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Question

My outdoor cat, Ralph, has had a "cold" for about four months now. He has gotten worse, not better, and has a persistent runny nose and sneezes, and has a wild look in his eyes and tries to claw anyone who gets too close. I can still pet him, but his appetite is terrible and he seems really sick. He is losing weight. My husband refuses to take him to a vet, and we are considering euthanasia. Could he have feline leukemia? Or Distemper? He is about three years old.

Submitted: 70 days ago.
Category: Cat Veterinary
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Type of Animal: feline, Domesticated tabby
Gender: male
Age: 3

Already Tried:
wiping his nose, giving him a bath and cleaning him up. Nothing makes him feel better.

Accepted Answer

Hello,

 

Well your fears are certainly worthwhile in an outdoor cat, he is more at risk for many more illnesses. Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency virus are both a possibility and both are diseases that cause his immune system to be suppressed and could make a simple upper respiratory infection something more serious. Feline distemper is less likely and has different signs.

 

On the other hand, it is impossible to say that he doesn't have something that may improve with a round of antibiotics. Since he is such a young cat, it would be very worthwhile to at least have him examined before resorting to something as drastic as euthanasia. If he turns out to be positive for one of the immunosuppresive viruses, at least you will know that there was nothing more you could have done.

 

Good luck with him and please let me know if you have any further questions.

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Expert: Dr Z
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/14/2009

Veterinarian

Practicing Veterinarian with over 20 years experience caring for Dogs and Cats

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