What do I DO??? Kind man but stupid owner...#15 positive update

[Catty1]

Well, I guess my gal friend had no time to check her email.

One thing I could do is report to Animal Control here regarding neglect. That's a last resort.

I'll just be really good to Georgie boy.

[Catty1]

I talked to this guy's GF and here is her email to me today:

Hi Candace,
I spoke with G___ last night and he doesn't want George to go to the vet. He is adamant about this, but did say that if it looks like George is getting worse he will consider it. I know Garry well enough that it is no use trying to convince him if his mind is made up.
In the meantime, i will buy some of the tartar control treats you mentioned before (greenies). George is actually doing better than he was 6 months ago - eating well and able to climb stairs more easily. I do appreciate your concern, and will talk to Garry again if George's health appears to be worsening.

I replied and thanked her twice for trying):

The best price for Greenies I have seen at Zellers - but Pet Planet here in town is pretty good too (over near Shoppers). If you are in a pet store, ask about drops that are added to water to help tartar. There are several about. Lastly - I hear that filtered water is really great for bladder and for teeth. There is a Brita pitcher at the 2nd hand store for $8.00 and President's Choice filters work great as well as being cheaper than Brita! :-)

Also - pet medical research used to think that kidney cats needed LOW protein diets. Apparently that is not the case, as long as the food is high-quality protein. Two Canadian brands I have used are Origen and Now (the latter has an umlaut over the o). Pet stores often have samples. If George likes it (it can have warm water on it so George can eat it), that may help put a bit of weight on him. "Now" may also come in a wet formula. These products have no grains in them, which is why they are high in protein. Wellness and Natura have grain free wet...and these foods, wet and dry, will have other vitamins in them.

No food at a vet's is grain-free, and my vet totally approves of my using grain-free food with my guys. They do well on it - TOO well! lol - and this food also changes the pH of their urine so crystals can't form.

So...that's all we can do for now. I hope drops in the water (and George drinks lots) might help loosen or dissolve the tartar over time...cause that's the only option. George LOVES treats, so Greenies and maybe some Medi-Treats will help remove tartar as they are hard treats).

Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. Keep a few coming, ok?

[Taz_Zoee]

I think it is strange that he is "adamant" on not taking George to the vet. Is it that he doesn't want to face the fact that he might be really sick? Or is there something else (like he's not his cat and he poofed him years ago)?
Well, I hope the GF will take your advice and suggestions to at least help George in the meantime to be comfortable. And I hope you can eventually get through to your friend/neighbor to get George to the vet.
Good luck!!

[Freedom]

ARGH! How can you stand it, Candace?! I'd be getting more and more upset.

Poor George . . . .

[Catty1]

At least there is some good change. This was in an email from my GF this morning:

Also, regarding George, he now has some greenies for his teeth and the tartar drops in his drinking water. I also bought some Now food which we have mixed into his canned food, and he really seems to be doing better than before - more energy for sure.

ETA: "Now" is a Canadian-made grain free dry food. My guys get it - the senior weight management formula.

I suggested to my GF that after a month or so of the Greenies and tartar drops, George might be able to handle some dry on its own. It's NOT as good as a dental, I know - but George is doing better, and that is hopeful.

[Laura's Babies]

At least she is willing to try something to help the baby and not just ignore the problem! That is progress!

[Freedom]

**clapping**

Good job!

[Catty1]

I gave her all the suggestions I could - and she went through with them! I HOPE George will gain a little weight. I am sure her BF agreed - change of food and all sorts of stuff.

He is such a sweet loving kitty...so I am glad to hear he is doing better.