hours later. It is the best system that I know of to 1) feed different food and 2) monitor intake. I know immediately if one cat is not eating and possible not feeling well. Good luck with the diabetic.

[DaisyMcCat]

My non diabetic cat eats Purina DM dry, and I give her a little regular wet food in another room. Our vet said the DM was fine as long as her liver functions were normal, which we checked her for, so they can both graze all day on it.

How nice of your friend to consider adopting a very special cat.

[mruffruff]

Definitely feed them twice a day, in separate places.

Also, tell your friend about the feline diabetes board on ezboard. There is help, information and emotional support for owners of diabetic cats.

Mary

[Cataholic]

Hi, well, my situation isn't diabetic v. non diabetic, but, I do feed one boy food that the other six don't eat. For the most part, it works VERY well....I feed Tex on the counter, only. I do not encourage other cats up there,and he doesn't eat their food which is on the floor. Now, Allie and Georgia sometimes sneak a peek in Tex's food dish, but, run when they see me....I just talk harshly.

I would give my situation a 89% success rate in keeping other's from eating Tex's food, and 100% in Tex not eating their food (which is more important).

Good luck, and special thoughts for your friend thinking of adopting a special needs kitty. She is to be commended.

[jenluckenbach]

1st I need to tease Cataholic

, I do feed one boy food that the other six don't eat.

Freudian slip??????? 6 others, don't you mean 5 others? (and don't tell me Binx counts as a cat)

2nd I believe that Tex NOT eating the others food is quite incredible. Not everyone will have this kind of luck. I'd stick with the completely separate routine (personally)

[Cataholic]

Funny, Jen, very Funny, though with all these newbies on here, I have felt a yen for a kitten again.

Yes, Tex eats food the other FIVE don't get. As to why he doesn't eat their food? I just figured his tasted better, so, he doesn't bother. I bet in four years I haven't seen him sample their food but two or three times. Tex is quite the magic kitty.

[tatsxxx11]

My Mr. B is diabetic, my Oliver is not and is in excellent health. My vet said that Oliver can eat the Purina DM without any problem. When Mr. B is sleeping or in another room, I'll give Oliver some non diabetic canned as a treat. I'd have your friend check with her vet to ask if the healthy kitty can eat the DM. If not, or if he won't eat it, I'd feed them in separate rooms. And the board that has been mentioned, www.felinediabetes.com is a terrific site for advice and support!!