Dying cat. Please help!

[2manypets]

Hi everyone. I'm hoping there's someone out there that is familiar with what I'm going through and can give me some advice. I have a cat that is about five months old. He was the runt and has always been too thin despite my best efforts to fatten him up. He did have worms and has been treated several times. In the last few weeks, he's been losing weight - which he really couldn't afford to do. He didn't seem the least bit interested in eating cat food with his littermates. I ended up feeding him separately and pretty much giving him whatever he'd eat out of desperation. I force fed him baby food and Science Diet canned food. He did seem to be gaining weight, but his back was still bony and he was losing his energy. In the last week, he has become incapacitated. He can lift his head, but that's about it. The vet has not been helpful and I have exhausted all of my funds. He did test negative for leukemia. They wouldn't give him fluids because they thought he had pneumonia. He isn't coughing, croupey, sneezing or anything. No runny nose. I don't know how they came up with pneumonia. He's on antibiotics, but he's not improving. I'm at my wits end. Any advice on getting some weight on this animal quickly will be more appreciated than you could know. I feel like that's his best and only chance. Thank you.

Beth

[Cat&Dog mom]

I'm so sorry your baby is so sick. You can give him some Ensure, and or regular baby food or cooked chicken and rice. I would get a second opinion, it doesn't sound like you trust your vet. Did they take any x-rays? He may have something in there blocking his intestines or something. There could be a few reasons. Do you have any plants int he house? If yes, what kind.

I'm going to repost in a minute here with a link to a vet that frequents our forum...

[Cat&Dog mom]

here is the link, I hope he can help you. Please keep us posted.

http://forums.petlovers.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13624

[judy]

i am sure somebody on this site will have information for you as well as Cat&Dog mum and i am hopeing everything goes well for you

[2manypets]

I did also post on the other forum. Thanks for the help. I do not have any plants in my house or anything else that could have poisoned the cat. His decline was slow at first. He was the runt and just wasn't gaining weight as quick as his brothers and sisters. Then he seemed to lose interest in eating with the other cats, but if I fixed him something special like chicken or fish, he'd eat that. I thought I had the situation under control. I was preparing his meals and giving him supplements and making sure he was drinking plenty of water. I was even giving him extra food with the syringe. He just started backsliding. Despite everything, he was still not gaining weight and he was getting worse. I've spent hundreds of dollars at more than one vet. I've gotten wormer and antibiotics. That's about it. I can't afford to take him back unless it's to put him to sleep. I don't want to see him suffer. He's not able to get up now, but I'm still able to interest him in food. He's eating and I'm still syringe feeding him. He's using the bathroom fine and it looks normal. I just can't imagine he has much time left and I seem to be on my own. I appreciate all of your concern and help. His entire litter was dropped off in my front yard and I've done my best to take care of them. This is the only one having a problem, and it's a big one.

Thanks again.

[JustJo]

I am so sorry about your kitty. the only thing I can think of is giving him Nutri-Cal in addition to whatever food you can get him to eat. It is a very high calorie supplement. A couple of people have told me that it saved their pets from emaciation. You can get it at your vet or at PetSmart, PetCo, etc.

[dragon_gurl]

I would suggest getting some KMR- very calorie dense- and adding it to his food. you could also find some kind of low residue food because it is normally very high in fat and protien and mix it in. I would suggest Prescription Diet a/d, feline p/d, or the Eukanuba low-residue formula. All canned. You may also try a little bit of canned pumpkin in case he might be constipated or something and that's why he isn't eating. I hope your kitty gets better...

[Magnum]

With no other symptoms, other that being lethargic, pneumonia doesn't sound right to me. Did the vet do a tracheal wash and send it to a lab? That, along with a chest xray are the only way to determine pneumonia that I know of. Kittens are more at risk and usually don't make it, but I am not sure on the percentage of possibility with a 5 month old. Is there any way you can get a second opinion or talk to a vet school in your area?

[Cat&Dog mom]

What kind of tests have been performed? Was he tested for Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper) or Feline Infectious Peritontis (fip)?

I did read about deworming cats, I thought I would type this paragraph for you. Most verterinarians recommend that adult cats be dewormed only when there is specific evidence of an infestation. A stool examination in the most effective way of making an exact diagnosis and choosing the best agent. It is not advisable to deworm a cat suffering from some unexplained illness which is assumed to be caused by worms. All dewormers are poison-meant to poison the worm, but not the cat. Cats debilitated by another disease may be too weak to resist the toxic affects of the deworming agent.

Please give him a (((HUG))) for me, I feel so bad for this little guy. Do you have a heating pad or blanket you can put him on. Will he drink some tuna juice (water)? I'm trying to think of everything I can. You can also give him some Pedialyte to help replace his electrolytes more quickly, from the dehydration. I don't remember if he is anemic but is so you can feed him foods rich in iron and B vitamins, such as liver to help build his blood (about an ounce of liver a day for a week o two or until he's feeling better). Or some Geritol will also help.

[For_the_dogs]

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't save them. Do what you can, most of all love him. At least he had a good life while he was with you. Thank you for caring for the kittens. What will you do with them?

[For_the_dogs]

What kind of tests have been performed? Was he tested for Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper) or Feline Infectious Peritontis (fip)?
.....
Or some Geritol will also help.

To my knowledge, there's no real test for FIP. They can do lots of lab work and based on the results rule out or suspect it. However, you can spend a lot of money and if it is FIP there's not much you can do but treat the symptoms and love them.

I've never heard of Geritol for cats?? Do they make a liquid, or something?

[2manypets]

I wanted to thank everyone for all the great advice. It's definitely going to come in handy in the future. I've never owned a cat until I moved out here to the country. I'm amazed how many unwanted cats are tossed out here. I always have more than I can handle and I'm constantly trying to find them good homes. I can't afford to take them all to the vet, especially since MOST of my vet visits have turned out to be a complete heart breaking let down and waste of money. I can take my expensive pure bred dog to the same vet and get pretty decent care. Take an underweight stray cat with worms and other problems to the same vet and be treated like a nuisance who's just wasting their time.

I did everything I could for this sick cat, but he passed away earlier today despite all of my love, efforts and several trips to the doctor. I honestly can't say I got any help from any of the places I took him. It put so much stress and guilt and pressure on me to help him when I realized the vets weren't doing anything but passing me off and trying to get rid of me. They saw this pathetic little skeleton of a cat that was so dehydrated and sick and yet none of them bothered with a blood test. None of them did an x-ray. None of them gave him any emergency care at all despite me asking them outright. No fluids. No stomach feedings. Nothing to help me keep him alive even though he was obviously in critical condition.

I worked so hard to keep him warm and keep some nourishment and pedialyte going into him. I got him through the night but he was so much worse by this morning that I knew he needed some real help right away or he wasn't going to make it through the day. The electric bill money went to another vet this morning for one final chance at helping the cat. They put him on fluids, but his body temperature dropped down to 95 and he passed away. He was a very sweet little cat - a talker. Always answered me even when he couldn't lift his head anymore. He was extremely attached to me and I really wanted him to pull through. I feel like I totally let him down by trusting the vets instead of my own common sense. I guess I just really wanted to believe in them. I wanted to believe all vets love all animals and would do all they could to help them, all the time.

I still have many cats and several of them are also going through some medical problems. Your advice has been very helpful and I've gotten so much information. I especially want to thank Renar. I am so thankful for your help and the information you've given me is going to stay with me forever and be used wisely and effectively. Many future cats are going to be thanking their lucky little stars that I met you. Thank you all.

Beth

[Riosmommy]

Beth I am so sorry for your loss. You did all you could and you were their with your little baby and he knew that. If you know about the Rainbow Bridge - just know that he is no longer sick and he is healthy and happy again. Your story just broke me up reading it. I feel so sorry for you. Hugs and you will be in my prayers and know you did everything you possibly could.
RIo&Nickymommy

[Magnum]

I am so sorry Beth.:( You did everything you could for him. People dropping off their unwanted pets, letting their pets run the country side, not spaying/neutering, and just plain being irresponsible pet owners are part of the big problem these poor pets endure. It's people like you that try their best to pick up the broken pieces and do what you can to help the throw aways get a second chance in life. Bless your heart for loving the little one and doing what you can to help the homeless. {{{{hugs}}}}

[dragon_gurl]

I'm sorry for your loss. It peeves me when vets seem like they just don't care. Unless they're specialists, they should be willing to provide the best care they can to ANY animal they encounter regardless of breed or origin. And I agree with Magnum that people who drop off unwanted pets is irresponsible. The mother cat that dropped off the litter of kittens I took in 3 years ago was obviously owned by somebody at some point because she was extremely friendly, even where her kittens were concerned. Of course, by the time I got those kittens, it was too late for the mother and she died soon after, but I took in all 6 of them- I was a high school sophomore at the time, and even though 2 died, 2 of them found great homes with friends of mine and the other 2 I couldn't bear to part with, so now they're my babies- and yes- they are BOTH neutered. Again, sorry for your loss. I wish you good luck on the other kittens.

[Cat&Dog mom]

Beth, I'm so sorry for your loss. He is now running and playing pain free at Rainbow Bridge, knowing he was love by you. You tried your best to help him and you are a very caring person for taking in all these babies and helping them. I'm sorry that people just dump their animals and expect them to fend for themselves or say someone will take care of them, grrrr... I'm so stunned at the treatment you got from your vet, what a shame, and it you ask me a pitiful excuse for a vet. Sorry!

[Cat&Dog mom]

I've never heard of Geritol for cats?? Do they make a liquid, or something?


Just regular ole Geritol, of course you need to get a recommended dose from a vet.

[phillydogs]

I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you for taking in these unwanted animals and give them the love and attention they deserve.

[alicat620]

Beth, I am sorry for this loss. The baby is ok now though. I wont go any further with this, others have already. I take them in myself and know the heartache that also comes with that graced love they give us. As many years as I have, it never get's easier ... but is worth what we do ... the love, the care ... and the heartache. They, if not for us, would have it a lot worse, if they had the chance at all. Much love and sympathy for you.

[samimyluv]

Just wanted to say my prayers are with you. Try to understand you did what any pet loving person would do. You did your best and know you are not alone with your feelings and disappointments when it comes to the many vets out there that are not as kind and helpful as they should be. Your little baby boy is at peace now. I to have many animals and I cannot afford to bring them all to the local vet when they get sick. Go with your own knowledge and trust in what you can do. It does work when you give the love and care they need. God Bless you and give you comfort. Good Luck with the sibblings...they are in good hands.

[For_the_dogs]

Beth, thank you for caring for this kitty-in his last days he knew he was loved. It breaks my heart that people dump cats out in the country, and folks like you are stuck with the results!

I'm sorry you lost him.. very sad.

[CJT011901]

Beth, I Am So Sorry To Here About This Little Guy.just Know That Where He Is Now, He Is Strong,happy,& Healthy. He Knew That U Love Him & U Were Doing Everything U Could. Cats Are Very Intuitive.just Love The Little Guys U Have Left, That Will Help U Through.in The Mean Time,u Might Want To Find A New Vet.a Vet Is Only Effective If He Is Passionate About & Believes In What He's Doing.they Should Be Willing To Get Involved & Throw Themselves Into Saving Any Animals Whether The Most Beautiful Purebred Or The Most Homely Stray. Prayers & Thoughts Will Be With You!!

[jojoalexis]

I wanted to thank everyone for all the great advice. It's definitely going to come in handy in the future. I've never owned a cat until I moved out here to the country. I'm amazed how many unwanted cats are tossed out here. I always have more than I can handle and I'm constantly trying to find them good homes. I can't afford to take them all to the vet, especially since MOST of my vet visits have turned out to be a complete heart breaking let down and waste of money. I can take my expensive pure bred dog to the same vet and get pretty decent care. Take an underweight stray cat with worms and other problems to the same vet and be treated like a nuisance who's just wasting their time.

I did everything I could for this sick cat, but he passed away earlier today despite all of my love, efforts and several trips to the doctor. I honestly can't say I got any help from any of the places I took him. It put so much stress and guilt and pressure on me to help him when I realized the vets weren't doing anything but passing me off and trying to get rid of me. They saw this pathetic little skeleton of a cat that was so dehydrated and sick and yet none of them bothered with a blood test. None of them did an x-ray. None of them gave him any emergency care at all despite me asking them outright. No fluids. No stomach feedings. Nothing to help me keep him alive even though he was obviously in critical condition.

I worked so hard to keep him warm and keep some nourishment and pedialyte going into him. I got him through the night but he was so much worse by this morning that I knew he needed some real help right away or he wasn't going to make it through the day. The electric bill money went to another vet this morning for one final chance at helping the cat. They put him on fluids, but his body temperature dropped down to 95 and he passed away. He was a very sweet little cat - a talker. Always answered me even when he couldn't lift his head anymore. He was extremely attached to me and I really wanted him to pull through. I feel like I totally let him down by trusting the vets instead of my own common sense. I guess I just really wanted to believe in them. I wanted to believe all vets love all animals and would do all they could to help them, all the time.


Beth

Beth, we all are here because we put ourselves in a position of blame at some point or another, for not being able to save them all. You are being very proactive and it is heartbreaking and exhausting and worst of all, people don't change unless they want to. You have to do what you can, nothing more, nothing less and hsare it with us along the way :)

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