Kidney problems/Frontline Plus & personality changes

I took my cat, Buster, to the vet on Wednesday 11/23 and am still waiting to hear back about the lab results. I suspect it's either a kidney issue or a reaction to Frontline Plus. Diabetes has been ruled out and they're also testing his thyroid. I should know the results tomorrow, but it's almost literally the only thing I can think about and I've felt sick about it for days, so I think I'm just... I don't know. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance anywhere I can find it. He's been acting very much "off" since the night after giving him and my three other cats Frontline Plus, although most symptoms point to kidney problems. The other three haven't had any change in behavior at all.

Does anyone have experience with scary side effects and Frontline Plus or kidney disease? If so, did your cat's personality return and how long did it take? Buster was so curious, happy, followed me everywhere, and would sleep next to me. Right now, it's only before or after he eats his specially served wet food 3x a day that I can get even a little rumble of purring from him or a "smile". The other three cats are still free fed dry and wet is usually only served as a treat, but it's the only thing Buster will eat right now. I can provide a detailed timeline of symptoms, but I'm trying to at least keep the initial post short  

I want him to be healthy and happy, obviously. That will always be my top priority. But selfishly, I want the cat back that I've had for the past 6 years. We were inseparable..

I'm so sorry you're going through this with your kitty.  I have no experience with any kind of reaction from Frontline, but I do have a kitty who reacts to Revolution, but her reaction only lasts a few hours where she's basically exhibiting symptoms of feline hyperesthsia.  I would call the vet's office in the morning and let them know what's going on.

About an hour after I posted this, he came wandering out from his new, weird spot in my bedroom and slept on my lap. Not much purring, but he rolled over on his side and tucked his head upside down. He's been doing the Sphinx/cat loaf position a lot, which I've read is more comfortable for cats with excess stomach acid. Usually, he's sprawled out on his back and loves having his tummy rubbed. 

He has never been a big lap cat (unless I'm in the kitchen or bathroom) until the past 6 months or so. Recently, he would even resist when I'd try to gently move him from my lap. Then Frontline happened and now it's like I don't really exist unless he's hungry. I almost teared up when he got on my lap. That's the first glimpse of an affectionate Buster that I've seen in over a week.

I became really aware of his odd behavior Sunday night when he slept in the bathroom sink. The spot on his neck where I had applied the Frontline seemed wet again, which was really puzzling (?!?). He hadn't been eating much for about 2 weeks prior and I chalked it up to being finicky about the food bowls. He has been picky before and not eaten out of protest, but eventually got over it before losing weight. Monday night, he was a zombie. His third eyelids were mostly covering his eyes, but not in a "I'm happy/comfortable" kind of way and there was no purring at all. I turned him around on my lap to face me and he just stared at the wall. Eventually his butt dropped to my lap and I was holding his head up in my hand. I called the vet first thing Tuesday morning and they were able to get me in the next day. In the meantime I gave him wet food which he inhaled. They gave him a B vitamin shot, subcutaneous fluids, an anti-nausea medication, an acid reducer, and took blood and urine samples. Sorry, I didn't make it super clear that he'd already been! My fault But because of the holiday and Sunday, it's taking even longer to get the results back and I've been obsessing over it. I'm hoping like mad that it's just a bad reaction to Frontline and that it will run its course and that I'll know to never use it or its active ingredient ever again. I had myself hyperventilating with a panic attack on Thursday over it being his kidneys. I know it has the potential to not be the end of the world, but... ugh. My brain can't wrap its mind around this not being the end of the world right now. 

@ethelguy I know this is a long time ago, but I've only just read your last post.  How is Buster?

It's OK... I found this thread that tells all.

Mani said:

It's OK... I found this thread that tells all.

Click to expand...

Thanks for asking! He's doing great. I think he went from being slightly dehydrated to "too" hydrated really fast, causing the incontinence. He's totally fine I even caught the goober eating dry food yesterday! He's back to his normal self and the other 3 are enjoying getting his leftovers a couple times a week.