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Question

I have a stray cat that I have been feeding. He was getting fat, no all of a sudden he won't eat, and his gums and nose have no color. He is so skinny and doesn't have the energy to do much, what wrong?

Submitted: 66 days and 22 hours ago.
Category: Pet
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 2
Type of Animal: cat

Already Tried:
I bought worming medicine from vet, that is suppose to take care of all types of worms. I have tried enticing him to eat tuna, and chicken and won't touch it, he's fading away. And I don't have the money for a unbelievable vet bill. He has no color to his nose or gums, won't eat of course, and is very lathargic with no energy. I don't no what I can do:

Posted by TheCaretaker 66 days and 22 hours ago.

Answer

What you're describing is very common in strays and it's time to catch him and save his life.

When you noticed him getting 'fat' you were probably seeing an initial infection of internal parasites. What kind is something that with ferals like this really needs to be diagnosed with a fecal exam

Now that you're seeing severe weight loss and anemia (no color to his nose and gums) the infection is pretty bad.

call your local Humane Society to find out what they might have in place, including clinics or discounts at certain vets.

 

 


Call your local Pet Smart and Pet Co to find out the names of rescue groups often working through them – they will have names of vets or other options you may be able to use.

 

 

 


For spay and neuter help:

http://www.help-a-pet.org/

http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

http://www.spayusa.org/



Don’t forget to call your local Humane Society for guidance as well.



You are doing quite well at noticing this early and being determined to help him survive.


66 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

I have saved several stray cats in the past few years, and I can tell when one is sick. What would the vet give him for the infection? I've just given him the best worming medicine from the vet. That is supposed to kill everything, from what they said. Now what will happen, I haven't been able to get a fecal sample.

Accepted Answer

It's nice to know you have experience - really wish you were nearby. My rescue org handled 300 cats/kittens this past season and the same amount last year. We keep hoping for a decrease, but aren't finding any relief.

It's extremely helpful to know there are independent helpers doing the right thing like you are.


I'm seeing a lot of coccidia this year and would be concerned about this in your stray. It's been a real hard one to overcome. We had one sponsor pay for the full treatment on one rescued litter and only one survived. She required 10 days of hospitalization and even with the 'discount' we begged for - it ran exceptionally high.


If the vet you work with has already given a general wormer and you're not seeing results, try to convince the vet to run a fecal exam without the cat (saves money), including not only a fecal float, but microscopic and culture too.


That way you will both have a better idea of what you're really dealing with.


Be sure to get specific instructions about how to collect the sample, store it and in what time frame you need to transport it - follow the instructions exactly of course.


------- Now, for the urgent matter at hand being his non eating and anemia: Even though you might be able to force feed a bit, he might require a blood transfusion or IV plasma support, even if for just a day (avoiding the cost of an overnight stay)



Offer your companion a few drops of unflavored Pedialyte every ½ hour or so until medical treatment can be found.


Try baby food, the plain and 100% meat types (no additives whatsoever), make it a slurry by diluting with plain water, kitten milk replacement formula or plain Pedialyte and getting some of this into the animal every 20 minutes or so for a couple of hours.


If you don’t have Pedialyte or Gatorade, try sugar water: 1-2 tablespoons of real sugar (not any sort of sugar substitute) in about ½ cup of water and mix until dissolved.


A drop of Karo (or any corn syrup) on their lips may help boost blood sugar levels. Peanut butter is another option if your pet will eat it.

Let me know how you make out ok?

I'm rooting for you both!



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Expert: TheCaretaker
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/16/2009

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Animal Rescue&Care Org Owner; Animal Care author; Animal Behavior Consults.;Cert. Avian Specialist;

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