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Expert: - 9/18/2009


Question
Our 14 yr old (Alex) always lovable and loves to eat suddenly has stopped eating for 2 days now and has had diarrhea. He has been sleeping non stop. He lost his male kitty mate (Sydney) of 13 years this past March and we brought in a new kitty (Kobi) a month later. Alex grooms Kobi but Kobi jumps all over Alex causing Alex to hiss a lot and Alex's happy demeanor has not been the same since Syd's passing and Kobi's entrance. He has always eaten tho!  We did have a battery of tests and xrays done last month because he seemed to be throwing up more than usual. He has always thrown up but now doing so every morning and it is now liquid. Tests didn't reveal anything except a very 'non significant' stone (according to the vet). Advise plz.

Answer
Hi Tamara,

Hopefully I can help you. First off, if he hasn't eaten for two or more days you need to take him back to your vet, (or another if you aren't happy with the first's results). Cats after not eating for two or more days can go into something called hepatic lipidosis. And with the added clue of a stone I would say the he is on his way to that.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1327&aid=217

Next your cat needs to tested for a few things that can be causing the vomiting and diarrhea. Have him checked for Hyperthyroidism. He is at an age where this is common in cats. Kidney disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Triad Syndrome can all lead to what you describe. Tests done last month have no bearing on what is going on now. They are just a reference point to see how much his results have changed as he has gotten sicker.

Get him either to the original vet or another. This is serious. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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