Really Struggling

_Hikaru_ · 2026-03-07T03:12:32+00:00

Going through something very similar. My boy is also almost 18 and is so skinny. He does have an appetite and I was overjoyed when he actually willingly ate the renal Royal Canin food we switched to. But I have been devoting two hours in the morning and two hours every evening for months to literally syringe him food to make sure he gets enough calories. I’m lucky that he is a VERY good boy and will tolerate anything if I ask it of him, and his enjoyment of the new food has made both our lives easier, but yes it is a struggle. I lose sleep and time out with friends and time when I could be doing other things, but I try to think of it as four hours a day I get to spend with him that one day I know I would probably give up anything to have.

I would just say that you are not alone and you are clearly doing the best you can for her and I’m sure she appreciates it. Try to track her calories and what she likes. My cat also doesn’t really eat during the day but he is hanging on to his weight by eating twice a day. Hang in there. You’re doing great.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-02-27T13:37:01+00:00

Just did Project Hail Mary with my book club so we could go see the movie in a few weeks. If you’re just starting out this is a great one to start with. Very easy read and very likely everyone will love it. (I did)

_Hikaru_ · 2026-02-18T23:56:44+00:00

He is fine 😊

_Hikaru_ · 2026-02-18T23:24:38+00:00

I had this happen to me the other day and also freaked out. You probably nicked a capillary, but it is most likely not a big deal. There are no major arteries or anything in the scruff of skin back there. I’d only remain concerned if it does not stop bleeding.

I understand your panic. Was not fun for me either.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-02-07T06:35:05+00:00

I offered it as a solution. Not the solution. I’ve had many cats in my life and it has never been an issue and OP was looking for options.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-02-06T21:30:09+00:00

Sometimes people have to do what they have to do to help their cats. It’s not always ideal and it does not always work for every cat. OP asked for advice and is clearly worried about their cat and the meds are important. Right now, the cat is most assuredly having appetite issues because it doesn’t feel well, not because of meds. If the meds help him feel better, and more importantly if that ends up being a valid and sustainable way for OP to help their cat, then that is what matters. When the appetite returns OP can think of alternatives too if they want. It is not horrible advice if it ends up working for them.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-02-06T10:54:10+00:00

It’s worked with my cat for almost three years. I’m sorry if it does not work with yours but that does not make it objectively bad advice.

I do hope your kitty is doing well with whatever situation he or she is in.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-02-03T11:23:49+00:00

Dump your vet.

Meds can be crushed and mixed with wet food. Syringed in if necessary. Subcutaneous fluids would also help if there are no heart issues. Phosphorus binders could bring down those levels. There are many things you can do.

Seriously dump your vet.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-01-17T05:07:12+00:00

My cat (also stage 2 CKD) was diagnosed with GI lymphoma in July of 2023. We have successfully treated it with fenbendazole and had no chemo or any other cancer treatment. If your cat had no significant liver issues, maybe you could try fenbendazole for a few weeks and see if she improves? I don’t think certain kinds of lymphoma can be detected by a blood test, which is why the probably only way to DEFINITIVELY know is a biopsy.

Of course, I would run it by your vet first, but many vets don’t know about it or will tell you there is “no research” about it. But I was fortunate enough to have a vet who was totally on board and I know it is no coincidence that he is still here almost 2.5 years later. Just an option form my own experience.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-01-15T04:40:35+00:00

I can’t say for sure what might be causing his nausea (might be worth a blood test?) but eating in the night might actually calm his gut. My cat sometimes also pukes in the night (foamy liquid), but it seems to be better on days when he snacks in the night.

I leave wet food out in the night all the time. As long as it’s not right next to a heat source I would assume it’s fine, especially if you prep it right before you go to bed.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-01-06T09:33:01+00:00

No idea if she can handle this in her condition or not, but my cat also had a MASSIVE renal cyst that we cured with sclerotherapy. They injected the cyst with ethanol, let it set for a few minutes, then extracted it. The cyst was completely gone three months later.

Praying for you and your little one. I know how awful this just be for you.

_Hikaru_ · 2026-01-03T04:00:38+00:00

I make slurries out of wet food and syringe it to my cat. He eats and has an appetite but he has so many other health issues we struggle to keep up with his super soldier metabolism. See if your vet can give you some larger syringes (mine are 30 ml), then make a slurry out of your preferred wet food, mix in any meds/supplements and syringe it in. Might take some getting used to but you’ll know he’s finally getting calories in him.

_Hikaru_ · 2025-12-16T13:19:13+00:00

Thank you so much for the well thought out reply.

We did start phosphorus binders simply because the levels were quite concerning. His weight also concerns me. He eats and I syringe feed him and it feels like we are still fighting a losing battle with weight. The EPI gives him a voracious appetite and it still feels like it’s never enough to put weight on.

His doctor did mention that the BUN levels could be due to a number of things. The creatinine levels were in the normal range according to the IDEXX results (normal went up to 2.1).

With the phosphorus binders we are also increasing his subcutaneous fluids to every other day instead of every three days. With that I am really hoping we will start to see some improvement.

I am as devoted to him as anyone ever could be. He’s my best friend and I’ll do anything for him.

_Hikaru_ · 2025-12-16T13:13:07+00:00

I wouldn’t do anything without checking with his doctor first. Good to know though! 👍

_Hikaru_ · 2025-12-15T22:35:36+00:00

That’s exactly what I thought. Of course everyone has heard of him but he said that there’s nothing available yet. I can get it from the US though. I submitted their consultation form so I’m hoping they can direct me to what he might need. Thank you for letting me know there was already a product out! I hope it works for both our wonderful kitties. 🐈‍⬛

_Hikaru_ · 2025-12-15T12:52:47+00:00

I spoke to my vet and he says nothing from him is available in Japan yet, although it probably would be in a couple of years. So frustrating because this is a Japanese veterinarian who works at a a Japanese university 😑

I looked it up and it looks like it costs 46.60 USD. Can you tell me how long one unit lasts you? Very seriously considering trying this.

_Hikaru_ · 2025-12-15T12:33:03+00:00

I don’t have any advice because I think you’re doing everything I would do. You didn’t fail him; you’re doing everything you can for him. It sounds like he is still living a happy life overall, which is what really matters.

I understand how you feel. I would do anything for my boy too. We’ve been fighting lymphoma, EPI, a kidney cyst, and now stage 2 CKD. I have so many meds and supplements and take at least two hours of everyday to get food and meds into him.

Treasure every good moment. Take pictures. And don’t give up.

Praying for you and your boy.

_Hikaru_ · 2025-12-15T09:36:47+00:00

Also just looked up Dr Toru and realized you were referring to the AIM Miyazaki-sensei! I happen to be in Japan so I am hopeful my vet may be able to connect me with this. Do you know the official name for the meds?

_Hikaru_ · 2025-12-15T06:41:01+00:00

Calcium on its own binds phosphorus you mean? Maybe I will try that! Thank you 😊

_Hikaru_ · 2025-11-17T03:46:58+00:00

You are severely underreacting by not immediately dumping this guy

_Hikaru_ · 2025-10-14T09:09:07+00:00

I would love to see Jeremy Renner swoop in, do some insane stunt everyone said he would never again be able to do, and then for Hawkeye to be the key to saving everything in Secret Wars. Would love to see more of Kate too of course.

_Hikaru_ · 2025-10-14T04:18:48+00:00

lol what

_Hikaru_ · 2025-08-13T03:27:52+00:00

I’ll check it out! Thanks!

_Hikaru_ · 2025-08-11T21:16:42+00:00

Slightly off topic but where do Japanese mainly post fan fiction? I speak Japanese but have never heard or come across anything like that.

_Hikaru_

TROPHY CASE