Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently moved from Atlanta to Dallas to live with my dad. I brought my 9 year old calico, Murray, with me. Despite my dad already owning two other cats, for the first month we were here my cat seemed to be doing just fine. She prided herself on being spotlessly clean. She was a bit overweight, but was in pretty good health. Summer arrived and I went for a short visit to Atlanta. I wanted to bring Murray with me, but as I was going by bus (20 plus hours travel time) I decided against it. I was gone for just 2 weeks, but when I returned I was shocked. It looked as though Murray hadn't eaten or washed herself the whole time I was gone! I couldn't help but cry as she crawled out from under my bed. My dad told me that she had hardly come out while I was gone. I've spent the past two days trying to coax her to eat. She won't eat dry cat food. She willingly drinks lots of water. Also, if I leave some milk under my bed she'll drink that. However, I've heard that it's bad for an adult cat to drink milk. Tomorrow I'm going to the store to buy some tuna. Murray always liked tuna and I'm hoping I can tempt her into eating something. I was hoping that somebody would have some more ideas for me. I'm desperate. I love Murray and it would break my heart if she were to die. Please, if you have any ideas let me know! I don't know how much longer she can live like this. Thank you.

It sounds like she was frightened at being without you. Perhaps the other two cats were taking advantage of your being gone and intimidating her so she hid under the bed.

You need to get her to a vet as soon as possible. When a cat hasn't eaten for more than a few days, it can cause fatty liver disease which needs to be treated immediately. Check the whites of her eyes and her mouth and gums, if there is any paleness or tinge of yellow, she needs to get to the vet immediately.

I can only strongly agree with what was said. Please bring her to a vet IMMEDIATELY! Even if you don't see signs of the disease previously described. She might have been hiding because she was frightened, but you can't be sure about that especially as she seemed to be getting on well with the other cats before. There is a chance she has a disease that hasn't been detected yet. It could also be spread to the other two cats. Are they outdoor cats? Are they all vaccinated? Please don't take chances and don't experiment with food anymore - go and get her seen right away TODAY!

Let us know what transpired. Good luck and prayers!