at my wit's end about cat not eating

[jmbklj Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jmbklj]

I gave my previous cat fluids for 2 years. At first I couldn't imagine how he or I would get used to it, and I wondered what kind of quality of life he would have, but actually he got used to it, and would sit calmly on my lap while he got his IV fluids.

Warming the fluids is a good idea. In my case, I would do it in the bathroom, hanging the IV bag on a hanger on the shower curtain rod. I'd sit on the floor floor with my cat on my lap, and once he got used to it, I think we enjoyed our bonding time there. He would sit there and quietly purr while geting his fluids and he would be quite calm & relaxed.

One thing he didn't like was when I was not very good at doing it, putting the needle in and right out the other side of his skin. Then the fluids would get him wet. But with more practice on my part, I got much better at it, and we both relaxed while doing it.

[mdurette Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mdurette]

did the first several steps. However, my husband would put in the needle, I'd start the drip, and I'd feel her coat getting soaked. We just could not find a "pocket" to get into. she is all skin and bones. we were not successful today and she is not going to be patient with us much longer.

One of two things:
1. He didn't put it in all the way. It does take a bit of pressure to get it in. There is a definate feeling when you pierce the skin -then the needle will slide.

2. He did get it in - but it went through to the other side.

When you grab the neck skin and pull up - use your finger to feel were the needle will be going in. There will be a gap under the fingers where the skin is stretched from the body. Kinda in an inverted V - that is where the needle will go.

[Bill4728 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bill4728]

When our cat did this several years ago out vet suggested baby food ( like chicken or ham baby food) It was the only thing she would eat for several weeks before she started eating again.

Good Luck

[rapmarks Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close rapmarks]

she won't eat baby food, but she is eating a little of Hill's Science diet critical car, about 2 bucks a can only at the vets. I am so happy she is eating it. We managed to get the needle in, but she would not sit for it, gave about half the dose yesterday, will try again today. she was slightly better today after a pretty bad Sat and Sunday.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

she won't eat baby food, but she is eating a little of Hill's Science diet critical car, about 2 bucks a can only at the vets. I am so happy she is eating it. We managed to get the needle in, but she would not sit for it, gave about half the dose yesterday, will try again today. she was slightly better today after a pretty bad Sat and Sunday.

As you can see, I am a cat lover
Cody GF had surgery a few years ago for a rectal abscess - she was a 'don't bother me' kinda cat before but ever since her hospital stay, she is soooo affectionate - she really appreciates her 'people' now.

As a nurse, I think the reason she was able to eat a bit is because she is less dehydrated - try to get some more fluids in her even if only half...I will keep you in my thoughts

[dcwojo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dcwojo]

When one of our cat's was dehydrated and not eating(also on thyroid meds) our vet suggested seeing if the cat would drink some pedialyte. It helped and a few days later our cat was doing much better.

[rapmarks Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close rapmarks]

We had to say goodbye to Ariel today. she was under 4 pounds, had great difficulty breathing, had spasms, she couldn't walk a straight line. We are feeling pretty bad tonight.

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

I share your feelings. We lost a long time cat last year, as well as a young kitten.

Please know your cat is resting well now.

[Jeanne Sz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jeanne Sz]

Our sympathies to you and your family. Losing a pet can be as sad as losing another family member. We lost our dog, Ollie, 3 years ago under similar circumstances. We still miss him.

[mdurette Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mdurette]

We had to say goodbye to Ariel today. she was under 4 pounds, had great difficulty breathing, had spasms, she couldn't walk a straight line. We are feeling pretty bad tonight.

So sorry you are going through this. Cherish the memories you have and know that you tried your best.

[Nancy Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Nancy]

My sympathy to you and your family. After our last 2 went to kitty heaven, decided no more. I miss them.

Nancy

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

My condolences -

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

I feel for you because it is so hard to lose a pet. Slowly but surely, the good memories will take over the very sad feelings you have right now.

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

DW took out a sweater from last season. She keeps finding strands of fur from our dear nallah that past away in April of 2010. I take a piece of transparent tape and paste it to her urn stored in our china cabinet.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Our sympathies. I know how much a pet can be part of the family and that loss is hard for the family.