You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Pet Birds
- Ask the Veterinarian
- abandoned sick cat
Ask the Veterinarian/abandoned sick cat
Advertisement
Question
My neighbor moved and put his indoor cat outside and left him here he was in bad shape when they first put him outside i cant tell how long he has been like this but i took him in and he wont eat or drink anything and he is very weak. it has been a day and he has only urinated he has not passed any stool. he is very skinny. i have given him water with a syringe but im not sure what else to do i need help i don't have the money to take him to the vet. how do i get him to eat and drink on his own? he seems to be an older cat and im not sure if syringing the food as well would help.
Well this is a tough one. There are many foods designed for ill cats that you can buy at the vets and give with a syringe. If all else fails use beef and chicken baby food mixed with some veggie baby food. That way he is getting more than just proteins.
His kidneys might be bad and that is why he is so sick. Your neighbor should be arrested for doing this to this poor cat, it's total abandonment. Thank you for taking him in- what a kind thing for you to do.
However you must prepare yourself for the possibility that he won't live long. If you don't get him to a vet and find out what is wrong you could make things worse for him.
He really needs to be seen by a vet. He could have cancer, leukemia, a whole host of things that could be wrong. You are going to put a lot of time and effort into trying to make him well and there might not be a "getting better" in his future- but you won't know for sure unless a vet sees him.
In the meantime get the baby food and some water into him with a syringe.
One thing you need to know is that when an animal stops eating that is usually their signal that they are ready to leave this world. That is why you really need a vet to tell you if the effort is going to be worth it or if it would be kinder to put him out of his suffering now.
In any case I know it will be hard for you. Please let me know how he is in a few days.
Related Articles
- Do I need to feel guilty for letting my sick cat go quietly?
- Reader Review: Catit Fresh & Clear Drinking Fountain - Reader Review: Cats' Automated Drinking Fountains
- Picture Album of Cats and Their Pets - Nephysis and Fish
- Share Your Story: Living with a Ragdoll Cat
- Top Tips for Summer Health for Cats
Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.