Help! I have three sick cats, and one won't eat. I'm at the end of my rope.

Hello,

We lost a kitty that wouldn't eat about four months ago after weeks of tests, treatments, trying to force feed, etc. We have two new kittens with coccidia locked in our bedroom/bathroom because our current kitty Jade won't eat, and now our adult cat Jade has gingivitis, has a fever, lays around lethargic and depressed, and has only eaten a few bites of food in three-four days. I'm very concerned because we've already gone through something similar with another cat just a few months ago. The vet gave her antibiotics and mirtazapine to stimilate her appetite. She's burning up and the appetite stimulant isn't helping much. It's only gotten her to eat a few bites of food a day.

I'm burned out from my last kitty passing, from work and from all the cleaning and caring for kittens locked in my bathroom bedroom because they have coccida. Now we have a sick adult cat who won't eat. I can't get a break from caring for sick animals. Jade doesn't like the new kitties, and I'm just exhausted. I've been having panic attacks at the prospect of her not eating and something happening to her since I can't access a vet again until Monday. The thought of caring for the kittens and force feeding her four times a day is exhausting. She still won't eat much even with the appetite stimulant, and I'm pretty sure the gingivitis (her gums are red and bleeding) might be the reason she is feverish and not eating. It's Saturday, and the vet is closed until Monday, and I'm not sure what to do. I've been sick and having a panic attacks. I'm exhausted and need a break, and I'm worried about my kitty. She has been drinking water, and we force fed her a bit of chicken broth, but not much. She fought us very hard. Last night she did eat a few bites of food, and a few this morning, but that's it. I appreciate any advice. I wish the vet were open. I need help!

Thanks,

Rachel

Rachel, I would get some Gerber baby food (turkey, chicken, ham, or beef flavor). Try feeding her that. If she has a fever, subcutaneous fluids might help bring it down. If you do not have fluids, you can get a cotton ball and put some alcohol on it and dab on paws. This will also help bring down a fever. It is, as you know, very dangerous for cats to not eat for an extended period of time. Within 72 hrs they can get hepatic lipidosis, fatty liver disease. Is there an emergency veterinary hospital close by? You could at least get her fluids which would make her feel a lot better. Also, if her gums are painful, they could give her some Buprenex oral pain medication, steroid shot for the inflammation. These will not cure her, but make her comfortable until you get her to your regular veterinarian. She may need a referral to a veterinary dental specialist. Just some suggestions. Good luck with the gang!

@Firejade

yes, i agree about @pgalore's suggestion of the emergency veterinary hospital to at least give some sub-q fluids. the sub-q's can, in some cases, temporarily stave off hepatic lipidosis from setting in. i know this from my own personal experience with my little snick , who fought CKD for quite a few years.

When I adopted Hannah many moons ago, my resident cat developed a urinary tract infection from the stress of having a new kitty in the house.  Get your resident kitty to the vet for a checkup. She most likely has some kind of infection, urinary or upper respiratory. 

To get her to eat, try meat baby food or the original Fancy Feast canned food. 

Hi Stephanietx,

Thanks for your response. We took baby to the vet, force fed her, and gave her meds, and she is on the mend. Thank goodness. Still trying to get rid of fleas, worms, and respiratory in the kittens, as well as hoping we have gotten rid of the coccidia. How did you resolve the issue with your cat being so stressed and not liking the kitten? We have had these kittens for almost 2 months and can't catch a break? Our kitty Jade is still hissing at them. We're trying some scent swapping and through the door play, but she is still hissing. I also have an anxiety disorder, which doesn't help and between all the vet trips, cleaning, and time with the kitties I've been feeling sick myself. Were you able to get your kitty to accept your new baby? I appreciate any stories or advice?

Thanks!

Rachel