Confused and scared

[tiffs_stewie]

On October twenty-second, (about two weeks ago) my fiance' and I adopted a VERY beautiful, eight month old domestic long hair little boy. At 23 and living in a large city, Stewie (that's his name) was my first pet and my hubby-to-be's second pet, having previously owned a very impressive German Sheppard. Anyway, my lack knowledge about cats would soon count against me, being that less than a week of having Stewie in my life, he came down with a really bad case of upper respiratory infection. I'm sorry, [I]severe[I] upper respiratory infection. At first we noticed sneezing, then almost like the very next day, my poor kitty was lethargic, drooling, not eating or drinking. I have taken him to the vet on three separate occations. I know this may sound crazy, but I've grown REALLY attached to Stewie. In the first few days before the symptoms kicked in, he was just the most amazing cat I had ever seen! I guess you would have to be around him to understand what I mean. Granted, I may very well be over-reacting, considering I know nothing of cats, RIGHT NOW. Ever since my Stewball got sick, I have been researching everything! My problem is...he won't eat! His doctor gave him a pill that was supposed to make him eat. He ate only once! As a result, he is dehydrated and has had two I.V.'s inserted into his back, under his skin. My really good friend told me to try and force feed him, my fiance's saying "no". The point is, I'm scared. I'm so afraid that my little guy won't make it. As I stated before, I really love this little guy and I am at my rope's end. It pains me to see him like this. He's been through so much already. Please help. Should I force feed him or should I keep getting the I.V.'s? Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.

['too crazy]

I had a cat who had a bad virus and it was the devil to get rid of. Above all else, I would want to make sure he stays hydrated. You really can't force feed a cat and I wouldn't even try. Are you comfortable with your vet? Has the kitty been checked for feline lukiemia or FIP? After 3 vet visits, is the vet positive it's an upper respitory infection? Don't be afraid to question the vet on why Stewie isn't getting any better. Sending hugs and prayers to Stewie and keep us updated.

[Gamerchick]

Are they sure it's not distemper?
When I was fostering kittens, my vet recommened L-Lysine in their food. Available at any drugstore for humans. And she gave us this high protein/high calorie (?) paste to give them. They also had severe resp infections, and she said the paste was really important as they wouldn't eat enough otherwise. We needed to do what we could to get their immune systems up and going so they could fight off the infections. This was in addition to the antibiotics. Maybe you could ask about these? Or search online, I don't have any resources as this was stuff our vet told us. I hope he's feeling better really soon!

Kimberly

[Cat&Dog mom]

I'm sorry your baby is so sick, did the vet give any antibiotics? Have you tried to give him some tuna juice or anything like that, did the vet give you any special food (id)? You can try putting a little water in his food and warming it up a little (don't make it hot). You can try to force liquids by using a small medicine bottle, eye dropper or plastic syringe. Insert the end of the dispenser into the cheek pouch and while tilting the chin upward, slowly dispense into the space between the molars and the cheek. The cat will automatically swallow.

p.s. did you get the cat from a shelter, I know sometimes they will offer vet care at a discount in the first 30 days should something happen.

[Magnum]

Nutri-Cal is a high caloric supplement for cats when they are not eating, it can be found at most pet supply stores. It literally saved a couple of my pets lives. Dehydration is the biggest worry. Cat&Dog Mom has a good suggestion on getting fluids into your cat. Try tuna in water, or anything that is hard for a cat to resist. Water is so important, so please do what it takes to keep him hydrated. Sending good thoughts and prayers his way.

[sahara]

For upper respiratory infections , especially in cats, Doxycycline produces some pretty remarkable results, in less than 24 hours. Dehydration call kill a kitten very quickly, you may have to give him fluids, a plastic( glass can break kitten teeth) eyedropper is helpful for this. You could try and tempt him with some baby food , the chicken or beef variety that comes in jars( the kind that's smooth not chunky) but if he can't breathe he might have trouble eating on his own so you might have to actually give it to him, a little at a time.