Expert: Karen Craft - 7/11/2009

Question
I have a cat who is doing the same sounds I read on a previous question by a cat owner.  My cat for a few days has been gagging and making a sneezing type sound at the same time.  It started first by throwing up once and now he is doing this gagging/coughing sound.  He is eating and drinking and using his litter box although not eating as much.  Sleeping more also.  He has lost weight.  Any ideas.

Answer
Hi Lynne,

It sounds like he may have an upper respiratory infection. This are usually caused by a virus. There is two things you can do. One is to take him to the vet. He sounds like he needs to go. He is lethargic, (sleeping more), and is losing weight. He will treat your cat for any secondary infections with antibiotics.

The second thing is do nothing. The virus will run its course in about 2 weeks. It is like having a cold. He may not be eating as much because, like us, being sick puts you off your food. I am attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. Try feeding him this. It is very good for sick cats.

The biggest thing is just keep an eye on him. If you feel he needs to be seen by a vet then take him. You know your cat better than anyone. Don't second guess yourself. If you feel he isn't getting better or is getting worse then get him to the vet right away. I have 13 cats and rhinotracheitis,( a herpes cold virus), goes through them all periodically. They sneeze, gag, and throw up. Then they get better. There isn't much that needs to be done. But I know that if one is in distress from a more than usual discharge or is lethargic I will get that one to the vet. Hope this helped you. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen



KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten,)
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.