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Question
I have a 10 year old cat who seems to be dehydrated. I did the skin pinch test and her skin did not return back to its normal state. she has a hard time getting up and she cant walk further than a foot or so. She wobbles and then falls over. Her eyes have sunk in to her head but she still keeps her eyes open. She is naturally a small cat, but she is now only 3lbs.
Yesterday she came out from under our Christmas tree and vomited on the floor. In the past years she has always liked to chew on the tree, but has never been sick from it.
we have been force feeding her with a syringe using electrolyte fluid for infants. now she has started to twitch.
we dont have very much money so we would like to take care of her at home before we have to take her to the vet. What else can we do to help her get better?
Thank You.
Hi Jenny,
You need to get your cat to the vet immediately. This sounds like a life threatening condition that can't be treated at home. She sounds like she has an underlying medical condition that brought her to this stage. Have her seen immediately. I hope she will be better. Good luck.
Ciao,
Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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