Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My mother's 5.5 year-old cat eats primarily dry food which my mother stores in the garage in a plastic container. Today I was cat-sitting and I poured some fresh food only to find 2 small droppings. The food is obviously contaminated. The ratio of waste be damned, I threw it all out and now I'm worried.

What specific tests/examinations should I request from the vet? He's due to go in for all his newest shots this month as it is. Also, are there any specific, zoonotic things I should be concerned with regarding myself and my mom who are in constant contact with the cat?

Thanks.

I would call the vet. They may have you just monitor the cat/cats for a certain period for changes or may have you bring them in. Remember, cats eat rodents by nature. There are many cats that still do so today. Farm cats, barn cats, and even pets. Many friends that have outdoor cats (I don't) mention their cats bring prizes of rodents, rabbits, and birds home. There has probably been no harm done.

I am sure you've already done this, but did you check the bag for a chewed hole in it? Is there a hole in the plastic bin it is stored in? Does the bin seal tightly? You may want to swap out plastic bins -- or switch to a new, clean metal trash can with a tight lid -- rodents can't chew thru metal.
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Tammy and Pookey
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)

I'm going to be calling the vet first thing on Monday. No vet I've ever been to has been open on the weekend, and it's a holiday weekend on top of that.

I threw all the food out and the container (which did have a small hole in the side directly adjacent to a small shelf on the wall).

I'm hoping the vet will at least do a competent stool examination to see if anything is brewing in the digestive area. The cat has been vomiting semi-frequently the past few months. I want to get him treated if necessary, and also know if anything he has is a threat to us as well.

Yep -- Good idea to take him in tomorrow. He's due for shots/exam, anyway.

Ref the hole in the side of the container. I'd look at a thicker plastic, or even better, a (clean/new) metal trash can with a secure lid. Will take care of the rodents. If you have a hole chewed in the side of the metal can, I'd turn and run FAST! If a rodent can chew thru metal, you don't want to meet it. It'll also probably take care of the rodent problem in the garage -- if you take away food access, they will look somewhere else...

Ref the recurring vomiting over the past several months. This is not uncommon in cats. You need to be worried if they vomit quite a bit over a short period of time (day or two). But, a couple times a week is not uncommon. A couple causes/fixes to this can be:

1. If it appears to be food in the vomit, elevate the food dish (they sell elevated food dishes at pet stores). The cat swollows more easily and doesn't vomit.

2. If it appears to be a hairball in the vomit, they make special hairball food, but I prefer hairball treats which are sold in the cat treat section (but read the instructions and use them like medicine and not a treat).

Run all your concerns by your vet. He/She will have some good advice.

Your Mom and the cat are very lucky to have you cat-sitting and taking such excellent care and concern!
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Tammy and Pookey
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)