Older, obese cat, compromised renal function

Question
My 10 year-old ginger tabby cat, Hazel-Rah, has become obese. He also recovered from a urethral obstruction last summer which put him into renal failure. I cannot afford the reducing diet my vet prescribed. Is there anything I can make him at home which will reduce his weight (20lbs) without compromising his renal function or blocking his urethra again? I was feeding him the Science Diet k/d, then the r/d, but I lost work and since then I've been giving him the Purina Urinary Tract Health in 2 measured feedings of 1/4 cup each per day to help him reduce. Am I doing the wrong thing? His blockage and the subsequent treatment put me in debt for a year until I paid back the $3,000 vet bill. I only make $1200 a month, but I love my 2 cats and dog like my children. Please help!

Answer
_________________ follow up on cat with kidney ______________________
Hi Jenny - I was wondering if you tried the home cooking for your cat with kidney troubles?  I am here for you if you need me.
Marie Peppers
LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse
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Wow Jenny - I sure do understand your situation.  
yes, here is a recipe that will help ....
Also, you will need to purchase a low cost supplement ( NuVET Feline)

 Try this one:

Dr. Pitcairn's Feline Diet for Kidney Problems

1 1/3 cups (2/3 pound) ground chicken, or turkey
4 cups cooked white rice
4 eggs
2 tablespoons cold-pressed safflower, soy or corn oil
1,500 milligrams calcium  ( TUMS)
1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
1/8 teaspoon potassium chloride (optional , for a saltier flavor)

5,000 IU vitamin A  ( NOT needed if you use NuVET Vitamins)
Taurine and other cat vitamins - NOT needed if you use NuVET)



Mix everything together in a large bowl. ** mix all but the vitamins together, bake about 20 minutes in a moderate oven and then wait until it cools to mix in the vitamins.
Occasionally, substitute 1 to 3 teaspoons of liver for
part of the meat.
You can give 1/2 teaspoon per meal of the NuVET feline Vitamin.
( Or just 1/2 teaspoon 1 x per day **  1/2 the reg dosage )
YOU don't have to pre add it the the entire mix.

NuVET is a holistic feline vitamin : see here:
Not sold in stores:  Thru holistic vets
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
( cost is about .35 cents per day per cat)
1-800-474-7044  Use order code 81098 and tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you.



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When switching to a homemade diet, please consult with your vet about
your kitty's particular needs.
Some of these recipes have 'general' guidelines, which may or may not
be suitable for your cat!
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BEST wishes!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse