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My 1st cat, adopted 1 week ago. please help us!

post #1 of 63
9/21/08 at 5:32pm
Thread Starter 
Hello all of you, I'm new member here and also I'v never had a cat before.

I adopted this cat from the humane society 8 days ago. 2 days after I got him I took him to the vet for complete exam. The doctor checked him over real good and found him to be in good health. I told the doctor that my cat was not drinking water and was not eating very much food. Doctor said I should keep an eye on him.

On Saturday (6 days after I got him) I noticed he seemed sick. He never was very active when I first got him, but now he just lays around and sleeps, and he has only eaten about 1 ounce of food all weekend. He purrs when I pet him, but he is not meowing much. I'm am worried he is going to get sick and die.

Would someone please help.
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post #2 of 63
9/21/08 at 5:37pm
You need to call the vet.
Alot of cats that are adopted from the pound have uris.
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post #3 of 63
9/21/08 at 5:47pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the reply,

What is uris?

I should say that I live alone with no other pets, and he is not hiding from me and he loves me to hold and pet him. He sleeps with me at night, so I don't know why he is not active or eating. If you could see him, he sits like he's in a daze. Like he's super depressed. I am so worried.
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post #4 of 63
9/21/08 at 5:54pm
That is an Upper Respiratory Infection. It's very common in shelter kittens. In fact, virtually all cats get it sooner or later. It could be other serious diseases, but that is most common. You should have him to the vet first thing in the morning. At the very least, they can keep him hydrated, which is a very serious problem. He probably has a fever and feels a lot like we do when we have the flu or a bad cold.

You are right to be worried about him. I'm sure you love him and the loving he gives you. for a quick recovery.
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post #5 of 63
9/21/08 at 6:17pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you so much for the reply,

Yes, I need to get him to the vet as soon as they open.
He is 7 years old and was only in the humane society a few weeks. and all the other cats seemed heathy. I need to get him a blood test.

My 1st cat and only 1 week I'v had him, and I couldn't stand to lose him.
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post #6 of 63
9/21/08 at 6:22pm
Bless you for adopting an older cat. I volunteer at a shelter, and these older cats sometimes break our hearts. Great cats, often, and in "jail" for no reason they can understand.

Being an older cat should rule out some of the worse diseases kittens are subject to, but could indicate kidney or liver problems. Seven years on a cat is about middle-aged.

Please keep us informed. Also, call the shelter and let them know the cat is sick. They may be able to help you with expenses. They may only offer to take the cat back, which, if he is sick, might be nothing more than a death sentence for him, but that would depend on the shelter.

Also, should the worst happen and he is too ill to save, don't let that discourage you from adopting a cat. You have given him, at the very least, a week of love and stability that all cats need.
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post #7 of 63
9/21/08 at 6:33pm
Oh I am so sorry!! Bless you for adopting your kitty, it sounds like he loves you. However it is so important for cats to get proper nutrition, I am glad you are taking him to the vet, blood work should indicate if there are any internal problems, however it could be as simple as you switched his food and sometimes that is hard for cats. Please keep us posted!! Good look and lots of to you and your cat.
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post #8 of 63
9/21/08 at 6:46pm
Thread Starter 
Yes, one of the factors or reasons I adopted was to give a good cat a great home. This is my first cat and I was pretty worried if I was making a good desision for myself and the cat. But after going to the humane soc. and asking questions, it seemed like it would be a good thing for both of us. And it is all good, except he is sick now, and it hurts me a lot to see him feeling so bad.

I will take him to the vet and get him back up to 100%. And I'll keep you all posted on how he is doing. After he is happy again, I will be more happy and post some pictures of him.

Thanks all of you for caring so much, God bless.
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post #9 of 63
9/21/08 at 10:07pm
What kind of food have you been giving him. Do you know what he was getting at the shelter?

Sometimes you have to make a change very slowly, mixing just a small amount of new food in with the old and gradually increasing the amount. Have you tried wet food?

You still need to take him to the vet even if you find something he will eat.

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post #10 of 63
9/22/08 at 9:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldyCat View Post
What kind of food have you been giving him. Do you know what he was getting at the shelter?

Sometimes you have to make a change very slowly, mixing just a small amount of new food in with the old and gradually increasing the amount. Have you tried wet food?

You still need to take him to the vet even if you find something he will eat.
Assuming it isn't something physical causing it, try different kinds of food (canned) to see if you can find one he likes. When I first got Cindy, she wasn't eating either, and she definitely didn't like the Science Diet they were feeding her at the shelter. I was extremely worried, but I finally found a kind that she went nuts for. She's not a very big eater still, she's more of a grazer, so I have to feed her a little bit several times a day.

Good luck, I hope you find the right answer really soon. Your kitty sounds like a sweetie.
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post #11 of 63
9/24/08 at 9:27pm
How did your kitty get on at the vets? We would like to know.
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post #12 of 63
9/28/08 at 5:46pm
Thread Starter 
Well last sunday (9-21-2008) I started this topic. The next day (monday) I took Rusty to the vet. Rusty had lost 1 pound in 6 days and his eyes pupils were each a different size. The doctor did a blood test and found everything to be normal, so he did another kind of test and it too came back normal. So he gave Rusty a steroid shot to get him to want to eat, and also some antibiotics. That night him got better and even tried to eat but only ate a dime size amount. The next day he stopped eating totally. There has been times when he wants to eat and I give him food, he goes over to it like he is going to eat, but after 15 seconds of trying to get a bite on it he gives up or looses interest. So I have been hand feeding him for the whole week. It is so fustrating for me as to why he won't or can't eat. He is going to die if he does not start eating soon.

I noticed the front of his bottom lip is black and I was wondering if maybe it was sore and prevent him from eating. Or maybe he got a splinter or something in his mouth.
Do you think it is possible Rusty had a stroke?
I do know that it is not the wrong food because I'v tried everything and he acts like he likes it.

Can anyone think of a reason Rusty won't eat on his own?
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post #13 of 63
9/28/08 at 5:50pm
Thread Starter 
I posted this topic in the wrong section, it should be in the Health & Nutrition section. how do I move it to there?
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post #14 of 63
9/28/08 at 5:53pm
If it looks like his chin is dirty, maybe with black spots, it could be feline acne. This is pretty common, and while it can be uncomfortable, it shouldn't keep him from eating. Usually cleaning it regularly and switching to a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowl (not plastic) will solve the problem.

I wonder about tooth problems, although all sorts of things can cause a cat to go off his food. The problem is that they don't show they are sick until they are very sick.

My heart goes out to you, because you are obviously trying. Have you talked to the shelter? Do they have a vet who can help you out? I just hate that your first experience with a cat is being so negative.

Don't worry about moving the thread, because you can't. If the moderators want to, they will. I suspect they didn't want to move it where you couldn't find it, because we do so desperately want to help you.

Where are you located? Perhaps you are somewhere one of our people here can reach you and point you to a good vet or something.

It's not impossible he's had a stroke or something, although a little difference in pupil size is not unheard of. Is he drinking water? That's a real concern with cats.
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post #15 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:05pm
Thread Starter 
How can I tell if he has a bad tooth ache? Wouldn't the vet be able to spot that?

Strange thing is that when I put a cat treat on the floor he tries to eat it but he can't pick it up with his mouth.

Also he definately is not full of life, more like half dead. I mean he acts like he can't hear or see properly and he is very unstable when he stands or walks.

No, he has NOT drank a drop of water since I got him.
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post #16 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:15pm
Trust your instincts it sounds like he may have something neurological going on or else is becoming weakened. He could have an infected tooth or jaw pain or something else dental. Tomorrow is Monday - maybe you could call a local cat rescue and see if they would recommend another vet - each vet, like each doctor, seems to be better at different kinds of issues. Does your shelter have a mentor whom you could call as well?? At the very least, it would be encouraging for you to have an experienced cat-fosterer to be able to come by and visit you both and give you moral support
Your cat is so fortunate that he has you to fuss and care for him - can you imagine how awful it would have been for him to be in this condition while still at the shelter
Sending mega prayers and vibes that your kitty recovers very, very soon and can fully enjoy the wonderful home that he has been blessed with ........
We TCSers are all rooting for you and look forward to seeing those happy pics
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post #17 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:16pm
OK, he needs to get back to the vet ASAP. He is almost certainly dehydrated. They can give him subcutaneous fluids to get his kidneys and liver working, if they haven't failed completely. You can check for dehydration to some extent. Pinch the skin over his shoulders and pull up on it gently. If it doesn't return to its normal position immediately, he is dehydrated.

Have you looked in his mouth? Are any of his gums red and sore-looking? Are his teeth very brown? If he hasn't been eating, he probably has terrible breath, too.

I really feel sympathy for you. We all know what it feels like to be helpless and struggling with a cat.
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post #18 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:16pm
Thread Starter 
I live west of St. louis Missouri.

I know I'v only had this cat for 2 weeks. But I got very attached to him at the start. I'v been around friends with their cats, but there is something special about this cat and me. I just feel like we should be together. I don't want to lose him, but if I do, at least I tried to save him.
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post #19 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:19pm
You've done a good thing, and even if you ultimately fail, there's no evidence anything would have been better for this cat if you had not brought him home. I would check first thing in the morning with the shelter, too. I would hope they could help you in some way, if only in knowing how to take care of him, or possibly they have a connection to a vet school or something.
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post #20 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrblanche View Post
OK, he needs to get back to the vet ASAP. He is almost certainly dehydrated. They can give him subcutaneous fluids to get his kidneys and liver working, if they haven't failed completely. You can check for dehydration to some extent. Pinch the skin over his shoulders and pull up on it gently. If it doesn't return to its normal position immediately, he is dehydrated.

Have you looked in his mouth? Are any of his gums red and sore-looking? Are his teeth very brown? If he hasn't been eating, he probably has terrible breath, too.

I really feel sympathy for you. We all know what it feels like to be helpless and struggling with a cat.
Exactly!! Being dehydrated will take their appetite away. It's kind of like us having the flu, we still get hungry, but we just can't stomach anything. If the steroid shot didn't increase his appetite in a day or two, something else is definitely going on. Maybe a sore throat, a cut or scrape in the roof of his mouth, or an infected tooth! Most vets only look briefly in their mouth when doing a general exam and could easily miss something! Poor kitty, and bless you for caring for him so deeply! I'm off to find you the link for homemade pedialyte......

ETA--
Homemade pedialyte

2 quarts water
1-teaspoon baking soda
1-teaspoon salt
7 Tablespoons sugar

If he can't lap it up, use a medicine dropper, or even a small spoon to get it into him. Many going out to you both!
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post #21 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:25pm
Thread Starter 
Ok, I will check the inside of his mouth for problems. But this is my first cat ever and I know almost nothing about dealing with cat heath problems and all this is overwhelming me. So, thank you all SO much for helping us both, and please be patient with my slow typing of replies.
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post #22 of 63
9/28/08 at 6:29pm
Can you find another vet to get him to? Sometimes a 2nd opinion can find things the first vet missed....
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post #23 of 63
9/28/08 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 
OK, I just checked his mouth and his teeth look great all white and light pink gums and tongue. The dark brown spot on his bottom lip doesn't hurt him when I touch it but I can't tell if it should be there. I can't see any reason why he won't eat, but he does seem like he is feeling better now, he is more responsive. I just feed him 5 eye droppers of water. And I have been feeding him a high calorie dietary supplement. Tomorrow I am going to see if the shelter will help me with this.
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post #24 of 63
9/28/08 at 7:50pm
That makes me believe the problem may be dehydration. Who knows what might be causing that? There's a limit how much you can get down him without causing vomiting, which is why a vet might go the sub-q route to get him going again. If you can, try giving him some more water.

Good luck tomorrow. Please keep us posted, OK?
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post #25 of 63
9/28/08 at 7:55pm
You are doing a great job caring for him. Many that the shelter can help you tomorrow! And yes, be sure to let us know!!
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post #26 of 63
9/29/08 at 3:59am
I really feel for you, I know how awful it is when you have a sick kitty. I wish you all the best, you are doing the right thing with the vets. The shelter helped me when my kitty was sick, it was uri. My kitty had a bad uri, was sneezing blood. He seemed to be wanting to eat but couldn't and when vet examined him he had an ulcer on his tongue. Quite common if they have a uri apparently. Let us know how you get on, am thinking of you both
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post #27 of 63
10/2/08 at 9:19am
Any updates on this kitty and his problems? We're anxiously waiting...
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post #28 of 63
10/2/08 at 12:05pm
With a black spot on his mouth and knowing that he couldn't pick up a treat when he tried is it possible that he chewed an electrical cord and shocked himself? I'd think he'd have other signs on his mouth though and you said that all looked good. I'd still ask the vet to look at his mouth too just to cover the bases.

It sounds like you're doing an excellent job with this kitty even though he's your first. Cat illness can be hard to spot because they hide it. Kudos to you for all the things you've done. Your instincts must be right on the money.
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post #29 of 63
10/2/08 at 1:39pm
How is your kitty doing? Is he getting any better?

Could you post a picture of his mouth, especially the black spot? Since you said it didn't seem to hurt when you pressed on it, it's possible that it's just a part of his natural coloration. I have two brown tabby kittens with black on their noses and lips. One has a completely black nose and black most of the way around the lips. The other has a half black nose and black splotches on her lips.
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post #30 of 63
10/2/08 at 3:31pm
i am thinking he may be depressed, poor little guy, just got thrown away
like he was hothing, he may miss home. if thats the case, time and love is the only thing that will help him. he may be feeling unloved and depressed
make sure he is eatting. and you really need to get another cat.
so he has a playmate. stuck in the house all day by his self.
we adopted 2 kitties at the same time. they are a joy to watch. and they are very close, when one goes to the vet, the other looks for him, till he comes back. then they run off togather ,like they are discussing what,who, where, and when. cats do get lonely
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