Expert: Becky - 7/16/2005

Question
We have a young (about a year old)long-haired  recently adopted spayed female cat (we've had her for about 2 months) who suddenly stopped eating, completely (for 3 days now).  We have almost literally forced some water.  She is lethargic and just not doing anything but resting (normally quite playful) although she does not appear in obvious distress.  Any suggestions for home care (unfortunately, at this time vet care is unaffordable, but shots and flea treatment are up to date).

Answer
Hi Trish,

If your cat doesn't eat, she will die.   Go to a pharmacy and buy a large syringe without the needle.  Make a mixture of dry cat food (moisten with a little warm water first to make it mushy), cottage cheese and some meat baby food.  Mix it all up, it should be quite mushy and put some in the syringe.  If the opening to the syringe is too small to squirt some out, then cut it bigger.  Take the scruff of her neck and pull her head back, put the syringe towards the back of the throat and squirt it in.  Make sure you go back far enough so that it goes down and she doesn't just spit it out.  Give her a little, let her swallow and repeat.   It is vital that she eats.

However, there is a reason she is not eating, and this will keep her from starving, but will not "cure" her problem.  She needs veterinary care, although I know you cannot afford it right now.  There are numerous things it could be... Does she go outside?  She could have been bitten by another cat, a dog, or even a snake.  Check her body thoroughly all over.  She may need to be on antibiotics. You said she has had her shots, has she had all feline vaccines including leukemia ?  The list is endless of what it might be, and since I am not a vet and I cannot see your cat, then I cannot help on anything other than the feeding.

My best wishes to you on this matter and may God bless you.
Becky