Hi All - I haven't been on the forum in a long time - life and all that jazz
I have something of a problem with a new cat. To be clear: we have a small farm with loads of animals. We also play host to an animal facilitated therapy program for at-risk kids; do animal rescue and have worked with tons of cats. I have three cats of my own and also care for semi-feral cats who spend the winter in our barn or in one of the sheds on the property. I also sometimes take in strays who need some TLC so they can be helped to full health and then find permanent homes. In other words, I have quite a bit of cat experience. But this little one is driving me bonkers. She came as a rescue a few months ago and we know little of her past. She's been vet checked twice and I feel very sure of my small animal vet. She's a tiny thing, but always had a good appetite. From day one she has preferred the dogs to the other cats and was very shy with people until recently. Anyway, all was going well until a few weeks ago when she decided she wasn't interested in food. I had her vet checked, we did a parasite screen that proved negative and also had her teeth and gums double checked. Her blood tests were normal. But she has still isn't eating. In two weeks she has lost almost 2.5 lbs - which may not sound like much, but she was only around 8 lbs to begin with. I've tried multiple foods,even homemade with no improvement. She just doesn't want to eat and is losing ground.
I'm at a loss as to what to try next - as I said, I've had lots of cats, but none ever did this without illness. She doesn't like the other cats, but they leave her alone. She does love my dogs - particularly my Pit Bull who is very good with her. (He's lived with cats his whole life) and doesn't seem fearful of the other animals in any fashion. Given her choice, she'd much rather sleep in the dog's beds with them - which I allow because...why not? She's never been particularly active and is even less active now. Other than not eating, she doesn't appear sick or act much different. We don't know her age, but she is very clearly an older adult - possibly over ten. If her liver values were off or something of that type, I'd guess renal disease or something of that sort, but the values are good. [Tested twice a month apart]
So, has anyone had experience with this type cat? If so, did you find a solution that helped the cat eat better? I've tried two different appetite stimulates - one made her throw up and the other had no effect. Ideas? Thoughts? Thanks for any input!
I have something of a problem with a new cat. To be clear: we have a small farm with loads of animals. We also play host to an animal facilitated therapy program for at-risk kids; do animal rescue and have worked with tons of cats. I have three cats of my own and also care for semi-feral cats who spend the winter in our barn or in one of the sheds on the property. I also sometimes take in strays who need some TLC so they can be helped to full health and then find permanent homes. In other words, I have quite a bit of cat experience. But this little one is driving me bonkers. She came as a rescue a few months ago and we know little of her past. She's been vet checked twice and I feel very sure of my small animal vet. She's a tiny thing, but always had a good appetite. From day one she has preferred the dogs to the other cats and was very shy with people until recently. Anyway, all was going well until a few weeks ago when she decided she wasn't interested in food. I had her vet checked, we did a parasite screen that proved negative and also had her teeth and gums double checked. Her blood tests were normal. But she has still isn't eating. In two weeks she has lost almost 2.5 lbs - which may not sound like much, but she was only around 8 lbs to begin with. I've tried multiple foods,even homemade with no improvement. She just doesn't want to eat and is losing ground.
I'm at a loss as to what to try next - as I said, I've had lots of cats, but none ever did this without illness. She doesn't like the other cats, but they leave her alone. She does love my dogs - particularly my Pit Bull who is very good with her. (He's lived with cats his whole life) and doesn't seem fearful of the other animals in any fashion. Given her choice, she'd much rather sleep in the dog's beds with them - which I allow because...why not? She's never been particularly active and is even less active now. Other than not eating, she doesn't appear sick or act much different. We don't know her age, but she is very clearly an older adult - possibly over ten. If her liver values were off or something of that type, I'd guess renal disease or something of that sort, but the values are good. [Tested twice a month apart]
So, has anyone had experience with this type cat? If so, did you find a solution that helped the cat eat better? I've tried two different appetite stimulates - one made her throw up and the other had no effect. Ideas? Thoughts? Thanks for any input!
