Severely Ill Cat - Help Needed

I am hoping that someone can help. On Saturday morning last week, my daughter's cat was throwing up hairballs. I scooped him up and put him down into our unfinished basement (which is heated and air conditioned) because it is easier to clean up the mess. We noticed later that day that we couldn't find him and he completely stopped eating and drinking. I gave him water all weekend with a syringe and Monday morning, I took him to the vet. He diagnosed him with a fecal matter obstruction and gave me some laculose to give him. He said that he hydrated him and that he would start eating as soon as the bowel obstruction passed.

Tuesday morning I woke up and his breathing was extremely labored and my Mother came over and took him to the vet. The vet then said he had congestive heart failure (and put him on medication for that) and said he was extremely critical and kept him all night. I picked him up on Wednesday. The cat was still not eating or drinking. I got some critical care food and some nutrient paste and kept feeding and watering him with a syringe. Thursday night he looked like he was going to die and I called the vet, he was afraid that the stress of another visit to the vet would kill him and said he could have a heart infection and we got some antibiotics.

It is now Sunday morning, the cat is literally barely breathing and I can't even get him to open his mouth to take any water/pedilite, he is so weak. I don't know if he would even survive the ride to the vet, he completely freaks out. Is there any trick or idea that anyone has to rehydrate him. I am offering a few drops off of a syringe but most just runs out.

I do realize that this might be the end for him, unfortunately, he is only 10 1/2 and has been a great friend to my only child daughter. He has had him since she was around 3. Any help is appreciated.

I'm so sorry - the only thing I can think of is to call your e-vet (if your own vet is not available) and get guidance. I know you don't want your cat to linger in pain if there is anything you can do to help.

You should really take him to the vet

I'm so sorry. I realize your post was from this morning and things may have changed by now but if it hasn't taking him to an e-vet and letting him go may be the best thing for him so that he doesn't have to suffer anymore. He is unfortunately seriously and terminally ill and anything you can do would just prolong the inevitable.

To answer your question anyway the best thing to do for a cat who is not eating or drinking properly and who is weak is to give sub-q fluids, like IV fluids but you put the needle under the skin instead of in a vein. You can do this at home if your vet shows you how. It's not hard. There are some great videos on Youtube if you need some more instructions. You can always ask your vet to give you an IV bag with Lactated Ringers Solution, some tubing and extra needles. I would highly recommend this for anyone with a seriously sick cat. Fluids is very important and being able to give it at home will save the cat from having to make stressful trips to the vet.

I hope your kitty is doing better or not suffering anymore. Hugs

How is your kitty today? I hope all is well!