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Our older cat (about 19 years old) has recently stopped eating most of her food. She has gone from a fat cat to completely frail and bony. She vomits everytime she tries to eat anything, and also will often poop outside her litter box. We've thought about giving her canned food, but are afraid the poops and vomit will get worse. She's always only had dry food and water, but recently we've given her little tastes of fat free milk and she loves that. What should we be feeding her?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Dear friend,
At 19, your cat is experiencing many changes, both physically and mentally. She most likely has some dental pain causing her discomfort when she tries to eat dry food. Her inability to chew properly can be causing the vomiting. Human milk can give her diarrhea so you will want to be careful about that.
Because she absolutely must eat to keep up her strength and sustain her life you have to begin feeding her differently in her old age.
You can give her science diet A/D cat food which you can get at any vets office. Start slow, since she is not used to it and you don't want any digestive upsets.
You can also boil skinless chicken until soft - add a pinch of salt and sugar (if she is not diabetic) to the broth and then blend to baby food consistancy. You can also purchase milk that is especially formulated for cats, if she likes to drink milk a couple of times a day.
The fact that she is alive and well at 19 is a tribute to you and the superb care you have given her.
Now that she has reached her golden years, making these changes will help keep her healthy.
May she live and be well as long as possible.
Please let me know if you have any more questions about the dear girl. I will be more than happy to help.
Sincerest best wishes,
Terri

Dedicated to Cats and the people who love them!
Please press ACCEPT if my answer was helpful and leave feedback Thank you! Terri

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