Questions for those who have experience introducing cats? (old question) July Walnut health update!!!

[SaintsManiac]

Omg Farro!! I am so very sorry. I don’t even know what to say. My cat had a near death experience over Christmas and I was a total wreck.
You are in my thoughts. Seriously take care of yourself. What a rough time you’re having.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Sorry. I think, like people, some animals end up with crap DNA through no fault of their own...or anyone's really.

I absolutely believe that. I lost a cat in 2014 to the same disease that my friend’s cat died of a year later. They had the same mother.

 

[Farro]

Omg Farro!! I am so very sorry. I don’t even know what to say. My cat had a near death experience over Christmas and I was a total wreck.
You are in my thoughts. Seriously take care of yourself. What a rough time you’re having.

Yeah, we are on a roller coaster for sure. Luckily we have each other to get through.

We took Walnut to a cat only vet today and had a much more encouraging visit. She still thinks IBD and early enough to treat with diet change. Which is hard enough. She couldn't believe other vet told us to go ahead and have a surgical biopsy. She said ridiculous to do right now.

So we will try what we can.

Save Walnut!!! ❤❤❤

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... We took Walnut to a cat only vet today and had a much more encouraging visit. She still thinks IBD and early enough to treat with diet change. Which is hard enough. She couldn't believe other vet told us to go ahead and have a surgical biopsy. She said ridiculous to do right now.

So we will try what we can.

Save Walnut!!! ❤❤❤

So glad you got to see a better vet today and heard encouraging news! We never did a biopsy on our little guy -- never had to because the vet was so sure of the diagnosis based on his symptoms alone -- and she didn't want to put him through the unnecessary trauma. The diet change and the probiotics did wonders. He's been seen by several vets and a specialist, all of whom agree that he looks really good -- no sign of IBD! (And he hasn't had to have Flagyl again since that first time, either!)

 

[Farro]

So glad you got to see a better vet today and heard encouraging news! We never did a biopsy on our little guy -- never had to because the vet was so sure of the diagnosis based on his symptoms alone -- and she didn't want to put him through the unnecessary trauma. The diet change and the probiotics did wonders. He's been seen by several vets and a specialist, all of whom agree that he looks really good -- no sign of IBD! (And he hasn't had to have Flagyl again since that first time, either!)

We are sure having a heck of a time with the diet change. Between shaving his belly for ultrasound, giving flagyl twice a day, a second vet visit yesterday and food transitioning, poor Walnut is pretty stressed.
He's hiding in the bathroom! I think we will slow down with food change until he's been on med for a bit and relaxes. He keeps finding a way to eat all his old food mixed in with new food, but leaves new food. He's a magician!

I've just been informed he's moved to the bench in the front room.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We are sure having a heck of a time with the diet change. Between shaving his belly for ultrasound, giving flagyl twice a day, a second vet visit yesterday and food transitioning, poor Walnut is pretty stressed.
He's hiding in the bathroom! I think we will slow down with food change until he's been on med for a bit and relaxes. He keeps finding a way to eat all his old food mixed in with new food, but leaves new food. He's a magician!

I've just been informed he's moved to the bench in the front room.

Poor thing! Have you tried Feliway spray and diffusers? They can really help lower the stress levels. Our little guy goes right up to the diffusers and takes deep breaths, so they must smell pretty good! The food transition can take a while. We got lucky and hit on a food that worked not too many tries down the line. (And, the expensive prescription food didn't work, so at least that saved us some money!) And don't forget his water, too! We only use filtered because all the chemicals in tap water are too irritating and toxic for the kitties. Have you looked online at Holisticat? I found lots of help there. I think once the Flagyl is behind him, poor Walnut will start doing a lot better. That stuff is really harsh. Hang in there!

 

[lisaviolet]

I'm asking everywhere!

We adopted two litter-mates in Dec 2015, Walnut and Cashew. They loved, loved, loved each other. Sadly and a story I won't go into, Cashew died October 21, 2019 of intestinal lymphoma. I'm still reeling from it, but that's besides the point.

Walnut, after a bit, seems to have adjusted quite well. He's a happy guy, eating well, still playful, etc. He is having an ultrasound done because he has hairballs, but mostly for our peace of mind, but other than that everything is perfect with him. He doesn't run up to people and love on them like Cashew did, but he's certainly not scared. The vet says he is the most laid back cat they've seen in a long time.

We want to eventually bring another cat to our home. Walnut will be 5 in March and I have some questions:

1. Is 5 too old to bring in a new cat?
2. Female, male or doesn't matter?
3. Because Walnut was so close with Cashew, will he reject all other cats?
4. We want to adopt a young cat - 6-9 months. Yes, no?
5. Would 2 kittens be better to adopt so they have each other if Walnut doesn't want to play?

I want to do right by Walnut. He's what's important.

View attachment 462611

Tell me your advice please and thank you!

So sorry about Cashew.

--------------

I had the exact scenario. Litter mates, male, never were without one another. Were a hoot together. Sudden death. However, my Frankie - unlike Walnut - never adjusted, did not do well without Billie (they were seven). He howled every single night calling for him (it was the same distinct meow they used to use for each other). And he spent his days in a closet, had never done that before.

After about six or even months I couldn't take it anymore. So my vet said due to the distinct situation of being together since birth she felt we should not try to bring an adult cat into the house. She felt Frankie would reject the cat. She suggested a kitten only and male.

Neville came in like he owned the world. The tiniest little thing and he was king. I don't think Frankie knew what to think. Neville would not take anything but being with him every second of the day. Although male, Frankie acted like a mother cat. He would go in and cover Neville's litter. And clean Neville. And although it was probably shocking to deal with the tiny devil cat in his face, Frankie never howled at night again and didn't live in the closet.

However, I think were lucky and it wasn't the best for Frankie the last two or three years of his life. Neville still wanted to play and would never give Frankie any space, he was 18. He was ill and winding down and Neville would literally cross check him into cabinets. Neville thinking he was playing, Frankie getting banged up.

My thoughts are that if Walnut is doing well as an only cat, I would not roll the dice. I know plenty of stories where the cats never accepted each other. We were just lucky.

Didn't read the entire thread or check the date. If you already made a decision to get another cat, hoping it goes wonderfully for you and for Walnut.

(Walnut is such a pretty cat.)

 

[lisaviolet]

Well. We did the precautionary ultrasound on Walnut and it wasn't good. Turns out he has the start of whatever took his brother/litter-mate Cashew. Still early days and we are trying different treatments, but I'm broken.

I can't believe this is happening again. Cashew just died.

I am so very sorry Farro.

Going to read more. Posted before reading.

 

[lisaviolet]

I smiled at Walnut eating around his new food. They really are magicians.

I second trying Feliway diffusers. If you choose to use one there have been stories about some fake ones on Amazon overheating. I always bought Feliway at a pet store. Worked wonders.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

We foster for a cat rescue and I often have a large number of cats. We have a leaflet that we provide to adopters to assist with introducing cats to each other. I'm happy to send it to you if you like.

 

[galaxygirl76]

We adopted two 3 month old litter mates last December and though there were a few bumps the first week or two they are getting along fine now with our three 8 year olds and our 4 year old. We kept them separated the first few weeks and introduced them to each other one at a time. Now they spend all day out around the house with the rest of the cats and go back in our bedroom/bathroom at night where their food is.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

@Farro: How's Walnut doing today? Did he finish his course of Flagyl? (If so, hooray!) Hope things are looking up for him and you.

 

[cmarsh31]

I hope Walnut is doing better. <3 we've lived the special diets for years...

Currently we have 4 cats, 2 littermates who have been indifferent to each other since day 1 (they're 12), a 5 year old who we adopted with her brother (they were inseparable, but he passed away before he was 2, broke our hearts - congenital), and now, Teddy the Terror (he's 2). All the others were "trained" by our old girl who we had til she was 18. She was 7lbs and ruled with a look & hiss. None of them know how to handle Teddy...he wants to fight & play and be a big bully. No idea if 2 would have been better...he's the first we ever adopted without a sibling, but also the first real issue in 20 years. We don't know of it's that, or that all the rest were essentially raised by the same leader and he wasn't.

I'd adopt 2 kittens for sure.

 

[Farro]

@Farro: How's Walnut doing today? Did he finish his course of Flagyl? (If so, hooray!) Hope things are looking up for him and you.

Hi! Thanks for asking.

So first food introduction did not go so well. Between the vet visits and all the meds (we also had to put him on panacur - new vet said she does this "just in case") we held off on food change.

On Saturday we got a dosage of cerenia, pills for 5 days - vet said it would help with nausea if he has any, but also the inflammation and pain from pancreatitis.

The new vet also wants on flagyl for a month! She said the inflamed cecum (typhilitis) usually takes a longer course of flagyl to fix.

The past 3 nights he's been keeping us up begging for food. Poor guy. We cut out his old tasty treats and now he gets the tasteless hydrolyzed crunchy treats and we bought Orijen Red treats -freeze dried beef, boar, goat and lamb with no other ingredients. He protested, but now eats those for treats.

We have started food transition again. Trying natural balance venison and pea wet food. I also bought a bag of dry to supplement but we haven't started that yet. We will put out 1/4 cup for the day.
So far we've been putting new food on one dish and old food on one dish and he's eating both without hesitation. So now we will be putting less of old food one one dish and more of new food on one dish until he's completely on the new food. I'm sure will take a while.

I really want to try other proteins because I know a cat won't eat the same thing day in and day out. People say to stick with one, so maybe I'll try other brands of venison?

We have transdermal mirataz on hand if he needs a kick start with eating as he's still on flagyl for 3 more weeks. I feel like he will feel better once we can stop the flagyl.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Hi! Thanks for asking.

So first food introduction did not go so well. Between the vet visits and all the meds (we also had to put him on panacur - new vet said she does this "just in case") we held off on food change.

On Saturday we got a dosage of cerenia, pills for 5 days - vet said it would help with nausea if he has any, but also the inflammation and pain from pancreatitis.

The new vet also wants on flagyl for a month! She said the inflamed cecum (typhilitis) usually takes a longer course of flagyl to fix.

The past 3 nights he's been keeping us up begging for food. Poor guy. We cut out his old tasty treats and now he gets the tasteless hydrolyzed crunchy treats and we bought Orijen Red treats -freeze dried beef, boar, goat and lamb with no other ingredients. He protested, but now eats those for treats.

We have started food transition again. Trying natural balance venison and pea wet food. I also bought a bag of dry to supplement but we haven't started that yet. We will put out 1/4 cup for the day.
So far we've been putting new food on one dish and old food on one dish and he's eating both without hesitation. So now we will be putting less of old food one one dish and more of new food on one dish until he's completely on the new food. I'm sure will take a while.

I really want to try other proteins because I know a cat won't eat the same thing day in and day out. People say to stick with one, so maybe I'll try other brands of venison?

We have transdermal mirataz on hand if he needs a kick start with eating as he's still on flagyl for 3 more weeks. I feel like he will feel better once we can stop the flagyl.

Wow... so much to deal with for such a little guy! Natural Balance is what works for us -- Duck and Pea dry works the best. (Turns out our little guy can't have canned food -- long story...) And we use freeze dried treats: duck liver is the huge favorite, lamb liver comes in second. Venison works, too. Our little guy can't have the hydrolyzed treats (but our female just sucks them up like a vacuum cleaner!). Have you looked at Only Natural Pet online? Try calling their customer service reps for advice -- they are SO nice and helpful! Hang in there -- IBD can be long journey, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel!

 

[ponyboy]

They'll either get along or they won't. I can't tell you how many cats we've had but it's been a bunch. We live in a subdivision but the lots are all around 3 acres and we're surrounded by nature so there are all kinds of animals. Some cats won't stay inside and they go out and don't come back so the kids, especially my oldest son, are constantly bringing cats home. We also have 4 dogs.

Some cats get along with all the others, some cats get along with some cats but not others and some cats just want to be left alone and don't get along with any of the other cats. I don't think there's any rhyme or reason, it's just their personality and I don't think there's any special way of putting them together that will make them get along.

They aren't like the dogs. You can train the dogs to get along with the other dogs and all the cats but there's no training the cats, they do what they want.

We've never got any that just hated each other and really fought but we've had them that just didn't want to be messed with and would hiss and swipe at each other when they got together. It is better if they're put together as kittens but even then sometimes when they get older they don't get along and that goes for both males and females.

 

[Searc]

Hi! Thanks for asking.

So first food introduction did not go so well. Between the vet visits and all the meds (we also had to put him on panacur - new vet said she does this "just in case") we held off on food change.

On Saturday we got a dosage of cerenia, pills for 5 days - vet said it would help with nausea if he has any, but also the inflammation and pain from pancreatitis.

The new vet also wants on flagyl for a month! She said the inflamed cecum (typhilitis) usually takes a longer course of flagyl to fix.

The past 3 nights he's been keeping us up begging for food. Poor guy. We cut out his old tasty treats and now he gets the tasteless hydrolyzed crunchy treats and we bought Orijen Red treats -freeze dried beef, boar, goat and lamb with no other ingredients. He protested, but now eats those for treats.

We have started food transition again. Trying natural balance venison and pea wet food. I also bought a bag of dry to supplement but we haven't started that yet. We will put out 1/4 cup for the day.
So far we've been putting new food on one dish and old food on one dish and he's eating both without hesitation. So now we will be putting less of old food one one dish and more of new food on one dish until he's completely on the new food. I'm sure will take a while.

I really want to try other proteins because I know a cat won't eat the same thing day in and day out. People say to stick with one, so maybe I'll try other brands of venison?

We have transdermal mirataz on hand if he needs a kick start with eating as he's still on flagyl for 3 more weeks. I feel like he will feel better once we can stop the flagyl.

A cat will eat the same thing day in and day out. That is why changing food is so difficult.

 

[Tattylou]

So sorry to hear poor Walnut (and you) are dealing with this! Sending hugs.and hoping he is ok!

 

[Farro]

Hi. Another Walnut update for anyone interested!

Soooo, last week Tuesday (not this past one) we ended up in the ED with Walnut. He wouldn't eat dinner and looked like he was in pain and we panicked. He ended up staying overnight and the internist (same one who saw Cashew!) ended up doing blood work, sending out for GI panel (test for folate, vitamin B levels and pancreas issues) and did another ultrasound.
Everything came back normal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No inflammation anywhere! All blood tests normal! I even asked if we had the right results! So they took him off all meds and we sent all records to our vet.

In the meantime we started giving him Royal Canin Venison full time, which he just didn't really like. Then we tried to introduce other flavors. Slowly feeding time started becoming very stressful for him and us. This week we probably tried 4 different brands of food. Bad decision. At this point he barely will finish anything, even old food. Then he runs and hides. He would walk past his food mat and stand perfectly still, looking terrified. Then hide under my dresser!
My heart was breaking seeing him hide from food.

So yesterday he had a visit with regular vet. She told us everything looks great, he had no physical symptoms. She said he mostly likely doesn't even have IBD. She said he doesn't need the prescription food and she is fine with him being transition to fancy feast classic pates. They are high in protein and low in carbs, which she said is great for him.
She said he is very stressed out (our fault ) We are to put the food down and walk away. Act normal, don't hover, don't follow him with food and let him eat at own pace. He has to learn to trust the food again. May take some time. For now just give him whatever he will eat.

My poor Walnut. He's so sweet. She said he probably internalizes stress. We really screwed things up. Cashew dying really had a bigger impact on all of us than I think we even realized.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Somehow we got incredibly lucky with our cat. He doesn't seem to have much issues with different foods apart from he doesn't like wet food that has thick chunks with the gravy. He'll eat the gravy and leave most of the food. We stick with pate but any flavors seem to be fine. We've even given him different kinds of pate/different brands every now and then like when my mother-in-law gets something that her cats won't eat. We feed our cat a combo of wet and dry food.

Dry food is a lot easier to switch. I remember when we switched from kitten formula to healthy metabolism formula we just added a bit of the new food mixed with the old food and just increased the new dry food ratio to the point where it was just the new food. I suppose that probably wouldn't work the same with the wet food especially if you have a cat that is a bit more picky. Does the vet have any recommendations on best practices for switching foods when it comes to wet foods? Though right now it may be just getting Walnut to eat the wet food in general more naturally like before.

Don't beat yourself up on the stress thing. We missed our cat having a bladder stone til he actually passed it and that's when we introduced one of his feedings to be wet food and also got a water fountain for him after taking him to the vet. That had been building due to stress due to us packing up our rental house and then the move into our current home. I remember how awful I felt not knowing that he was feeling that way but ya know sometimes it just happens. I get how you're feeling though Cats can be so difficult at times because they tend to be masters at hiding how they feel be it stress or pain or even grief or they are just more subtle about it that we don't notice it for a while.

I hope Walnut gets to feeling better