Any ideas for Monty? I'm worrying about him.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

He's on day #6 of a 10-day course of antibiotics. He spends most of his day lying on a cat bed/blanket. He does walk around some and switches rooms, but isn't eating as much as I'd like. He'll eat a few bites of kibble when it's put under his nose, but doesn't seem to get up and seek it out. This morning I gave him a bit of canned food, and he ate most of it, then promptly barfed most of it up. He is drinking water. I've resorted to pureeing some canned food and giving it to him via syringe just to get something down him. The Cosequin I ordered for his joints isn't due to arrive until tomorrow, and I understand it's rather slow-acting, anyway. My main concern right now is that he isn't eating enough.

I've been off for 4 days and have to return to work today. I don't like shutting him up in the bedroom, but am doing so today so I can monitor his food intake. If I leave the door open the other two rascals get in there and drink his water, eat his food and act like they're on vacation at the Ritz.

I think I'll call the vet later today for more ideas.

Thanks for reading.

[TZ]

1. Sounds like you need an appetite stimulant

I wonder if the antibiotic is giving him an upset tummy (something that happens with people). I wonder if a different antibiotic would work? Well guess thats up to the vet. Meanwhile, do you know some of those malt-flavored hairball stuff? I never met a cat that didn't love it and it might serve to at least get a few calories in him. As a last resort, a little bit of plain canned chicken maybe? It won't hurt him (it might spoil him though). Turtle also went through this..Getting an older cat to eat can be a challenge.
Also has your cat had his thyroid tested? That also could be an issue.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

2. Thanks for posting

I remembered this morning on the drive to work that I'd purchased two tubes of NutriCal for Simba, who never got to have any because we had him put to sleep the morning after I arrived home in June. I'll give Monty some of that when I get home and will get him some canned chicken, as well. We have some frozen grilled chicken strips - maybe he'd like those (of course, they may have onion seasoning - I'll have to check). He doesn't seem to be having a lot of pain and is still purring whenever I'm with him. I don't know whether to call the vet today or wait until he finishes the antibiotic. I can't really concentrate on work for worrying about him!

Thanks for your concern!

[TZ]

3. No problem

Trust me, I really really know what you are going through. I spent a lot of time energy money and paid leave on Turtle when she got sick.

[demnan]

4. I'm sorry your baby is still sick

but I agree with what everyone else here has said. As long as he is eating some, give him time to get over being off the antibiotics to regain his appetite.

When Lily had this problem I did get appetite stimulants from the Dr. as she wasn't eating at all, but her problem at that time was partly psychological (she and Pad Thai were fighting and I had changed her off food she liked).

[BrklynLiberal]

5. Try giving some acidophilus with the anitbiotic. It helps to combat the side effects of the

antibiotics. It is available in capsules and liguid.
It will help to settle the bad tummy that they get from antibiotics.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

6. Thanks, everyone

You guys ROCK.

I just called the vet - he told me to stop the antibiotic and take Monty's temperature (guess we won't be using THAT thermometer again!). If he still has a fever or isn't doing better by tomorrow afternoon, I'm to call.

I think I'll try the acidophilus, too. The vet told me to give Monty food or water right after taking the antibiotic because it can irritate the esophagus, which I have been, but I didn't consider that maybe his little tummy is being affected, too. I just HATE IT so much when my kitties are sick! Especially this little guy - he's always been as healthy as a horse. After the trauma with Simba last summer, I fear any Monty problems will just finish me off!

[huskerlaw]

7. You might want to try

giving him some baby food. Yes, human baby food. Just make sure it doesn't have onions or garlic in it. It's soft and easily digestible, plus it's good for him.

Another thought is that if you are worried about calories but he'll eat SOME food, try giving him kitten food. More calorie bang per serving.

I hope taking him off the antibiotics helps!

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

8. Thanks

I have been giving him some dry kitten food. I just got home, and he ate a few bites of it. I got an ear thermometer just now and will be trying it out soon.

[City Lights]

9. I second huskerlaw's baby food suggestion.

We one of our cats has been under the weather and not eating, baby food has always worked. I've even watered it down and fed it to the really sick ones through a syringe. Certainly not a permanent solution, but it may help keep Monty from losing too much weight. Good luck, DTBK. :hug: to you and Monty.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

10. Thanks

If he's not doing better by tomorrow, I'll have to go rustle up some baby food. I got an ear thermometer and took his temperature - it was 101.3. I'm hoping it's accurate, because that's WNL. He ate a bit a while ago and scarfed up some treats. Now he's lying by Mr. DTBK's legs on the recliner. The Cosequin should arrive tomorrow, and I'll get him started on that right away.

[City Lights]

11. How's Monty doing today, DTBK? eom

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

12. Thanks for asking!

His temperature appeared normal this morning. I have my doubts about the accuracy of the ear thermometer, but I think I haven't calibrated it properly. He's off the antibiotic. This morning he ate some canned and dry food before I left for work, and I left the bedroom door open so he can come and go. As long as I'm satisfied that he's eating something, that's okay with me. I don't like shutting him in the bedroom all day - I want him to feel like part of the family and not be isolated (unless he were contagious, of course). I gave him 5 gobs of NutriCal last night and will give more as needed. He's moving around the house - a bit stiffly, but moving. He's a quiet kitty anyway and has never been very rambunctious, so I don't expect him to just start dashing about the house. I just want to know that he's comfortable and enjoying life as much as he chooses to. The Cosequin should be there when I get home and I'll start giving him that, and I hope it will help his joints a bit.

Thanks to all for your concern. We love this little guy SOOOOOO much!

[City Lights]

13. Sounds like things are headed in the right direction!

:bounce: From our home to yours :grouphug:

Hoping he continues to improve...:D

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

16. Thank you for the hugs

I want his little legs to feel better now - I hope he's not in a lot of pain. :hug:

[MiniMe]

14. Maybe the antibiotics were upsetting his stomach.

Hopefully, now that he is off them, he will feel better.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

17. I hope so too

He ate his canned food (most of it) with the Cosequin, some dry food, his cheesy treats and licked a plate of milk Mr. DTBK had put down. I wish I could get him to stay on his heating pad, but I suppose wandering around is good for him.

[TZ]

15. I hope he continues to do better

I do have a fondness for those gray kitties....:-)

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

18. Me too

They're just so soft and gorgeous, aren't they? :loveya: