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Expert: - 11/6/2008


Question
Hello,

I know you are not a vet, and therefore do not deal with medical issues. However, I'm stuck and don't know what to do. I have taken my cat to the vet, and am getting no where. Here is my story:

My cat became sick a couple of weeks ago. He was throwing up liquid green vomit, became very lethargic, never moved (stayed in the same spot all day – which is NOT like him) and wouldn't eat/drink. You could tell he was aching all over by the way he sat, his facial expression, and his meowing when we tried to touch or pick him up (he is NEVER vocal). As well, there was mucus that was literally gushing out of his rear end. We got him to the vet the same day we noticed it, and he stayed there 3 nights. They gave him fluids, and put him on amoxicillin and I think batryl (can't remember that second medicine - does that sound right?). He came home better, and with a 10 day supply of the medicines. After that, our cat was all back to normal. However, 2 days after the medicine ran out, he became just as sick before-same symptoms. The vet gave us the same medicine to administer again, but does not know what is wrong. He says our cat might have an allergy to his food, but I doubt that. He has eaten this food for a long time, and has had no problem. The new food they gave us he (or our other healthy cat) doesn't eat. We’ve already spent $350 on this, only to know nothing more. We are limited in our money supply, and I really don’t know what to do from here. We live in a small town, so our vet options are limited. We may have to go to a bigger city, but again, we don’t have money.

Again, if you can't help, don't worry. But if you think your family vetinary clinic could have any advice on what direction to go, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!

Answer
Laura,


I will speak to my vet in the next week or so, I'm taking my fur kids out for their annual visit next Thursday so I will run this by my vet to see if you can try anything over the counter for this kitty. My fingers are crossed that this kitty stays healthy enough for long enough....This does sound very serious, I am assuming that he stays indoors? If so the green vomit may be bile....The mucous from his bottom may indicate an imbalance in his digestive tract....Would you consider trying him on 1 tbsp of plain, unsweetened, organic, yogurt with active cultures 4 times daily? It might help keep his digestive tract healthy for long enough to see my vet....If I knew where you were I could potentially offer alternative sources for subsidized vet care or some such solution....

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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