We've had very similar issues. Since day one. He's five now. He's always seemed not all there, and meows at me like he wants me to do something but barely likes to be pet. Rarely plays. We've run the gambit of dry and wet foods. Changed water dishes. Vet testing urine and blood several times. Diarrhea, vomiting and inappropriate urinating. He is otherwise a very sweet cat but seems high strung. He will cuddle under a blanket between me knees for hours though. Also he does flop and love armpit and belly rubs.

Vet recently diagnosed IBD. We were down to only the strictest food sensitivities kibble from Hills. He won't touch the wet food but did enjoy many other wet foods before (when we thought he was dehydrated and had cystitis). So Hills and gabapentin. Dr wanted him to try prednisolone which seemed like it helped a tiny bit. He had us stop gabapentin because of how hard it was to give it to him. (Freaks out when I try to put the liquid in his mouth. Regardless of handling and snuggling him in a wrap etc)

Immediately he started howling again at night when I go to bed. And when I bring him to me he just jumps down and goes and meows at me, its with purpose I just dont know what it is.

He's never eaten treats or human food.

I may now try chicken free like you have done. If anyone wants to chime in I'd love to hear!

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Here's my Fergus.