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Question
12 year old cat, 9 lbs., normal blood tests, on prescription Science Diet I.D. and regular furball medicine to help daily throwing up. Cat used to keep down I.D. dry, now only wet and moistened dry food which must be given a tbsp. at a time and several times throughout the day. Cat still throws up sometimes, feeding schedule is impractical (though I love her and have been avoiding going out of town so I can be here to feed her all day), and in spite of no major weight loss, feels a little too 'bony.' Any suggestions for a more soothing diet that might be eaten in bigger doses or anything that might fatten her up a bit? Thank you!
I am not understanding why this cat needs to be spoon fed several times a day? Can she not eat on her own? Why can't you just leave her some wet food out for the day?
Hairball medicine is not for a cat that is vomiting all day, but a cat that has long hair, grooms a lot and vomits hair up now and then.
This cat sounds like she might have something going on inside, and it doesn't have to be something that is going to show up on a blood test.
Daily vomiting could be from a mechanical issue,such as a problem with her esophagus, her stomach or kidney failure. Diabetes can make them vomit, as can liver problems and some cancers.
I/D is a great food and you won't find a more 'soothing' food for the gut, but if she is now having issues eating that, then there are other things that need some further investigation.
If this were my cat, I would take her in to the vets and ask for some contrast xrays or an ultrasound. That is the only way you are going to find out what is really going on with her. Boniness is weight loss. She might not have lost a lot of muscle, but her fat is being eaten up by something inside of her. Next come muscle loss so get her in soon.
I hope that you can find the problem and that she does better.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very very much for your answer--obviously you read my message thoughtfully and you obviously care about my cat! A clarification--I don't feed her by hand--but I have to put down a tablespoon at a time so she won't throw it up (maybe eats it too fast-I just have to wait a minute in between tablespoons for 3 or 4 servings, and do this about 3 times a day). But anyway, thank you! I have had her to a very good and established local rural vet who seems to have experienced many 'sensitive stomach cats' for whom xrays and many tests revealed nothing--and another vet in a city nearby who gave me the furball medicine idea. But because of your answer I am encouraged to take her for a third opinion--if she has diabetes we could actually do something to help her probably. | ||
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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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