Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Until 14 days ago our healthy bouncy (when awake) 19 year old female cat ate 3 to 4 times a day. She was fussy but enjoyed her food.

We noticed her eating less and took her to the vet. He diagnosed that some of her teeth were rotten and needed extraction. This was done on wednesday of this week. Since then she has not eaten a bite of food nor is she prepared to lick any gravy. We have tried lots of varieties of cat food. Chicken broth we are desprate. The vet has tried a shot of valium (to relax her and simulate her appetite) also vitamin B. She just moves her head away.

She is drinking her normal amount of water but will have nothing to do with food. It is almost 4 days.
ANY HELP PLEASE

Her gums may still be sore from the dental work, however even if this is the case she needs to eat or get nutrition somehow, ASAP! Probably she will have to have some sort of IV or force feeding.

Best wishes. Keep us posted!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Hi,

I'm a bit surprised that your vet didn't run bloodwork and hospitalize your cat over the weekend. No matter what the cause, a cat that hasn't eaten for several days needs supportive care, and a 19 year old kitty can go downhill rapidly.

If this were my baby, I would want a complete blood panel run, to determine how well her organs are functioning, and a complete blood count, to find out if she has a systemic infection going on. Even if her gums were bothering her, she should still show some kind of interest in food. At least some licking of her food, instead of her turning her head away from it. I wonder if she is nauseated for some reason.

You can try and see if she will eat strained meat baby food (with no onion added), but the very best thing would be for you to seek emergency care for her this weekend.

Please keep us updated. I'll be praying for your baby.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thanks for the advice.
We have had blood work done and its pretty clear.
We have started feeding her with a syringe yesterday after reading some of the postings. She has no interest but is keeping half of each session down. She must have had 15cc so far.

We plan to give her 5-10 cc every hour.

Have looked everywhere for babby food without onion and only found the fruity variety. We live in the UK.

Thanks for the support

If you are force feeding her with a syringe then she is getting enough to get her through the weekend. It's proably morning in the UK due to the time difference - hopefully you can discuss things with your vet pretty soon.

Thoughts and prayers are with you for the kitty.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Hi There,

It's good to hear that you are getting some food into your baby. I've been thinking of her all weekend.

Please continue to keep us updated.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thank you all for your support and advice. I am afraid she didn't make it.

It is going to be diffcult coping without her. I will keep seeing her from the corner of my eye.

thanks again

I am so very sorry for your loss. There is nothing more difficult than losing such a precious baby.

If you are interested we have Pet Loss chats and message boards. Please feel free to check out: petsupport.net.

We are still here for you if you feel you need our support.

{{{{{}}}}}

Regards,
PHKitkat

I am so very sorry for your loss. You tried your best to save her. She must have been very special to you and I'm sure that you will miss her.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!