Ultimatum *updated with results!*

[Catsnclay]

What type of food do you feed them? I know that the ash content is very important for males - although I can't remember if it is high ash or low ash - sorry. But it looks like you do have a problem.

I know you now this, but sometimes repeating it will help, so here goes (don't get mad, I'm just trying to help!):

Cats do NOT like change in their lives, sounds like Allen has had a lot of change recently. Go back to feeding him first, and where he likes to be fed. Have you moved his favorite bed? The scratching post, did you move that? How about his litter box?

You said he had to share a room with your son, did he enjoy doing that? Now that your son is gone, maybe Allen can have "his" room back - give him a few days to get reaquianted with that. Are the other kitties picking on him? If so, why??

Are they drinking enough? Maybe adding wet food with water - mix it like a soup will give him more water in his diet.

You have to play pet dectective and find out what is bugging them. If you think it is UTI, then go to the vet (I know you already have an appointment) Antibiotics will help with the UTI, but not if it behaviorial.

My Yoshi is a pee-boy and he is on "kitty porzac". It is not very expensive, it is like $12.00 and it lasts 3 1/2 months - and well worth every cent of it!! But, he is on it for life but this is a very small price to pay to keep everyone healthy & happy in this house. Talk with you vet about medications, there are several different types, so your vet will know the best one for Allen.

Good luck & hang in there! I know how frustrating this is, but don't give up on them. This is there only way of expressing their frustration to us!

[catnapper]

See, I'm totally kicking myself right now. I know Pouncer needs to be on special diet. I just could not afford it last month. I ordered it, I just never had the money to pick it up, so he's been eating Nutro. If this costs me $200 just because he didn't eat his special food... then I'll scream Lesson learned - do not substitute Pouncer's food for anything, especially when things change around here since I know he stresses so easily.

All I can say is thank God for people who are true friends - I do have the money for this vet visit.

Edit: Lizzie, I saw your post... I would love nothing more for anyone to help, but I hate feeling like I'm asking for handouts. I really do. But let me tell you, this experience has helped make me a better person. In all my house cleaning the past two weeks I've sent out a LOT of stuff on Freecycle. I thought a young college kid was going to kiss me last night when I gave her my old art portfolio. She said that even in the condition I gave it to her (pretty battered), it was worth over $100 - new ones apparently run over $200. Hubby's eyes got real big and I could tell he was wondering why I didn't try to sell it.... the reason was because it was something I had to give. I felt good knowing I was able to help out a college kid and make her feel as lucky as I do getting the help PTers already gave me. I truly believe in paying it forward.. someday I can do more and when another Ter needs my help I'll be there to do whatever I can. (((hugs)))

[jenluckenbach]

I just could not afford it last month. I ordered it, I just never had the money to pick it up, so he's been eating Nutro. If this costs me $200 just because he didn't eat his special food... then I'll scream Lesson learned - do not substitute Pouncer's food for anything,

Now here is a lesson I learned a LOOOOONG time ago. The cost of the correst food is SOOOOO much less than vet visits to correct the problems.

But don't toally kick yourself. After all, you KNOW Allen is partly to blame and he was never prescribed that food. (that may NOT be his problem). I tell you, after the episode with Simba where he dribbled on the floor, and the urinalysis turned up NO infection and NO crystals. The vet thought his bladder was inflammed, gave him a steroid and something else, and he is as good as ever.