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11362202 tn?1417801577

new to forum - question about feeding a picky eater -

Hi All,
My name is Jane. I know I am new but hope to get some feedback on what you all think. I have a ten year old male named Sam! He is a picky eater and only likes the Friskies and Whiskas brands. I have been developing arthritis the last couple of years in my hands that just keeps getting more severe. I am afraid it will effect my beloved cat and wish that I could keep him from having to go through this with me. It is difficult to open the containers of food.....sometimes impossible  My friend at church, also a cat lover, has told me about the timer feeders online but I don't see how those will work for me b/c none of them will OPEN the wet food containers.

I am wondering if anyone else has had hand mobility issues who have cats on wet food and what I could possibly do to make this easier for me and my handsome little man! He's been there for me through my divorce, my kids moving out of the state, my early retirement from the corporate world. I will never give up on him but if I can't feed him properly maybe he'll give up on me? Any suggestions for me? Thanks so much for your time. I look forward to reading other posts and commenting if I have anything to add. Best, Jane
8 Responses
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7052683 tn?1392938795
Did you really invent a wet food feeder?///

If so, why not have Janelovescats12  try it  with Sam??
Helpful - 0
11362300 tn?1418230294
Cats don’t like change, try offering the food (that you don’t have a problem with) next to his regular food, he will try it out (Cat logic) once he has started eating the new food, just put more of the new food out and less of the old food.
Helpful - 0
10917657 tn?1413985780
Whiskas makes wet food in pouches. Are you able to use scissors to cut the top of a pouch off? If so, that may be an option.
Helpful - 0
11389935 tn?1417796609
I was asking for my cat as well. My cat only eats junk! I swear if he was a human he would be one of those kids that wines for McDonalds everyday! lol
Helpful - 0
7052683 tn?1392938795
Hi Jane.

Are you talking about the cans with the flat tab opener on the top, so as not to need a can opener?  I do not have arthritis but can tell you I have to use a knife to get under the tab and then lift it up.  I have also resorted to just using an electric can-opener on them instead of that dammed tab.

Opus is also right about Stella and Chewy raw food--it can be eaten dry or mixed with a little water, and comes in a re-sealable bag.

....and then of course there are a whole new set of wet food products in pouches or soft pull back tops.

Speaking of opening jars I find the use of a rubber band around the lid a great way to get the leverage needed to turn the cap.
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
could you than use some small ziplock or other freezer type bags???
Helpful - 0
11362202 tn?1417801577
Thanks for the advice. Glad to know I am not alone with a picky eater. Jars also give me issues. Not sure what to do.
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
hi Jane and welcome to our forum....very glad to have you and Sam, I have one named Sami :)

my gosh I feel for your pain, I know how debilitating arthritis can be. I can think of one suggestion, could you get ahold of some small pint size jam jars or such and have someone open a weeks worth (or whatever works) of food for Sam, than freeze them? would you have trouble opening jars, there are gadgets avail thru most Arthritis society's to help with that.

I make my own cat food, I make it in fairly large batches than freeze them in jars...once unthawed a pint size jar will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

I know all abt picky eaters!!!! but if you transition really slowly MOST cats (certainly not all) can get gradually used to a new brand. there are many now avail in pouches, both wet or freeze dried where you just add water...by the brand Stella and Chewy's its raw and freeze dried. My one cat who refuses to eat the homemade diet I make,  was hooked on fancy feast..but will eat that one.



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