Expert: Ali - 11/19/2008

Question
Hi Ali,

I just wanted to give you an update on mama kitty and her little of 4 kittens.  She was the stray that adopted us and we waited until the kittens were weaned and took her in. I was the one who told you we also had a 10 year old resident cat.  Anyway, things are great, two kittens found a loving home and the other two are being taken care of and getting used to humans by the homeowners whose porch the kittens took up residency underneath where it's safe. We named mama Little Bit because she is so petite for having a litter of kittens. She and our other cat get along great. They chase each other and give kisses nose to nose, but as with all siblings they do swat at each other once in a while, no claws and no hissing, growling etc., so they may just be playing. On to my question, we took Little Bit to the vet on Monday the 17th to have a physical, see how old she is, get all necessary shots, micro-chipped and spayed. (I just couldn't bring myself to having her de-clawed, having heard and read how it is REALLY done!) I will try different things when she starts scratching on furniture. Sounds like quite a lot for one day, doesn't it? She was out of surgery around noon and I picked her up at 4 in the afternoon. My problem is she hasn't eaten anything. She is sleeping alot and I'm also giving her some medication for the discomfort. Will she eat when she is ready? I just don't want her to get weak. I've tried putting down a little of her favorites but she doesn't touch them. Aside from calling the vet, do you have any suggestions? Ali you have always been right on target with all my issues in the past, that's why I listen to you. You are awesome. Thanks so much.
Judy

Answer
Judy,

I am so glad to hear that you decided to give Little Bit a permanent home. Congratulations on your special new addition! I am somewhat concerned about the history you have provided. Given that Little Bit was spayed two days ago and seems to be not herself (or ain't doing right as I like to call that)post surgically I think that it would be really smart to have her reassessed by the vet to check for signs of infection or other possible causes for her appetite to have dropped off. Most of the cats that I have had spayed and neutered are so glad to get home and tuck into dinner that I don't have to worry about their appetites. Your vet may suggest blood work to see how everything is working and functioning post surgically and if he/she doesn't it might be smart to request that a pre-anesthetic profile and a CBC (complete blood count) be done as these would be the most useful in determining what may be going on. The pre-anesthetic profile will tell how her internal organs are functioning and the CBC will tell whether or not she has an infection or issue with her red blood cells. I wish that I had more to offer but given the recent surgery I would suspect complications with the surgery or an adverse reaction to the pain meds, anesthesia or procedure itself. You could try chicken or turkey baby food made by Mother Hen (found in the frozen section of some grocery stores and pharmacies) to see if those entice Little Bit to eat, tuna may also be of interest...If she doesn't eat that stuff then she isn't planning to eat....The problem with cats is that they won't necessarily eat when they are ready, in some cases lack of appetite can lead to other complications and organ failure so I would suggest prompt action in this case.

As for clawing the furniture you can try out Sticky Paws which is a medical grade double sided tape that is safe to apply to most furniture and is offensive enough for most cats to want to avoid it...Cats hate having anything sticky on their paws. You can also try citrus sprays because cats aren't fond of them, the concern with those though is that Little Bit may not want to visit you on the furniture if you apply these types of products. Soft Paws/Claws are vinyl nail caps that fit over the cat's nail and are applied somewhat similarly to artificial nails in people. I use these and I think they're great, quite effective because they are blunt and the cats can't damage furniture with blunt claws.