Cat Chat Feline Forum

My papillon, Sophy, was spayed a week ago. It is much easier to keep a 13 year old dog from overdoing things than a 6 month old kitten, but I feel for you. Even Sophy could not understand why she should not run up and down stairs or jump up on the sofa when she felt perfectly OK. In the end I think ...

My elderly cat, Pippin, had something similar. A long term slight sniffle from one nostril that did not resolve, then sudden bleeding from both that nostril and the adjacent tear duct with swelling under the eye. The vet thought it could be a tooth abscess, which would be confirmed if it responded t...

Sounds to me like a cat that has not had the option of an acceptable litter tray indoors and has got used to using any suitably soft, absorbent surface if he can't get outside. You might be able to redirect him but it could be a challenge - our homes are full of his idea of perfect toilet surfaces, ...

Molly is a cat of many surprises. I can't imagine Tilly accepting another cat so easily, even though she grew up with Pippin.

I would definitely wait until you can discuss it with the vet - human medicines may be harmful, and even when the formulation is similar the dosage will be far smaller.

It is the last, the kindest, and the hardest gift we are able to give the animals we love. I am so sorry - you did everything and more to keep her comfortable, but were brave and loving enough to hear her when she told you she was tired, and suffering, and ready to go. We never lose them completely ...

There are always the local rescues...

I have discovered the Hill's renal sachets make Tilly sick, so have a batch to give away if they are of use to anyone. Either all of them (20ish) or selection packs (1-2 of each flavour) to test. If you trying to find which renal food your cat will eat I can pop in a sachet or two of the ProPlan too.

The tooth will probably need to be removed by a vet, and if one is so obviously causing problems there may be others also needing treatment. The longer you delay the worse it will get and the longer your cat will be in considerable pain. Infection in the mouth can cause problems throughout the body,...

I think this is one of the times you need to ask your vet's advice, and listen to the subtext. I would be asking how long the op might give her with/without metastasis, and with what quality of life, and how long the recovery from the op will take. If the prognosis is for only a few months of poor q...

Chronic kidney disease is extremely common in older cats- you will find many posts and lots of help here. While you are waiting for the renal food to arrive (be aware it may take some experimenting to find one that he likes) a commercial food formulated for older cats may be your best bet - Gourmet ...

Where do you live, jorgereale? And are you thinking of a pedigree cat of a specific breed, or the more usual domestic shorthair cat? Will your cat be allowed outside, or live entirely indoors? Do you think you could cope with a young kitten (or two - they are often happier homed with a sibling), or ...

In terms of frequency/quantity I would ask your vet - it will depend upon your cat's size and condition. Cats can become ill if they do not eat for a few days, which is why syringe feeding has been suggested. Something bland is less likely to further upset her tum - rice is known for soothing and bi...

Tilly has put on weight eating renal food, but that is because she eats so much of it! I wonder if some of Molly's weight gain may be down to her being more relaxed and no longer wasting energy through anxiety?

Closer and got more on coat? Breathed more in? More sensitive? Size and weight/dosage? Hope both cats are OK, it can be nasty stuff, especially if it contains permethrin.

Is there a reason for not letting him out? And does he have at least one tray?

Poor little cat - it sounds as if it has been a pretty awful couple of weeks for both of you. I have had some success getting reluctant cats to eat with tiny scraps of raw liver (very small quantities - think a small teaspoonful a day); Gourmet Gold Melting Heart; and that old stand by Lik-e-Lix. I ...

I would second the assumption that kittens will get more sociable with age, as long as they are healthy and socialised with humans when young. Very young cats and kittens are too busy - think of your three year old when asked to endure hugs in the middle of an absorbing game, or when there are swing...

Did the vet prescribe any medication? If so, it is possible that the improvement is due to that. I would think hard about whether further tests would make a difference to any treatment if it is a tumour, or if they would be worth it for your own peace of mind. Whatever it is, it is good to know she ...

I am so glad you found such kindness in an emergency, and that your girl is now more comfortable. Definitely worth looking at whether you are eligible for pension credit and for help from the PDSA - a little extra makes a big difference when things are really tight.

Yes, cats are renowned for first demanding attention and then seeming to decide "That's enough!" and biting without warning to discourage more. In fact they do give signals when they have had enough but subtle ones that can be hard to spot if you don't know what you are looking for - a twi...

I have seen that sort of pouncing on feet and legs and play fighting with them from a young cat who was missing his lost companion. He was used to always having someone to play with, and redirected all that pent up energy onto ambushing my sister's ankles (she was understandably Not Amused). In our ...

I'm so glad - the last four weeks must have been terrible.

Is the dog crate trained? If so, everything should be manageable, especially if he is already used to cats. If he is an exuberant, half trained, lolloping adolescent it will be much more difficult. Will your stepson be up for following house rules, if you set them? If the dog is always on a lead, cr...

It is not something I have ever really noticed - perhaps a photo might help?

It would seem that there is no evidence in cats of it being passed down from parent to kittens, and if the kittens were affected they would be showing signs by now: https://www.thesprucepets.com/feline-cerebellar-hypoplasia-4171881 If they are otherwise a good fit for your family I would welcome the...

FIP negative is good news, too. While it may not be possible to rule out lymphoma, that leaves the more treatable possible causes as the highest probabilities.

Two crates sounds like a good idea if you can move him safely. Putting a false ceiling in the crate should stop him climbing the walls - hardboard or thick cardboard, holes cut to take tapes or cable ties and attached at a suitable level would be my fix. Cardboard might be easier as you could fold i...

Where is the crate, and do you have room for more than one? It can be hard to balance the need for security against his need for company, but if possible I would have his crate in a room with a door that closes and few tempting hidey holes, like a bathroom. If it is a small room perhaps it would be ...

So sorry - hoping it proves something manageable.