Ralph Syracuse needs your prayers!!!

[TopCat3]

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

[smokey the elder]

Grainger makes tools and industrial gadgets.

I'm glad Ralph is doing better!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

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

[kb2yjx]

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]

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]

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]

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

[TopCat3]

How's Ralphie, Sandra - eating well and feeling better now?

[kb2yjx]

As I write this morning, I am kneeling on the floor, and Ralphie is asleep on the desk chair. O, did I forget to mention that under the desk there is a baseboard heater!!! It is like a kitty sauna under there and the cats love it!!!
Ralph IS eating, but not enough according to the vet. He is eating about a 1/4 cup for the day. I can tell he wants to eat, but it is like he cannot bring himself to do it. Yesterday, I offered Ralph asparagus, one of his FAVOURITE foods. He took a bite, but that is OK. We gave him some cooked chicken and he ate a bite. I am roasting a turkey, so Ralph will have some. I am going to speak to the vet tomorrow about an appetite stimulant. I give him the sub q fluids(which much to my surprise, he does not fight us(giving this cat a pill, eye drops, ear drops, ANYTHING is a major battle!!), so I am thinking that Ralph still is not feeling up to snuff. Barry and I both agree, we do not think that Ralph is ready to leave us just yet, but we think he has had a tougher time with the pancreatitis this time than when he had it before. We have not given up on the ORANGEMAN yet!! Thank you ALL for your concern and prayers for Ralphie!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and YOUR KITTIES, too!!!

[Killearn Kitties]

I hope an appetite stimulant helps Ralphie. We all want him around for a while yet!

[tatsxxx11]

Lots of love and prayers on the way for precious Ralphie, Sandra.

{{{HUGS}}}

[kb2yjx]

Ralph did eat a little less than a half of a can of Fancy Feast Turkey!!! Then came begging at the table for our turkey!!! Of course, he got a piece or two!! I decided to give him fluids and he is so good!! Right now, Ralph is resting in his Grainger box by the heating vent. Will be speaking with the vet tomorrow.

[jenluckenbach]

What a wonderful way to start 2006......with good news about Ralph.

[Catty1]

Will keep my fingers crossed for you and Ralph! What a great turn of events - keep it up, Ralph!

How blessed he is to have such purrents!

Catty1

[TopCat3]

Fantastic news! Good on you Ralph! Get stuck into that turkey!