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Kitty not eating

by Jackie
(Nebraska)



QUESTION

Our 9 year old female Himalayan is not eating. We took her to the vet 5 days ago because her appetite was off for a week or so, she had a blood panel done with all results coming back to show she is a healthy cat. She is still eating very very little and now for a couple days seems to be nothing. She did drink quite a bit of water this morning and does use her box to urinate and even had a small solid deposit last evening. She has never been much of an eater and only will eat dry Purina cat chow but this is really alarming us. She acts very lethargic but will sit on our lap and purr for a short time. She looks healthy but thin. She weighs 6+ pounds.
Help!




Dear Jackie,

You MUST go back to the vet or to a different vet and continue diagnostics and get fluids for her and appetite stimulants until she eats well. Did they do complete bloodwork including a thyroid level? Did they look closely at her teeth? Did they feel her abdomen well to make sure she is not constipated? She can be constipated and still produce a small fecal ball.

It is time for x-rays and symptomatic therapy as mentioned above until a diagnosis is reached or she starts to eat really well. Don't wait until it's too late!

Have you tried a variety of foods, includng canned food of all types, especially fancy feast, but also real tuna and real turkey or chicken breast? Also, chicken baby food works well with sick cats most of the time.

Write back if you need to tell me more or ask further questions. Thank you,
Dr. Neely

Comments for
Kitty not eating

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Aug 21, 2008
Kitty not eating
by: Anonymous

We did take our kitty back when she wasn't improving. They did all the tests you suggested and when she wasn't improving they did xrays. Unfortunately there were serious indications of cancer and we made the hard decision to put her down. We have her sister (litter mate)to give us comfort, but it is very hard to lose a beloved pet. Your website is helpful and a good resource for pet owners. Thank-you

I am very, very sorry. Thank you for the kind words. I only wish I had the power to make it always turn out right. At least you found out and you made the right decision so she wouldn't suffer.

I haven't found many things that help lessen the pain of losing a pet except time. Also, give your love to her sister (they mourn also) and maybe you would consider a new little one sometime soon, not to replace your beloved kitty, but to help the sister and to help your pain just a bit.

Again, thank you for letting me know and you have my deepest sympathies. I have been in your shoes far too many times and it is always very difficult.

Sincerely,

Dr. Neely

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