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Cats/feline bloating
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Question
Hi Ali, thank you so much for being available to answer questions.
Found an apparently abandoned young cat. He was very scared, but finally let me pick up and take home. He has a good appetite and normal stool. Problem is his abdomen is very bloated. The rest of him is skinny. Does not seem to have any other obvious systems. Also bites my foot hard when I walk away. Figure this is because he is scared and does not want me to leave, but not sure. Have 3 other cats and am strapped for cash or would take to the vet. Thank you for any advice.
Bonnie,
Be sure to keep this little guy isolated from your resident cats as there are a number of things that could be going on that you don't want to pass around - this includes providing him with a separate litterbox, food/water bowls and living quarters until he sees and is treated by a veterinarian.... This kitty could have a heavy intestinal parasite burden (worms), he may have issues related to disease or starvation as well. As soon as you can get him to a vet it's important that you do in order for the vet to find out what's going on so that he can be treated accordingly... There may be veterinary clinics that offer subsidized rates in your area so I would suggest checking with your local humane society or SPCA as they'd be most likely to have up to date information. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me again at any time - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.
Kind regards,
Ali
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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