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Question
I took my one year old cat to the vet because she was sleeping alot, not eating and vominting. They said it was from the new food i had been giving her for the last couple weeks so they gave me different stuff. It's been three days and she doesnt seem to be getting much better and still isn't eating much. Does it usually take them long to recover from something like that or could there be something else wrong with her?
Most cats will vomit from a diet change that isn't done slowly, but a healthy cat will stop vomiting after 24 hours or so and shouldn't be lethargic at all.
Did your vet do a thorough exam on her? Has she been tested for leukemia? She could have gastritis which can be very serious and requires more than a change in food. The first change could certainly have started gastritis. She could even have pancreatitis from this and that is VERY serious. This is when the pancreas becomes inflamed and tries to digest itself. It is very painful and will make the cat very ill. She would be lethargic from this for sure.
I would call your vet tomorrow if she is the same and ask them for another exam and some medications for gastritis. Don't wait too long, as these conditions can go from bad to worse very quickly.
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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.
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