My 5 month old kitten is barely eating, lost weight, is weak and is so lethargic she sleeps all day-

Our 5 month old half Blue/half White Domestic kitten Trudi began losing her appetite about 2 weeks ago.. and she has always been a greedy little girl, always after our food and even jumping up during dinner!

She now barely touches her food and as a result has lost alot of weight and seems very fragile. We put it down to weather being muggy and making her lethargic, as some days she's eaten a bit more than others. She sleeps all day, mostly under furniture- again, something we put down to the weather, thinking she was looking for a cool spot.

Last night i noticed she wasbeen spreading her front paws out, with claws all on show, they went completely ridgid and when i picked her up she hid behind them and continued to do so even when lying down.. and this morning she is seeming so weak she is struggling to walk in a straight line- she didn't even have the strength to get into her litter tray earlier.

We have booked her an emergency appt at Vets later this evening, i was just wondering in the meantime if anyone could put my mind at rest- has anyne experienced anything similar? I've worringly found lots of advice online desribing this as a sign of serious illness, or 'life threatening'...?? She's had all her jobs and is Wormed and Flea-ed at usual intervals.

Worried Cat Lover,

London ,UK

You are doing the right thing by getting her to the vet right now!  Not tonight.  It is an emergency vet and this is an emergency.  No appointment type of emergency.  She might not make it to evening.  Take time off from work if you are there now.

Two days without food is detrimental to a cat.  Two weeks of little food is scary.

Please do keep us updated.

Thank you- this is very scary.. and i havent been able to think of anything else all day! My boss isnt the most understanding of types, and wouldn't justify me leaving early for my pet i'm afraid- as bad as that sounds. :-(

However, i have spoken with the vet over the phone and explained everything, she assured me this evening is fine, as long as she's seen today.

My boyfriend informed me she ate half a tin of sardines this mroning which we tried bribing her with- so this is a good sign at least!

The appointment is in just a couple of hours time- thanks for the advice i will of course let you know how we get on!

Poor little mite, this is really scary.

I hope it is 'just' some parasite that can be treated, but in view of her age I would not rule out FIP. It sounds too much like my Gaudi's story for comfort.

I think extensive blood and stool tests, and probably an IV drip, are in order.

They should test stool samples from 3 consecutive days, as Giardia is not apparent in stools every day, the cysts are released intermittently. Most other intestinal parasites can be found in every stool.

Oh dear, i hope its nothing too serious. I can't say i'm familiar with Giardia...?

I was beginning to think the weakness was caused by her loss of appetite- but obviously the initial loss of appetite had to come from somewhere, so there is obviously an underlaying problem causing everything. I've just never known her to be so quiet, secluded and dozy!

 Keeping my fingers crossed as we're supposed to be away this weekend and leaving her with a family member :-(

Kittens who stop eating are in serious trouble, no matter what the cause is.  It can be as simple as an Upper Respiratory Infection, but that's usually obvious with sneezing, runny eyes, etc.

The next most likely thing is a obstruction somewhere in the digestive tract.  This can be anything from something stuck in the mouth (like a needle or pin) to a swallowed string to...well, anything a kitten might swallow.  Then, constipation can be a cause.

You are doing the right thing by getting her seen as quickly as you reasonably can.
 

Sending good vibes and prayers your way. this is most definitely scary!!

Adding my vibes for your baby. !!!!!!

Tell your boss you have a very bad headache and ask to leave for the day. 

Vibes for this baby
For the future, keep in mind that one day feeling down like that happens, but two days, in the crate to the vet you go.... And that is with an adult cat - kittens go downhill faster, so you really want to pay close attention to their behaviors - eating, box usage, hiding, energy level and moods tell you a lot. A sudden change for over a day = "I am not alright, take me to the Dr."
More vibes

Thank you all for your messages. Just to give you an update, Trudi spent the night at the Vet on a Drip , its appeared she had a fever and some other underlying infection. They took out some tests, mainly blood, which came back abnormal but not overly serious.However they were not able to pin point any infection in particular. She has has antibiotics and managed some food earlier this morning, and things were looking really positive.

However I've just had a call warning me that she has gone downhill again- and seems very bad unfortunately.

Vet has prepared me for the worst of course, and has expressed her worry that my Trudi may not last the day. I'm being positive and trying to sit tight for another phonecall with good news, while waiting to go along to see her in a few hours time.

Praying for a miracle in the meantime xxxxx

For anyone usnsure about the health of their cat, or with behavioural worries- please go to the vet ASAP!

l'm so very sorry to hear about the latest update.

Sending good vibes for Trudi  

l'll help you pray for that miracle. 

{HUGS}

AlexH17 said:

My boyfriend informed me she ate half a tin of sardines this mroning ...

Click to expand...

THAT, may be a clue to what's going on..........

How much FISH does/did she eat?

Contrary to "general belief", fish is not appropriate for cats.

Steatitis can be a result of a diet which is high in fish content....all about that - including symptoms - here: http://www.petplace.com/cats/steatitis/page1.aspx

You said the Vet has given antibiotics.....that may be because her WBC is slightly high (your comment was "blood, which came back abnormal but not overly serious.However they were not able to pin point any infection in particular"). If you read that piece carefully, you'll see that

Baseline tests to include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, and urinalysis are recommended in all patients, and although they may be within normal limits, an elevation in white blood cell count is often present

Click to expand...

I would urge you to point this out to your Vet IF FISH HAS BEEN A STAPLE OF HER DIET......it seems that time may be of the essence here, considering that the 'Vet has prepared you...'.

Andrya- Thank you- you almost made me cry then, but in a nice way :-)

White Shadow, thank you- i have read the page, and it does actually seem like a pretty acurate diagnosis of how she's been- she's had the majority of those symptons. Its something i'm definitely going to highlight to our vet when i go in this evening. Just a bit cautious to point out what they may have already ruled out- would hate to teach someone how to suck eggs if you know what i mean- but this would certainly expain alot. She doesnt have that much fish- maybe half a tin of sardines a week- but its a good observation, thak you. I have jotted down the symptoms and will definitely ask them about it.

I'm hoping its this, it sounds much more treatable than everything else i've been worrying about!

I will again keep you all updated. Fingers crossed for my little girl..x

i don't think i will ever have a pet again. i have 2 cats now, but, never again. i only know how to love one-- 100%

it's just too painful to read stories hear and go through my children's(cats) maladies and feel so helpless.

even you can't get a diagnosis as to why your baby may not make it.

updates?

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know that sadly we had to put our little kitty to rest last night...
Vet agreed she wasn't getting any better- using recognise her when I went to visit, she had deteriorated badly in just the short time she was there.

I am absolutely devastated- she was not yet 6 months old.
Feels like there is a huge gap in both our home and our hearts!

One day we will get another kitty- I'm just a cat person and wil proably always have them- but please everyone just beware that if you cat Is acting out of behaviour for a consistent amount of time don't take it lightly.

I miss her so much! Thank you all for your advice and kind words these last couple of days

X

I'm so sorry.  Peace to you as you mourn the loss of your kitten.

I am so very sorry for your loss of your little baby girl Trudi. My guesses when I read your first post were either FIP or panleukopneia (distemper)

I'm so sorry.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Poor little baby.....

Run free at the bridge, little beauty!!!!!