poorly sophie

Subject: Very poorly cat

Hi

My cat, Sophie, is 11. We donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t think that is so old as we have had one live until 21 in seemingly good health. But poor Sophie is really poorly. If she was a human Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d say sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s got Real Flu.

Symptoms:

(I have personified and anthropomorphised a lot here, but I think it helps describe whatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s going on)

·\tShe has difficulty walking, especially when she first gets up. She seems to perk up a bit during the day, but tires quickly. I think her pain is mostly n her pelvis or that cross where the tail joins the pelvis.
·\tShe doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t seem to want to be petted. You know when your hair hurts when you have real flu? It looks like that. Having said that, when she was having a bad night 2 days ago and she settled on my bed she cuddled her back against me.
·\tShe wants to be outside even when itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a bit drizzly. Its like when the outside air helps a headache.
·\tShe is normally very talkative, but apart from the occasional purr she hasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t made much noise at all
·\tShe hasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t been eating. She seems interested in food – I think her appetite is there, but after she sniffs at her plate she gets up and goes. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve tempted her with tiny morsels of her favourite special treats: a little scrape of vegemite, about a teaspoon of tuna, a teaspoon of natural yoghurt. She does have about 6 or 7 complete food cat biscuits about 2 or 3 times a day too. She nibbles at grass – more for the action that actually ingesting as Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d say sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s so empty it would have nothing to wrap around.
·\tSheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s dreadfully skinny – I can feel every bump in her spine. Even her head feels bony.
·\tSheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s swallowing or making a strange smacking of the lips thing every now and then.
·\tShe did drink LOADS of water this morning though, about 5 visits to her water bowl.
·\tshe just isnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t herself

She DOESNâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]T have diarrhoea, nor any trouble peeing, nor does she have any ticks or injuries. Her teeth seem normal as far as I can see.

I would take her to the vet but we live in rural France and the car trip would cause her so much distress, and the vets here are prone to being very rough and injecting or forcing pills at the drop of a hat. I just have very little faith in them. I think they are more used to hunting dogs and cows!

I have had cats all my life and I believe they do get ‘coldsâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji] and things, but Sophie has always bounced back after a day or 2 sleeping. This has been near a week and Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m worried, even though she does seem to be improving. Her eyes are brighter and sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]smore interested in whatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s going on around her.

Is there anything else I could try, dietary wise? I know her treat foods arenâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t great for her to be surviving on. I support alternative medicines, so if anyone can suggest anything like that Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d be open to it.

Any help would be appreciated. Sophie is very well loved.

Take her to the Vet ASAP!!!

Oh, oh OH if I honestly thought it would help her I would drive all night to get her to one. Incidentally the nearest vet three hours away - but it's not me I'm concerned about. Last time I took her she went completely bonkers and did herself some injuries trying to get out of her carrier. She also vomited all over the place and crapped left right and centre. She does it every time in the car. She's feeling sick, and I truly believe putting her in the car would probably kill her.

This is a dilemma for me, obviously. I don't want to neglect her. And she IS improving. I adore my cats and would die for them. I learnt how to give her shots and have taken courses to learn animal care just so to save her the real trauma of the car and the vet.

Now she is sleeping peacefully, but I'm not for worry!

Your cat sounds really ill. If you can't take her to the vet because it will stress her, have the vet come to your home.

Sounds like she may have some of the signs of kidney failure. Please, even though you say the vet is far away, take her to whatever vet is nearest, and soon. She could be in a tremendous amount of pain, and I'm sure you wouldn't want her to suffer.

Your little sophie will be im my thoughts... I hope she gets better soon!

Right. That's it. Youre all right, of course. I won't let my fear of hurting her hold her back. I've called the vet's and left a message (its 10pm here) to expect me tomorrow. I'll meditate over Soph tonight for safe travel things and drive her there tomorrow.

Oh I hope I'm doing the right thing....

Zinnia, whereabouts in France are you? I have dealings with vets in Normandy, including a feline specialist and they have been great. If there is any way I can help?

Vibes and prayers for a safe trip and a speedy recovery for Sophie!

Understanding that the trip to the vet is long for both you and your cat, it does sound like your cat is in much distress and needs help quickly. Is this really the closest vet for you?

Thank you for taking your precious Sophie to the Vet first thing in the morning. It's critically important that she receive medical attention from her Vet.

Also perhaps this article will help you

http://www.thecatsite.com/Cats/Cat_C..._Carriers.html

I hope that Sophie doesn't stress too badly during the trip to the vet. Sending you hugs and special thoughts!

I will say prayers & send vibes for your poor Sophie! Indeed, that is a long car trip. Maybe you could try giving her some catnip in her carrier. There is a product called Feliway in the US, but it sounds like your area wouldn't have it anyway. Sophie and you will be in my thoughts & prayers tomorrow. Don't hesitate to ask in the Cat Lounge for prayers and vibes either - I've seen some great results happen here!!
Hugs, Susan

I am glad you are going to get her to the vets - at this age, there are a couple of things. I know folks here must think I think everything I hear is a description of Chronic Kidney Failure, but honestly...the what sounds like possible muscle wasting/weakness in the back legs, the lost weight, the lost appetite, the lip smacking - these can go along with the nausea and appetite loss that comes with crf (and they can be treated for...no cure, but much that can be done to return quality of life and give your cat more time with you). It is also not uncommon for a cat this age to have a thyroid problem (and some lucky senior cats can have both early kidney issues as well as a hyperactive thyroid).

If you would like to read more about crf, just in case, here is a superb site, by a european member of a support list I am, it has everything you could want to know about this, treatments (inc. holistic) tests, medications, foods, all related issues and more. click here

Sending a hug to your Sophie girl, I hope you'll update us after her apt?

it doesnt sound like a flu to me my cat had a flu last year (she terified me)
none of the symtoms sophie has were the symptoms my baby had.
in belgium we had a vet who would come to our house maybe you could call them back and xpain the situation and maybe theil be able to take the time to drive to your house
(unless this reply is to late)
get wel soon vibes coming ur way

Hi everybody.

Ok, we're back. After I signed off last night I ran over to my delightful neighbour and he took me and Sophie to the vet he uses for his dogs, who opens at 830am. We were there in 15 minutes!\\ Why doesn't this guy advertise!!!!

Anyway, lovely neighbour spoke the french for me (I forget it all when I'm stressed), gave me cuddles when Sophie had blood taken from her (she was avery good girl and laid still after I told her the doctor was helping her). Her big green eyes had me in floods...ah dear...

He gave her a shot and poked her around a bit and has announced a virus unless the tests show otherwise. I've also been in touch with my homoeopath and she has prescribed for nephritis. The medicine won't interfere or be negated by her shot apparently.

Poor Soph is just so pleased to be home again and out of the Car Monster( especially since it hoinks of strange dogs!) She is walking better today and kept me company in the vege patch when I picked peas. Even her appetite is better. She wasnt so thirsty either. But she's still not well.

We're not home n hosed yet!

Thanks so much everyone for your love and well wishes. We are very appreciative.

Love from us both xxx

Oh thats great to hear! Sending Sophie (((((healthy vibes)))))

When you get her blood results let us know?!

awwww marvellous news!!!

sending lots of ((((healthy vibes))))) to you from across the ocean

Sending healing thoughts Sophie's way.