Expert: Jessica - 4/24/2010

Question
okay my cat seems to be sick but we don't have the money to get her checked out so we're trying to figure out whats wrong with her, she'll eat her supper but end up throwing up later, and she seems to always want attention latley, she's getting so much skinnier. i've check her stool and she doesn't have worms, she's only 8 years old. do u have any ideas what it might be?

Answer
Hi Brianna.  There are many diseases it may be.  Unfortunately, all will require a vet to diagnose.  Some of the possibilities include kidney failure, liver disease, gastrointestinal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease to name just a few.  There could be a possibility it's caused by something parasitic.  Roundworms don't usually turn up in the stool, and while these don't typically cause dramatic weight loss, they can in some cases.  

I would recommend that you go to a larger pet store such as Petco, or to an online pet pharmacy, and buy some Panacur.  In the U.S., this is labeled for dogs, so you will only see dogs on the packaging.  But in other countries, it's labeled for cats as well.  It's safe for both species.  Panacur will kill roundworms and some microscopic parasites that can cause stomach upset and weight loss.  I don't suspect this is all that's wrong with your kitty, but it can't hurt to try it.  Follow the same dosage instruction for dogs by weight, but treat for five days instead of 3.

I hope that helps her feel better!

Jessica