He's starving himself...why?

[JacktheCat Turkey]

Jack is a 15 year-old tuxedo cat that is not eating.

He'll drink water, but he will not eat.

He meows for food and always takes an interest in what we are eating,
but he just smells whatever we put in front of him and walks away.

Canned food, sliced turkey (his favorite) turkey bacon, tuna, even
turkey baby food...nothing.

After four days of this we took him to the vet yesterday. The vet ran
his hands up and down Jack, back and forth. Nothing. No indication
whatsoever of hairballs/intestinal blockages.
All the blood tests are negative. No markers for tumors/cancer found.
Lungs/heart are great for a cat his age. Nose seems to be working
(catnip test). Jack has lost 2.5 lbs since the last vet visit a week ago
(16 lbs. down to 13.5) for a slight case of ear mites given to him by
the other cat Callie (3 yr old Calico). Both cats were prescribed
"Malotic" and a single application of "Revolution". Jack seemed to stop
eating after that first oral application of Malotic. The vet said Jack
has some gingivitis and perscribed "Clinicure" antibiotic.
We are feeding Jack a slurry of wet cat food (Friskies Turkey and
Giblets--his favorite) and water through a syringe. Something like two
teaspoons in the morning and another two at night. He's not happy with
the deal, but he reluctantly goes along.

My feeling is he may be nauseous from the Malotic yet there is no
drooling and there is nothing on the web about possible side effects
that relate to this problem.

Jack is still moving around the house, talking when he wants something
and using the litterbox.

Ideas anyone???

[Karen Chuplis]

in article ,
JacktheCat Turkey at wrote on 7/22/03 3:01 AM:

> Jack is a 15 year-old tuxedo cat that is not eating.
>
> He'll drink water, but he will not eat.
>
> He meows for food and always takes an interest in what we are eating,
> but he just smells whatever we put in front of him and walks away.
>
> Canned food, sliced turkey (his favorite) turkey bacon, tuna, even
> turkey baby food...nothing.
>
> After four days of this we took him to the vet yesterday. The vet ran
> his hands up and down Jack, back and forth. Nothing. No indication
> whatsoever of hairballs/intestinal blockages.
> All the blood tests are negative. No markers for tumors/cancer found.
> Lungs/heart are great for a cat his age. Nose seems to be working
> (catnip test). Jack has lost 2.5 lbs since the last vet visit a week ago
> (16 lbs. down to 13.5) for a slight case of ear mites given to him by
> the other cat Callie (3 yr old Calico). Both cats were prescribed
> "Malotic" and a single application of "Revolution". Jack seemed to stop
> eating after that first oral application of Malotic. The vet said Jack
> has some gingivitis and perscribed "Clinicure" antibiotic.
> We are feeding Jack a slurry of wet cat food (Friskies Turkey and
> Giblets--his favorite) and water through a syringe. Something like two
> teaspoons in the morning and another two at night. He's not happy with
> the deal, but he reluctantly goes along.
>
> My feeling is he may be nauseous from the Malotic yet there is no
> drooling and there is nothing on the web about possible side effects
> that relate to this problem.
>
> Jack is still moving around the house, talking when he wants something
> and using the litterbox.
>
> Ideas anyone???
>
you need to get more into him than that. Your vet should have canned a/d
which works well through a syringe and has more calories. You should try to
get at least 12 ml into him through a couple of feedings. It's very
important or it could get worse and he could develop hypatic Lypidosis.
You've got to be aggressive about this. Not eating can occur over even a
minor thing, but if you aren't gettig the calories into him, it will take a
downward slide. If your vet is not agressive about this, try to find a
feline specialist.

Karen

[Karen Chuplis]

in article ,
JacktheCat Turkey at wrote on 7/22/03 3:01 AM:

> Jack is a 15 year-old tuxedo cat that is not eating.
>
> He'll drink water, but he will not eat.
>
> He meows for food and always takes an interest in what we are eating,
> but he just smells whatever we put in front of him and walks away.
>
> Canned food, sliced turkey (his favorite) turkey bacon, tuna, even
> turkey baby food...nothing.
>
> After four days of this we took him to the vet yesterday. The vet ran
> his hands up and down Jack, back and forth. Nothing. No indication
> whatsoever of hairballs/intestinal blockages.
> All the blood tests are negative. No markers for tumors/cancer found.
> Lungs/heart are great for a cat his age. Nose seems to be working
> (catnip test). Jack has lost 2.5 lbs since the last vet visit a week ago
> (16 lbs. down to 13.5) for a slight case of ear mites given to him by
> the other cat Callie (3 yr old Calico). Both cats were prescribed
> "Malotic" and a single application of "Revolution". Jack seemed to stop
> eating after that first oral application of Malotic. The vet said Jack
> has some gingivitis and perscribed "Clinicure" antibiotic.
> We are feeding Jack a slurry of wet cat food (Friskies Turkey and
> Giblets--his favorite) and water through a syringe. Something like two
> teaspoons in the morning and another two at night. He's not happy with
> the deal, but he reluctantly goes along.
>
> My feeling is he may be nauseous from the Malotic yet there is no
> drooling and there is nothing on the web about possible side effects
> that relate to this problem.
>
> Jack is still moving around the house, talking when he wants something
> and using the litterbox.
>
> Ideas anyone???
>
you need to get more into him than that. Your vet should have canned a/d
which works well through a syringe and has more calories. You should try to
get at least 12 ml into him through a couple of feedings. It's very
important or it could get worse and he could develop hypatic Lypidosis.
You've got to be aggressive about this. Not eating can occur over even a
minor thing, but if you aren't gettig the calories into him, it will take a
downward slide. If your vet is not agressive about this, try to find a
feline specialist.

Karen

[PawsForThought]

>From: Karen Chuplis

>JacktheCat Turkey at wrote on 7/22/03 3:01 AM:
>
>> Jack is a 15 year-old tuxedo cat that is not eating.
>>
>> He'll drink water, but he will not eat.
>>
>> He meows for food and always takes an interest in what we are eating,
>> but he just smells whatever we put in front of him and walks away.
>>
>> Canned food, sliced turkey (his favorite) turkey bacon, tuna, even
>> turkey baby food...nothing.
>>
>> After four days of this we took him to the vet yesterday. The vet ran
>> his hands up and down Jack, back and forth. Nothing. No indication
>> whatsoever of hairballs/intestinal blockages.
>> All the blood tests are negative. No markers for tumors/cancer found.
>> Lungs/heart are great for a cat his age. Nose seems to be working
>> (catnip test). Jack has lost 2.5 lbs since the last vet visit a week ago
>> (16 lbs. down to 13.5) for a slight case of ear mites given to him by
>> the other cat Callie (3 yr old Calico). Both cats were prescribed
>> "Malotic" and a single application of "Revolution". Jack seemed to stop
>> eating after that first oral application of Malotic. The vet said Jack
>> has some gingivitis and perscribed "Clinicure" antibiotic.
>> We are feeding Jack a slurry of wet cat food (Friskies Turkey and
>> Giblets--his favorite) and water through a syringe. Something like two
>> teaspoons in the morning and another two at night. He's not happy with
>> the deal, but he reluctantly goes along.
>>
>> My feeling is he may be nauseous from the Malotic yet there is no
>> drooling and there is nothing on the web about possible side effects
>> that relate to this problem.
>>
>> Jack is still moving around the house, talking when he wants something
>> and using the litterbox.
>>
>> Ideas anyone???
>>
>you need to get more into him than that. Your vet should have canned a/d
>which works well through a syringe and has more calories. You should try to
>get at least 12 ml into him through a couple of feedings. It's very
>important or it could get worse and he could develop hypatic Lypidosis.
>You've got to be aggressive about this. Not eating can occur over even a
>minor thing, but if you aren't gettig the calories into him, it will take a
>downward slide. If your vet is not agressive about this, try to find a
>feline specialist.
>
>Karen

I agree with Karen. Once a cat stops eating, it can be hard to get them going
again. I would definitely try some of the A/D which you can get from your vet.
You might also try some KMR (kitten replacement milk) which has calories and
vitamins. Good luck and keep us posted.

Lauren
________
See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

[PawsForThought]

>From: Karen Chuplis

>JacktheCat Turkey at wrote on 7/22/03 3:01 AM:
>
>> Jack is a 15 year-old tuxedo cat that is not eating.
>>
>> He'll drink water, but he will not eat.
>>
>> He meows for food and always takes an interest in what we are eating,
>> but he just smells whatever we put in front of him and walks away.
>>
>> Canned food, sliced turkey (his favorite) turkey bacon, tuna, even
>> turkey baby food...nothing.
>>
>> After four days of this we took him to the vet yesterday. The vet ran
>> his hands up and down Jack, back and forth. Nothing. No indication
>> whatsoever of hairballs/intestinal blockages.
>> All the blood tests are negative. No markers for tumors/cancer found.
>> Lungs/heart are great for a cat his age. Nose seems to be working
>> (catnip test). Jack has lost 2.5 lbs since the last vet visit a week ago
>> (16 lbs. down to 13.5) for a slight case of ear mites given to him by
>> the other cat Callie (3 yr old Calico). Both cats were prescribed
>> "Malotic" and a single application of "Revolution". Jack seemed to stop
>> eating after that first oral application of Malotic. The vet said Jack
>> has some gingivitis and perscribed "Clinicure" antibiotic.
>> We are feeding Jack a slurry of wet cat food (Friskies Turkey and
>> Giblets--his favorite) and water through a syringe. Something like two
>> teaspoons in the morning and another two at night. He's not happy with
>> the deal, but he reluctantly goes along.
>>
>> My feeling is he may be nauseous from the Malotic yet there is no
>> drooling and there is nothing on the web about possible side effects
>> that relate to this problem.
>>
>> Jack is still moving around the house, talking when he wants something
>> and using the litterbox.
>>
>> Ideas anyone???
>>
>you need to get more into him than that. Your vet should have canned a/d
>which works well through a syringe and has more calories. You should try to
>get at least 12 ml into him through a couple of feedings. It's very
>important or it could get worse and he could develop hypatic Lypidosis.
>You've got to be aggressive about this. Not eating can occur over even a
>minor thing, but if you aren't gettig the calories into him, it will take a
>downward slide. If your vet is not agressive about this, try to find a
>feline specialist.
>
>Karen

I agree with Karen. Once a cat stops eating, it can be hard to get them going
again. I would definitely try some of the A/D which you can get from your vet.
You might also try some KMR (kitten replacement milk) which has calories and
vitamins. Good luck and keep us posted.

Lauren
________
See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

[Cheryl]

"JacktheCat Turkey" > wrote in message
...
> Jack is a 15 year-old tuxedo cat that is not eating.
>
> He'll drink water, but he will not eat.
>
> He meows for food and always takes an interest in what we are eating,
> but he just smells whatever we put in front of him and walks away.
>

This is eerily familiar to me right down to a preference for Friskies Turkey
and Giblets... my cat went through the same thing as yours; interest in
food, obviously hungry but wouldn't eat anything including any treats that
he couldn't pass on prior to this.

In addition to what Karen and Lauren said, I would suggest asking the vet
about getting Jack some IV fluids because sometimes it can kickstart the
appetite. I can't remember why I had Shadow given a steroid shot back when
he wouldn't eat, probably as an appetite stimulant, but that worked
short-term. It also turned out to be a clue into his problem which is IBD,
but not eating led to hepatic lipidosis which as Karen said is a side effect
of anorexia and since Jack has had some serious weight loss in a short
period of time, he's at prime risk right now. In addition to force feeding
AD (as MUCH as you can get into him) I'd also try Nutrical (comes in a tube
at pet food stores) which you'll probably have to force into him too.

Good luck and Jack needs to get eating! :( Ask the vet about an appetite
stimulant.

Cheryl

[Cheryl]

"JacktheCat Turkey" > wrote in message
...
> Jack is a 15 year-old tuxedo cat that is not eating.
>
> He'll drink water, but he will not eat.
>
> He meows for food and always takes an interest in what we are eating,
> but he just smells whatever we put in front of him and walks away.
>

This is eerily familiar to me right down to a preference for Friskies Turkey
and Giblets... my cat went through the same thing as yours; interest in
food, obviously hungry but wouldn't eat anything including any treats that
he couldn't pass on prior to this.

In addition to what Karen and Lauren said, I would suggest asking the vet
about getting Jack some IV fluids because sometimes it can kickstart the
appetite. I can't remember why I had Shadow given a steroid shot back when
he wouldn't eat, probably as an appetite stimulant, but that worked
short-term. It also turned out to be a clue into his problem which is IBD,
but not eating led to hepatic lipidosis which as Karen said is a side effect
of anorexia and since Jack has had some serious weight loss in a short
period of time, he's at prime risk right now. In addition to force feeding
AD (as MUCH as you can get into him) I'd also try Nutrical (comes in a tube
at pet food stores) which you'll probably have to force into him too.

Good luck and Jack needs to get eating! :( Ask the vet about an appetite
stimulant.

Cheryl

[Yngver]

Cheryl" wrote:

>Good luck and Jack needs to get eating! :( Ask the vet about an appetite
>stimulant.
>

I agree with all the other advice posted but just want to add that one vet told
me that ear mites can irritate some cats so much that they stop eating. Some
cats are more sensitive to ear mites than others, so even a mild case of ear
mites can drive some cats crazy. The Revolution should get rid of the ear mites
but I believe you are supposed to repeat the dose in two weeks, in case there
were ear mite eggs.
Good luck--yes, the important thing is to get the cat to eat.

[Yngver]

Cheryl" wrote:

>Good luck and Jack needs to get eating! :( Ask the vet about an appetite
>stimulant.
>

I agree with all the other advice posted but just want to add that one vet told
me that ear mites can irritate some cats so much that they stop eating. Some
cats are more sensitive to ear mites than others, so even a mild case of ear
mites can drive some cats crazy. The Revolution should get rid of the ear mites
but I believe you are supposed to repeat the dose in two weeks, in case there
were ear mite eggs.
Good luck--yes, the important thing is to get the cat to eat.

[[email protected]]

Karen wrote:
>Your vet should have canned a/d which
>works well through a syringe and has
>more calories. You should try to get at
>least 12 ml into him through a couple of
>feedings.

12 mls through a couple of feedings is not nearly enough, and people
often mistake the amount that fits into the large syringes for a good
amount because it looks like more than it really is. It's better to
measure the amount of food the cat requires *before* feeding and use the
syringe as the mode of feeding rather than the measurement. The OP
should try to get *at least* one 6 oz can of food into the cat each day
to avoid having the cat develop hepatic lipidosis. Depending on the
consistency of the food it can take anywhere from 12 to 15 full 12 ml
syringes to equal this amount. I use a Braun hand blender and puree a 6
oz can all at once and use it all over the course of one day. Two jars
of chicken or turkey baby food is about equal to that amount as well.

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

[[email protected]]

Karen wrote:
>Your vet should have canned a/d which
>works well through a syringe and has
>more calories. You should try to get at
>least 12 ml into him through a couple of
>feedings.

12 mls through a couple of feedings is not nearly enough, and people
often mistake the amount that fits into the large syringes for a good
amount because it looks like more than it really is. It's better to
measure the amount of food the cat requires *before* feeding and use the
syringe as the mode of feeding rather than the measurement. The OP
should try to get *at least* one 6 oz can of food into the cat each day
to avoid having the cat develop hepatic lipidosis. Depending on the
consistency of the food it can take anywhere from 12 to 15 full 12 ml
syringes to equal this amount. I use a Braun hand blender and puree a 6
oz can all at once and use it all over the course of one day. Two jars
of chicken or turkey baby food is about equal to that amount as well.

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

[Andrea Lachner]

Hi there

Seems we're going through the same dilemma!
I took my cat "Mitzi", tortoiseshell, about 9 or 10 years, to the vet
yesterday as she hadn't eaten for about 24 hours!
She also said it could be the gingivitis, although she said it didn't look
all that bad. Mitzi had 4 teeth extracted and a dental clean a year ago!
Due to her age, they did blood tests just to be sure it wasn't liver,
kidneys or sugar level and whatever else they check for in a basic test.
The blood tests all came back fine!

I was given anti-inflammatories and liquid anti-biotics to give her for 5
days to clear up the gingivitis. How soon would she be less sore?

Today Mitzi still does exactly the same... meows for food takes a sniff and
walks away! And I have tried all the options... her fav. pure tuna,
different dry food, different wet food, milk etc!
She did have a tiny little bit of the tuna, but I doubt it's any where near
enough, let alone worth mentioning! :(

She had an anti-inflammatory injection at the vets, 3 doses of antibiotics
from me (one last night, 2 today) and one dose of anti-inflammatory today.

The biggest problem with her is that she is extremely difficult to medicate!
She was half wild when she came to me some 7 or 8 years ago and I have never
been able to get her used to being picked up or cuddled - she just hates it
and cannot handle any sort of bodily confinement!
She will sleep right next to me on the couch or the bed, but never ever "on"
me!
We tried wrapping her in towel once to inject her with her annuals, but once
lifted she just "exploded"! There was no way to hold her!
When I grab her by the scruff, she screams her head off, tries to bite,
scratch and wriggles like mad! Including tensing herself up so much, I
cannot help but loose my grip! So in other words, what ever I have to get
into her has to happen very fast and don't even think of getting near her
again for a while!
See what I mean? ... she is ONE difficult kitty to treat in any way!
Trying to get her into the carrier yesterday to get her to the vet in itself
was an absolute nightmare. Awfully stressful for us both! And once at the
vet she is absolutely terrified and just becomes this extremely tense little
ball!

I am reading this and all the replies and am thinking.... looks like I must
force feed her?... Or should I take her back to the vets tomorrow first?

The thought of force feeding her gives me an ulcer .. she will not cope,
never mind will I? LOL
I DO realise this may be the only way! Damn!

Perhaps if I force feed her right now, she will decide to eat later out of
her own accord?
Oh Boy! I wish she could tell me what is wrong!

Sometimes I think I'm not doing her any favours when I take her to the vets!

I guess I will be taking her back tomorrow? Let me try and force feed her a
little now... darn, I only have tiny syringes!

And for how long does one have to force feed until they are likely to eat
out of their own accord again?

I hope Mitzi is better soon!

Andrea

[Andrea Lachner]

Hi there

Seems we're going through the same dilemma!
I took my cat "Mitzi", tortoiseshell, about 9 or 10 years, to the vet
yesterday as she hadn't eaten for about 24 hours!
She also said it could be the gingivitis, although she said it didn't look
all that bad. Mitzi had 4 teeth extracted and a dental clean a year ago!
Due to her age, they did blood tests just to be sure it wasn't liver,
kidneys or sugar level and whatever else they check for in a basic test.
The blood tests all came back fine!

I was given anti-inflammatories and liquid anti-biotics to give her for 5
days to clear up the gingivitis. How soon would she be less sore?

Today Mitzi still does exactly the same... meows for food takes a sniff and
walks away! And I have tried all the options... her fav. pure tuna,
different dry food, different wet food, milk etc!
She did have a tiny little bit of the tuna, but I doubt it's any where near
enough, let alone worth mentioning! :(

She had an anti-inflammatory injection at the vets, 3 doses of antibiotics
from me (one last night, 2 today) and one dose of anti-inflammatory today.

The biggest problem with her is that she is extremely difficult to medicate!
She was half wild when she came to me some 7 or 8 years ago and I have never
been able to get her used to being picked up or cuddled - she just hates it
and cannot handle any sort of bodily confinement!
She will sleep right next to me on the couch or the bed, but never ever "on"
me!
We tried wrapping her in towel once to inject her with her annuals, but once
lifted she just "exploded"! There was no way to hold her!
When I grab her by the scruff, she screams her head off, tries to bite,
scratch and wriggles like mad! Including tensing herself up so much, I
cannot help but loose my grip! So in other words, what ever I have to get
into her has to happen very fast and don't even think of getting near her
again for a while!
See what I mean? ... she is ONE difficult kitty to treat in any way!
Trying to get her into the carrier yesterday to get her to the vet in itself
was an absolute nightmare. Awfully stressful for us both! And once at the
vet she is absolutely terrified and just becomes this extremely tense little
ball!

I am reading this and all the replies and am thinking.... looks like I must
force feed her?... Or should I take her back to the vets tomorrow first?

The thought of force feeding her gives me an ulcer .. she will not cope,
never mind will I? LOL
I DO realise this may be the only way! Damn!

Perhaps if I force feed her right now, she will decide to eat later out of
her own accord?
Oh Boy! I wish she could tell me what is wrong!

Sometimes I think I'm not doing her any favours when I take her to the vets!

I guess I will be taking her back tomorrow? Let me try and force feed her a
little now... darn, I only have tiny syringes!

And for how long does one have to force feed until they are likely to eat
out of their own accord again?

I hope Mitzi is better soon!

Andrea

[Karen Chuplis]

> And for how long does one have to force feed until they are likely to eat
> out of their own accord again?

Totally variable. I will say that one thing I did when my girl wouldn't eat:
if she wouldn't let me syringe it into her mouth (most of the time she did
and I was shocked as she is a squirmer) i would squirt it onto her paws a
little at a time and she would lick it off. I'd squirt some more, she'd lick
it off. We just did until the syringe was empty. I actually got her back to
the plate that way. I'd put a plate nearby and get the squirt lick thing
going and gradually, I squirt/licked her over to the dish. Pretty well
started eating on her own after that. I will say I have a cat tree that is
just the right height for this sort of thing and it made it easier as well.
For one thing, carpet meant she didn't slip around during feedings. Two, she
was comfortable there and three, it was a lot easier to contain her and keep
her from jumping down prematurely.

Karen

>
> I hope Mitzi is better soon!
>
> Andrea
>
>

[Karen Chuplis]

> And for how long does one have to force feed until they are likely to eat
> out of their own accord again?

Totally variable. I will say that one thing I did when my girl wouldn't eat:
if she wouldn't let me syringe it into her mouth (most of the time she did
and I was shocked as she is a squirmer) i would squirt it onto her paws a
little at a time and she would lick it off. I'd squirt some more, she'd lick
it off. We just did until the syringe was empty. I actually got her back to
the plate that way. I'd put a plate nearby and get the squirt lick thing
going and gradually, I squirt/licked her over to the dish. Pretty well
started eating on her own after that. I will say I have a cat tree that is
just the right height for this sort of thing and it made it easier as well.
For one thing, carpet meant she didn't slip around during feedings. Two, she
was comfortable there and three, it was a lot easier to contain her and keep
her from jumping down prematurely.

Karen

>
> I hope Mitzi is better soon!
>
> Andrea
>
>