My baby not eating... several issues

2furbabies

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Hello All,

I'm looking for some info on how to fatten up my baby boy.  He is dealing with several issues right now and is currently not eating.  We were at the vet this week and he has an URI, ulcers in both eyes, and had to have a tooth extracted last night.  I understand him not eating right now with just having the tooth pulled and not feeling well overall.  What concerns me is he is 14 years old and only weighs 3.18 lbs.  He has never been a big eater and has only weighed 5 lbs. all of his life, but now that he is down to 3 lbs. I'm very worried.  He is a very picky eater and will only eat his dry kibbles and he loves his little bit of Lactaid milk he gets 2x a day.  That's it, he will eat nothing else.  He will eat no wet food at all.  Is there anything I can mix in with his milk to try to fatten him up?  What about baby food?  I thought about maybe putting some in a syringe and feeding him that way till he starts eating on his own again.  I'm open to any suggesions.  Thank you.
 

mrblanche

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You may have to use a large syringe to "force feed" him.  This is actually assisted eating; force is too strong a word.  Look around on here; Carolina, in one of her posts, gives an excellent demonstration. 

You boy probably needs food that is higher in fat for a little while.  You could even feed him kitten milk replacer, although that would probably cost a lot.  Look around here for the recipe for "kitten glop."  That might work, too.
 
 

orientalslave

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Has he been tested for an over-active thyroid?  That's a very common cause for lose of weight in older cats.
 
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2furbabies

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Thanks for the tips.  I never thought about the kitten milk.  I will definitely look into it.  He was tested for thyroid over the summer and everything came back ok.  They are doing another test this week.  I am supposed to get the results tomorrow.  I'm hoping the antibiotics for the URI will kick in soon and he will start feeling well enough to eat a little.  I am thankful that he is at least drinking.
 
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2furbabies

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I got the Kitten Replacement Milk last night (thank you!) and I was able to get him to drink some of it, however, he still isn't eating.  At 3 lbs. is he able to just live on milk?  The poor little guy looks so pitiful and definitely isn't feeling well.  He shows an interest in his treats, but then just smells them and walks away.  He's not even drinking any water...  but I can get him to drink the milk, although not much.  I have a call in to my vet, but just wondering how long they can survive on just drinking and not eating?  Especially at only 3 lbs.
     It's only been about 36 hrs. since the tooth was extracted and he started on the meds, so I'm hoping in a few days he will turn around.
 
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