Thinking of dosing everyone - good or bad idea?

Hi all,

I have 8 beautiful indoor-only cats. I've had 5 of them since the age of 4 months, and the other three were over a year old when I adopted them. They are now between 4 and 8 years old and have me very well trained.

For some reason, this seems to be the Year of the Sick Cat in my house. So far:

Louie (7 yrs) had pancreatitis and chronic herpes infection in his eye (that is pretty controlable)

Duck (7 yrs) had severe unknown infection and high fever

Autumn (8 yrs) had a terrible UTI (her urine looked like "tomato juice" is what the vet said)

Shyla (7 yrs) developed a now chronic sinus condition that had such a bad flare up her nostrils were clogged with dried snot and she had a difficult time breathing (x-rays revealed both her sinus cavities are completely clogged, but the next step is an impossibly expensive MRI so the vet decided to have me wait on that. She is better now, but the congestion is still there).

Turtle (4 yrs) is currently being treated for a severe kidney infection (it shrunk her left kidney a little), a UTI, mild pancreatitis and giardia (I treated all the cats just to be safe for this one).

Luna (6 yrs) has been sneezing quite a bit lately

Peanut (5 yrs) and Wee (8 yrs) seem to be the only two who haven't been plagued with anything (knock on wood!). Wee must be generally healthy, and Peanut is too much of a dork to know what "getting sick" means

So, I'm thinking of asking the vet if I can treat the entire lot with a round of something like Baytril. It doesn't seem like they're passing something around, but it's been sick cat after sick cat! I would rather treat everyone all at once to see if that will stop any potential or developing issues, rather than keep bringing them in one at a time and paying all those office visit fees!

What are your thoughts on this? Good idea or bad?

You could try getting a bunch of Lysine treats from Amazon and get them all started on that, it builds up their immune system so sure couldn't hurt! The vet would be the best one to recommend treating them all, and with what. I feel sorry for you, one sick cat is enough! Good luck and bless you for caring for so many!

Thank you, Di and Bob!

I actually have tried several L-Lysine treats from different manufacturers. My picky bunch didn't like ANY of them! I tried mixing the powdered form into their food, but they could tell and wouldn't eat it. Smart little stinkers!

I found the L-Lysine gel, and my boy with chronic herpes actually likes it, and I squirt it on top of his evening meal of wet food. The other kitties are kind of 'meh' about it. Sometimes they'll eat it, sometimes they won't. This is why I'm thinking of a round of antibiotics for everyone. Here I am trying to keep them healthy and they act like I'm trying to poison them! Sheesh!

My boy was not impressed by L Lysine other than in the fish falvour gel, and even then he's not keen when he's upped to the 1000mg doses for flare ups....  I'd be careful giving L Lysine to any of your cats that might have liver and or kidney issues as it causes extra strains on the system and they might not cope with it.  I'm never a fan of antibiotics where they are not directly necessary because of the effect they can have on the body's natural defences and leave humans and other animals prone to more things like fungal infections.

I thing it is worth talking to your vet about adding L Lysine for cats who are sneezing or congested if they think those cats may have herpes virus, and your idea of the antibiotic, but also give thought to adding probiotics to their diet to generally improve their immune systems:  That might have a more overall benefit for them.  They do all sound like they could do with a bit of a break, well, apart from Peanut and Wee!  

Loving the names by the way.  

Well, it doesn't sound like they are passing around the same thing.  A UTI isn't related to sneezing , and, honestly, I've not heard of a UTI being contagious .

I would see what your Vet says about this.  Personally, I would not want to treat a cat who wasn't sick, especially with antibiotics, because I don't like the side effects of some of them.  But that's me. 

Thank you MServant! I will definitely ask about a probiotic.

I definitely agree with you and with mrsgreenjeans - I don't like the idea of giving antibiotics to everyone either - sick or not. But nobody ever seems to be sick at the same time, it's just one after the other.

As far as putting something in their food, typically around here if one gets it in their food, all of them do. I currently have four different kinds of dry food out all the time (since Turtle needed to gain back so much weight) and a portion of wet food (they're on grain free now) every evening. The nighttime meal is usually met with mixed reviews - I can count on Peanut, Duck, Luna and Louie to be there and ready any time (although Luna likes to sniff each bowl first to see if anyone got anything better. Don't know why, they've all gotten the same thing since forever). Wee hasn't been as enthused (I think she fills up on the dry food), Shyla and Autumn make appearances occasionally, and Turtle usually comes up to see what's going on, then races around the house while the others are busy eating. I have been putting her in the bedroom alone lately to encourage her to eat, and it's worked up until last night, when she didn't want it.

I don't have enough rooms in my house to separate everyone out and give them their own kind of food (plus, I ain't runnin a restaurant here! LOL). Whether or not a specific cat (or cats) will eat MMAs (Mother's Modified Additions) is hit or miss. That's why I'm trying to come up with a solution for all, since it seems like as soon as one cat gets better, the next gets sick! I hope Peanut doesn't put 2 and 2 together and think this is some kind of tag-you're-it game, or she'll want in on it! Sigh....

My question for you is, what kind of food are you feeding them?

I tend to directly relate cats getting uti's with the food they eat daily. Yes, it can be in their genetics, but often times it is directly related to their dry food consumption.

You have 2 out of 8 cats with uti's. Females to boot. Bad uti's as well.

I believe they are siblings, yes? 2 diff litters?

It's likely that the sibs had a uri at a very young age, so they will have varying degrees of recurrence. Eyes, not a biggie, sneezing, as long as it doesn't grow into more where antibiotics are necessary, and the sinus infection....I wonder if it is actually the herpevirus causing a buildup of dried nasal discharge.....hmm.

I wouldn't recommend treating everyone, I'm sure it feels like a possible solution since you have all been through so much this past year, can't say I wouldn't have the same thoughts running through my head either. But there really is not an all-around med that will make them all well and/or prevent future issues.

I'm interested in hearing what food they have eaten though.

I am dealing with the same thing at my house.  DeeJay has pancreatitis w/bladder infection, Munchie has a Chronic Respiratory infeciton, Mini Dee Has a bladder infection.  I have 2 other cats who are not showing any signs of sickness (knocking on wood).  I would recommend dosing the respiratory kitties with Lysine for a preventative measure, but wouldn't recommend antibiotics for everyone, as using antibiotics when not needed can create super bugs.

8whiskers said:

 
Thank you MServant! I will definitely ask about a probiotic.

I definitely agree with you and with mrsgreenjeans - I don't like the idea of giving antibiotics to everyone either - sick or not. But nobody ever seems to be sick at the same time, it's just one after the other.

As far as putting something in their food, typically around here if one gets it in their food, all of them do. I currently have four different kinds of dry food out all the time (since Turtle needed to gain back so much weight) and a portion of wet food (they're on grain free now) every evening. The nighttime meal is usually met with mixed reviews - I can count on Peanut, Duck, Luna and Louie to be there and ready any time (although Luna likes to sniff each bowl first to see if anyone got anything better. Don't know why, they've all gotten the same thing since forever). Wee hasn't been as enthused (I think she fills up on the dry food), Shyla and Autumn make appearances occasionally, and Turtle usually comes up to see what's going on, then races around the house while the others are busy eating. I have been putting her in the bedroom alone lately to encourage her to eat, and it's worked up until last night, when she didn't want it.

I don't have enough rooms in my house to separate everyone out and give them their own kind of food (plus, I ain't runnin a restaurant here! LOL). Whether or not a specific cat (or cats) will eat MMAs (Mother's Modified Additions) is hit or miss. That's why I'm trying to come up with a solution for all, since it seems like as soon as one cat gets better, the next gets sick! I hope Peanut doesn't put 2 and 2 together and think this is some kind of tag-you're-it game, or she'll want in on it! Sigh....

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Yes but has anyone told the cats you're not running a restaurant?!       I have seven cats, who eat sort of in two sets--three young healthy kitties and then four older ones with various illnesses.  But they ALL get probiotics now--it may help the ones with IBD, won't hurt the ones who are healthy, and hopefully will help the immune systems of all of them. 

I am really against chemical medicines, for the critters or me. Only in severe cases where there is not much choice. I've also never had good luck sprinkling anything on cat's food. And usually having 10- 30 at a time, it's hard to give a proper dosage to an individual. Even caging them.

I am a big fan of eye droppers.

I have several large males. They are most prone to UTI, but as you've found, even the girls can get it, yet the bleeding is normally much less [length of urethra].

When Cabo Lito [21lbs]began his problems, we used every weapon the vet had......but he still cried when he urinated, and still bled, badly. The vets wanted to cut his penis off.

I began a research for a natural remedy, got laughed at a lot, but settled on a tincture of Echinacea-Golden Seal-Hydrangea Root in filtered water [even -fluoride] at 1/10th the

human dosage mix. One dropper full twice a day for 10 days. Then 10 days off, then again for 10 days. The results were incredible and began the 2nd day. He suffered for almost

ten months, but after the tincture he has little and few flareups, and then gets a 7 day treatment. The tincture began 5yrs ago. He also gets diluted cranberry concentrate, whenever

I wish to give him a squirt.

These herbs have anti-biotic qualities and are immune system builders. We also use silver colloid [about 15-20ppm] both externally and internally. These have no side effects

when used in a reasonable manner, and they don't kill good bacteria. I have lots of other herbs I use occasionally, but these are my 'go-to' herbs and the silver.

All that said, I have to ask also, as Catwoman does,.........what food are you feeding?

Nothing has changed with what lives and eats............we are what we eat.

Also, feeding better food some say is expensive, then they turn around and pay vet bills.

Cabo Lito wanted to show you how he feels about all this.........

catwoman707, none of my cats are from the same litter. I adopted each one from either different shelters or at different times. So we know it's not a genetic problem! :-)

You asked about the food they eat. This is what they're currently getting:

Their standard dry food (the one everyone agreed on, even the picky ones) is Nutro Max Cat Indoor Adult, Salmon Formula

The other dry foods I tried to get Turtle to eat are (in order of preference):

1. Castor & Pollux Organix Healthy Adult Cat Food, (Chicken, Brown Rice & Flax Seed).

2. Blue Buffalo Indoor Health with Life Source Bits (Chicken & Brown Rice)

3. Simply Nourish Grain Free Adult Indoor (Chicken and Fish)

As for wet food, they get 2 cans of Natural Choice grain free flavors (anything they'll eat. So far I think Cod is the favorite). They must have sliced or minced. They refuse to eat the smushy kind.

It seems like ever since I moved in to this townhouse 3 years ago, there's been more coughing and sneezing (me too). I've had the vents cleaned, vacuum often and do what I can to keep everything clean. I have hardwood floors so thankful for that!

ozo7, I agree with Cabo Lito! :-)

I don't like the idea of dosing everyone if they don't necessarily need it, but other than the L-Lysine, I don't know what to do to ensure they aren't passing anything around and get everyone to be healthy at the same time!

Ain't no doubt you are doing a great job on their diet....all of it is healthy food.

Sometimes it is overwhelming trying to get to the bottom of the problem, and sometimes

very confusing when things seem related, as they are not always, yet seem to be.

I surely don't mean to be negative or condescending, but all vets are not created equal,

and learn from the same book in school, but I don't believe many of them actually know

as much as they want you to believe they do. They guess at diagnosis much of the time.

I also don't think many vets truly understand a large multi-cat household situation.

I can but suggest building their immune system at this time, along with your own.

Anything that is simple and easy to administer, and on a regular basis or regiment.

Silver colloid works very well, but if you don't have a generator and make it yourself,

it can be pretty pricey, There are several generators that are affordable and make good

silver, my favorite is 'Coyote'. Good for the babies....and for you, in many uses.

Cranberry concentrate or blueberry concentrate [diluted] is great daily or every other day,

especially great for UTI prone cats.

Herbs in a water-based tincture [never alcohol] like Echinacea or Golden Seal are

superior immune system builders with antibiotic qualities, but are bitter.

The Vitamin Shoppe has a wonderful selection of these things, organic or natural,

and not over-priced. Some tinctures are ready mixed at human doses, and I give the cats

a dose that is 10% of the human dose. Just be careful that you are assured the base

is water and not alcohol, they have both. The alcohol-base is a much better tincture,

but the kitties are so small compared to us, I won't give them but the water-based.

I only have 18 indoor cats at this time, and sometimes I have a hard time deciding

if things are related, or just seem to be.

Anything (almost) is very easy to fix IF you know the problem. It's not always easy

to figure that part out.

Holler anytime if you think I can be of any help.

Izzy says have a Meowy Christmas and God bless you and all your loved ones.

Thank you, ozo7 for your thoughtful response!

I wholeheartedly agree that not all vets are the same. Having cats most of my life has taught me that the hard way too! I have absolute faith in the vet I have now. She opened a cat-only practice, and she herself has many, many cats. She has been my vet for the last 15 years and knows me and all of my cats very well. I recently brought Turtle in for her kidney infection, and Dr. Jill called me and said "she just isn't acting like herself, she's not being Turtle." In fact, she was the one who convinced me to adopt Turtle, who has turned out to be my little baby. :-)

She has had some 'assistant' vets through the years, vets that are highly qualified and experienced with cats, but I've never had the relationship and mutual understanding with them as I have with Dr. Jill, so I make it a point to bring my kitties in on the days she's working as much as possible. I am so thankful my babies have a doctor that understands cats, and loves all of her patients like family. In fact, many years ago when I had to put down my sweet tortie Coco, Dr. Jill came into the exam room and cried with me.

I will definitely look into the colloidal silver and tinctures you mentioned. My mother uses colloidal silver, and I could ask her to make a weaker dose for the kitties. I have a Vitamin Cottage close by, I will check out what they have.

I brought Turtle in yesterday for a 2 week checkup. They said she's much better, no pain in her kidneys anymore, but her urine tests indicated she still has an infection, so they gave her another week on Baytril. I asked about dosing everyone with antibiotics, and was told it was indeed an option, but not really necessary unless anyone was showing symptoms. I mentioned I'm seeing little pink drops of blood after Louie uses the litter box (he leaves them on the side wall) and they gave me a dose of Convenia for him to do at home. I used to give a diabetic cat shots, but it's been awhile and I don't want to hurt him!

Wow, 18 indoor cats?? How do you DO it? Do you foster, or are they all yours? I marvel at people who foster, I wouldn't be able to give anyone up, I would always come up with a reason I had to keep them. ;-) Plus, I don't have a network of people I would trust with a precious cat (except for Dr. Jill of course!) I thought having 8 was a challenge, but you put me to shame! I would love to pick your brain on how you care for so many, how you prevent arguments and fights, keep them healthy and happy. You are an inspiration! I hope you don't get the general response that I do when I say I have 8 cats. Most people look at me in horror, assuming I live in hoarder-like conditions and talk to my shoes. One person even said "oh, how disgusting" to my face. All of a sudden, everyone I know seems to be 'allergic' to cats and don't want to come to my house. If they would give me a chance, they'd see my house is clean, doesn't smell, and all my cats are more than friendly. Do you get that reaction too?

Thanks again for the suggestions, I will research them after the holidays. I hope you and all your precious kitties have a wonderful Christmas, and Santa Paws brings you all the happiness and catnip you can handle!