Minerals for my very elderly cat...

Question
Hi, Dr. Fry;

Brigit is my 21-year-old DSH kitty. Other than taking subcu fluids for a couple of years, until this week, she has been amazingly healthy.

This weekend, she didn't eat at all and was very lethargic. We were pretty sure we'd lose her, but after talking with her vet, we started giving her Baytril, potassium and cyproheptadine (to stimulate her appetite). Fortunately, it's begun to have a positive effect: she's begun to eat again and she's much more alert.

My question: today I found potassium in a liquid form at the health food store, which seemed like a big improvement over the tablets we're forcing her to swallow. The only problem is that, along with potassium, the solution also contains magnesium, boron and chromium. I know these minerals are good for humans, but I don't know about giving them to Brigit.

Do you know if the additional minerals would be harmful to her? The liquid would certainly be less stressful for her (and us).

Thanks very much for your help.

Sincerely,
David Cooper
Shoreline, Washington

Answer
The other minerals should not cause any problem.  Just make sure she is getting the same amount and type of Potassium as your vet as recommended.  Tumil-K is a veterinary potassium supplement that does come in a paste as well if that would be easier.

I usually recommend B Complex vitamins too ... you could give her 12.5 mg once or twice a day using a childrens liquid.

GOOD LUCK!