5/13 Jude | AMPS 112; +4.5 99; +8.5 109; PMPS 116; +3 71; +4 66; +5 72

Mary & Jude

Mary & Jude

Active member
yesterday's condo

Hello everyone! Jude continues to surf along on his current dose.

So far, I've mostly been able to get his supplements in him with a tsp of 8%LC. We'll see how long this lasts. Jude's not a fan of Churus or Tiki Stix, unfortunately. I'm still keeping my eyes open for an alternative vehicle to administer these supplements.

Have a lovely day! Safe surfing, sugar babies!
 
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Mary & Jude said:
yesterday's condo

Hello everyone! Jude continues to surf along on his current dose.

So far, I've mostly been able to get his supplements in him with a tsp of 8%LC. We'll see how long this lasts. Jude's not a fan of Churus or Tiki Stix, unfortunately. I'm still keeping my eyes open for an alternative vehicle to administer these supplements.

Have a lovely day! Safe surfing, sugar babies!
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Good morning! I hope Jude had fun at the pawty last night and looks like he was a true gentleman. 🥰 🐱

I missed the update on if your supplements are pills, powder, liquid? Petey has been letting me just mix his Dasuquin and Zobaline with this food... no issues on those at all.
 
Laurie & Petey said:
Good morning! I hope Jude had fun at the pawty last night and looks like he was a true gentleman. 🥰 🐱

I missed the update on if your supplements are pills, powder, liquid? Petey has been letting me just mix his Dasuquin and Zobaline with this food... no issues on those at all.
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The supplements are capsules (that I open) and powders. The issue is Hazel and the fact that both of them are grazers. I need for Jude to get all the supplements and not share them with Hazel. So I'm trying to find something that he will gobble down at one time. I've been looking for something that's enticing enough to keep him eating, but not MC/HC.
 
Morning Mary. Jude's numbers look great ✨

Have you perhaps tried a topper? Noogi goes mad for them, and I sometimes use them to make his everyday LC food more palatable.
Do you get Kit Cat brand your part of the world?
The chicken mousse flavour was a big hit, and the sort of light and moist texture that would probably work for hiding some supplements.
Here it is on a local SA site: Kit Cat Adult Mousse (Chicken) | Absolute Pets
Using the GA values its 3% (I know that's not necessarily correct, but its at least an indication that's it not too high in carbs).
 
Best of luck finding the right thing to stick those supplements in! Xander's a grazer too so I know it's a tough balance between having enough food to mask the flavor of any powders but still be little enough that he'll eat all at once. Twice as hard without utlizing MC or HC! If I'm really desperate I'll use the 12% that he likes (but obviously that's just on the other side of the MC line).

I haven't used any toppers like Helen suggested but that seems possibly promising? I've seen mentions of several different toppers over time on the forum and it seems like some cats go nuts over them. So strange that Jude doesn't care for Churus! It seems like cats generally go nuts over those too.
 
Helen + Noogi said:
Have you perhaps tried a topper? Noogi goes mad for them.
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Hi Helen, We don't have the brand you mentioned, but we do have other brand toppers. We tried this one (https://www.chewy.com/stella-chewys-maries-magical-dinner/dp/261666), but it seemed like Jude's numbers went up with it, so I stopped using it. That did happen, though, when I believe he was experiencing a FIC flare. I'll be honest: food confuses the heck out of me. I've read the FDMB and Pierson's information, studied the formulas, both the ones that I can do myself and the calculators, and I never know what I'm getting in terms of output. There must be an easier way. Here is the brand topper that we tried. Does it appear to have carbs in it (I thought not).

Right now, the 8%LC + some Fortiflora sprinkled on top seems to be doing the job, but it's not really exciting, if you know what I mean; I get the feeling that at any time he might just give it the ol' "I'm covering you with my imaginary litter" paw move and refuse it.

Brianna & Xander said:
Best of luck finding the right thing to stick those supplements in! Xander's a grazer too so I know it's a tough balance between having enough food to mask the flavor of any powders but still be little enough that he'll eat all at once. Twice as hard without utlizing MC or HC! If I'm really desperate I'll use the 12% that he likes (but obviously that's just on the other side of the MC line).

I haven't used any toppers like Helen suggested but that seems possibly promising? I've seen mentions of several different toppers over time on the forum and it seems like some cats go nuts over them. So strange that Jude doesn't care for Churus! It seems like cats generally go nuts over those too.
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Thanks, Brianna! Things wouldn't be so difficult if there weren't another cat in the mix--AND both graze. I don't need to medicate Hazel, and I need for Jude to get the full dose and not share it with Hazel 🥴 Besides this dilemma, the grazing is wonderful because Jude actually eats tiny meals through the day, and I don't need a feeder or to monitor/feed.

I know it's odd: neither Jude nor Hazel care much for churus. The triplets go crazy for them.
 
Mary & Jude said:
Thanks, Brianna! Things wouldn't be so difficult if there weren't another cat in the mix--AND both graze. I don't need to medicate Hazel, and I need for Jude to get the full dose and not share it with Hazel 🥴 Besides this dilemma, the grazing is wonderful because Jude actually eats tiny meals through the day, and I don't need a feeder or to monitor/feed.

I know it's odd: neither Jude nor Hazel care much for churus. The triplets go crazy for them.
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I can see how having multiple cats in the mix would complicate things a lot! I was under the impression that you have several other non-sugar kitties too, right (the triplets)? (But that don't share with Jude and Hazel). The eating tiny meals without needing to put them out is a great bonus. Xander has always been a grazer, but our apartment gets hot and that doesn't mix well with wet food. We tried an autofeeder and he wouldn't use it, so all-day feeding it is. lol Which is fine, I'm usually home. It'd've come in handy overnight though, since he's always waking us up at 3-5 AM for his breakfast that he gets at 5:45. 🙄

That really is weird. It genuinely seems like crack to other cats. lol

As a sidenote, I would love to see pictures of the whole gang if you're ever able/willing to share! 🥺
 
Brianna & Xander said:
I can see how having multiple cats in the mix would complicate things a lot! I was under the impression that you have several other non-sugar kitties too, right (the triplets)? (But that don't share with Jude and Hazel). The eating tiny meals without needing to put them out is a great bonus. Xander has always been a grazer, but our apartment gets hot and that doesn't mix well with wet food. We tried an autofeeder and he wouldn't use it, so all-day feeding it is. lol Which is fine, I'm usually home. It'd've come in handy overnight though, since he's always waking us up at 3-5 AM for his breakfast that he gets at 5:45. 🙄

That really is weird. It genuinely seems like crack to other cats. lol

As a sidenote, I would love to see pictures of the whole gang if you're ever able/willing to share! 🥺
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What cat mama doesn't want to share pictures of her babies?!? I just hope I don't break Tim's platform with all these photos.

So, the triplets: John Lewis, Harper Lee, and Zelda Louise (l-r). The offspring of a feral cat that brought them to my backyard (she's still here--fixed--her name is Willa). I named them after Alabama writers--the plan to begin with was to find homes for them, so I came up with names I could use in marketing materials: they were the Alabama Writers Series, since that's where we live. The late, great politician, John Lewis, was born and grew up in the next county over, and he also was a writer, along with his political and activist endeavors. And of course, most everyone knows Zelda Fitzgerald and Harper Lee. Though I tried and tried, I couldn't find homes for them, which is not completely unusual for this part of the country--we have a lot of stray and feral animals, and most of the rescues transport their animals to other states, with more restrictive animal ownership laws, and fewer animals available for adoption. Also, I was very picky about who they went to, so that probably didn't help matters in terms of placing them :rolleyes: So, they've stayed, and they are a little over two now. Sweet. As. Can. Be. The girls and Hazel don't get along, so we are a house divided, which I hate, but it is what it is. If the right person came along, though it would be difficult, I would still allow them to go because I wish they could have the run of a house (they have a room, now, and I often let them out and put Hazel up, but it's still not ideal). But it would have to be the right person. And they are quite bonded--never been apart in their entire lives except for when they were spay/neutered.:giggle:

1747159414678.jpeg1747159448364.jpeg1747160924198.jpeg

And as kittens...
1747160736327.jpeg

Hazel: was a feral cat who used to come for food. I trapped her and had her fixed during one of the coldest weeks of the year. The vet told me to release her, and she would be fine, but I couldn't put a cat who'd just had her belly cut open out into the freezing cold, so I put her in my back bedroom (kept Jude in the front of the house), and, long story short, she ended up staying. After A LOT of work, she's tame now, but still not crazy about being held.

1747160244107.jpeg
 
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Mary & Jude said:
What cat mama doesn't want to share pictures of her babies?!? I just hope I don't break Tim's platform with all these photos.

So, the triplets: John Lewis, Harper Lee, and Zelda Louise (l-r). The offspring of a feral cat that brought them to my backyard (she's still here--fixed--her name is Willa). I named them after Alabama writers--the plan to begin with was to find homes for them, so I came up with names I could use in marketing materials: they were the Alabama Writers Series, since that's where we live. The late, great politician, John Lewis, was born and grew up in the next county over, and he also was a writer, along with his political and activist endeavors. And of course, most everyone knows Zelda Fitzgerald and Harper Lee. Though I tried and tried, I couldn't find homes for them, which is not completely usual for this part of the country--we have a lot of stray and feral animals, and most of the rescues transport their animals to other states, with more restrictive animal ownership laws, and fewer animals available for adoption. Also, I was very picky about who they went to, so that probably didn't help matters in terms of placing them :rolleyes: So, they've stayed, and they are a little over two now. Sweet. As. Can. Be. The girls and Hazel don't get along, so we are a house divided, which I hate, but it is what it is. If the right person came along, though it would be difficult, I would still allow them to go because I wish they could have the run of a house (they have a room, now, and I often let them out and put Hazel up, but it's still not ideal). But it would have to be the right person. And they are quite bonded--never been apart in their entire lives except for when they were spay/neutered.:giggle:

View attachment 80View attachment 81View attachment 85

And as kittens...
View attachment 84

Hazel: was a feral cat who used to come for food. I trapped her and had her fixed during one of the coldest weeks of the year. The vet told me to release her, and she would be fine, but I couldn't put a cat who'd just had her belly cut open out into the freezing cold, so I put her in my back bedroom (kept Jude in the front of the house), and, long story short, she ended up staying. And A LOT of work, she's tame now, but still not crazy about being held.

View attachment 83
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OMG I love all the details! Thank you for sharing their story, I loved getting to learn about them. Love the idea for their names too! I'm so glad that it happened to be your yard that Willa brought her babies to; you've taken better care of them than most would (unfortunately). The kitten picture... 😭 So adorable!!! And they're all beautiful babies as adults! So cool how they're all similar but still different. Long majestic fur with a white bib vs all black vs spotty.

Hazel is also just a gorgeous lady! I couldn't have released her after that either, so I don't blame you. Seems insane to put a poor recovering kitty out in the cold alone.

You have a house full of beautiful babies and you're such a good mama! I admire you so much.
 
Brianna & Xander said:
OMG I love all the details! Thank you for sharing their story, I loved getting to learn about them. Love the idea for their names too! I'm so glad that it happened to be your yard that Willa brought her babies to; you've taken better care of them than most would (unfortunately). The kitten picture... 😭 So adorable!!! And they're all beautiful babies as adults! So cool how they're all similar but still different. Long majestic fur with a white bib vs all black vs spotty.

Hazel is also just a gorgeous lady! I couldn't have released her after that either, so I don't blame you. Seems insane to put a poor recovering kitty out in the cold alone.

You have a house full of beautiful babies and you're such a good mama! I admire you so much.
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Thank you! I tell people that I didn't plan to become a crazy cat lady, but the universe had different plans.
 
Helen + Noogi said:
Love seeing all your sweet babies Mary :love:

And I hear you on the confusion over food. It's so infuriating that the manufacturers aren't required to show carb content.
BTW this looks similar to the chicken mousse topper Noogi loves.
Weruva Cat Person Chicken Mousse Wet Cat Pouch Treat & Topper
Might be worth a try, altho my only hesitation regarding Jude is that it is rather like a more solid Churu :D
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Thanks, Helen. I feed Weruva brand to the triples, and the 8%lc that I'm now using for Jude is their Lamburgini. It's a good brand, I believe. I'll check out the topper. What did you think about the Stella and Chewy's topper? Does it look like LC to you?
 
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Mary & Jude said:
Thanks, Helen. I feed Weruva brand to the triples, and the 8% is their Lamburgini. It's a good brand, I believe. I'll check out the topper. What did you think about the Stella and Chewy's topper? Does it look like LC to you?
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I put the GA amounts into the calculator and it said 26% carb, yet it is presented as a high protein food. Totally confusing!
 
Mary & Jude said:
What cat mama doesn't want to share pictures of her babies?!? I just hope I don't break Tim's platform with all these photos.

So, the triplets: John Lewis, Harper Lee, and Zelda Louise (l-r). The offspring of a feral cat that brought them to my backyard (she's still here--fixed--her name is Willa). I named them after Alabama writers--the plan to begin with was to find homes for them, so I came up with names I could use in marketing materials: they were the Alabama Writers Series, since that's where we live. The late, great politician, John Lewis, was born and grew up in the next county over, and he also was a writer, along with his political and activist endeavors. And of course, most everyone knows Zelda Fitzgerald and Harper Lee. Though I tried and tried, I couldn't find homes for them, which is not completely usual for this part of the country--we have a lot of stray and feral animals, and most of the rescues transport their animals to other states, with more restrictive animal ownership laws, and fewer animals available for adoption. Also, I was very picky about who they went to, so that probably didn't help matters in terms of placing them :rolleyes: So, they've stayed, and they are a little over two now. Sweet. As. Can. Be. The girls and Hazel don't get along, so we are a house divided, which I hate, but it is what it is. If the right person came along, though it would be difficult, I would still allow them to go because I wish they could have the run of a house (they have a room, now, and I often let them out and put Hazel up, but it's still not ideal). But it would have to be the right person. And they are quite bonded--never been apart in their entire lives except for when they were spay/neutered.:giggle:

View attachment 80View attachment 81View attachment 85

And as kittens...
View attachment 84

Hazel: was a feral cat who used to come for food. I trapped her and had her fixed during one of the coldest weeks of the year. The vet told me to release her, and she would be fine, but I couldn't put a cat who'd just had her belly cut open out into the freezing cold, so I put her in my back bedroom (kept Jude in the front of the house), and, long story short, she ended up staying. After A LOT of work, she's tame now, but still not crazy about being held.

View attachment 83
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Oh I just love the back story of these cuties! Thanks for sharing, Mary!
What about a little meat only baby food for the supplements?

It's such a challenge when you have more than one cat and they graze!

You're an amazing cat mama!! 😻 🐈 🐈‍⬛ ❤️
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Oh I just love the back story of these cuties! Thanks for sharing, Mary!
What about a little meat only baby food for the supplements?

It's such a challenge when you have more than one cat and they graze!

You're an amazing cat mama!! 😻 🐈 🐈‍⬛ ❤️
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Thanks for that suggestion, Staci! Unfortunately, Jude doesn't care for baby food either 🙄 He's weird. I'm thinking of trying to make a liver pate--or an organ meat (hearts) pate (like a homemade churu). He does love freeze dried chicken hearts. Since you make Ivy's meals, how might I cook something like chicken livers, besides boiling them? I wonder if it would harm Jude to saute them in butter?? I'm thinking of the tastiest way I can cook them--and I realize butter is tasty to me but may not be to cats. IDK. Any thoughts?
 
Mary & Jude said:
Thanks for that suggestion, Staci! Unfortunately, Jude doesn't care for baby food either 🙄 He's weird. I'm thinking of trying to make a liver pate--or an organ meat (hearts) pate (like a homemade churu). He does love freeze dried chicken hearts. Since you make Ivy's meals, how might I cook something like chicken livers, besides boiling them? I wonder if it would harm Jude to saute them in butter?? I'm thinking of the tastiest way I can cook them--and I realize butter is tasty to me but may not be to cats. IDK. Any thoughts?
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I just roast the lamb for Ivy. I use nothing on it. I just cut it into small pieces and put in the oven and turn it over as it cooks until cooked through.

I would think just the liver is tasty as is to a cat?? Just bake/roast in the oven??

Ivy isn’t a snacker and doesn’t eat treats. She’s weird, too 🤷‍♀️
 
Love the family history and the pics. I’m also a feral rescue cat mom and have placed a few into good homes. Also trapped and released many. I’m fine being a crazy cat lady. I carry it with pride!!!

I feel like I looked at the magical dinner dust before and commented on the higher carbs. I agree sometimes that it seems strange given the ingredient list. Fiber makes things confusing too. Pumpkin seeds — for sure a carb, but its fiber and can actually change the absorption of stuff in the intestines. There are various types of fiber, some better or worse than others from a diabetes perspective. But, from a pure carb math point of view, those pumpkin seeds are carbs … so are dandelion greens and kelp.
 
The Hartz Delectables bisque are kitty crack. But they are high carb b/c of the tapioca starch. As fed basis makes them seem low carb … oh they’re only like 1.5% carbs. Oh, i see, but they’re 90% moisture and moisture has zero calories, so if 1.5% as fed is carbs, that’s 15% on dry matter basis. Big difference. Anywho, i would suggest you buy a variety pack, maybe one with the chicken & cheese type included. See if Jude likes. If not, other kitties get them. If he does like, see how small of amount you could use to get his supplements. If it requires a whole pouch then maybe this isn’t a good idea, but if it only requires 1/3 of a pouch, then now you have an alternative. I keep the stuff on hand because its something that i know minner has never refused. I dont want to have to use it but its here if needed.

Minner likes churu too. And tiki stix.
 
Angela & Cleo said:
Refresh my memory, what supplements are you giving Jude?

How old is Hazel?
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Jude is taking d-Mannose and Cosequin. I'm about to switch him from the Cosequin to Cystease, which contains glucosamine + l-tryptophan (for relaxation) + hyaluronic acid. This is for his FIC. I'm also about to start him on fluoxitine, but that's transdermal. I'm going to see first how he does with the l-tryptophan. He has Bupe for pain if/when he has another flare, and that's also transdermal.

We believe Hazel is about 5-ish.

Feel free to weigh in on any of these FIC aspects as well as FD; I know you have experience with both.
 
Cosequin is primarily a joint supplement with the added benefit of helping FIC by supporting the bladder wall lining.
I might ask a Vet if there's any harm if Hazel has it too.
I've never tried Cytease. I looked it up and one of the reviews was on a 3 yr old kitty and another was 5 yrs old. Let me know how it works.
 
Angela & Cleo said:
Cosequin is primarily a joint supplement with the added benefit of helping FIC by supporting the bladder wall lining.
I might ask a Vet if there's any harm if Hazel has it too.
I've never tried Cytease. I looked it up and one of the reviews was on a 3 yr old kitty and another was 5 yrs old. Let me know how it works.
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I learned about Cystease in the FIC group. I'll let you know. The Feline Lower UT group strongly recommends cornsilk extract given in conjunction with the d-Mannose, which I've used with Jude before, but for some reason, he's rejecting the cornsilk extract now 😕.

Updated to add: I checked to see if Hazel can have the cosequin, and he said it's fine. The only problem is that if she shares in the dose, Jude doesn't get a full dose. I need for him to get the full dose.
 
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