Ragdoll Cat Forums

Well, Piper is still taking his medication to stimulate his eating, and is doing well with that. But, he came down with a cold within a day of being back home--probably exposed to it at the hospital and/or stress of being hospitalized. So, on Saturday, it was back to his regular vet for a check-up and to get antibiotics and eye meds that I give him twice a day. His last pancreas/digestive system test came back negative--a praise!

He's still in isolation from the other two kitties, as per the internist's directions--a good thing considering his cold, as well as his previous eating issues. So, I'm to call the doc back tomorrow and he has a recheck at the hospital on Thursday. I'm hoping to reintegrate him this week. The vet at the hospital has mainly said to have him eat alone. I'm going to try feeding him alone in his bedroom in the mornings and evenings. But during the day, I'm not sure what to do. She said to keep the other boys away from his bowls. I thought about putting his bowl in a cage/kennel to protect it when he's not eating. He's been eating the last few days inside a small cage inside his bedroom, with the door to it open all the time. I'm just not sure how to proceed when it's time. Don't want him feeling intimidated. Any ideas or experience? I've heard some great suggestions from Kris and I'm just wanting to get some additional ideas, if any one has any experience.

So happy to hear the latest tests are all good! Hoping the transition goes easy and wishing you the best!

Do you free feed? I don't because Howard overeats and the kitties all eat different foods. Also Louie leaves his food and tries to eat everyone's food. I feed them all at once, the two kittens I feed in my bathroom, I close the door until I know they are done. Nala and Howard eat in the basement. I only give them what Iknow they will eat right away and I put it away if there is any left. I feed them dry ths way in the am and pm. Then they all get a snack of wet together before bed. I know your situation is different, but maybe something like this coudl help.

Mary, your Louie sounds like my Darcy--trying to eat everyone else's food. That's what the doc thinks caused the problem! So, I will try what you suggest: feed PIper in his own room in the morning and evening. I think the free feeding has been the root of the problem. Thanks!

Maybe just take up the food when he is finished so that there is no food to steal! That way you would not have the worry. You could just lock it in the crate but what difference would that make if none can get in there and it might drive them to distraction trying to figure out how to get to it. Best of luck though. So glad he is doing better!