Cat will only eat at vet office

[ally a cat mom]

If anyone can help, we'd be most grateful. Our cat, age 17 plus, has been to the vet 3x recently, as she stopped eating. But she eats well soon as they feed her. Her dear companion cat passed 2 months ago. She has what is most likely lymphoma. At vet's again. Has anyone got any ideas about this? Thank You. Ally

 

[moorspede]

I assume you took whatever the vet fed her home with you or bought some yourself and she won't eat it? 

Cats do this to protect themselves, cats will give their all not show weakness when they are out of their comfort zone. I'm very surprised that the vet didn't tell you this. My kitten was put on 24 hour watch at the animal hospital a few months ago so they could pick up on some of her symptoms, she had been reverse sneezing constantly, once she was in the hospital one person thought he saw her doing it once early in the morning. 

You could try something bland and easy to digest. Other cat owners on this forum swear by baby food that is just meat, no onions or garlic, the brand name is Gerbers. I cook up boiled chicken breast with rice for mine which can be hit or miss. I try Applaws chicken which is basically just canned shredded chicken with a little juice (which I assume is there just to keep it moist). I assume something like it exists in the US. 

Perhaps you could tempt her with strong smelling foods like fish or sprinkle bits of treat on her food. 

Also, have you tried feliway? It has a chemical in it which mocks friendly pheromones that cats exude and may make her feel a little better. 

 

[ally a cat mom]

Thank you so much for your reply. I had never heard of that behavior, and will discuss it with our vet tomorrow. You are right, I've taken ea. food home they have given her. It had crossed my mind that maybe she was doing it to come home sooner. We took her in on Friday, and she ate, drank, got hydrated, plus meds,including for nausea. They are hydrating her and getting her back on her meds too.Will start spraying Feliway all over!

 

[moorspede]

I hope she's ok soon, it's such an upheaval for an older cat to go through. 

 

[SeventhHeaven]

I honestly believe they get depressed, grieve when they lose a companion. I took in a litter when my one of two cats passed  Bo came back to life all over again watching kittens. If you do not have another cat even sitting at the window seeing other cats can be comforting for them. *I also used to play videos of the other cat  off and on for the first few months he would watch it <3

Cooked rice mixed with a tin of sardines in tomatoe sauce is a big hit for older cats,  they really enjoy it.   Hope she feels better soon.

 

[ally a cat mom]

To Moorspede and Seventhheaven, Thank you both for writing me back with your thoughts and suggestions. Moorspede,3 different trusted vet's say it is highly unlikely that our dear cat is eating there but not here due to fear...they would expect the opposite. Any chance you can tell me how you learned this? Today we started applying topical thyroid med to her ears, dr.thinks if we can get enough thyroid med in her, it might do the trick. But I think we are going to have to decide very soon if we need to help her go. Another vet trip (4th in less than 2 weeks)...I am hoping like crazy we are not prolonging suffering. Seventhheaven, tomorrow tomato sauce plus will be on the menu. Blessings and gratitude, Ally

 

[MoochNNoodles]

Both my girls really like the Gerber Chicken and Turkey baby food.  I discovered that when my actual baby didn't want it but Noodles was begging at my feet! 

I actually have been using it to help get some medication into one of my cats. She licks it right up!  It's not complete nutrition wise; but it's good for situations where they aren't eating or have been sick.  I let both cats have a bit as a treat. 

 

[moorspede]

To Moorspede and Seventhheaven, Thank you both for writing me back with your thoughts and suggestions. Moorspede,3 different trusted vet's say it is highly unlikely that our dear cat is eating there but not here due to fear...they would expect the opposite. Any chance you can tell me how you learned this? 

No problem, both my cats have had to be watched overnight on separate occasions, one at the a University near us which is considered to be the leading University for training Vets in my country. The veterinary specialist said on a couple of occasions that it was usual that cats masked their symptoms when sick. 

The other cat went into an animal hospital overnight. Veterinary staff again told me that cats do not show their discomfort or pain. I honestly don't understand why they would expect a cat to eat at a vets and not at home, neither of mine would eat anything while they were there, they had to be placed on drips. 

I can only assume the vets are saying is that they doubt that it what they are seeing with your particular cat?

When you try feeding your cat, make sure it is warmed up a little, hopefully smelling the aroma will help.  

 

[ally a cat mom]

Thank you again for your kind help. It is always good to talk w other people who love their cats so much. May I ask, are you in U.K?

 

[rickr]

You've received some good suggestions.  Another thing you might try is to move her food bowl to a different location.  Sometimes when Archie won't eat, I put his bowl on the kitchen table rather than the floor.  Often, he will gobble it right up.  I wish you the best.

 

[ally a cat mom]

Thank you so much,will try this too...really grateful for input from all...

 

[ally a cat mom]

Update, We are still unsure if what exactly is going on, but much of it seems to be from her (hyper)thyroid condition. This plus arthritis pain and IBD or lymphona are now being tretated With compunded thyroid medicine applied to ear, pain med, nausea med, antacid, and vet says if we can control thyroid plus other conditions, we are doing the right thing, and have not crossed any lines. Hope this might help others...

 

[moorspede]

Thanks for the update, No wonder she wouldn't eat, poor thing.  I've been wondering. I'm relieved to hear that she has been stabilised and hopefully will feel more herself soon.  

I am Australian by the way.