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Very eldery cat not eating - please help

jacquihogan Oct 26, 2007 04:59 AM

Our elderly, 18 yr old, cat has now not been eating for over a week. He's been to the vet 3 times, who has examined him thoroughly for lumps and bumps. His blood work is fine apart from a very elevated white blood count. He's had antibiotics, a B12 injection (which normally boosts his appetite), but apart from the odd lick he shows no interest in his food at all. We've tried a variety of different cat foods, liquid cat food, fresh chicken (normally he can't get enough of this), milk, protein gel, baby food etc.

Apart from not eating, he looks fine, although he's now getting quite weak.

He had most of his teeth out last year, which was the last time he wouldn't eat, and the vet says his remaining teeth and gums are fine. He had a thyroid tumour 2-3 years ago, but he's had 2 blood tests since and his thyroid function is also fine according to the blood work and vet's exam.

All the vet can suggest is an xray if he's still not eating by monday. But by then (and now I suspect) he'll be too weak for surgery.

I'm at my wits end to know what to do next. I know he's very old, but I'll do anything to keep him with us a bit longer.

Replies (3)

cwjr Oct 26, 2007 05:36 AM

heat up the canned food a little and try to tease him with it. let him lick the food, then pretend to take it away for a few seconds, then put it back in front of him and he'll probly be more interested in it. repeat that a few times until he starts eating. this is how i got my cat to eat again.

jacquihogan Oct 26, 2007 05:50 AM

A great idea, but we've tried this too. Best response we get is a few licks and then disinterest.

PHKitkat Oct 27, 2007 12:02 AM

Hi There,

I know how difficult this is, having had many elderly cats of my own. I'm so sorry you are going through this.

I am a bit surprised that your vet has not hospitalized your baby for supportive care. He really needs IV fluids and assisted feeding of some kind to have the best chance. I definitely would not wait until Monday because a cat that hasn't eaten for more than a couple of days has a high risk of developing fatty liver disease. This would be on top of whatever caused him to stop eating in the first place. Ideally, you should take him to another vet, one that has more to offer than an x-ray. An ultrasound exam might be very helpful and it is non-invasive.

If you choose to treat non-aggressively, you can learn to treat with subcutaneous fluids at home and also start force feeding using a syringe. Baby food can be used for syringe feeding, as well as a prescription diet called a/d.

I would try to get him in to see a vet tomorrow, or even consider taking him to an ER. It's not good to just let him go on the way he is.

Take care, and please keep us updated.

PHKitkat

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