Hi all! First I want to say I already know this is a bad sign, dehydration is deadly, etc. And I know why *my* cat was doing it, and I'm actively working to correct it.
HOWEVER...
The reason I'm posting is in the hopes of helping other kitties and owners with the MECHANICS of the issue. Obviously only your vet can help divine the underlying cause.
I noticed today that my baby REALLY wanted to drink. He's been weak and I've been syringe feeding him so I took this as a good sign! But he would paw at the water bowl, and then sort of hunker down, stiff-legged, and lap a couple times before giving up.
Then I had a brainwave - what if he's just too weak to crouch like normal? So I found a 6 or 7 inch deep container, and filled it to within a half inch of the top, and presto! He sat there and drank and drank, because he didn't have to use his muscles to support himself while he did so. I have since raised his food bowls also, though it may be a few more days before he starts eating from those - fingers crossed!
I have long seen raised pet feeding devices marketed to owners of large breed dogs, but they just might come in handy for sick cats!
I hope this helps someone else's furry friend.
HOWEVER...
The reason I'm posting is in the hopes of helping other kitties and owners with the MECHANICS of the issue. Obviously only your vet can help divine the underlying cause.
I noticed today that my baby REALLY wanted to drink. He's been weak and I've been syringe feeding him so I took this as a good sign! But he would paw at the water bowl, and then sort of hunker down, stiff-legged, and lap a couple times before giving up.
Then I had a brainwave - what if he's just too weak to crouch like normal? So I found a 6 or 7 inch deep container, and filled it to within a half inch of the top, and presto! He sat there and drank and drank, because he didn't have to use his muscles to support himself while he did so. I have since raised his food bowls also, though it may be a few more days before he starts eating from those - fingers crossed!
I have long seen raised pet feeding devices marketed to owners of large breed dogs, but they just might come in handy for sick cats!
I hope this helps someone else's furry friend.
