Please help as I am struggling to cope!

Hi guys, I am new here and I just really need advice as I am struggling to cope to be honest with the care of my two cats. I got my older cat in January, perfectly healthy little guy, I decided when he was 6 months old, to get another because I wanted him to have a friend to play with and two seemed just right, I fell in love with her the minute I got her, according to last owners she was 10 weeks but I have never found out her actual date of birth but that's a different matter, the first night I got her, was horrendous, diarrhea galore, the diarrhea was getting on my carpet, it was everywhere and so started the cleaning, people said stress, diet, etc but the diarrhea kept going, after 2 days of diarrhea, i took her to the vets who dewormed her after seeing her belly was swollen and gave her an injection which cost £125, I spent £70 on her so I definitely didn't sign up for a sick pet, I would most definitely have wanted her for free had I known!! So i had hopes it'd clear up pretty soon as vets said it would within a few days .. so i put up with it, fast forward its been 8 weeks of diarrhea and trips to vets, i found blood in her diarrhea 2 weeks ago, straight back to vets, who dewormed again, i dewormed my oldest too, she was also given special diarrhea food and they told me to buy very expensive hypoallergenic food in the hope it was just a irritated tummy and sensitive tummy so i could avoid the £70 cost to send her poo off as I'd already spent a fortune, well a few days ago my oldest cat started having diarrhea with blood in it too which I was mortified about, the poo samples have been sent off but I am seriously struggling guys, I love these guys to bits so I wouldn't give them away but nights like tonight i feel like throwing my hands in the air and saying i cant do it anymore!! So my youngest came into my bedroom as usual as they sleep with me, and she stepped onto my arm, laptop, bed with diarrhea paws, so everywhere, ive had to strip my bed for the third me (this has happened before) and disinfect my arm and everything and agh its hard work, im going through a huge bag of litter within 2 days cause of the constant pooing they are both doing in both litter trays and i have to bleach trays its that bad, i am really struggling guys, i dunno what to do or think, what could be causing this and how the hell do i help in mean time? Right now it feels like its never ever gonna end and i feel overwhelmed, and i wish the last owners would at least give me the money back i paid for the kitten!!!!! I am honestly just so emotionally drained.. I forgot to mention I have a fear of germs (OCD) so this is very hard for me.. for nearly  2 months ive tried to be strong but i have nights like tonight where i feel i cant cope..... its a very big thing for me to take on a cat with diarrhea and whose got it on my bedsheets and carpets due to my fear of germs, oh i dunno what to do... please anyone been in my situation before? I also feel guilt my oldest now has bloody diarrhea

Hi, and welcome to TCS

I'm so sorry you're in this position. The first thing that springs to mind (especially since this has now spread to both cats) is giardia or coccidia. Both of these are straightforward to treat, and are diagnosed via a stool sample - ideally with a PCR test.

I can appreciate how stressful thus is for you. You might want to consider confining the kitten to a single, easily cleaned room until you have appropriate treatment for her. There's certainly no reason why you shouldn't keep the cats out of the bedroom until they're fully well again. I hope you're able to find and treat the cause soon
[article="31569"][/article]

Identifying Common Ailments in Cats Adopted from Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

(I know she's not a rescue, but this article has good info about all kinds of common health issues, including coccidia.)

Hi thank you for your reply. I'd never get rid of them but times like that i feel so overwhelmed and feel i can't cope with it, but then they cuddle up to me and it all goes away but at the moment its like a hard full time job and it is difficult. I tried to shut them out my bedroom last night but they weren't having it, meowing etc at the door as they usually cuddle right into me on the bed, they like to be close to me so i wiped all of their paws and just let them in, and little kitten was literally putting her paw in my hand as if holding my hand, they really are the most perfect cats but i am so angry at her last owner, i completely blame the last owners as she must have been ill when she was with them and it angers me i paid £70 for her, if id known id have demanded she was free, i asked for money back, got a response saying i could just give her back (probably so they could sell her on again) i refused and now ignoring me again and they even blocked me on one form of communication there just incompetent breeders!! The vet set off a stool sample on Friday and said it'd come back within a week and they will ring me so fingers crossed it gives us some answers though it does sound like what you said as there was a lot of mucus too! We will soon see hopefully, if it comes back negative id be at a loss especially as my older cat is now suffering the exact same symptoms, if it was just one it would be less suspicious but with it being both of them, that signifies to me theres something definitely not right! 

You're right to be concerned. I hope you get the test results back soon - waiting is definitely the worst part! Keep us posted 

Columbine said:

Hi, and welcome to TCS

I'm so sorry you're in this position. The first thing that springs to mind (especially since this has now spread to both cats) is giardia or coccidia. Both of these are straightforward to treat, and are diagnosed via a stool sample - ideally with a PCR test.

I can appreciate how stressful thus is for you. You might want to consider confining the kitten to a single, easily cleaned room until you have appropriate treatment for her. There's certainly no reason why you shouldn't keep the cats out of the bedroom until they're fully well again. I hope you're able to find and treat the cause soon
[article="31569"][/article]

Identifying Common Ailments in Cats Adopted from Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

(I know she's not a rescue, but this article has good info about all kinds of common health issues, including coccidia.)

Click to expand...

These are my thoughts, too. Can you confine both kitties to a bathroom for a few days - they may complain but it won't hurt them and will do your state of mind and body a lot of good! Just until the test results come in. Both coccidia and giardia are common parasites, but can be a bit difficult to get rid of - I had two kittens with giardia once and it took several courses of antibiotics. But it can be done. I hope the test results come up with something.

Thanks for replies, do you mean confine them completely into bathroom with no other movement but the bathroom for a few days? I have been distressed this morning because I watched my older cat poo pure blood, loads like a nose bleed before green diarrhea, so I am even more concerned now and finding it entirely distressing, his appetite seems to be increasing though, so i am wondering if the diarrhea means his tummy feels constantly emptying as hes literally having diarrhea all the time, and always blood. He seems sicker then my kitten and this morning was awful watching nothing but blood come out... very distressing

That poor boy! Call your vet asap and let them know of this development. It sounds to me like your cat has developed colitis as a response to the infection. This is far more serious than an infection alone, and needs urgent treatment. This may also warrant starting antibiotics before the test results come back (i.e. treating as for giardia or cocodia...whichever your vet thinks most likely). He may even need to be admitted if his condition worsens.

Yes, we do mean literally confining them to the bathroom until they regain control - clean up will be hard enough without having it spread through the house. 

Poor kitties! Poor you! This sounds awful! Yes, I agree with the others. Confine them to a bathroom that you can clean easily. And I also agree, giardia or coccidia seem like good bets. Some common dewormers like pyrantel and droncit won't treat those conditions. You need albon and panacur. And I'm really curious... What injection did the vet give that cost £125??! That sounds extreme. Do you know the name of it?

In the meantime while you're waiting for test results and your kitties are confined, wash your/their bedding in hot water with bleach and wash surfaces they've been on with bleach as well. Otherwise you run the risk of re-contamination. Good luck! Let us know what happens!!!

Thank you all for your replies! I am going to feel so cruel confining them but you are probably right. I rung the emergency vets today who said as he seems still bright they want to see him tomorrow, so got an appointment booked, I am more concerned about him as it seems to have hit him harder then the little one. I have been monitoring their bowel movements all day, my kitten is still having diarrhea but hers is noway to the severity of my oldest Marvel's, his just seems so much worse,Marla my youngest has a couple of dots of blood but Marvel's having teaspoons of blood which is my concern, its so worrying to watch. Hes drinking loads and will even meow for water, so it must be dehydrating him as he usually barely drinks to be honest even with fluid right in front of him but hes literally drinking so much. I don't know why its hit him harder when hes older than her, but hes still quite young himself. He's 8 months and her, I am not sure, according to last owners she was 10 weeks when i got her... but now they suddenly changed her date of birth which would have made her 14 weeks when i got her (with no injections and they even admitted to letting them out from 6 weeks and she still hasn't had injections due to diarrhea!!) so if the DOB is correct she'll be 5 months next week, no idea what to believe!! She's a tiny little thing. It does worry me Marvel though as I just don't know if he'll deteriorate etc with the rate hes going, he seems okay in himself so far though but hopefully vet can help as its still a week to go till the results. And in regards to the injections, she didn't just get injections, they gave her everything, they gave her steroid for inflammation due to bleeding, they gave her special food (it was specifically for cats on diarrhea), they gave her a B12 injection, they gave her another shot meant to help with the diarrhea, they gave her panacur and an anti-inflammatory cause she had upper respiratory symptoms as did Marvel (not sure if linked to the diarrhea). They also gave a spot on, they literally did everything possible for her which is why it cost so much. They also gave her pro-biotic paste. They are a very good vet, they were really thorough and gave every possible treatment for her which is why its been so costly. But it hasn't cleared it up. Her tummy was very swollen and they really thought panacur would clear it up, but it didn't, she's since had a tablet and the dewormer that goes on your neck, marvels also been dewormed twice.... but no happy results from neither Marlas tummy is still swollen too which i keep noticing, it swells up quite a bit, like she's pregnant, just want to get to the bottom of what the problem is so they can get better!!

And just re-read my first post and I realised i said they gave her an injection that cost £125, sorry I wrote it when I was a bit upset, I meant the treatment they gave her that day cost £125 but it literally covered everything possible.

It sounds like a good vet, but none of the treatments will get rid of giardia/coccodia. Those require specific antibiotics to kill off the bug. Additionally, I'd ask your vet about Diarsanyl/Logic DiarStop for certainly Marvel, and maybe Marla too. Its a paste that is used to soothe the digestive tract - I have a greyhound who's prone to colitis and that's what we always use for him. I will say, though, that it's pointless to use something like that without simultaneously treating the root cause. You may also need to ask about giving Marvel some electrolytes too, as he'll definitely be dehydrated after being so ill.

Please update after you've seen the vet - I'll be thinking of you all   

I caught sight of your thread last night as I was just going to bed so am back today to add in what has worked for me in this exact situation. I am so sorry you and your kitties are dealing with this long-term diarrhea. I concur with other's above in that it could be giardia or coccidia. I am sure colitis is an issue as well due to the chronic diarrhea. I have been through this in years past with kittens that I had fostered or rescued from barns. I just wanted to post that giving Metronidazole will potentially be very helpful. It is an intestinal antibiotic as well as an antidiarrheal and will help firm up the stools quickly. Metronidazole is the drug most commonly used to kill Giardia. This antibiotic is very bitter so it is usually manufactured in a coated tablet form BUT it is also made in flavored compounded liquids to mask the bitterness. I used the liquid metro for the kittens and they took it quite well. The medication is usually given for five to seven days. The tablets may be a bit cheaper and I have had success using this type of pill gun with a water finish. Once in awhile, the kitten may get a taste though and foam. Don't panic, they will be alright after a few minutes. The medication is very, very bitter but will really help. Here is an example of the pill gun.
Adding to that - I fed only Hill's W/D canned for a few days. You can get the food from the vet. This diet along with the Metro consistently works for any kitten/cat that is having intestinal, long-term diarrheal/colitis issues with possible Giardia being the underlying cause. It is usually my Go-to plan and the stools firm up almost immediately. I always have W/D on hand just in case of a digestive upset.

Your poor little kittens - Marla and Marvel. Having this go on for sometime has to be taking it's toll on their health AND your mental health as well. Ask the vet tomorrow about the Metro and the Hill's W/D canned. Some great advice above from everyone and I hope that soon your two little ones will be good and healthy. :cross:

I am so sorry you are going through this.  I know you mentioned that the diarrhea was bloody, mucus, and green, and like it was pouring out of the kitties and the belly distention.    I think it is important to go back to the vet soon and let them know of THESE SPECIFIC symptoms and let them know you are concerned for their hydration.   It sounds like a colitis type infection that could be cleared up quickly if the cats were put on antibiotics.  I would mention to your vet that you are concerned waiting a week for the results of the previous tests to start a treatment.    Let them know that the condition is hard for you to keep up with so she knows of the frequency of the diarrhea.   All of my best wishes are being sent your way!!  Your vet will know best what to do when she sees your kitties and hears the symptoms firsthand from you.   

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Columbine said:

That poor boy! Call your vet asap and let them know of this development. It sounds to me like your cat has developed colitis as a response to the infection. This is far more serious than an infection alone, and needs urgent treatment. This may also warrant starting antibiotics before the test results come back (i.e. treating as for giardia or cocodia...whichever your vet thinks most likely). He may even need to be admitted if his condition worsens.

Yes, we do mean literally confining them to the bathroom until they regain control - clean up will be hard enough without having it spread through the house. 

Click to expand...

I absolutely agree, and also with Feralvr over the importance of getting the right antibiotic. My vet gave me metronidazole, but even then it took three courses of it before the infection went away, so don't give up! Of course, we are all still only making educated guesses that this is the cause, but the sooner you get proper diagnosis the better. Many vibes for your little ones.

How are Marvel and Marla doing? Did you manage to see or speak to the vet?

Well I just keep crying now to be honest. The vets called and the results came back negative for all of the things you guys mentioned, so guys I don't know whats wrong with my cats but that they are worsening and I am afraid, of the costs, what could be wrong, their health, everything. I am in bits and all because I got a ill health kitten without knowing, I dunno what to do. There diarrhea is worsening, watched both have water type diarrhea so I have had to remove food, I am just in pieces. Straight back to vets tomorrow, there starting them on antibiotics because of the worries of their health now until they get to root of it, and there also getting anti-inflammatories, probiotic paste and they are prescribing me food for them too. Just dunno what to do right now and at a loss what is wrong with my babies, I am so angry at last owners, upset and just want the ground to swallow me up and I don't even know if I can afford their treatment, blood tests, scans and further stool tests to look at further range. My oldest cat has always been very healthy, firm healthy stools, always he only fell in a week ago maybe 2 weeks ago, hes now 9 months and a strong healthy little thing, so to see this happen is distressing, kitten however was ill same night i got her and those owners wont even give me my money back for her. Her diarrhea was so severe from the word go, its just not giving in, shes been ill 2 months and now whatever it is, Marvels got it so has to be contagious, just devastated by it all. I also noticed the kittens eyes, something seems wrong with them, for 3 weeks I have noticed a squint, struggling to open in both eyes, its not irritated, inflamed, no mucus, nothing just seems to shake and squint, i dunno whats going on. Marla was still gaining weight despite diarrhea, god please give me an answer as to what is going on here.. its a total nightmare

OH dear, so we were all wrong. It is good that at least they are going to start with some antibiotics tomorrow. Meanwhile, I would keep them as confined as you can to make things easier for yourself, and just make sure they do not get dehydrated. That is the big danger with them losing so much fluid. Keep us posted, maybe someone will have some other ideas.

Oh no. I'm so sorry you still don't have a diagnosis.   I really hope the vet is able to find the root cause soon. Please don't feel bad. None of this is your fault - you had no idea that Marla was sick when you got her. I know you can find the strength to get through this. Mega   for all three of you.

Thank you everyone, further tests being sent off tomorrow so for next 4-8 days its just about controlling the diarrhea, they have plenty of medication and prescribed food for pets with diarrhea, i know my vets are good and there in good hands so feeling hopeful just want them better soon!

Are they going to start the little ones on Metronidazole? What is the name of the antibiotic they are putting them on? just curious. The Hill's W/D canned food? I am SOOOOO sorry to see your post and that you have no answers yet. :shame: But am glad to hear that you have confidence in the vets. That is very important and a relief for you and the kittens. I am sending all of the vibes I can muster today for this to soon be resolved and that the new tests will give some kind of clue. :cross: