2 ferals getting very thin

Hi!

Ive noticed in the last 2 months 2 of my ferals are losing weight - one just in the stomach area and the other all over - the neck especially.  He has always been a very big cat too.

I notified my local clinic and they said if i can trap him i can bring him in... but it basically would be guessing since they have no blood testing capabilites.

I dont want to cause him stress if this is pointless. 

Does anyone have any ideas - maybe something I could put in the food if its worms - something that I can try but wont hurt him if its not.

I do use diatomaceous earth.. but hadnt in the winter/spring and maybe it was too late that that point....

thanks for any help!!!

There are liquid and powdered wormers you can put in their wet food.  But perhaps a trip to a regular vet will help diagnose the issue.  If it isn't worms, it could be something more serious.  Have they ever been combo-tested (FIV, FELV, etc.)?  I'd have that done first.

Thank you for helping them!

You can buy homeopathic wormers.  I have also ordered Dontral from Medivet.  The problem is that it comes in a tablet.  For my ferals I do my best to crush it up into their wet food.  They hate it.  I have to add tuna juice or baby food and make sure they are really hungry.  You can also use pill pockets if your cat will take them.  I find this the quickest method as the homeopathic drops take 2-3 weeks of 2x daily doses.  It does work, but it just takes time.  I gave both of my outside boys the Dontral this morning.  My young one gobbled it all up with little trouble.  The 3 year old only ate half and then kept shaking his head as if to say "Yuck".  So I still have half to give later today.
 

Thanks for the replies.

I think I can get him combo tested.   But what will that do... is their treatment for that I can give a feral??

Thanks again!!
 

If they test positive, there are a couple of choices.  Just like humans with the HIV virus, FIV kitties can live long, healthy lives with proper nutrition and a regular routine (less stress).  Are these two candidates for an inside life?  If so, do that soon.

You haven't said but if they are not fixed, do that ASAP!!!!  The fighting that goes with mating can really stress them and is the main way FIV is spread.

FELV is another story.  It is usually fatal, within a pretty short time and is not a good way to die.  You'd have to make a decision about the next step if they come up positive for that.

Remember the combo test will only indicate the presence of the virus.  Talk to the vet about whether a more comprehensive test.  Hopefully, others will jump on soon who know way more than I do about all this but your should talk to the vet.

Here's hoping it is ONLY worms!

Are you able to touch these cats? Do they eat in your presence? I would be concerned about adding a dewormer to the food if you are not sure who is getting what OR if one eats both meals, etc. That could make matters much worse. It really could be a number of problems and the first thing I would do would be to take them in for a SNAP test. FeLK/FIV. It may not be either disease, but that is where I would start. Be prepared, though, that if they are positive for FeLK - Feline Leukemia - then the decision to humanely euthanize would be in order. It is highly contagious and deadly and would be a torturous death without intervention and they will spread the disease to other stray cats. FIV is definitely manageable and only spread through a deep tissue bite - but you may want to build an enclosure for the cats to keep them safe and watch for any sign of illness needing medical attention. Again, I am not sure how far along you are with socialization of these cats OR if they are truly feral cats only coming to eat from your feeding station then departing till the next meal. More information would be helpful.

Although theyve both been around for 4 years - I am only able to touch the one (Ive always thought him to be the father of the others).   In fact I touched him all over yesterday - he didnt react at all so he isnt in pain from what I could tell.   I can get close to the other but she will run off.

All have been neutered by the way.   Their colony is in a big back yard with a large wooded area.  They disappear during the day but are always around at feeding times am and pm. 

They usually eat in my presence - the younger cat hasnt eaten much in the last few weeks.  My neighbor feeds them in the morning and she says nothing other than their weight has changed to her.   When I give them wet food they both eat in front of me.  

Thanks again for the help!!!
 

It may be fairly easy to get medication if need be into the friendly guy then, the one you can touch all over. Best wishes and hope that you can get some answers to the weight loss soon. Keep us posted on the vet visit if you take them in.

Thanks again.

Just want to double check since it is two cats and since one is just losing weight in stomach (area right in front of back legs) that THAT isnt an easy indication of worms.

Im just asking because of the stress for all involved of getting even one of them trapped.   Its also very hot here... which is why I didnt even bother this last week but I know if there is no easy answer based on that - then I HAVE to get at least one in to figure it out.
 

m935 said:

Thanks again.

Just want to double check since it is two cats and since one is just losing weight in stomach (area right in front of back legs) that THAT isnt an easy indication of worms.

Im just asking because of the stress for all involved of getting even one of them trapped.   Its also very hot here... which is why I didnt even bother this last week but I know if there is no easy answer based on that - then I HAVE to get at least one in to figure it out.

 

Click to expand...

Truthfully speaking, it is almost impossible to say why they are losing weight. It could be so many things going on. . It is the reality and responsibility of being their caretaker - the toll it takes on our hearts and our pocketbooks. We must get them medical attention when we think they need it and it can be expensive unless you can find a truly compassionate vet who will work with you and give you a break. I would suggest taking the very thin one to the vet and having blood work done. At least then you may have an answer :cross: but it may not always be clear by blood work alone. It could be a parasite and the simple solution is deworming or it could be something much more serious going on. :dk: If you are financially limited in how far you can go for your feral cats medically, then you would have a decision to make when they become quite ill and very sick. :shame: It depends on how far you can afford to go with tests. Keep updating, We care.

Ok tonight I noticed he has 2 small yet very noticeable patches of missing fur.   Im searching possible conditions now - but still not clear.

Unfortunately I cant trap him this week since ill have stitches in my back tomorrow and unable to left his trap....

Ill see what i can do but this is getting more worrisome now.

m935 said:

Ok tonight I noticed he has 2 small yet very noticeable patches of missing fur.   Im searching possible conditions now - but still not clear.

Unfortunately I cant trap him this week since ill have stitches in my back tomorrow and unable to left his trap....

Ill see what i can do but this is getting more worrisome now.

Click to expand...

When I see patches of fur missing, it usually means the cat has been in a fight.  The fur is gone and underneath there is a wound.  He may have been in a fight or hurt himself some how.  The other sign I notice is obsessive licking of the site where the fur is missing. 

He also could be biting the fur off if he itches from fleas or other skin conditions.