Ralph Syracuse needs your prayers!!!

**TopCat3** · 12-27-2005, 08:28 PM

If protein isn't a problem, don't forget softly scrambled eggs (cooled

) and how good we feel when we are sick/off our food and have those. Easy to eat/digest and very comforting.
If concentrated protein is a problem,you might try mashing the eggs with some mashed potato with butter or tuna juice to tempt his appetite and "dilute" the protein hit.

I know how hard it is with cats who are off their food. I tried making a wonderful concoction with chicken and brown rice and stock and all the right mineral additives bla di bla (won't bore you with the recipe/process) for Cleo as a "natural" kidney diet AND SHE WOULDN'T TOUCH IT. I have two tubs in the freezer if anyone wants it...

**jenluckenbach** · 12-28-2005, 05:10 AM

Come on Ralphie. You have to eat!! It worries us hoomins when our furries don't eat.

**kb2yjx** · 12-28-2005, 08:55 AM

Ralphie is at the vet's. He is looking LOTS better than he did a few days ago!! He WANTS the IV line out!! I will try some of the foods that you suggested, he ate about a teaspoon of his favourite CHICKEN baby food this morning. He is making his way out of the woods, but he is doing it the Ralph Syracuse way!! If Ralph could say it(he does though, purr it), he would give you MANY words of thanks and HEAD BUTTS for all the good wishes and prayers that you have sent his way. Sandra

**jenluckenbach** · 12-28-2005, 05:19 PM

Good boy Ralph.

by the way, I love your name.....Ralph Syracuse......how did you get it?

**kb2yjx** · 12-28-2005, 06:02 PM

Barry just brought home from the vet! NO IV needle!!! Ralph is thrilled! He ate a tablespoon of food for Dr. Artuso! Right now, Ralph is doing a thorough cleaning of his front leg when the IV was. He will be fed in about one hour! It is so good to have Ralphie back!! THANKS TO ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND HEALING THOUGHTS!!
My husband, Barry, named Ralph when we adopted him in 1992. I added the "Syracuse," because, he is my ORANGEMAN, which used to be the mascot of Syracuse University. Now, I think they are just called the ORANGE, what a shame to change the name!! Sandra & Ralphie Syracuse

**TopCat3** · 12-28-2005, 06:14 PM

Hurrah! You must feel great now you are reunited. Go on Ralphie, eat up that food Mummy's prepared and cuddle up with her afterwards and tell her how much you love her.

**kb2yjx** · 12-29-2005, 03:54 AM

Ralph spent the night in HIS Grainger box in front of the heater vent in the kitchen. When I lifted the shirt that covered the box, I was greeted by a "meorumph." I will be leaving for work shortly, so Barry will be in charge, with plenty of written instructions!!! Have a good breakfast, Ralphie!!

**Barbara** · 12-29-2005, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by TopCat3

I know how hard it is with cats who are off their food. I tried making a wonderful concoction with chicken and brown rice and stock and all the right mineral additives bla di bla (won't bore you with the recipe/process) for Cleo as a "natural" kidney diet AND SHE WOULDN'T TOUCH IT. I have two tubs in the freezer if anyone wants it...

I promise Filou wouldn't touch it too. It has "HEALTHY" written on it

Glad to hear Ralph is home. I wish him a very good appetite.

**TopCat3** · 12-29-2005, 07:09 AM

Can someone please tell me what a Grainger box is? Is this something American?

**smokey the elder** · 12-29-2005, 07:20 AM

Grainger makes tools and industrial gadgets.

I'm glad Ralph is doing better!

**Maya & Inka's mommy** · 12-29-2005, 08:30 AM

OOPS, just noticed this!
Poor Ralphie, you went througha rough time, hey! I am glad to hear you are on the recovery now!!

**kb2yjx** · 12-30-2005, 08:07 AM

Hello ALL!!! I am sorry that I did not post last evening!!! If anything, Ralph is increasing the amount of gray hair on my head!!! I worked yesterday, and Ralph gave his Dad a hard time. HE REFUSED TO EAT!!! However, after speaking to the vet, and trying numerous items, Ralph took 2 pieces of Molly's Royal Canin Renal LP 21!! We called the vet to aske if we could feed that to Ralph. The wonderful people at our vet's found something better for him: I/D dry(of course I cringed when I saw the BHA & BHT listed in the ingredients!!) Barry went and picked up the bag. Ralph devoured about a tablespoon!! This morning he ate 1/8cup divided into two rounds!!!! He was out and about on the counters and being as close to his old self since he became ill!! WE ARE SO HAPPY!!!
I am so sorry about not explaining the GRAINGER box!!!! I brought the box home several months ago and Ralph took it over! NO OTHER CAT EVER GOES IN IT!!!! Barry said we should post of photo of Ralph in it. OK, how do we do that?????!!!!
Barry and I are so grateful for all your prayers, healing wishes, food ideas, and all the kind words you have sent to help our ORANGEMAN, Ralph Syracuse!! THANK YOU!!!! Sandra

**kb2yjx** · 12-30-2005, 11:52 AM

We are so lucky to have a wonderful vet!!! We are going to see if Ralph will enjoy eating the Royal Canin diet that Tina Peepers eats. It is Hypoallergenic LP23. Far less chemicals that Hills! Ralph enjoyed a few pieces of it and went back to sleep!!! Sandra

**TopCat3** · 12-31-2005, 08:15 AM

Thanks for explaining Grainger box. I thought it was some kind of special cat contraption! What am I missing out on, I thought!

I'm glad he's eating more. Honestly, I wouldn't worry more than a little about chemicals. I agree with you and try to avoid additives etc and am quite concerned about side-effects both in my food ( I have organic wherever possible) and in the cats' food. However sometimes I think it's just more important to eat, than not eat, even if there is junk in what we eat. I mean, when we reach a certain stage in life, or in illness, which is likely to do us more harm? We just have to do the best we can. Big Pharma and the chemical companies/pet food companies have made it very hard for us to do otherwise. And I'm sure they put something in it that addicts them and turns them off good wholesome food for life!

**Catty1** · 12-31-2005, 08:51 AM

By the time I saw this thread, I was so worried - but happy to reach the happy beginning of a new lease on life for Ralph!

I agree with the others, Sandra - I'd worry less about the additives(especially if they are 5th or further in the ingredient list), as long as Ralph is EATING! I hope he likes his new healthier food.

There are definitely flavoured junk foods for pets! I tried some Whiskas on my cat - and he would be a medicine ball by now if I had kept him on it! All flavours and junk - and it even has the vet seal on it.

And with all due respect, I love to quote Erma Bombeck: "To heck with natural foods. At my age, I need all the preservatives I can get!"

I am two years into a special nutrition program myself, so I totally understand and respect your point of view. I just love that quote!

Any more updates?

hugs
Catty1