Kitten with coccidia experiencing depression. Help, please.

Hi, we adopted two kittens from a local shelter and within 2 days realized they were very sick babies. They were infected with coccidia. On the fourth day we lost one of them, the grey fur one on th left we named Dempsey. He was hospitalized at a veterinary hospital and it haunts me that he died alone. Now we are fighting for his brother, Rooney-fluffy tabby on the right. He seems to get better and relapse slightly, but it has only been a few days since we started albon treatment for him. Aside from the concern with keeping him hydrated and fed, I am growing more alarmed at what seems to be severe depression. Even though he is stronger, he only wants to sleep. He used to be interested in toys and playing but he rarely even attempts to play with any toys. I imagine he also knows his brother is no longer with him and it makes things worse. They leaned on each other heavily, quite literally and now he has no one. Has anyone ever dealt with your kittens experiencing depression with coccidia? Any advice for helping him? Did yours come out of it when they recovered from coccidia? I'm really hoping so. It tears at my heart to see him this way and I just can't imagine losing him too. Thank you.

I am so sorry you lost Dempsey. Here is a good thread to review; catwoman707 has a lot of experience with this awful illness and offers many suggestions

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/311271/...hope-this-will-ever-stop-30-days-and-counting. As for the depression once you get him cured of the coccidia another brother or sister would cheer him up  

I am going through a rough Coccida battle with my kitten right now too. Is there a possibility of bringing another kitten home to be with Rooney?

I was also worried about how much my kitten was sleeping but the reality is that kittens sleep A LOT - one vet site I read said 17-19 hours a day. Also, sleep probably helps him heal.

I found that my kitten really seemed happier when she was snuggling with me and especially when we could have skin to skin contact (which isn't as possible right now because she is really poo dirty). I know how hard it is to watch them feeling so awful and my heart goes out to you for the loss of Dempsey. 

I don't have any advice other than to say keep loving him and try to have as much patience as you can. It is so hard, but you are awesome for doing it. 

Thank y'all SO much for responding and for the link. I'll check her out as soon as I finish this reply. I've started dropping hints about a new "sibling" for him, but it took hell and high water to convince him we should rescue both of them. The fact that they were inseparable convinced him. Since Dempsey passed his resolve at owning any more cats ever again is stronger than ever. I'll keep trying. I'd want to wait til he is cured before getting another kitten, and I'd really want one that's a little older in the hopes that their immune system could deal with any traces of coccidia that would be in Rooney's stool, since they always carry...at least that's what I'm understanding? Rooney is definitely...fragrant, but we try to hold him as much as possible. I'll try skin to fur, though, maybe it will help. Thanks again. It helps to hear from others who really understand how awful this is. ♡

CharlieTango said:

Thank y'all SO much for responding and for the link. I'll check her out as soon as I finish this reply. I've started dropping hints about a new "sibling" for him, but it took hell and high water to convince him we should rescue both of them. The fact that they were inseparable convinced him. Since Dempsey passed his resolve at owning any more cats ever again is stronger than ever. I'll keep trying. I'd want to wait til he is cured before getting another kitten, and I'd really want one that's a little older in the hopes that their immune system could deal with any traces of coccidia that would be in Rooney's stool, since they always carry...at least that's what I'm understanding? Rooney is definitely...fragrant, but we try to hold him as much as possible. I'll try skin to fur, though, maybe it will help. Thanks again. It helps to hear from others who really understand how awful this is. ♡

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When my first senior cat passed last year, his partner in crime of almost 18 years was pretty lost without him. One of the things I did to soothe her was I got her one of those stuffed animals you heat up in the microwave. I would put it with her when she was sleeping and she always snuggled up. Maybe that would help your little guy too (just make sure it isn't scented in case he has sensitivities).  The one I got was full of grain and it would cool down pretty quickly but was still a cuddle buddy about her size.  They also have super creepy purring robotic cats but I think they are terrifying...

I can understand reluctance to get another cat, it is so hard to give your heart to a creature that is delicate. I hope that you all find the perfect balance soon. 

Zed Xyzed said:

I am so sorry you lost Dempsey. Here is a good thread to review; catwoman707 has a lot of experience with this awful illness and offers many suggestions

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/311271/...hope-this-will-ever-stop-30-days-and-counting. As for the depression once you get him cured of the coccidia another brother or sister would cheer him up  

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Oh my gosh, she is like an angel that brings answers to desperate kitten parents. Thank you for sharing her info with me!

Welcome to the site, there are many fantastic, caring and knowledgeable people on this site. 

Thank you! I'm already feeling the love, this place is wonderful. Cat people are like a family!

CharlieTango said:

Thank y'all SO much for responding and for the link. I'll check her out as soon as I finish this reply. I've started dropping hints about a new "sibling" for him, but it took hell and high water to convince him we should rescue both of them. The fact that they were inseparable convinced him. Since Dempsey passed his resolve at owning any more cats ever again is stronger than ever. I'll keep trying. I'd want to wait til he is cured before getting another kitten, and I'd really want one that's a little older in the hopes that their immune system could deal with any traces of coccidia that would be in Rooney's stool, since they always carry...at least that's what I'm understanding? Rooney is definitely...fragrant, but we try to hold him as much as possible. I'll try skin to fur, though, maybe it will help. Thanks again. It helps to hear from others who really understand how awful this is. ♡

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I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dempsey.  Do you mind my asking how old were they when you adopted them?  Is Rooney eating normally?  My  vet told me the albon is hard on their little digestive systems. And has recommended 1/2 pkg Fortaflora. I can empathize with poor little Rooney, how scared he must feel and not feeling good.  Hope he feels better soon.

I adopted two kittens in August; they are not related.  My little tuxie boy Buster was  3 1/2 months old; the shelter told me he was treated for coccidia and was certified to be  parasite free when I  brought them home.  He had the worst smelling runny poop I have ever come across!     I kept him separated from my tabby girl K.C.(who is 3 weeks older) because of this problem. I  immediately brought them both to my vet and had  pcr's run, they both tested clean. K.C. has never had runny poop.  At this point, Buster remains parasite free  but occasionally still has runny poop. Certain canned food makes it worse. so I experiment with different foods because my vet thinks he may  have an irritated  GI tract.

RuthM said:

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dempsey.  Do you mind my asking how old were they when you adopted them?  Is Rooney eating normally?  My  vet told me the albon is hard on their little digestive systems. And has recommended 1/2 pkg Fortaflora. I can empathize with poor little Rooney, how scared he must feel and not feeling good.  Hope he feels better soon.

I adopted two kittens in August; they are not related.  My little tuxie boy Buster was  3 1/2 months old; the shelter told me he was treated for coccidia and was certified to be  parasite free when I  brought them home.  He had the worst smelling runny poop I have ever come across!     I kept him separated from my tabby girl K.C.(who is 3 weeks older) because of this problem. I  immediately brought them both to my vet and had  pcr's run, they both tested clean. K.C. has never had runny poop.  At this point, Buster remains parasite free  but occasionally still has runny poop. Certain canned food makes it worse. so I experiment with different foods because my vet thinks he may  have an irritated  GI tract.

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Hi, I was told they were about 8 weeks but have had vet techs tell me they were much younger, likely only 6 weeks at the most. We are feeding him every three hours, with kitten milk replacement in between. We also give him a few ml of water after his food to try to keep him hydrated. His appetite is hit or miss. Sometimes he literally dives in head first, others he is listless and we have to feed him with a medicine dropper. I'm going to look into the limited ingredient or turkey baby food to keep his little tummy from reacting to overly rich cat foods. Thanks for the insight to the albon, were taking him to the vet tomorrow and I. Going to ask for the ponzuril.

This is fantastic advice, I'll try to find one tomorrow.:heart4:

And i forgot to add, that picture is absolutely adorable. It breaks my heart for little Dempsey; I'll be praying for Rooney to get better, hopefully the panacur will fix him.

Guys, Rooney got over the coccidia and is in awesome health now. He is a little hellion and cocky as all get out, but we love his personality- quirks and all. Here is a recent picture of him. I just want to thank you all for your help, it was crucial.

Btw, within 12 hours of starting antibiotics, he did a 180 and started to perk up and play. After a week, he was a normal and thriving kitten. :heart4:

Celebration hugs of the internet kind to you and Rooney.

I love these types of updates!!! what a handsome boy he is.