Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Effie loved her kitty heating pad and I ordered it from one of the pet supply places. It is lightly warm andshe was comfortable for hours. Do you suppose she has one at the Bridge? - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 12:19 AM Subject: Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed Thanks, I gave her a very small kitten litter pan, but you are right, she still hurts when she gets into it (it has 3 inch tall sides). I was thinking I needed something shallower, and you are right, I DO have a 9x11 Pyrex baking pan that would be ideal! Thanks for reminding me! She seems the most comfortable if she is on a heating pad. I have one of those microwavable ones (with the soft gel inside), but it gets cold after a couple of hours, and then I have to move her a little to get it out and re-heat it. Does anyone know ofa brand of electric heating pad that does not get too hot, but just warm? It's been my experience that most electric heating pads get too hot to lay on for extended periods, and I'm not sure she CAN get up on her own if it gets too hot. Brenda, the Sphynx rescue lady I help out even had a kitten DIE from being left on a heating pad, so I'm being very cautious. Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~Hi, To help her not to move very much and not to step very high you maywant to try the following: For a "Litter Pan" that is easy to use takeapart a carrier, using the bottom part put a large "Pyrex" pan filledwith litter in it. The reason for this is using the bottom of thecarrier with cut down on the litter being kicker all over the place. Andthe reason for the "Pyrex" pan is due to its weight it will not betipped over and also it is so easy to disinfect. No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 267.2.0 - Release Date: 5/27/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
for the non-electric solution: a bag of beans or rice, heated in the microwave for 3-4 minutes (with a small container for water to add humidity) then wrapped in a towel will hold heat for hours (you have to test what you use to see how long it stays warm)--better than a towel, find an old cat bed with a zipper, and put the beans/rice between the stuffing so it's more comfortable to lay on... there are also frisbie-looking hard plastic disks (i can't remember the brand name, of course...) that you heat in the microwave and slip under a bed that do the same thing--they say they stay warm for a really long time, but the only person i know who actually had one said they lost the heat quickly however, she'd tried the first generation of them so they may have been redesigned -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
When Buddie had her sepsis infection, I just used a regular heating pad on low wrapped around several times in a big towel. It stayed warm but not too warm. I did check it several times to make sure it didn't get too warm. -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
When I was looking around for heating pads for cats, there was a warning to not use a regular heating pad for a cat that is disabled and not likely to move off the pad when/if it gets to warm. I had one heating pad that I used for kittens that never got to warm, but the kittens were able to easily move off of it anyway. The heating pad that I just purchased for myself, (I have a bad back), gets way to hot, even on it's lowest setting. I'd be careful. Belinda Sauro wrote: When Buddie had her sepsis infection, I just used a regular heating pad on low wrapped around several times in a big towel. It stayed warm but not too warm. I did check it several times to make sure it didn't get too warm.
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Thank you Nina, I will replace it if I ever need it for the furkids again it is getting pretty old. -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Jenn, Hooray for Bones and her new family! I love her and I've never even met her. I knew you two didn't have a chance of escaping her charm! Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Laurie. I've named her Bones. She's going to live, in fact she's looking very good now. All rehydrated and eating well on her own now. I'm awaiting funds to get her to the vet, I wont have any money until Wednesday. However, she seems to be MUCH improved with just some home nursing. My main concern now is that she seems to have an injury in her pelvis or back, as she has limited motion, and is in pain when she moves (or is moved). I've called two different vets, and both say I am doing everything right so far, and that even if it IS a pelvic fracture, they usually do NOT repair those, and just let them heal on their own. I'm keeping her in a small room so she does not injure herself further for now, until I can know for sure where the injury is (if it's her back she needs to be as still as possible until it heals). She's eating the dry Innova Evo food, and drinking some water, but I am still supplementing her with the wet mixture of canned food, pedialyte and nutra-cal, for the extra hydration and calories, plus she's getting a cat vitamin a day. She has gone potty, and there is NO blood in her poop or pee, so that is a GREAT sign that either it is a very minor pelvic fracture, or not a pelvic fracture at all (the biggest danger of pelvic fractures in cats is that the sharp bone edges can lacerate the intestine and cause internal bleeding). Her first stool was very hard and dry, but her second one was very normal, she does not appear dehydrated at all anymore (the skin fold test). I think, at this point, she will live, and even recover with time. I have asked the vets if anyone has been missing a cat with her description, but they have not had her reported to their offices. I have not called the animal league yet, but plan to do so. I posted a notice in town, on a public note board, where everyone goes, and no responses so far. I have a feeling she was dumped. The story told to me by the kids who brought her to me for help is that she just appeared at his house. She had not been seen around there until the day she showed up, and he immediately brought her to me. I plan to keep her rather than adopting her out like I have done with my past rescues (we've become very attached to her already, she has a very sweet soul). I'll update everyone after I get her to the vet, and let you all know what is wrong with her as soon as I know. Jenn http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~ If the cat is dehydrated, she need fluids in a hurry. She may not be able to drink enough on her own and may need intravenous fluids. She also needs good nutrition. I don't know if any of the supplements you mentioned is advisable for her. I am not a vet and cannot give you medical advise. I can only tell you what I have seen and heard on the Animal Planet shows about medical care of cats. Cats can develop both kidney and liver problems after not eating for several days. If you don't know how long she had been without food or water, you can't know the extent of any medical problems. I hope you have taken her to a vet for advice. . A vet is the only one who can tell you if she has any of these medical problems and determine the proper course of treatment. A vet can also determine if she has a microchip that can help find her family. Have you called your local humane society or other local shelters to see if they have had any calls for a missing cat matching her description? These resources can probably also give you more medical information than you can get from many of the people who post and read these messages. I absolutely would not give her any sports drinks. I don't trust most of them for humans and I don't even want to think about what they can do to cats. The last posting I have seen from you was from yesterday. What is the latest information on this cat? Laurie B. Oliver No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 267.2.0 - Release Date: 5/27/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
You don't sound crazed, you sound like a wonderful person who is full of caring. We all have regrets and have learned by our experiences. Pets to Bones and hugs to you. Del - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2005 12:31 AM Subject: Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed I look at it this way... if they wanted the cat in the first place, they would have posted her as missing at all the local vet's offices, so I've done enough already. I just went to tend to her, and she can't get up. Her back is very unstable now. She is going to need surgery to stabilize the fractures (I am sure it is her back now). I'm going to call around tomorrow and see how much it is going to cost. If there is any way I can get her fixed, I will do it. I REFUSE to let this happen AGAIN. It's almost as if I have been given another chance to do the right thing this time. I don't know if you remember me ever telling you guys about Do-Dah... he broke his back, and at the time I was told to euthanise him and was not given any other options, and even if I had had them at the time, I could never have raised the funds to get him fixed (I was 8 months pregnant at the time and couldn't work). Then there was KiKi, he was hit by a car and I did not get to him in time, and he died because I wasn't responsible enough to keep him indoors. And then Moogie, who looked as sick as this cat did when I first got her, she died, and I've already gottenBones past that point with home nursing. This is SO deja-vu, it's almost pushing me in the direction of believing in a higher power. KiKi was hit by a car, most likely this cat was too; Do-Dah broke his back, most likely this cat has too; Moogie was bone thin, dehydrated, and weak, this cat was too. I've regretted my mistakes the last time for years, and have always wanted to "make it right", and now, here it is, right in front of me. I am NOT going to let this cat die from injuries that can be fixed. I don't care if I have to work 60 hour weeks and beg on the street with a tin cup. I'm going to find out which vet around here can DO this kind of surgery tomorrow, and I'm going to ask them if I can arrange to send donations directly to their office. If that's doable, then I will do a very in depth donations campaign online and see if I can get some funding that way too. Of course, I plan to spend every dime I have to spare on her too. Pay rent, buy cat food, buy the minimal amount of human groceries, and put everything else into Bones. I am NOT going to be forced into the same corner again, I refuse to take no for an answer this time. I will buy this cat a wheelchair if she needs one. This is not happening to me again! If this is some sort of test, I will pass it, If this is some sort of redemption, I will be redeemed. I am not going to fail, I will not let this cat down! I know I must sound crazed, but if you had been in my shoes, you would be thisway too. Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 267.2.0 - Release Date: 5/27/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Jenn, My mom bought a "heating pad" made especially for cats. I'm not sure which one she got, I'll ask her. I did a quick search for heating pads designed for cats, (to not get too hot). Here's the link: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=511 I also heard about a supplement for inflammation on my IBD list. It's used for arthritis in humans, I think. I don't know that much about it yet. It's called Lyprinol. The two ladies that are trying the Lyprinol have been adding one capsule to a day's rations, just to be on the safe side. So far we're getting good reports. I'm thinking of using it for Zevon's back problems. Why don't you ask your vet if they've heard of it? Here's the paste from the IBD list: Lyprinol is a brand name. It's available in a lot of places---Walgreens probably even has it. I looked at the Vitamin Shoppe on line($32) and at www.wholesalesupplementstore.com ($23). The gelcaps are tiny and hard to divide up into different doses, but Dana has been communicating with Enzymatic Therapy, the distributor, whose rep said to give a cat a whole capsule. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks, I gave her a very small kitten litter pan, but you are right, she still hurts when she gets into it (it has 3 inch tall sides). I was thinking I needed something shallower, and you are right, I DO have a 9x11 Pyrex baking pan that would be ideal! Thanks for reminding me! She seems the most comfortable if she is on a heating pad. I have one of those microwavable ones (with the soft gel inside), but it gets cold after a couple of hours, and then I have to move her a little to get it out and re-heat it. Does anyone know ofa brand of electric heating pad that does not get too hot, but just warm? It's been my experience that most electric heating pads get too hot to lay on for extended periods, and I'm not sure she CAN get up on her own if it gets too hot. Brenda, the Sphynx rescue lady I help out even had a kitten DIE from being left on a heating pad, so I'm being very cautious. Jenn http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~ Hi, To help her not to move very much and not to step very high you may want to try the following: For a "Litter Pan" that is easy to use take apart a carrier, using the bottom part put a large "Pyrex" pan filled with litter in it. The reason for this is using the bottom of the carrier with cut down on the litter being kicker all over the place. And the reason for the "Pyrex" pan is due to its weight it will not be tipped over and also it is so easy to disinfect. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 267.2.0 - Release Date: 5/27/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Hi Laurie. I've named her "Bones". She's going to live, in fact she's looking very good now. All rehydrated and eating well on her own now. I'm awaiting funds to get her to the vet, I wont have any money until Wednesday. However, she seems to be MUCH improved with just some home nursing. My main concern now is that she seems to have an injury in her pelvis or back, as she has limited motion, and is in pain when she moves (or is moved). I've called two different vets, and both say I am doing everything right so far, and that even if it IS a pelvic fracture, they usually do NOT repair those, and just let them heal on their own. I'm keeping her in a small room so she does not injure herself further for now, until I can know for sure where the injury is (if it's her back she needs to be as still as possible until it heals). She's eating the dry Innova Evo food, and drinking some water, but I am still supplementing her with the wet mixture of canned food, pedialyte and nutra-cal, for the extra hydration and calories, plus she's getting a cat vitamin a day. She has gone potty, and there is NO blood in her poop or pee, so that is a GREAT sign that either it is a very minor pelvic fracture, or not a pelvic fracture at all (the biggest danger of pelvic fractures in cats is that the sharp bone edges can lacerate the intestine and cause internal bleeding). Her first stool was very hard and dry, but her second one was very normal, she does not appear dehydrated at all anymore (the skin fold test). I think, at this point, she will live, and even recover with time. I have asked the vets if anyone has been missing a cat with her description, but they have not had her reported to their offices. I have not called the animal league yet, but plan to do so. I posted a notice in town, on a public note board, where everyone goes, and no responses so far. I have a feeling she was dumped. The story told to me by the kids who brought her to me for help is that she just "appeared" at his house. She had not been seen around there until the day she showed up, and he immediately brought her to me. I plan to keep her rather than adopting her out like I have done with my past rescues (we've become very attached to her already, she has a very sweet soul). I'll update everyone after I get her to the vet, and let you all know what is wrong with her as soon as I know. Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~If the cat is dehydrated, she need fluids in a hurry. She may not be able to drink enough on her own and may need intravenous fluids. She also needs good nutrition. I don't know if any of the supplements you mentioned is advisable for her. I am not a vet and cannot give you medical advise. I can only tell you what I have seen and heard on the Animal Planet shows about medical care of cats. Cats can develop both kidney and liver problems after not eating for several days. If you don't know how long she had been without food or water, you can't know the extent of any medical problems. I hope you have taken her to a vet for advice. . A vet is the only one who can tell you if she has any of these medical problems and determine the proper course of treatment. A vet can also determine if she has a microchip that can help find her family. Have you called your local humane society or other local shelters to see if they have had any calls for a missing cat matching her description? These resources can probably also give you more medical information than you can get from many of the people who post and read these messages. I absolutely would not give her any sports drinks. I don't trust most of them for humans and I don't even want to think about what they can do to cats. The last posting I have seen from you was from yesterday. What is the latest information on this cat?Laurie B. Oliver No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 267.2.0 - Release Date: 5/27/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Gosh Jenn! I hate to sound picky, but now your font is so small I can't see it without moving my face right up to the screen??? On a more important note. Be sure you're careful when you put up the notices. If someone calls you want to check THEM out before you tell them you have the cat. You don't want to tell someone you have their cat and then find out they are the type of person you don't want to give her back to! I always say I found the cat and question them about their other cats, how this cat got away, why it might have been so sick, etc. If they sound like a 'sh*t' then I tell them that I found her, but she got away, and I'll call them if I 'find' her again. Leave yourself a way out. I doubt very seriously she belonged to a decent owner or she wouldn't have been in that condition. There could be a legitimate reason, but usually when you find an animal in bad condition it's because they came from 'sh*ts', not responsible people. Pardon my french, but it really makes me mad when I find an animal in horrible shape and then some jerk tries to claim them. And then if you've already admitted you have it you can be FORCED to give it back whether you want to or not. Just be careful. t[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Laurie. I've named her "Bones". She's going to live, in fact she's looking very good now. All rehydrated and eating well on her own now. I'm awaiting funds to get her to the vet, I wont have any money until Wednesday. However, she seems to be MUCH improved with just some home nursing. My main concern now is that she seems to have an injury in her pelvis or back, as she has limited motion, and is in pain when she moves (or is moved). I've called two different vets, and both say I am doing everything right so far, and that even if it IS a pelvic fracture, they usually do NOT repair those, and just let them heal on their own. I'm keeping her in a small room so she does not injure herself further for now, until I can know for sure where the injury is (if it's her back she needs to be as still as possible until it heals). She's eating the dry Innova Evo food, and drinking some water, but I am still supplementing her with the wet mixture of canned food, pedialyte and nutra-cal, for the extra hydration and calories, plus she's getting a cat vitamin a day. She has gone potty, and there is NO blood in her poop or pee, so that is a GREAT sign that either it is a very minor pelvic fracture, or not a pelvic fracture at all (the biggest danger of pelvic fractures in cats is that the sharp bone edges can lacerate the intestine and cause internal bleeding). Her first stool was very hard and dry, but her second one was very normal, she does not appear dehydrated at all anymore (the skin fold test). I think, at this point, she will live, and even recover with time. I have asked the vets if anyone has been missing a cat with her description, but they have not had her reported to their offices. I have not called the animal league yet, but plan to do so. I posted a notice in town, on a public note board, where everyone goes, and no responses so far. I have a feeling she was dumped. The story told to me by the kids who brought her to me for help is that she just "appeared" at his house. She had not been seen around there until the day she showed up, and he immediately brought her to me. I plan to keep her rather than adopting her out like I have done with my past rescues (we've become very attached to her already, she has a very sweet soul). I'll update everyone after I get her to the vet, and let you all know what is wrong with her as soon as I know. Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~If the cat is dehydrated, she need fluids in a hurry. She may not be able to drink enough on her own and may need intravenous fluids. She also needs good nutrition. I don't know if any of the supplements you mentioned is advisable for her. I am not a vet and cannot give you medical advise. I can only tell you what I have seen and heard on the Animal Planet shows about medical care of cats. Cats can develop both kidney and liver problems after not eating for several days. If you don't know how long she had been without food or water, you can't know the extent of any medical problems. I hope you have taken her to a vet for advice. . A vet is the only one who can tell you if she has any of these medical problems and determine the proper course of treatment. A vet can also determine if she has a microchip that can help find her family. Have you called your local humane society or other local shelters to see if they have had any calls for a missing cat matching her description? These resources can probably also give you more medical information than you can get from many of the people who post and read these messages. I absolutely would not give her any sports drinks. I don't trust most of them for humans and I don't
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
I look at it this way... if they wanted the cat in the first place, they would have posted her as missing at all the local vet's offices, so I've done enough already. I just went to tend to her, and she can't get up. Her back is very unstable now. She is going to need surgery to stabilize the fractures (I am sure it is her back now). I'm going to call around tomorrow and see how much it is going to cost. If there is any way I can get her fixed, I will do it. I REFUSE to let this happen AGAIN. It's almost as if I have been given another chance to do the right thing this time. I don't know if you remember me ever telling you guys about Do-Dah... he broke his back, and at the time I was told to euthanise him and was not given any other options, and even if I had had them at the time, I could never have raised the funds to get him fixed (I was 8 months pregnant at the time and couldn't work). Then there was KiKi, he was hit by a car and I did not get to him in time, and he died because I wasn't responsible enough to keep him indoors. And then Moogie, who looked as sick as this cat did when I first got her, she died, and I've already gottenBones past that point with home nursing. This is SO deja-vu, it's almost pushing me in the direction of believing in a higher power. KiKi was hit by a car, most likely this cat was too; Do-Dah broke his back, most likely this cat has too; Moogie was bone thin, dehydrated, and weak, this cat was too. I've regretted my mistakes the last time for years, and have always wanted to "make it right", and now, here it is, right in front of me. I am NOT going to let this cat die from injuries that can be fixed. I don't care if I have to work 60 hour weeks and beg on the street with a tin cup. I'm going to find out which vet around here can DO this kind of surgery tomorrow, and I'm going to ask them if I can arrange to send donations directly to their office. If that's doable, then I will do a very in depth donations campaign online and see if I can get some funding that way too. Of course, I plan to spend every dime I have to spare on her too. Pay rent, buy cat food, buy the minimal amount of human groceries, and put everything else into Bones. I am NOT going to be forced into the same corner again, I refuse to take no for an answer this time. I will buy this cat a wheelchair if she needs one. This is not happening to me again! If this is some sort of test, I will pass it, If this is some sort of redemption, I will be redeemed. I am not going to fail, I will not let this cat down! I know I must sound crazed, but if you had been in my shoes, you would be thisway too. Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 267.2.0 - Release Date: 5/27/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Jenn, I know this is after the fact - but I wasn't online last night... Dasani water (by the makers of Coke) has potassium and magnesium added. It's probable not very much - but it's better than most water. I hope she's doing better this morning! Kat (Mew Jersey) On Wed, 25 May 2005 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Date: Wed, 25 May 2005 23:23:33 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed Let it be said, cats do not like fruit or fruit punch! She did, however, swallow at least 2CC's worth. The yogurt has more potassium than the Gatorade, and it has the beneficial gut flora too, so I think I'll keep with that instead, she seems to take it better than the Gatorade. :) Jenn ~~~ If she took something blueberry flavored she might let you syringe a bit of Gatorade.. you never know! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Jenn, Also remember the raw liver shake - it can be very nourishing. Kat (Mew Jersey) On Wed, 25 May 2005 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Date: Wed, 25 May 2005 23:23:33 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed Let it be said, cats do not like fruit or fruit punch! She did, however, swallow at least 2CC's worth. The yogurt has more potassium than the Gatorade, and it has the beneficial gut flora too, so I think I'll keep with that instead, she seems to take it better than the Gatorade. :) Jenn ~~~ If she took something blueberry flavored she might let you syringe a bit of Gatorade.. you never know!
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Fluids can be harmful if the cat is having fluid related heart problems, I have on one of my lists heard about a cat that was almost killed by too much fluids per the vets instructions. -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Dear Jenn: Do you have a dripbag of LRS and are you able to give her subQ fluids? If not, then use Pedialyte (fluid w/electrolytes for babies, the non-flavored sort) available at most supermarkets and give her fluids orally with a syringe, a little (5-10 ml) at a time every hour or so. Give her small amounts of food, more often, to start with and your Nutrical mix or NC with some strained baby meat and Pedialyte would be OK. The Nutrical has sugar in it for energy as well as B-vites and iron. If she is starving you don't want to overwhelm the GI tract with a large amount of food at one time right away. The condition cats get who don't eat (hepatic lipidosis) is more apt to occur with a cat who is obese/overweight than one who has been starved over time, but I've never had to deal with that so can't really offer insight based on experience. Other listmembers can better advise you about that condition. Basically, keep her warm, keep her hydrated and give her small amounts of food more often. Any type of immune support you have available (Vit. C, Transfer Factor, olive leaf extract, etc. would also be helpful). I would take her to a vet for evaluation as soon as you can get a regular appointment. If you know anyone who is knowledgeable about homeopathy, there may be some remedies that would be helpful as well. Try posting on Holisticat.com...I am a listemember and will check in later on after I finish feeding my furkids and will let you know if I get any helpful feedback. Bless you for trying to help this unfortunate furbaby. I'll be praying she will respond to your care, turn out to be FIV/FeLV negative and able to bounce back. Sally in San Jose
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
you're right, of course, belinda, in cases of diagnosed heart conditions; i wasn't thinking things out guess this is a good one to research in advance--i'm not sure that i'd choose the possibility of harm over the probability of the benefits of hydration, tho, especially in the case of a cat who was starving h. good thing to think about... On 5/26/05, Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Fluids can be harmful if the cat is having fluid related heart problems, I have on one of my lists heard about a cat that was almost killed by too much fluids per the vets instructions. -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed: UPDATE
Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I called my vet today (the better one), and told them what I had, and what I was doing, and they said without bringing her in for bloodwork (which would require a 12 hour fasting that I don't think she would live through at this point), I was doing everything right, and to keep up what I'm doing. Today, when I took her out of the kennel to wobble around while I made her breakfast goo, she found my other cat's dry food and was eating it like there was no tomorrow! I put the mush in her face, and she ate about half of it too. So far, she still will not drink though (that's one of the reasons why I'm doing the wet food mixture still). I checked her today, and she is much less dehydrated already, and she seems to be spunkier, wanting to explore the house (but of course, falling over every few steps in the rear). I went to the store first thing this morning (I live in a very rural area, and all the stores were closed last night after 8 pm when I got her) and bought some unflavored Pedilyte, and plan to syringe that into her shortly (I'm aiming for 9 CC's), in addition to using that in the food goo mix instead of regular water. I'm about to go on an unflavored yogurt hunt in a few minutes, I tried one store, but none of the non-fruity ones had any potassium. She may end up with more fruit yogurt. I don't think the fruit will do her any harm, one of my healthy cats BEGS for the stuff, and I always share with him, and he's healthy as can be. So far, still no signs of need for the cat box. I've since looked online, and she is what is known these days as a Snowshoe Cat. In fact, she's a classic example of the breed. Jeff (my boyfriend) is already highly attached to her. I think it was love at first meow for him (she has the biggest most desperate sounding meow). He says she is the cutest little thing he has ever seen, I think he just found his breed of choice. Jenn ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.17 - Release Date: 5/25/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed: UPDATE
Jenn, That all sounds very promising, especially Jeff's love at first meow! I agree about the fasting. There's no way I would withhold food from an emaciated kitty. If she's showing signs of rehydration, I wouldn't worry too much about her not drinking. Cats get most of their water from their food anyway. I knew that little urchin was going to worm her way into your hearts! Thanks for the update. Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I called my vet today (the better one), and told them what I had, and what I was doing, and they said without bringing her in for bloodwork (which would require a 12 hour fasting that I don't think she would live through at this point), I was doing everything right, and to keep up what I'm doing. Today, when I took her out of the kennel to wobble around while I made her breakfast goo, she found my other cat's dry food and was eating it like there was no tomorrow! I put the mush in her face, and she ate about half of it too. So far, she still will not drink though (that's one of the reasons why I'm doing the wet food mixture still). I checked her today, and she is much less dehydrated already, and she seems to be spunkier, wanting to explore the house (but of course, falling over every few steps in the rear). I went to the store first thing this morning (I live in a very rural area, and all the stores were closed last night after 8 pm when I got her) and bought some unflavored Pedilyte, and plan to syringe that into her shortly (I'm aiming for 9 CC's), in addition to using that in the food goo mix instead of regular water. I'm about to go on an unflavored yogurt hunt in a few minutes, I tried one store, but none of the non-fruity ones had any potassium. She may end up with more fruit yogurt. I don't think the fruit will do her any harm, one of my healthy cats BEGS for the stuff, and I always share with him, and he's healthy as can be. So far, still no signs of need for the cat box. I've since looked online, and she is what is known these days as a Snowshoe Cat. In fact, she's a classic example of the breed. Jeff (my boyfriend) is already highly attached to her. I think it was love at first meow for him (she has the biggest most desperate sounding meow). He says she is the cutest little thing he has ever seen, I think he just found his breed of choice. Jenn ~~~ I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life. Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula! PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.17 - Release Date: 5/25/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed: UPDATE
Great work Jenn! Let's hope she turns out felv negative. Bonnie www.elephants.com Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I called my vet today (the better one), and told them what I had, and what I was doing, and they said without bringing her in for bloodwork (which would require a 12 hour fasting that I don't think she would live through at this point), I was doing everything right, and to keep up what I'm doing. Today, when I took her out of the kennel to wobble around while I made her breakfast goo, she found my other cat's dry food and was eating it like there was no tomorrow! I put the mush in her face, and she ate about half of it too. So far, she still will not drink though (that's one of the reasons why I'm doing the wet food mixture still). I checked her today, and she is much less dehydrated already, and she seems to be spunkier, wanting to explore the house (but of course, falling over every few steps in the rear). I went to the store first thing this morning (I live in a very rural area, and all the stores were closed last night after 8 pm when I got her) and bought some unflavored Pedilyte, and plan to syringe that into her shortly (I'm aiming for 9 CC's), in addition to using that in the food goo mix instead of regular water. I'm about to go on an unflavored yogurt hunt in a few minutes, I tried one store, but none of the non-fruity ones had any potassium. She may end up with more fruit yogurt. I don't think the fruit will do her any harm, one of my healthy cats BEGS for the stuff, and I always share with him, and he's healthy as can be. So far, still no signs of need for the cat box. I've since looked online, and she is what is known these days as a Snowshoe Cat. In fact, she's a classic example of the breed. Jeff (my boyfriend) is already highly attached to her. I think it was love at first meow for him (she has the biggest most desperate sounding meow). He says she is the cutest little thing he has ever seen, I think he just found his breed of choice. Jenn ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.17 - Release Date: 5/25/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed: UPDATE
Hi Jenn To get her to drink try different types of bowls...Becouse there is no smell for her to recognize she may be used to drinking out of a different container...She maybe used to drinking out of a colored plastic bowl which isn't the best but that's what a lot of people would use...or in Vermont farm country she may have been given a bowl of milk...If she goes for milk add more and more water to it over time till you get her drinking all water but she may be used to seeing the liquid in the bowl Tad [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I called my vet today (the better one), and told them what I had, and what I was doing, and they said without bringing her in for bloodwork (which would require a 12 hour fasting that I don't think she would live through at this point), I was doing everything right, and to keep up what I'm doing. Today, when I took her out of the kennel to wobble around while I made her breakfast goo, she found my other cat's dry food and was eating it like there was no tomorrow! I put the mush in her face, and she ate about half of it too. So far, she still will not drink though (that's one of the reasons why I'm doing the wet food mixture still). I checked her today, and she is much less dehydrated already, and she seems to be spunkier, wanting to explore the house (but of course, falling over every few steps in the rear). I went to the store first thing this morning (I live in a very rural area, and all the stores were closed last night after 8 pm when I got her) and bought some unflavored Pedilyte, and plan to syringe that into her shortly (I'm aiming for 9 CC's), in addition to using that in the food goo mix instead of regular water. I'm about to go on an unflavored yogurt hunt in a few minutes, I tried one store, but none of the non-fruity ones had any potassium. She may end up with more fruit yogurt. I don't think the fruit will do her any harm, one of my healthy cats BEGS for the stuff, and I always share with him, and he's healthy as can be. So far, still no signs of need for the cat box. I've since looked online, and she is what is known these days as a Snowshoe Cat. In fact, she's a classic example of the breed. Jeff (my boyfriend) is already highly attached to her. I think it was love at first meow for him (she has the biggest most desperate sounding meow). He says she is the cutest little thing he has ever seen, I think he just found his breed of choice. Jenn ~~~ I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life. Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula! PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.17 - Release Date: 5/25/2005
emergency advice on starved cat needed
Someone brought me a starved cat (young adult I think). She is eating my goo mixture of wet cat food, Nutri-cal, and water, but she is desperately thin. She's obviously dehydrated, but since I've gotten wet food mixture into her, she has already perked up. Can you guys please remind me of what happens to a cat that is starved? Is it renal failure they get from being starved? She seems very wobbly in her back legs now, and you can see every bone in her body. Her body temp was so low when she first got here that I thought she was dying. I put her on a heating pad, and now her body temp feels much more normal (I don't have a thermometer). She laid there like she was dead for the first hour, then she began to shiver, now she seems OK. I can't afford a emergency vet trip right now, so I need to do what I can for her tonight. I gave her a bit of Beyer's yogurt that I had (blueberry flavor), because it was the only thing I had in the house with potassium in it, and I remember someone saying that weak back legs can be helped with potassium, I think. She probably weighs 2 pounds max right now. She is a tiny Siamese mix (has the big Siamese voice and ice blue eyes), seal point, with white chest,muzzleand feet. She appears to have her adult teeth, but she is TINY for an adult. Any advice appreciated. She just found the couch and jumped up on it, I think she was a house cat at some point. I'd hate to let someone's beloved missing pet die tonight, please help me! Jenn ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
If they do not eat for more than 48 hours, they are at risk of getting fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) but do not necessarily get it. If they get it, they do not want to eat because they are nauseous from their liver shutting down, and they often turn yellow. If she is eating, I doubt she has it. She can be thin from not getting enough food over a long period of time, without ever going with no food at all for a significant period, which is what causes fatty liver. I would just keep doing what you are doing. If you know how to give subcutanous fluids you might want to do that, but it can be sort of scary to do on really thin cats. Michelle
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Thanks Michelle. I don't have any sub-q fluids here, or I would do it. She is eating on her own from a bowl, so that sounds promising. Thanks! I'm about to try to give her a bowl of just plain water and see if she will drink it. I wanted to get some calories in her first (I really thought she was going to die). Jenn ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Do you have any canned A/D? adding that to your watered down food goop is a good idea, also any digestive enzymes (like Prozyme etc) to go along with the nutri-cal.If she's just starting to get decent and enough food again, then anything you give her is going to cause g/i distress, so be prepared for some mess. How dehydrated is she? Do the skin tent test on the back of her neck and if it doesn't snap back, you need to supplement her water intake - just use an oral syringe to slowly squirt water in her mouth. The sub-Q fluids is a good idea too. And Michelle is right about fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) being from NO food for days as opposed to not nearly enough for a long time. Monitor her tonight, make sure the plumbing works:) and give her scritches and kisses from me:)[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Someone brought me a starved cat (young adult I think). She is eating my goo mixture of wet cat food, Nutri-cal, and water, but she is desperately thin. She's obviously dehydrated, but since I've gotten wet food mixture into her, she has already perked up. Can you guys please remind me of what happens to a cat that is starved? Is it renal failure they get from being starved? She seems very wobbly in her back legs now, and you can see every bone in her body. Her body temp was so low when she first got here that I thought she was dying. I put her on a heating pad, and now her body temp feels much more normal (I don't have a thermometer). She laid there like she was dead for the first hour, then she began to shiver, now she seems OK. I can't afford a emergency vet trip right now, so I need to do what I can for her tonight. I gave her a bit of Beyer's yogurt that I had (blueberry flavor), because it was the only thing I had in the house with potassium in it, and I remember someone saying that weak back legs can be helped with potassium, I think. She probably weighs 2 pounds max right now. She is a tiny Siamese mix (has the big Siamese voice and ice blue eyes), seal point, with white chest,muzzleand feet. She appears to have her adult teeth, but she is TINY for an adult. Any advice appreciated. She just found the couch and jumped up on it, I think she was a house cat at some point. I'd hate to let someone's beloved missing pet die tonight, please help me! Jenn ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil!No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile."- Anonymous__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
RE: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Hi Jenn, I have the same problem with Jeresy.I gave him somecream chease and later somebody from the forum suggested that I feed him with baby food (Barbara I think). It worked- the small pots in Walmart - chiken, beef. It shoul work. Keep in touch Stan From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: emergency advice on starved cat neededDate: Wed, 25 May 2005 21:43:36 -0400Someone brought me a starved cat (young adult I think). She is eating my goo mixture of wet cat food, Nutri-cal, and water, but she is desperately thin. She's obviously dehydrated, but since I've gotten wet food mixture into her, she has already perked up. Can you guys please remind me of what happens to a cat that is starved? Is it renal failure they get from being starved? She seems very wobbly in her back legs now, and you can see every bone in her body. Her body temp was so low when she first got here that I thought she was dying. I put her on a heating pad, and now her body temp feels much more normal (I don't have a thermometer). She laid there like she was dead for the first hour, then she began to shiver, now she seems OK. I can't afford a emergency vet trip right now, so I need to do what I can for her tonight. I gave her a bit of Beyer's yogurt that I had (blueberry flavor), because it was the only thing I had in the house with potassium in it, and I remember someone saying that weak back legs can be helped with potassium, I think. She probably weighs 2 pounds max right now. She is a tiny Siamese mix (has the big Siamese voice and ice blue eyes), seal point, with white chest, muzzle and feet. She appears to have her adult teeth, but she is TINY for an adult. Any advice appreciated. She just found the couch and jumped up on it, I think she was a house cat at some point. I'd hate to let someone's beloved missing pet die tonight, please help me!Jenn~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil!If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil!No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Ditto to what Michelle said. And yes, potassium deficiency does cause rear leg weakness. The reason giving sub Q fluids to sick cats might be scary, (at least for me) is there is no where for the fluid to go at first and it sits in a large bubble on their back. I had a kitten come to me in the same condition, but it was beyond eating at the point it arrived. Sub Q really helped that guy feel better. If you have them, do give them. I can't remember how much, but I'd err on the side of too little rather than too much, you can always give more later. Also, if you don't have any Nutrical in the house, you can use a tiny bit of clear Karo syrup on her gums to give her energy, if she starts to fail. Keep that little angel warm, keep offering her food and follow your instincts. If she's eating and jumping on furniture to make herself more comfortable that gives me great hope that, with your help, she'll pull through. Keep us posted. Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If they do not eat for more than 48 hours, they are at risk of getting fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) but do not necessarily get it. If they get it, they do not want to eat because they are nauseous from their liver shutting down, and they often turn yellow. If she is eating, I doubt she has it. She can be thin from not getting enough food over a long period of time, without ever going with no food at all for a significant period, which is what causes fatty liver. I would just keep doing what you are doing. If you know how to give subcutanous fluids you might want to do that, but it can be sort of scary to do on really thin cats. Michelle
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Do you have any pedilyte in the house? How about Transfer Factor? Anything with electrolytes would help. Barbara's suggestion about monitoring her bathroom habits is a very good idea. Don't be surprised if it takes her a while before she urinates or defecates. See if you can get a hold of some Sub Q fluids for her. You can order them on-line of course, but maybe a vet will take pity on you and help you out without charging you an arm and a leg. Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Michelle. I don't have any sub-q fluids here, or I would do it. She is eating on her own from a bowl, so that sounds promising. Thanks! I'm about to try to give her a bowl of just plain water and see if she will drink it. I wanted to get some calories in her first (I really thought she was going to die). Jenn ~~~ I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life. Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula! PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
I have generic Gatorade, but that has flavor in it. I'm tempted to syringe her some lukewarm water, but I did have the food she was eating soupy, so I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary. I hate to over-do it and make her puke, I don't think she has the extra calories to burn right now. She's resting comfortably on the sofa on a heating pad now. She will eat a few bites of food every 15 minutes or so, I keep re-heating it and offering it to her bit by bit. She refused water, but thekids who brought her to me told me they had given her milk and tuna so maybe she's not thirsty because of the milk (I'm praying she's not lactose intolerant). I admire those kids, typical late teens/early 20's kids, one just got out of jail, and they brought me this cat to save, I can't help but admire them for that! Maybe there's hope for them, the one had the cat bundled up in his hoodie, and he told me to "just keep it". I'm going to make sure he gets it back, of course. I am sure I will take her to one of my vets tomorrow morning (whoever will give me the best deal on rehydrating her), I just can't afford an "emergency" after hours visit, so I'm just trying to nurse her through the night. So far, I've offered her a cat box several times, and she shows no interest at all (as thin as she is I'm sure her body is using most of it all so far). She looks SO much worse than Moogie did when she died... it's hard to believe this cat might make it (I hate to get my hopes up just to be crushed). She's strong though, she has a big, hearty meow, and she actually BIT one of my feeding syringes in half already (that's why I just gave her a dish, she came alive in the middle of a syringe feeding and decided she was finally HUNGRY). Thanks everyone! Jenn ~~~Do you have any pedilyte in the house? How about Transfer Factor? Anything with electrolytes would help. Barbara's suggestion about monitoring her bathroom habits is a very good idea. Don't be surprised if it takes her a while before she urinates or defecates. See if you can get a hold of some Sub Q fluids for her. You can order them on-line of course, but maybe a vet will take pity on you and help you out without charging you an arm and a leg.Nina No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Jenn, Keep up the good work and keep us posted! I'm not so sure about giving her Gatorade though. But maybe others on this list would know more about that. Bonnie in WI www.elephants.com I have generic Gatorade, but that has flavor in it. I'm tempted to syringe her some lukewarm water, but I did have the food she was eating soupy, so I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary. I hate to over-do it and make her puke, I don't think she has the extra calories to burn right now. She's resting comfortably on the sofa on a heating pad now. She will eat a few bites of food every 15 minutes or so, I keep re-heating it and offering it to her bit by bit. She refused water, but thekids who brought her to me told me they had given her milk and tuna so maybe she's not thirsty because of the milk (I'm praying she's not lactose intolerant). I admire those kids, typical late teens/early 20's kids, one just got out of jail, and they brought me this cat to save, I can't help but admire them for that! Maybe there's hope for them, the one had the cat bundled up in his hoodie, and he told me to "just keep it". I'm going to make sure he gets it back, of course. I am sure I will take her to one of my vets tomorrow morning (whoever will give me the best deal on rehydrating her), I just can't afford an "emergency" after hours visit, so I'm just trying to nurse her through the night. So far, I've offered her a cat box several times, and she shows no interest at all (as thin as she is I'm sure her body is using most of it all so far). She looks SO much worse than Moogie did when she died... it's hard to believe this cat might make it (I hate to get my hopes up just to be crushed). She's strong though, she has a big, hearty meow, and she actually BIT one of my feeding syringes in half already (that's why I just gave her a dish, she came alive in the middle of a syringe feeding and decided she was finally HUNGRY). Thanks everyone! Jenn ~~~Do you have any pedilyte in the house? How about Transfer Factor? Anything with electrolytes would help. Barbara's suggestion about monitoring her bathroom habits is a very good idea. Don't be surprised if it takes her a while before she urinates or defecates. See if you can get a hold of some Sub Q fluids for her. You can order them on-line of course, but maybe a vet will take pity on you and help you out without charging you an arm and a leg.Nina No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
well, I'm naturally cautious, but I would either hold off on sub-q fluids until I talked to a vet - is there an emergency vet service that ight give advice over the phone? I call ours when I think I need to... Bonnie in WI www.elephants.com - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 9:03 pm Subject: Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed Ditto to what Michelle said. And yes, potassium deficiency does cause rear leg weakness. The reason giving sub Q fluids to sick cats might be scary, (at least for me) is there is no where for the fluid to go at first and it sits in a large bubble on their back. I had a kitten come to me in the same condition, but it was beyond eating at the point it arrived. Sub Q really helped that guy feel better. If you have them, do give them. I can't remember how much, but I'd err on the side of too little rather than too much, you can always give more later. Also, if you don't have any Nutrical in the house, you can use a tiny bit of clear Karo syrup on her gums to give her energy, if she starts to fail. Keep that little angel warm, keep offering her food and follow your instincts. If she's eating and jumping on furniture to make herself more comfortable that gives me great hope that, with your help, she'll pull through. Keep us posted. Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If they do not eat for more than 48 hours, they are at risk of getting fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) but do not necessarily get it. If they get it, they do not want to eat because they are nauseous from their liver shutting down, and they often turn yellow. If she is eating, I doubt she has it. She can be thin from not getting enough food over a long period of time, without ever going with no food at all for a significant period, which is what causes fatty liver. I would just keep doing what you are doing. If you know how to give subcutanous fluids you might want to do that, but it can be sort of scary to do on really thin cats. Michelle
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Jenn, You are right about her needing potassium. The only thing I know of with potassium is a banana. Do you have any gatorade or other sports type drinks? They often have electrolytes, etc... that help when dehydrated. Also, be careful not to feed too much too fast. You don't want to overwhelm her body or make her sick Good luck. She's lucky to have found her way to you! tBarb Moermond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Do you have any canned A/D? adding that to your watered down food goop is a good idea, also any digestive enzymes (like Prozyme etc) to go along with the nutri-cal.If she's just starting to get decent and enough food again, then anything you give her is going to cause g/i distress, so be prepared for some mess. How dehydrated is she? Do the skin tent test on the back of her neck and if it doesn't snap back, you need to supplement her water intake - just use an oral syringe to slowly squirt water in her mouth. The sub-Q fluids is a good idea too. And Michelle is right about fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) being from NO food for days as opposed to not nearly enough for a long time. Monitor her tonight, make sure the plumbing works:) and give her scritches and kisses from me:)[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Someone brought me a starved cat (young adult I think). She is eating my goo mixture of wet cat food, Nutri-cal, and water, but she is desperately thin. She's obviously dehydrated, but since I've gotten wet food mixture into her, she has already perked up. Can you guys please remind me of what happens to a cat that is starved? Is it renal failure they get from being starved? She seems very wobbly in her back legs now, and you can see every bone in her body. Her body temp was so low when she first got here that I thought she was dying. I put her on a heating pad, and now her body temp feels much more normal (I don't have a thermometer). She laid there like she was dead for the first hour, then she began to shiver, now she seems OK. I can't afford a emergency vet trip right now, so I need to do what I can for her tonight. I gave her a bit of Beyer's yogurt that I had (blueberry flavor), because it was the only thing I had in the house with potassium in it, and I remember someone saying that weak back legs can be helped with potassium, I think. She probably weighs 2 pounds max right now. She is a tiny Siamese mix (has the big Siamese voice and ice blue eyes), seal point, with white chest,muzzleand feet. She appears to have her adult teeth, but she is TINY for an adult. Any advice appreciated. She just found the couch and jumped up on it, I think she was a house cat at some point. I'd hate to let someone's beloved missing pet die tonight, please help me! Jenn ~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil!No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile." - Anonymous __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: emergency advice on starved cat needed
Let it be said, cats do not like fruit or fruit punch! She did, however, swallow at least 2CC's worth. The yogurt has more potassium than the Gatorade, and it has the beneficial gut flora too, so I think I'll keep with that instead, she seems to take it better than the Gatorade. :) Jenn ~~~If she took something blueberry flavored she might let you syringe a bit of Gatorade.. you never know! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.16 - Release Date: 5/24/2005
