Why wont my cat eat

[sallyb52]

Hi, my cats appetite lessened over a few weeks but he was eating enough, then last sunday he vomited a large hairball in food, and then was sick twice in next 12 hours which was like frothy water and bile. He stopped eating and slept nearly 24 hours, so I thought well thats what i do when ive been sick, and I thought hed be okay next day. But although the vomiting had stopped he still wouldnt eat. The vet checked his tummy and his mouth etc, he had lost 500 grams in as many weeks. The blood test showed normal for kidney, liver and pancreas. He gave him an anti imflammatory and also an antibiotic just in case of infection, if hes eaten something off. But there has been no improvement. Its very upsetting cos he wants to eat but then will only have a couple of bites or licks even. He is going into the vets tomorrow for the day so the vet can check him thoroughly and observe him.The vet is puzzled and im very scared as i had a cat some years ago that refused to eat even though he wanted to. He had to be put to sleep in the end as he was starving to death and the vets could find nothing wrong with him. He was 18 though, whereas Dizzy is only 6. Has anyone else had a similar problem? Any thoughts very gratefully received.

[JulieandBarney]

Hi Sally

The fact that everything else has been ruled out with tests from your vet and the fact that you say that he actually wants to eat, would indicate a dental problem to me, he must be feeling uncomfortable trying to eat...please ask your vet to check his mouth and teeth, I lost my boy to oral cancer over a year ago and he was hungry but could not eat....it may be something as simple as toothache ........please let us know....xx

[sallyb52]

Hi Julie and Barney, thanks for your message.
The vet did check his mouth but couldnt find anything. Dizzy eats a tiny bit then stops for a minute then eats another tiny bit. He is going out now, wheareas before he was listless and slept all the time. So I feel he is feeling a little better, just no appetite to speak of.

[sallyb52]

Im so sorry you lost your little boy. Im very frightened im going to lose Diz.

[Lilith]

Hi Sally, very very sorry to hear about your lad - you must be worried sick.

In the 1980s I was told about something called 'St Aubrey Jelly' which contained essential vitamins, calories etc for non-feeding cats. It looked a bit like golden syrup, came in a tube, and the beauty of it was that you could smear a little round the cat's mouth and it would automatically lick or wash it off. Trouble is, it's now marketed under a new name and for the life of me I can't remember it! I bought some in Pets at Home years ago, just to have in for any emergencies, but maybe if you rang your vet's surgery they might know of it or something similar - or your local pet shop or supermarket might sell it. A breeder friend had a litter of poorly kittens who weren't eating and she had great success with it.

I wonder if this or something similar might help your boy over this bad patch - perhaps somebody on here might know of it. Just the reassurance of knowing he has some calories inside him would ease your mind to some extent - obviously you'll be terrified until he turns the corner which I hope he will. Been there done that - I do feel for you.

All the very very best with him - and if I remember what that stuff's called I'll post again. Fingers crossed! x

[Lilith]

Ha - here it is! It's now called 'Nurish 'Um.'

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-supplements- ... ort-p-1019" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know it says 'dogs' in the link but there is a catty version - just posted the first link I found but there are loads, and reviews too. Do hope this might help

[sallyb52]

Thank you Lileth I will ask the vet tomorrow. As you say it may just get him thru while the vet works out whats wrong.

[Kay]

my Tiffany stopped eating a couple of weeks ago - she was very interested in food but couldn't seem to eat it, and I was pretty sure it was a dental problem

initially the vet couldn't see any problem in her mouth, because her gums looked good, but once under a general anaesthetic she immediately realised one of her front canines had become loose and infected, through some kind of trauma, and it was removed - she was back to normal right away

so I do hope your vet will have a proper look in Diz's mouth - it may be something equally simple and easy to sort

[sallyb52]

Thank you to all who responded to my post. Dizzy went into hospital for the day for tests. The vet checked his throat and mouth, ears and nose. Nothing wrong. So he xrayed Diz and found he has cardio myopathy - an enlarged heart. Prognosis not good - 6-12 months if he responds to treatment. But the vet added he has known cats live for 5 years after diagnosis. So I have made up my mind that Dizzy will be one of those cats - its the only way I can deal with this knowledge.
Grateful that Dizzy doesnt know anythings wrong, and is eating again and enjoying his garden, as (touch wood) he is taking his medication without stress.
Thanks again all.

[Crewella]

I'd do exactly the same as you - no point in assuming the worst. Glad you got to the bottom of it and can now help him. All paws here crossed for a good outcome for him. xx

[Lilith]

Glad your vet got him diagnosed so quickly - but yes, daunting, but all very best wishes for some happy years yet! The lad sounds to have bounced back already, so glad he is eating and leading a normal life again. Long may it last!