LoveToKnow Cats:Custom Sick Cat Advice

From LoveToKnow Cats

Past Questions

Question: My 16 year old cat "Pumpkin" was just diagnosed with gastric cancer. It is advanced and the vet has given him 6-8 weeks. Are there any treatments available for this type of cancer that would help him? He does not seem to be in any pain, but is unable to keep anything on his stomach for very long (diarrhea/vomiting). Thanks! - Posted by: fieldsdj@corning.com

Answer: Hi Don,

I'm sorry to hear about Pumpkin's illness. The problem with stomach cancer in cats is that it typically is not diagnosed until the symptoms are pretty severe.

That combined with his age create a lot of problems in treatment and is likely why the vet feels it is just best to make him as comfortable as possible.

There are several types of stomach cancer in cats:

Adenocarcinoma: This cancer tends to start in the glands and then moves to the stomach and intestines, where tumors grow.
Lymphoma: This is when an adenocarcinoma moves into the lymph nodes and affects them as well.
Mast cell tumors: These cells are normally found in the stomach, but can sometimes grow out of control, causing ulcers and tumors and impacting the rest of the cat's body.

As for treatments, radiation is not possible, because the stomach is so close to other important and vital organs and may cause damage. Surgery is really the only thing that is ever successful. Did your vet mention the possibility of surgery at all?

Often it can be so costly that for an elderly cat vets do not think it is worth it. However, this is your cat, your money, so you should be the one who makes that call. Also, even if the cancer is removed through surgery, it will likely return and you cat may only live around a year. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My eight-year-old cat cannot meow any more. It started a day ago. He tries to meow, but nothing comes out. Can a cat go hoarse? - Posted by: Lolred@comcast.net

Answer: Hi Mary,

There are several possible causes of hoarseness in cats. Here are a few possible causes for hoarseness in cats:

Acid reflux
Low potassium levels
Hyperactive thyroid
Fluid retention/heart problems (usually comes with a cough)
Meowing too much (if he was trapped or upset)
Upper respiratory distress/infection
Tumors in the throat
Trauma to throat

You don't mention if he goes outside or not. If he goes outside and may have been in contact with other cats, Cat Flu and cat colds are extremely contagious and he may have picked something up. If he does not go outside at all, then I would probably look to causes such as the thyroid or distress (meowing a lot).

Because some of the things that cause hoarseness in cats can be serious for the health of the cat, I would take him to the vet and get a thorough checkup. Be sure to tell the veterinarian if he is an indoor or outdoor (or both). It will help him eliminate possible causes. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi, My kitten, Attie, has been limping. She was fine when we left this morning for about three hours, but when we came back she was limping. Her right leg seems to be the hurt one. She will sometimes stand on it, and her paw/nails are all fine, it seems to be the "elbow" joint. Do you think she might have jumped and landed wrong? Should I go ahead and take her to the vet? - Posted by: britterbugg@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Attie's Mom,

Poor Attie. It sounds like she probably did land the wrong way. Kittens are notorious for climbing, falling and acting generally crazy. I would try to keep her contained for a couple of days and see if it is just a sprain or a bit sore. If she is still limping after a couple of days or shows any other symptoms, then I'd go ahead and take her to the vet. It may just clear up on it's own overnight though. Kittens tend to be fairly resilient when it comes to thinks like this. Keep us posted on how she's doing. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Our Himmie is seven and a half months old. For the past week, his eyes have been running quite a bit. No other symptoms. He has a good appetite, etc. I wipe his eyes carefully and the wetness is a brown color. Should he be seen by his vet? Could it be the air movement, due to the fans we run? - Posted by: savage22@msn.com

Answer: Hi Diana,

Because of his young age, I would go ahead and take him to the vet and have him checked out. There are a few diseases and upper respiratory issues that can cause this type of symptom. If treated early, most cats do much better.

It may just be an allergic reaction of some sort, but it's best to be safe. Also, if he has contracted something, he may be contagious to your other cat. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My fifteen-year-old female cat has been tested for Herpes and AIDS, and does not have either. She has been sneezing yellow thick snots. A few months ago, her left to eyelid became enlarged and swollen from underneath the entire top eyelid. Nothing is working that the vet has given. What do you suggest? - Posted by: jbordignon@bigpond.com

Answer: Hi Jo,

Has your cat been tested for Cat Flu? The sneezing sounds like some sort of respiratory infection. I'm not sure if she may have gotten a scratch on her eyelid, which caused an infection or if it would be a side effect from the respiratory problems. Also, don't hesitate to get an opinion from a second vet. They each have specialty areas. You may need one that specializes in respiratory issues. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I think my eight-month-old kitten has a form of cancer. I looked up some of the signs, which included lethargy, weight loss, easily felt masses and hiding for periods of time to avoid contact. I felt a hard ball on his right side in his stomach today after my husband said something about it to me. He's also small for his age. If it is cancer and surgery is an option, could you please tell me about how much a procedure like that would cost? Or any additional information you have about the subject would be great too. - Posted by: lilpyrochic_85@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Stephani,

It sounds like you're really worried about this kitten. I'm sorry that he isn't feeling well. Since he is exhibiting so many of the symptoms and you've felt a lump, I would take him to the veterinarian for additional tests.

Although he has some of the symptoms for cancer, there are also other problems that can cause the same type of symptoms, so until he is diagnosed by a vet, it is really hard to say for certain what might be wrong with him.

If he needs surgery, the cost can vary greatly from hundreds into thousands of dollars. The cost will also depend upon how big the tumor is, how easily it can be reached during surgery, his size and anesthesia and whether or not he needs chemotherapy afterwards.

If you are on a budget, talk to the vet about whether he will set up a payment plan of some sort. For costly surgeries, veterinarians will sometimes work with you.

I hope it turns out that it is just something very minor. Keep us posted on what the vet says. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Can humans catch this feline flu, and is it more likely someone over 60 is more susceptible? - Posted by: mad911au@yaho.com.au

Answer: Hi Madelyn,

No. Humans cannot catch the Cat Flu. Although there are some things cats and humans can pass back and forth, such as toxoplasmosis and rabies, there are not many diseases that transfer from species to species. It is actually pretty rare.

However, your cat will be highly contagious to other cats, so you'll want to isolate an infected cat from other felines. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My four-year-old cat seems to be eating dirt, and I have also seen him licking the concrete steps. He seems healthy, eats well, likes tinned cat food and Iams, so why? - Posted by: dodsonmt@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Mary,

There are a couple of possibilities here. Sometimes cats are just strange creatures and there is no explanation for their behavior. However, cats will sometimes eat or lick dirt in an effort to supplement their diet.

Probably the most common deficiency that the cat may be trying to overcome is iron. The cat may be anemic, which would need to be treated by a veterinarian. This is sometimes caused by parasites called Mycoplasma. Unfortunately, it is hard for vets to diagnose this problem, so it's really important that you give your veterinarian as many specifics as possible. It isn't always detected with a simple bloodtest.

If everything checks out okay, then he's just odd. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My nine-year-old cat Dipsy has just had a cardiac workout to test a heart murmur that he has. The tests showed that Dipsy's heart was quite enlarged due to a leaky valve (apparently normal cats show as a size five and Dip's is a seven),so I was pretty elated when the vet said that I needn't worry too much and that he wasn't going to give Dipsy any medication just now, but would make a note to do another scan in about a year. I was so pleased that Dips didn't need to be popping pills everyday, but when I got home I read some Internet stuff on enlarged hearts and was horrified! Most of the information said that they should be treated straight away or the cat could die etc! Was my vet wrong? Should the vet have prescribed medication? I was so stressed about the murmur, now I'm stressed out about the enlargement! Help!! :-( - Posted by: billybuns44@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Ellie,

I can understand your concern. It sounds like you really love Dipsy and are a good mom to him.

The treatment for an enlarged heart varies, depending upon the underlying cause of the condition. In this case, the vet seems to already have identified the cause and will likely begin to treat that at some point.

Treatments can include:

ACE inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers
Aspirin in low doses
Amlodipine
Cardizem

Never give your cat medications without talking to your vet first as things like baby aspirin can be fatal to cats in certain doses.

My reading and understanding of this topic is that immediate treatment can extend the cat's life. Most cats with this condition only live around four more years at most, but that is with excellent treatment.

My advice would be to go see a veterinarian who specializes in heart issues. Just as human doctors have specialty areas, so do pet doctors. You may even want to ask your vet for a referral. Just tell him you'd like to go ahead and take Dipsy to a vet that specializes in cardio, because you want to do everything possible to extend his life. You should never hesitate to get a second opinion when you don't feel certain about the first.

I hope this helps and that Dipsy's condition is a slow progression one so that he lives many more years. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Our male cat is about nine years old and has been mostly an indoor cat, but has been allowed to go outside to do his business over the years. Around Christmas of this year he appeared on our windowsill bleeding from the mouth and in pretty bad shape. He apparently had been hit by a car in the face area. A trip to the vet and several X-rays revealed that he had a fractured jaw near where it hinges, a broken nose, an injury to his eye (internal bleeding of the eye) that has resulted in blindness in that eye. He also had two broken ribs. Surgery was performed to wire the breaks in the jaw bone, which resulted in a mouth that doesn't shut properly (bottom incisor punctures the upper palate by about a quarter of an inch. The vet missed the broken nose due to the trauma and swelling of the facial area, so he now has to sneeze frequently to clear his nose. Anyway, kitty is doing quite well despite all that he has been through. I have two questions for you. Two vets that have taken care of kitty are in disagreement about what to do about the off-set tooth. One wants to pull it in a couple of months when kitty's jaw is totally healed. The other vet believes this would be a mistake since the tooth helps to keep kitty's tongue in place. She feels feels pulling the tooth will result in bigger problems and drooling. She would like to file the tooth down and cap it. What do you suggest? The second question is about hair loss the cat is suddenly experiencing. He is loosing hair in two places - under the chin on his neck where they shaved him for surgery, and a larger place along his backbone between his two shoulder bones. The hair loss is a strip of about three to four inches and about an inch wide, and getting larger each day. The skin looks quite white and healthy except for small red scratches and dots. The cat scratches at it with his back feet. This area is where two or three times IV's were given to hydrate the cat during his recovery period when he was unable to drink. Could this have anything to do with it? The only other thing is that the cat lost about three pounds while injured and has now pretty much regained his weight. Normally, the cat was fed Purina Cat Chow complete formula but after his injury he has also been given Science Diet Oral Care, which he loves. Kitty has stayed indoors totally since his accident and there are no other pets in the house. We have tried Neosporin on the spots but it doesn't seem to be stopping the hair loss or irritation. We have never had a problem with fleas or mites with this cat. We live in Kansas and have been experiencing lots of dry cold, snowy weather. - Posted by: slingsbys@sbcglobal.net

Answer: Hi Walt,

This poor cat has really been through the ringer. It's a miracle he's still with you, but it sounds like he's doing well.

To answer your first question, if this were my cat my instinct would be to file the tooth first and see if that helps the situation. That is the less invasive procedure, and that is always my first choice. If it does not help, then I would have the tooth pulled.

As for the hair loss, it could be caused by a number of factors. It sounds like your cat has had a lot of stress and that in itself can cause hair loss or even nervous grooming. However, since it's been very dry and likely the heat has been kicking on and off, he may have dry, itchy skin. I would try a humidifier and see if that helps at all. He may also have some food allergies, but I would rule out the dry skin and possibly fleas first before looking at that.

Good luck, whatever you choose to do about the tooth. I hope your cat has many long and happy years with you and your wife. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: How long can a cat survive without food? My cat has refused to eat for almost two weeks now, but continues to drink water. - Posted by: tebriant@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Tina,

It is good that your cat is drinking water, but the fact that he or she will not eat is troublesome. I would go ahead and take the cat to your vet. There may be an underlying issue that is causing the cat to not want to eat. They can't go as long as a human without eating, although how long will certainly vary from cat to cat. Two weeks without any food is a very long time, though, so I would get him/her in ASAP. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a three-year-old cat named Boot. He has been sneezing quite a bit and he isn't able to control his bladder anymore. He never had accidents before, and now he is. I am not sure if I need to take him to the vet. - Posted by: sweetyaj05@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Annie,

I would go ahead and take Boot to the vet. The sneezing could be a sign of an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). He may need antibiotics or other treatment. Also, the loss of control over his bladder could also be a sign of infection.

The vet should be able to tell you exactly what is going on with him and prescribe some medications. Please let us know if he's okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi, My male, neutered, nearly three-year-old tabby cat has lost his appetite and has become anorexic. This has been happening over the last six months when my other cat, his mother, was killed. Over the last six weeks, I have noticed his back twitches a lot. In the last 7-10 days, his head is now shaking and he has become weak. I noticed the weakness when he tried to scratch himself. I am worried that he might have a tumor or disease. Is head shaking common in cats? many thanks for your help - Posted by: Nia_Huws@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Nia,

I'm sorry to hear of your loss of his mother and that this cat isn't doing well. Cats grieve just like humans, which may account for some of his loss of appetite. However, the shaking and the weakness are not normal. You should take him to the vet immediately and find out what might be wrong. Please check back and let us know if he's okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have an 18-year-old cat. His fur has turned into hard clumps. He has no energy, is drinking a lot and is eating very little. He seems to have difficulty sitting, because it takes a while for him to get comfy. It seems as if his joints are aching. I don't want to stress him by taking him to the vet as he hates it. Is there anything I can give him to ease the pain and make him more comfortable? - Posted by: ste.croix@btinternet.com

Answer: Hi Paula,

Many different substances are highly toxic to cats. Although there are some supplements at your local pet store for joints, I am not certain they would help much, although over time they might offer some relief.

Even though he hates going to the vet, at his age, you really shoud go ahead and take him. The vet can shave his fur to get rid of the clumps (don't try to do this yourself, because the hair will mat to the skin and you can hurt your cat if you nick his skin).

More than the joints and fur, I am concerned about his lack of appetite and increased thirst. This is an indication that something else is going on with him and he may be ill. Often, an illness will show up in a cat's fur.

The vet will be able to test things such as kidney function and offer medications that will help your cat. I hope he gets better soon. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat has been vomiting twice a week for about three months now. He has been treated with medication for a severe stomach bug, but that made no difference. Standard blood tests came back clear. The vet is now saying he needs surgery to open him up for further investigation. Is there any thing less drastic the vet can do other than surgery? - Posted by: caz@dersley95.karoo.co.uk

Answer: Hi Mrs. Everett,

That is a good question. Has the vet done any type of X-rays or Sonogram? It is possible that those would be too costly or not tell the vet what he needs to know. I would discuss these options with the vet and see why he wants to go to surgery first. If he still insists ont he surgery, remember that you have the option of going to another vet for a second opinion. Every vet has his or her own style and techniques. You may be able to find a vet who specializes in this type of problem and has some more current equipment or different ideas on how to test your cat to find out what is going on. Hope your cat feels better soon. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My Siamese cat is aged seven, and has been off his food for two days. He won't drink and isn't breathing normally. He is sleeping constantly. - Posted by: smiths.r.us@blueyonder.co.uk

Answer: Hi Kirsty,

I'm sorry to hear that your cat is not feeling well. Anytime that a cat is lethargic (sleeping constantly) and struggling to breath, it is vital that you get him to the vet as quickly as possible. Also, his lack of thirst is not a good sign. I'm not certain what is wrong with him, as it could be any number of things, but he does need medical treatment as a life-saving measure.

Please check back and let us know if he's okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat is almost eight years old. For several years now he has been affected be eosinophilic granuloma complex. The only treatment - I've been told - is a steroid injection, which he has had quite a few times. He now has begun losing hair on his belly and I've researched and learned that a potential cause for this is high levels of corticosteroids, which is the only thing that makes any sense. His lip is beginning to swell again from the e.g. complex and I am hesitant to give him more steroids because I don't want all of his hair to fall out! Help! What else can I do? - Posted by: leahgieseler@gmail.com

Answer: Hi Leah,

I'm so sorry that your kitty is suffering from this condition. Steroids are the most common treatment, but they don't usually have the same effect on cats as they do on humans. However, it is possible that he was given just a bit too high of a dose or that the continuing use is impacting him negatively.

Many times, a single injection will clear up a flare-up, but occasionally antibiotics must be used as well. In the past, some alternative treatments were used, such as hormone injections. However, these also have side effects, so many vets are reluctant to use them.

One thing that has worked for many pet owners is to get to the underlying cause of eosinophilic granuloma. The condition often has an allergic cause. The first and most important thing is going to be an intense flea preventative regimen, as this flea bites are the most common allergy. Next, I would look at possible food allergies. Switch your cat to a high quality cat food. Your vet may have recommendations, and I would also check out the local health food stores. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: For some reason my cat has no hair on the underside of his tail, near his butt. The bare skin in that area is all red and irritated looking. I think there might be some type of oozing of a clear liquid with a little bit of brown in it. Also he cleans that area constantly now, and is in pain if I move him by gently pushing his butt. What is wrong with him? - Posted by: Devilkittinz@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Rachel,

Is the liquid foul smelling? If so, it sounds as though he may have an anal sac infection. This is something that is fairly common but does need to be treated by a veterinarian.

The veterinarian can expel the anal sac and give him some medication to help clear up the infection. He may recommend that you switch him to a special diet as well.

If left untreated, this type of infection can create greater damage, so I wouldn't delay in getting him to the vet.

The other possibility could be some type of parasite. You may need to take in a fecal sample as well and have it tested. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hello, My friend has a cat that is about a year old. She's been acting different lately, for example, for about a week, she was sneezing. My friend has never seen her sneeze before, so she was worried about it. Now, it appears that the cat has some kind of infection in her right eye. She keeps it closed a lot and it looks watery or glassy. We are very worried something serious might be wrong. Can you please tell us your opinion? Thank you. - Posted by: babygirlfromnh21@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Jeanne,

The cat could have an allergy, an upper respiratory infection, or something more serious such as Cat Flu. My best advice is that your friend take her cat to the vet immediately and have some tests run to find out what might be causing these symptoms. Respiratory infections can become serious quickly in felines, so it is best to seek treatment rather than putting it off.

I hope your friend's cat gets well soon. - posted by:LoriSoard