Henry won't eat; I need your help.

Dear All,
I inherited an eight year old male cat about 3 weeks ago and he is slowly going down hill. He is so traumtized by his owner leaving him that he won't eat or drink water. Today, I decided I will have to force feed him and I have not done this before. I have called my pet store and talked to them and they told me what to do, but I really need your help and information about feeding him and how to get him eating by himself. Please email me at: [email protected] with any ideas or information.
Peace and love
Dawn

I suggest that you take him to the vet ASAP and have him checked out. If he genuinely hasn't been eating or drinking for several days, he could be in serious trouble from dehydration and other complications. It's really important to have him checked out.

If he's eating and drinking a little, you might try "stinky" foods that stimulate appetitie. One possibility is CHICKEN baby food (NO ONIONS: toxic to cats). Another is to try poaching some chicken and cutting it up in bite-sized pieces (NO chicken bones). Some people have had good success with Kentucky Fried Chicken (again NO bones) because of its aromatic quality.

Also please do not force feed him until a vet instructs you on how to do this properly. You could unintentionally do him irreparable harm if you force food down his throat. He needs to see a vet quickly.

I agree - he needs to see the vet ASAP. Don't force feed him anything - just call your vet right now and bring him in. I hope he gets well soon - please keep us posted.

Moving this to the health forum.