I don't know whether to worry about my baby cat. He is about 4 months old. He seems ever so slightly more lethargic...seems to have gained alot of weight rapidly, and has a plug of feces. But he was never all that hyper. He does like to eat (I'm careful about what I feed him though)...and he has never really been much of a groomer. He doesn't seem like he's in any sort of pain or discomfort. He doesn't seem dehydrated at all. I think he's constipated. Is there any sort of change I need to put on his diet? I make sure he has fresh water everyday. I also leave out a good dry food. I can't recall the name. It's not carried in regular grocery stores. It's a purple foil bag with celestial signs on it. Before that I game him Fromm dry kitten food. I give him half a can in the morning and half a can at night of...Friskies wet food....is that a problem? Is there a high quality, but budget effective wet food that would be better for him? I'm even open to the idea of making their food (he has a big brother by two months)
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Is my baby cat sick? I am...with worry.
- Thread starter bhoditengzeng
- Start Date
I would take him to the vet. I'd also start feeding him Nutro or Innova canned instead of friskies (when you read the ingredients, you'll know what I mean). Also, it would help to increase the wet food and decrease the amount of dry food he eats.
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- #3
Oh, I think Innova might be what I give him for dry food. By how much would you say to increase the wet food? One can in the morning, and one can at night?
I'll have to try to get him an appointment for tomorrow, or maybe this evening.
I'll have to try to get him an appointment for tomorrow, or maybe this evening.
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- #5
Well, I purchased him from a local pet store that specializes in purebred and unusual cat and dog breeds. Bhodi is a Snowshoe Siamese....they have an in house vet that comes and does vaccinations, and checks their heartbeats, ears, etc....he said he looked perfectly fine and healthy...that was on the 15th of this month. I was wondering if the vaccine might have anything to do with it? (this may sound dumb...but I've only ever had rescued adult strays which come with their own battery of problems)....See, now I've had some very bad experiences with vet (I lost one of my pets due to raw negligence)...so I have to admit, I'm a tad wary...
I would try to feed Bhodi almost all canned food and dry food only as a treat if possible. Nutro has a line of gourmet canned kitty foods that he would probably like and they're not real expensive. Ounce per ounce Fancy Feast costs a lot more and it has some substandard ingredients.
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- #7
That sounds like it would help. There is a really great indie pet store nearby that carries some great brands. Now...Do you think I should still take him to the vet? I would in a heartbeat if he didn't seem to be feeling good (admittedly...though it would never be a factor in my decision...it would be a rather big financial burden...well, at least for the next nine days till my paycheck gets in). He seems to feel just fine. He's just as loving and peaceful...still makes his happy rat-like sounds when I come home and he hops up on my chest to nuzzle. He's just kind of...becomeing a little lazy.
Please update us on this. I just got to this thread and a " plug of feces" would discourage appetite in any cat or kitten no matter what type of food was suggested. Did you get this sorted out or is your kitten still constipated?
Okay, I'm a bit confused. What is it you are still concerned about with him - a bit of lethargy? Is he constipated? Or did you mean he has a cling on or two on occasion? Do his stools tend to be hard - does he strain to go?
Food wise, I *think* the bag you described is the Solid Gold brand - Katz-N-Flocken (click here to see a photo of the bag and description of the product from the manufacturer's website.
If your kitty is having constipation issues, increasing water intake would help - a pet water fountain is one way to encourage increased intake, and yes, changing the diet from mainly dry to all or mainly wet food would also help increase the daily fluid intake.
There is a wonderful (and lengthy) thread a Comprehensive Food Poll thread and here is anotherthread on advice and opinions on all natural cat foods which you might find interesting to browse.
In general, look for a canned food that has real meat (or poultry or fish) as the first several ingredients, does not use multiple carb sources such as soy and wheat flour and/or any sugars, does not have by-products or animal/poultry digest, any colorings or artificial flavorings.
Good brands included innova, petguard, wysongs all meat line (needs supplementation though - is not a complete food), felidae, active life, natural balance (which has a superb dry and canned low allergy food - venison and green pea).
hth a bit!
ps if constipation is an issue, you may wish to consult your vet and/or try adding plain canned pumpkin to the diet for extra fiber. It really does depend on what is causing the constipation. I have a young lady who tends to have issues, who we are using a prescription med for and my vet has mentioned moving her to a low residue food.
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- #10
Little Bodhi seems to have cured himself of the issue. I can't wait to see him tonight and see for myself how he is doing. I hear though that he is up and running about being his perfect, healthy, kitty self.
: )
: )
The cat food sounds like Wellness.
On other threads here I've read it contains garlic - which is very bad for kitties. Please read the ingredients asap on all your cat food items. Look for the obvious first.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #12
Unfortunately things ended very bady. I took Bhodi to the vet. At first, they couldn't tell what was wrong with him either. But the vet took draws of bodily fluids from his stomach and chest cavity. He had FIP. I couldn't even take him ohome. He had to be put down that night. This happened on the 26th so I'm slightly calmer now. I am still absolutely heartbroken. When he told me I thought I wasn't going to faint or scream. I felt like I was his mother, and that I had somehow failed him.
But now, I'm focusing on trying to save Tengzeng. He shows now symptoms. I'm trying to get him to eat alot of Vitamin A for his immune system (he really seems to be creeped out by the baby food). He misses his brother horribly and seems to almost be shadowplaying with our little Siamese kitten baby that is no longer there. The woman who sold us the pair has been very kind and is refunding the money and is offering a replacement (obviously not possible)....but Tengzeng is playful, affectionate, and gets lonely easily. He seems healthy, but it sounds like there is no adequate test, nor an obvious wait period to make sure he is okay. If I lost Tengzeng I don't know what I'd do...but to lose two more...
I'm researching and calling around. Any ideas?
Oh, the food was Katz-N-Flocken...is that a good brand? I have Tengaeng switched over to Nutro, which he seems to like...except when I put in baby food.
Heartbroken,
Nicole
But now, I'm focusing on trying to save Tengzeng. He shows now symptoms. I'm trying to get him to eat alot of Vitamin A for his immune system (he really seems to be creeped out by the baby food). He misses his brother horribly and seems to almost be shadowplaying with our little Siamese kitten baby that is no longer there. The woman who sold us the pair has been very kind and is refunding the money and is offering a replacement (obviously not possible)....but Tengzeng is playful, affectionate, and gets lonely easily. He seems healthy, but it sounds like there is no adequate test, nor an obvious wait period to make sure he is okay. If I lost Tengzeng I don't know what I'd do...but to lose two more...
I'm researching and calling around. Any ideas?
Oh, the food was Katz-N-Flocken...is that a good brand? I have Tengaeng switched over to Nutro, which he seems to like...except when I put in baby food.
Heartbroken,
Nicole
Nicole,
I am so sorry about your Bhodi.
You know that there was nothing you could have done to prevent this. I am sorry that your Tengzeng is lonely, too. I will be praying that Tengzeng will be O.K. If you don't mind, I will ask that your thread be moved to the Bridge so people can see your lovely tribute to Bhodi
I am so sorry about your Bhodi.
Oh, Nicole, I'm so sorry you lost your precious Bhodi.
Nicole, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope Tengzeng will be okay. I want to caution you about giving him large amounts of Vitamin A, cats can develop Vitamin A toxicity. Please read this article, which lists the toxic dose of Vitamin A (which cats need in a form other than beta carotene):click here
I hope that Tengzeng will be okay... I will send lots of thoughts and love your way
Poor baby!
RIP sweet Bhodi, and chase those butterflies
I really hope Tengzeng is ok
RIP sweet Bhodi, and chase those butterflies
I really hope Tengzeng is ok
Nicole,
I know how difficult it is to lose a kitten to FIP. Over the years I have lost three kittens to the disease. Years ago we purchased a burmese kitten, and shortly thereafter an Abyssinian kitten (from another breeder) as a companion. Within about 2 months the Aby was diagnosed with FIP and had to be put to sleep. The breeder replaced the original Aby with a littermate. That second Aby also ended up succumbing to FIP. Although exposed and in close contact with both Abys over several months, our Burmese never contracted FIP and lived to the ripe old age of 17. Within a short time (probably only a month to six weeks) after our second Aby died, we got a Siamese kitten. She also never contracted FIP and lived to the age of 16.
After the Burmese and Siamese cats mentioned above died, we purchased (from different breeders) and brought home together a Siamese kitten and an Abyssinian kitten. When the Aby was about 15 months old, she was diagnosed with FIP. At the diagnosis, she was still in a condition where she got enjoyment out of life, so we did not have her put to sleep until 4 months later. During this time we did keep her isolated from her Siamese brother. Very shortly after we lost the Aby, we purchased another Siamese kitten. Neither of these Siamese cats contracted FIP and are still healthy at the ages of 8 and 9.
I'm not clear as to whether or not Bhodi and Tengzeng are from the same cattery. If not, at least from my experience there is a good chance that Tengzeng will be alright. Also, at lease from my experience, bringing another kitten into the household (if Bhodi and Tengzeng are from different catteries) after a month or two should be okay. Just be sure to disinfect surfaces, bedding, etc. that came in contact with Bhodi.
Hope all turns out well.
I know how difficult it is to lose a kitten to FIP. Over the years I have lost three kittens to the disease. Years ago we purchased a burmese kitten, and shortly thereafter an Abyssinian kitten (from another breeder) as a companion. Within about 2 months the Aby was diagnosed with FIP and had to be put to sleep. The breeder replaced the original Aby with a littermate. That second Aby also ended up succumbing to FIP. Although exposed and in close contact with both Abys over several months, our Burmese never contracted FIP and lived to the ripe old age of 17. Within a short time (probably only a month to six weeks) after our second Aby died, we got a Siamese kitten. She also never contracted FIP and lived to the age of 16.
After the Burmese and Siamese cats mentioned above died, we purchased (from different breeders) and brought home together a Siamese kitten and an Abyssinian kitten. When the Aby was about 15 months old, she was diagnosed with FIP. At the diagnosis, she was still in a condition where she got enjoyment out of life, so we did not have her put to sleep until 4 months later. During this time we did keep her isolated from her Siamese brother. Very shortly after we lost the Aby, we purchased another Siamese kitten. Neither of these Siamese cats contracted FIP and are still healthy at the ages of 8 and 9.
I'm not clear as to whether or not Bhodi and Tengzeng are from the same cattery. If not, at least from my experience there is a good chance that Tengzeng will be alright. Also, at lease from my experience, bringing another kitten into the household (if Bhodi and Tengzeng are from different catteries) after a month or two should be okay. Just be sure to disinfect surfaces, bedding, etc. that came in contact with Bhodi.
Hope all turns out well.
Oh, what a sad story! I lost Festus' littermate Mattie about a year ago to FIP. As Mattie got ill, Festus would lay and bathe her. After the diagnosis, we kept them apart, but they had spent every moment together until that time! And Garfield was adopted when they were just about 2 months old, so he too was exposed!
I was told that if Garfield and Festus didn't get sick with FIP within 6 months, they would be safe. Check with your vet on his/her recommendation of how long to wait.
Condolences on your loss. FIP is totally untreatable...and just a heartbreaking illness! I am sorry you lost your kitten!
I was told that if Garfield and Festus didn't get sick with FIP within 6 months, they would be safe. Check with your vet on his/her recommendation of how long to wait.
Condolences on your loss. FIP is totally untreatable...and just a heartbreaking illness! I am sorry you lost your kitten!
