[knittenkitten]

My cat was doing better and we were very much encouraged. She was eating more and even eating a variety of foods. Her litter box was nice and full. Then, all of a sudden she stopped. She didn't eat a thing yesterday. I haven't talked to my H today to see what happened.

I was crying so hard last night I could not stop. I tried going to bed but it didn't help. Finally I got back up, had some tea and took a xanax. I went back to bed at 2AM only to get up for work at 6. I am so incredibly depressed. I don't want to do anything but sit and cry. I haven't cooked dinner in 3 days. The sink is full of dirty dishes. My H is going out tonight. I think I'll take the phone off the hook and try to sleep.

As of right now the cat is not even holding her own. She is getting thinner and thinner. But, she still seems happy and in no pain. I can't figure it out. I wish I could help her.

I have an appointment with my Dr. tomorrow for an eye infection. I think I'll see if there is something she can give me that is not addictive. When I lived near a big city I had a Pdoc I could go to who was very understanding. Now that we live in a small town there is only my PCP. I hope she can help.

[butterfly11]

I am so sorry about your cat. I wish there were a solution.

[Mari]

Hi, Kitten,

I am sorry about your cat.

Mari

[bizi]

I hope the doctor can give you something....
sorry about your fur baby.
((((((HUGS))))))
bizi

[waves]

Hey Kitten,

I too hope your doctor can help you. I'm so sorry for what you're going through.

And i hope this is just a passing relapse with your cat. I can't help thinking if she improved once, she can improve again. The weight loss is normal if she does not eat, or does not eat enough. She absolutely must eat.

All i can suggest is

• try different foods and see if you can entice her: eg if you can find jarred, pureed baby foods that contain meat only, or, make a tuna mousse in the blender, or the (most time consuming), boil chicken and blend that.
• if she abjectly refuses all forms of food, try seeing if she'll lap up diluted wet food.
• failing that, i know this sucks, but i'd forcefeed. she has to eat.

Also you need to ensure she gets enough liquids, and with the scarce eating, that her electrolytes are replenished. there is a fluid replacement liquid you can use which will replace her electrolytes. i don't remember the name, but Bizi used it when her cat was sick...

(Bizi do you remember what that stuff was? i think humans use it too....???)

~ waves ~

p.s. is she exhibiting any changes in behavior ... esp, hiding? does she play? if not ... try getting her to play. nothing strenuous, something she can do sitting or lying: bat-the-feather, grab the string... that sort of thing. these are hunter-activities. feed after play, not before.

[bizi]

I think we used pedialyte...not sure I remember. sorry.
bizi

[Brokenfriend]

Please look at your cat's gum line to see if there's healthy pink tissue. BF

[knittenkitten]

I had a really good night's sleep last night and my mind must have been working on my problem. I awoke feeling like I just had a good session with my old T. Here is what I am thinking (for today).

1. Fact: my cat is going to die. It may be now or it may be later but it is going to happen. There is nothing I can do about it.

2. Fact: she is either going to eat or she is not. The only thing I can do to change that fact is to continue to give her her medicine.

3. Fact: I can either spend my time in mourning and feel depressed and miserable (about things I cannot change) or I can appreciate my time with her and love her and keep her comfortable. I am choosing the latter.

This does not mean I do not feel bad and whish she could stay with us forever but it does make me step back and realize I am working myself up over things I cannot change. I'll use the medication if I need it but I will try very hard not to panic like I did the other night and yesterday.

I know it will not be easy. I wll have to keep up the self talk and I can't say how much coming her to express my feelings and get your good wishes has helped me. I hope I can continue to come. I'll keep you updated if/when anything changes.

[Dmom3005]

Kitten

Print off this list of Facts: And put it on your refrigerator.

And another copy somewhere else. Make sure you look at it everyday,
if that is what it takes to remember these steps.

Next make a list of the things she/he enjoys doing with you. That you
can do together. Make sure each day you do at least two of these.

And also the holding petting and cuddling type things.

I also wonder if maybe you should just remember there are going
to be days, and as long as its just one at a time. That she just
doesn't seem to want to eat. But maybe on that day you could
put out a extra cat treat or two.

That is what we do with our dogs, and our new cat.

Donna

PS. We have a older dog right now that is not in the mood to eat much. But she loves ham. So we give her bites of ham when she wont eat anything else. Yes, maybe scraps and real food isn't good. But if she will eat that
its good.

[knittenkitten]

Dmom, I work with nursing home and hospice patients. Our rule is that we give these people whatever they want to eat, regardless of their illness or medical condition. This is especially true for the hospice people which is what I consider my cat to be. She just shows no interest in any food at all. We have to dissolve her pills in milk and squirt it down her throat to get her to take them. The vet told us not to force feed her food because cats develop food aversions very easily and she is afraid it will make the situation worse. I just let her lay on me whenever she wants, pet her like crazy and talk nice to her. My H carries her in his arms and lets her lay in front of his portable heater. She is happy and in no discomfort. That is the imprortant thing.