Cat advise-urgent-

[Watchingthetreetops]

So, my cat is on a hunger strike. He hasn't eaten in three days. I've checked him over and he's fine. I tried old food and then new food, too. I got very worried and looked up some stuff online. I've been making sure he gets enough water, (I can't tell if he's drinking or not, because he normally drinks little, but I kind of...forced him to drink). He had been dry heaving, so I mean...it sounds awful, but I went to a friend who's a vet, and he said that sometimes you /do/ have to make them drink or eat.

Now, I think he's stressed. We just moved to a new place. We've been here for a week, but I think it's starting to get to my cat. I'm just wondering if anybody has a way of feeding their cats? Or have your cats ever just...decided not to eat? I got really worried because he was also really lethargic, but he seemed to chipper up today. So I think if he's sick, he's getting better. He doesn't have worms, either. He only eats wet food. I don't know...I just need some help on this.

 

[ellabella12345]

Well my cat had to go the vet hospital a couple weeks ago because she started to panic one night and her heart was beating ever so fast! She had to stay there over night and be transported to our local vet so we could pick her up. They gave her an injection so her body wouldn't go into panic anymore. I recommend maybe your cat to get a blood test to see what her organs are doing and maybe go to the vet hospital for proffesional help. After my cat came home though, the next day, she hardly are for about 3/4 days, she would probably only go through 4 biscuits a day and hardly any water. Try giving your cat some normal food like that you eat, maybe some butter or cheese or ham and see what your cat does. I think she just may feel sick from not being in an area she is familiar with...

All the best! I love cats <3

P.s my cats appetite just came back randomly at night when it was time for her wet food dinner, it was amazing!

 

[JJarmon]

I'd be stressed for my cat too.

One thing that you should do is (temporarily) try giving him a deli meat slice. If he doesn't eat that, cook up some chicken with no seasonings and give him some. If that doesn't work, he needs to go to the vet immediately, regardless of being lethargic or not. I really wish you luck!

 

[Dustmop]

One thing that you should do is (temporarily) try giving him a deli meat slice.

Try giving your cat some normal food like that you eat, maybe some butter or cheese or ham and see what your cat does.

Nonononono. D:
Too much salt in all of these things. Bad for cats. Especially now when he's at risk of Hepatic Lipidosis. And stereotypes aside, dairy's bad for cats.

If he won't eat his usual food, give him PLAIN meat, chicken preferred. NOTHING else.
No need to cook it unless he won't eat it raw. But right now he needs the nutrients and cooking it will only destroy vital minerals.

3 days is far too long for a cat to go without food. The longer a cat goes - especially if they're overweight in the slightest - the higher their risk of developing Hepatic Lipidosis, or fatty liver disease.

If you can't stuff some wet food or plain chicken down his throat with an eye dropper, it's time to go to the vet. Like, now. D:

 

[marzipanmermaid]

Nonononono. D:
Too much salt in all of these things. Bad for cats. Especially now when he's at risk of Hepatic Lipidosis. And stereotypes aside, dairy's bad for cats.

If he won't eat his usual food, give him PLAIN meat, chicken preferred. NOTHING else.
No need to cook it unless he won't eat it raw. But right now he needs the nutrients and cooking it will only destroy vital minerals.

3 days is far too long for a cat to go without food. The longer a cat goes - especially if they're overweight in the slightest - the higher their risk of developing Hepatic Lipidosis, or fatty liver disease.

If you can't stuff some wet food or plain chicken down his throat with an eye dropper, it's time to go to the vet. Like, now. D:

This, please!
Take your fur baby to the vet as soon as you can.

 

[Watchingthetreetops]

Nonononono. D:
Too much salt in all of these things. Bad for cats. Especially now when he's at risk of Hepatic Lipidosis. And stereotypes aside, dairy's bad for cats.

If he won't eat his usual food, give him PLAIN meat, chicken preferred. NOTHING else.
No need to cook it unless he won't eat it raw. But right now he needs the nutrients and cooking it will only destroy vital minerals.

3 days is far too long for a cat to go without food. The longer a cat goes - especially if they're overweight in the slightest - the higher their risk of developing Hepatic Lipidosis, or fatty liver disease.

If you can't stuff some wet food or plain chicken down his throat with an eye dropper, it's time to go to the vet. Like, now. D:

I've actually heard of hepatic lipidosis, which is why I'm in such a worried state for him. I feel awful, I just got a job and my orientation is on thursday....if I had the money I'd take him to the vet. But I'm broke. I don't know. I'm worried and I tried force feeding him today but it didn't work. I was able to force some water down his throat.

I'm honestly at my wit's end. I don't know what to do. He's been with me for three years, since he was a kitten, and he just...won't eat. I'm so scared for him and I have no money for the vet. I just wish I had my old Merlin back again. He used to get so hyped to eat, because he was a runt so food was always super important, even as he got older. He's never done this before, even when his paw was hurt once, he still got up and limped to his bowl and ate. I just wish I could know what's wrong with him so I can help.

 

[EpicGamer12]

My cat started doing this. Was he having trouble peeing too? My cat had 3 stones in his urethra so we had to put him down.

 

[Tessie]

Not eating is actually a pretty serious thing for an animal to do... like all said, the only obvious thing to do is take your cat to the vet and run some tests. Check if he's dehydrated by grabbing the skin on his back and letting it go, it should be elastic and come back fast, if it takes a while that aint a good sign. Take a syringe and make him drink, as well as taking wet food on your fingers and putting it in his mouth for the meantime.

Not a vet...just something I'd do in the meantime while waiting for the vet.

 

[Dustmop]

My cat started doing this. Was he having trouble peeing too? My cat had 3 stones in his urethra so we had to put him down.

Considering he only eats wet food, stones would be highly unlikely unless that wet food is entirely made up of fish-flavors. Dry food can cause bladder stones, but a healthier wet food diet (with minimal fish!) actually makes a great preventative for such a thing.

Good point to bring up, though, as males are more prone to urinary blockages, and it could be a possible fit.

I've actually heard of hepatic lipidosis, which is why I'm in such a worried state for him. I feel awful, I just got a job and my orientation is on thursday....if I had the money I'd take him to the vet. But I'm broke. I don't know. I'm worried and I tried force feeding him today but it didn't work. I was able to force some water down his throat.

I'm honestly at my wit's end. I don't know what to do. He's been with me for three years, since he was a kitten, and he just...won't eat. I'm so scared for him and I have no money for the vet. I just wish I had my old Merlin back again. He used to get so hyped to eat, because he was a runt so food was always super important, even as he got older. He's never done this before, even when his paw was hurt once, he still got up and limped to his bowl and ate. I just wish I could know what's wrong with him so I can help.

On that first note, OP, if his diet is fish-heavy, I would be concerned about possible UTI/urinary stones. Otherwise, it just sounds like he's stressing from the move.

IF we're more concerned he's stressed. Put him in his own little place. Make up a nice bed for him in the bathroom with his food, water, litter box. Adjusting to an entire new environment at once is scary for kitties. Just having his own space in a small room, such as a bathroom, will make him feel a little more at ease. Spend some time with him, too. Just pet him and snuggle and let him know it's okay. He's just in a new house, he's not 'alone.'
Like Tessie said, just try smearing wet foods on his mouth until he eats something. And yeah, do a skin tent test, like she said, to make sure he's not dehydrated.

Call around -- many vets will work out a payment plan for emergency treatments. This would classify as an emergency.

 

[Watchingthetreetops]

I'm setting him up in the bathroom tonight. I did this earlier and he /did/ seem happier. I'm going to have him there with some food and water. I smeared food in his mouth, but nothing. I hate saying this...but I am going to force him to drink at certain times, just so he's getting water. But good news, he only threw up once today, which is WAY less then the last two days. Thank you guys for all your help. I think he'll get through this. Earlier, in the bathroom, he was almost himself again and when I put him back in the bedroom, he was all sad and lethargic again. So....tomorrow, I'll update you guys on what's going on.

I'm really thankful for everyone for helping. For awhile, Merlin was my whole life. I lived alone this last year and now....now I want to make sure I'm there for him as much as he was there for me.

 

[Watchingthetreetops]

-Update-

Merlin is in the bathroom and he likes it at the moment. There's a cupboard he likes to go in. He hasn't eaten yet but his mood has definitely improved.

 

[leenaby]

The only thing I know in regards to cats not eating is that they can have problems with the food, health ones, the food they don't like, and or picky. We have to make my cat because he's very picky (and spoiled in this case) and won't eat unless he sees no other option. So yeah, it's sometimes not easy when your cat doesn't want to eat their food or want some other food and some of the foods only suit them to eat. Also does your cat ever been picky about any food or has issues with food. I wonder if the move and the food had anything regarding the factor of what could have caused your cat not to eat and so forth.

Oh, I just read your update. Well then I'm glad that he's getting used or settled into the new house. I do hope that he does eat soon though!

 

[Dustmop]

-Update-

Merlin is in the bathroom and he likes it at the moment. There's a cupboard he likes to go in. He hasn't eaten yet but his mood has definitely improved.

That's fabulous! c:
Hopefully the poor little guy will finally eat something tomorrow, his liver's already gotta be going downhill. :c Does he have any favorites?

Oh, and here. How to syringe-feed a kitty. They also suggest baby food because it's pureed - if you do go with baby food, check the ingredients and make sure there's absolutely no onion or garlic. But ideally, if you can just puree up some chicken at home or pick up one of their suggested cans of cat food, that'd work, too.
I'd normally NEVER suggest Royal Canin or Hill's Science Diet. But it is an emergency and it fits the bill.

Best wishes for lil Merlin. <33

The only thing I know in regards to cats not eating is that they can have problems with the food, health ones, the food they don't like, and or picky. We have to make my cat because he's very picky (and spoiled in this case) and won't eat unless he sees no other option. So yeah, it's sometimes not easy when your cat doesn't want to eat their food or want some other food and some of the foods only suit them to eat. Also does your cat ever been picky about any food or has issues with food. I wonder if the move and the food had anything regarding the factor of what could have caused your cat not to eat and so forth.

Oh, I just read your update. Well then I'm glad that he's getting used or settled into the new house. I do hope that he does eat soon though!

This is actually another good point since OP never really expanded on how varied his diet is or anything, but she did mention that she tried his old food and some new food with no change in desire to eat.

I don't know whether you're familiar or not, but I'll explain it anyway. Someone else might be curious. Ya never know~
Cats are seen as picky because they imprint on their food at a young age -- they learn from their mothers what is and is not acceptable to eat. The idea when you get a new kitten is to give them tons of different options of food so they don't imprint on one protein (ie, just chicken) and then refuse to eat anything else (and preferably canned or raw, but I won't go into that here.)

Cats are one of the few animals that will starve themselves to death even if there is food sitting right in front of them -- simply because they do not accept it as 'food.' D:

While it's better to try to 'outsmart' kitty and mix in the old food with the new food - so there's that familiar scent and taste - sometimes, yeah, you do kinda have to 'force' them to eat a new food so they'll hopefully realize it's edible.

 

[Selky]

You're not a vet. Your friend, if truly a reputable one, would tell you to take your cat in for examination. No you should not have to force feed your cat...lethargy and absence of appetite for multiple days are serious signs even for moving.
You need to have you cat taken to a vet who can diagnose and treat their ailment or anxiety. If you're underage, then this is your parent's responsibility.

 

[Fawning]

You need to take him to the vets, not eating could be many many things so please take him to the vets.

 

[akabetty]

I read the part about just moving/new job/no money. However. Your cat needs to go to a vet. Immediately. He's gone too long without proper food and water and you're running too much risk trying to force-feed him yourself. Most vet offices and emergency vets will bill you later or help you out. Explain your situation! Talk to them and let them know what you can/cannot afford. They will work with you.

 

[Eldin]

I read the part about just moving/new job/no money. However. Your cat needs to go to a vet. Immediately. He's gone too long without proper food and water and you're running too much risk trying to force-feed him yourself. Most vet offices and emergency vets will bill you later or help you out. Explain your situation! Talk to them and let them know what you can/cannot afford. They will work with you.

Basically took the words out of my mouth. An examination will not cost much, if he needs tests from there than you can discuss the cost with your vet - a good vet should be understanding and worry about the animal, not the money.

You can force him to eat and drink all you want but if it isn't stress-induced than you're not solving the problem. Just elongating the time that he is going without treatment if it is something else. I really urge you to go see a vet.

 

[Dustmop]

Basically took the words out of my mouth. An examination will not cost much, if he needs tests from there than you can discuss the cost with your vet - a good vet should be understanding and worry about the animal, not the money.

Call around -- many vets will work out a payment plan for emergency treatments. This would classify as an emergency.

^ Guys. Guys, I brought that up on the first page. And repeatedly telling OP something she already knows isn't going to change her situation.

She came here looking for advice to handle the situation until she can get him in.
Considering that Merlin is only 3, he's otherwise healthy, he was fine before the move, and his mood lifted just being in a small, "safe" place.... all fingers point to stress from the move. This is normal -- that doesn't mean it's not a delicate situation since their liver starts to deteriorate after 48 hours without food, but it's normal for cats to do this.

Cats don't like any change in their environment. I have to travel with my cats 4 times a year - we visit a vacation home twice a year. They never eat during the trip. They go right to sleep under my bed when we arrive at our destination, and they don't come out to eat or pee for hours the next day. They do this 4 times a year, they know what to expect -- but it still scares them every time they have to do it again, and they don't touch their food for as long as 24-36 hours.

 

[Eldin]

^ Guys. Guys, I brought that up on the first page. And repeatedly telling OP something she already knows isn't going to change her situation.

She came here looking for advice to handle the situation until she can get him in.
Considering that Merlin is only 3, he's otherwise healthy, he was fine before the move, and his mood lifted just being in a small, "safe" place.... all fingers point to stress from the move. This is normal -- that doesn't mean it's not a delicate situation since their liver starts to deteriorate after 48 hours without food, but it's normal for cats to do this.

Cats don't like any change in their environment. I have to travel with my cats 4 times a year - we visit a vacation home twice a year. They never eat during the trip. They go right to sleep under my bed when we arrive at our destination, and they don't come out to eat or pee for hours the next day. They do this 4 times a year, they know what to expect -- but it still scares them every time they have to do it again, and they don't touch their food for as long as 24-36 hours.

She hasn't said she has any intention of taking him in. In fact, the point of the thread seems to be coming up with an alternative.

I completely agree with you that it is most likely stress, and I hope that is all it is. All I'm trying to say is that at some point you might have to consider that it may be something else, and that at four days (added with the fact that he is lethargic and throwing up) I would be nearing that point.

I'm not trying to get on the OP's case, if he seems normal otherwise I can understand you not wanting to take him unnecessarily, anybody with pets has this problem (what's normal, when should I be worried, etc). All I'm saying is that I would consider taking him soon if the bathroom doesn't help in the next day or so.

That being said, if his mood is better already I'm sure that's all it is and I hope he is feeling better. c:

 

[Watchingthetreetops]

-update-

Guys! He ate! I considered everything you've all said and I'm very grateful. And just to clarify, I don't have money for the vet otherwise Merlin would already be in. He's 3 and he's been otherwise healthy. He has a cold. His nose is stuffy and he can't smell his food. Cats use their sense of smell to determine whether food is good or not, (which is why he wouldn't eat. He couldn't smell his food.) I have a friend who's a vet who's taken a look at Merlin to verify all of this. I was simply worried that something bad might happen and wanted advice. I...wasn't trying to make a ruckuss or anything. I was upset when I made this thread, I'll admit, mainly because if cats don't eat it DOES mean something is wrong and cause further problems with their livers. That being said, I know what's wrong now and am doing my best to help him.

I got him some particularly smelly food and he DOWNED it. He didn't at first. He just smelled it and laid in the cupboard. But when I checked this morning, he had eaten all of the food. So I went out and got him the same kind, and he ate that, too. He's even meowing and hyper, like normal. I'm keeping an eye on him. He seems normal today, but I'm not convinced.

I am sorry for causing a stir. I really, really love this cat. And if I had the money, I would have taken him to the vet in a heartbeat. 'It doesn't cost too much' isn't going to put money in my wallet, and I DO have a job now. I only forced him to drink water, and I only did it twice. He was drinking water fine yesterday and today. That being said, he's been healthy otherwise since he was born 3 years ago, and he seems to be bouncing back. He's in our bedroom today and seems fine, but I think I'll take him back to the cupboard for the evening. He's comfortable there, especially because he started getting better while he was in the bathroom. It's become a comfort zone for him. I am thankful for everyone's help, whether they read the first page or not. c: This is a forum. I know sometimes people skip the first page, so I'm not offended by anything, and I will take critical advice as it is given.

Merlin is doing better. That's all that's important to me.