Another cat update

[redbird]

We have started julian_tiger on a pill that is supposed to be an appetite stimulant in cats: 1/4 tablet every three days. Now, Julian is a fairly smart cat, and apparently has learned to recognize the sounds and/or motions of me opening a pill bottle and breaking a tablet in half on the kitchen counter.

His response to noticing this was to walk over and wait next to me. So I said "that's right, you're going to get a treat," used the pill cutter to slice a half-tablet in half again, wrapped it in the pill pocket stuff he likes, and fed it to him. Now, if only he could learn to like the subcutaneous fluids (which the vet recommends at least every other day).

Addendum: After three or four tries, we got Julian wrapped in a towel and holding still long enough to get at least some fluids into him. I think he got 75 cc today; the goal is 100-150, probably 150/dose if we're only doing every other day.

Also, I cut up some blueberries* as a possible treat/distraction, based partly on what anne had said about getting fluids into her cat. It wasn't practical to give them to Julian before or while we were giving him the fluids, but he happily ate every bit of them afterwards. And then stalked off to his food bowl for some kibble, which is also good: maybe he's just feeling better, or maybe the appetite stimulant is already starting to work.

*despite the instructions for the Ideologically Labile Fruit Crisp, I don't think I need to consult a therapist.

Comments

[anne]

Random complains loudly about his twice-daily fluids. But I hit upon the solution! I give him a lot of his favorite treats, and stick him while he's occupied.

[redbird]

Are you just putting a bunch of them on the counter in front of him? We are going to try Cattitude holding the cat down, in a way we were shown Saturday, while I stick the needle in and then start the fluid flowing. But Julian has managed to not cooperate once already tonight.

[anne]

My vet recommended putting him face-first into the corner of the couch, which has been working pretty well in conjunction with the treats. It'd be easier if I had four arms or another person! It does get easier with practice, but I'm still going through two needles per attempt some days.

[redbird]

Well, we managed 75 cc with him wrapped in a towel, and decided that would do for today. He then happily ate every bit of the blueberries I had cut up and put on a plate. (I had thought they might be useful distraction during, but that wasn't practical with Julian on Cattitude's lap. But it can't hurt if he starts associating the fluids thing with a generous treat. (Blueberry season can't last much longer, but there are other options.)

[anne]

Random won't take 150cc at a time; that's why I try to give him 100cc 2x/day. Sometimes it ends up being 100cc total. But it's all better than nothing.

[pameladean]

I've heard of cats asking for their insulin injections, but I don't think I've ever heard of one asking for fluids, alas.

I'm glad he thinks his pills are a treat.

P.

[replyhazy.livejournal.com]

Good luck on the fluids, I can certainly relate.

We found our cats objected somewhat less if we warmed the fluids (by putting the bag in a bowl of very hot water) beforehand; if you're not already doing that, you might try it.

Hang in there!

[redbird]

We tried that the first couple of times, but couldn't get him to hold still enough for us to insert the needle. This time it was just at room temperature, though, so thanks for the reminder.

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

I continue to hold my thumbs for julian_tiger, and I salute your energy and resolve!