Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is my first post and I'm wishing to talk to Dr. Tobin
about Gus my 17 and a half year old diabetic kitty
(diabetic since age 8 and a half) - diagnosed with early
kidney failure about a week ago although enzymes were
slightly high last year as well. I am feeding Hills canned
kidney failure - chicken food now. Gus has lost most of
his teeth although he still eats treats on occasion and
may try to eat the other cats food usually Wellness or
Merrick for them and what I fed Gus up until last week.
He has been eating almost all canned foods for over a year
and his sugar has been pretty stable for the last 6 months.
He has recurring infections in his mouth and teeth that
are only treated with antibiotics because he is too
frail I believe to have a dental cleaning. He seems to
be doing better on this food some but is now finicky again
and wanting something else. A lot of yowling.
Can give more information if needed. Would like some
information on holistic treatment - he's not so good
with pills but can try....

Actually would like to talk to Dr. Tobin and am not
sure I'm in the right place for that but also anyone
who has information on his illness - Gus gets insulin
2 times a day. Thanks Laurie S.

You don't mention how high his BUN and createnine are. If they are borderline in a 17 year old cat, this is nothing to worry about. For the diabetes, you should eliminate carbohydrates from the diet, without feeding excessive protein. You might try giving cheap hamburger, with a high fat content,and adding some bone meal, fish oil and wheat bran, and see how she accepts it, and then how she does on it.

Thank you Dr. Tobin, I will leave a message for the
vet to let me know his levels..He was borderline
last year - thinking he may be a little higher this year
but I still think it's early kidney failure, but will
find out and let you know. Also do you mean raw hamburger or cooked

I would try it first raw. If he won't eat it raw, try it cooked.