Cat is really hungry.

Maya has feline asthma and has been on inhaled corticosteroids for a year (Ciclosenide). She already had a big appetite (she's 10 lbs./3 0z. - a good weight), but now being on the corticosteroid she's hungry and crying to eat almost all the time.

Is there any kind of food/substance she could ingest to make her feel more full? An herb to curb her appetite? I'm getting a ceramic water fountain with the hopes that she'll drink more water (that could help a little). I already mix her food with water.

It's painful to see her feel so hungry all the time and not be able to help her.


pete

Dr. Marie,


Thanks for your reply. Some facts you should know about Maya.

For 5.5 years she was a near 13 lb cat eating dry food in an amount appropriate for a 13 lb cat (she was a rescue at two yrs old). When diagnosed with FA, the doc here at The Animal Medical Center said she was way overweight for her size and should be closer, if not under ten pounds. He was also concerned with turning her diabetic through long term use of steroids. As well, one month before the diagnosis, she had her teeth cleaned for the first time ever and they found twelve teeth that were rotten (I'm told it happens sometimes)and they were pulled (all in the back).

So, since fall of 2009 her diet was gradually reduced to almost 25% of what she was eating (she's now close to 10 lbs.), we switched from dry food to wet food, she lost half her teeth and has been on an inhaler (160mcg) twice a day. She's gone through a lot. She's also, admittedly, spoiled. :) She had a full physical last August that was fine and had an abdomen x-ray at AMC this past fall (she was throwing up as a reaction to an anti-biotic she was on for an upper respiratory infection most likely caused by her first inhaler Fluticasone which activates in the nasal cavities - we've since switched to one that doesn't). Her abdomen was clear.

Does any of the above above info add to the picture of a very hungry cat?

pete

Dr. Marie,


Thanks for the advice. I hope you're not implying that she may have diabetes now?? She's only been on inhaled steroids for a year? Her physical last August was fine.

No, she doesn't drink a lot of water. She drank more on the dry food. I also add a bit of water to her wet food to fill it out. I'm getting her a ceramic water fountain with the hope that she'll drink more.

I'll check out that food and give her some more bananas. She likes them...and olives!

pete


P.S. I'm going to send a bonus. :) p.

What variety of Satiety would I consider giving her? There seem to be many different types?

That's the last question. :)

pete

Unfortunately, it looks like Satiety Support (with the high soluble and insoluble fibers) only comes as dry food.

She can't chew - no back teeth.

Good try though. :)


pete

Thanks for the advice. I'll run it by Maya's main vet (the asthma guy is at AMC). When the weather is warmer in a few weeks I'll investigate her hunger thing. She crys just as loud for food ten minutes after a full feeding so either she has a tapeworm or she just may be a bit spoiled and bratty.

p.