Cat losing weight and staring at water bowl.

by Narcissie Menefee
(Glen Burnie,MD)

I have a very old Persian cat that I rescued about 10 yrs ago just before they were going to put her to sleep at the shelter. She has been pretty healthy once we got her some weight on and defleed. My problem is this, about a weelk or so ago she started to slow down on her eating and the last few day's(and nights) she just sits at her water dish and cries. I picked her up last night and was shocked at how thin she has gotten. I am 60 yrs old and trying to raise my two granddaughters ages 3 and 4 so I pretty much have my hands full. I am ashamed that it took me this long to see is so ill. I really can't afford a vet right now as my husband has been out of work since before Christmas but I really don't know what to do and I am so afraid she is dying. Any help will be taken and as soon as I can afford it I will be happy to purchase your book or make a donation. Thank you so very much.

Answer by Kate
Hi Narcissie
I completely understand your current situation, many people are finding themselves in the same situation. unfortunately there are not many things you can treat at home cheaply and in this case given that your cat is very old it could be that she is coming to the end of her life and may be suffering from any number of possible illnesses from cancer, heart trouble, thyroid issues etc and only a vet could diagnose and treat for these.

It may be that you will have to pay fro a consultation vet fee and get his candid opinion on her condition. If he is a good vet then he should be frank with your and let you know if he feels that it due to her age or if there is an illness involved and that it would be worth treating or not given her age etc. tell him your current financial difficulties and he should give you a full explanation of possible causes and treatment etc. A consultation fee should only be around £40 (thats what i pay here in the UK)

I do hope you can find a way to take her to the vets as she definitely does sound rather unwell.

best wishes Kate

Comments for
Cat losing weight and staring at water bowl.

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Your kitty sounds very ill :(
by: SR

Hi-I really think your cat is ill-most likely it is in a lot of pain; however, cats definatley do not show the amount of pain they are in so she is probably in a lot more discomfort than it may look-please try to take her to the vet asap-a good vet that will be honest with you-she may facing one of many health issues&I personally feel if you discover that she has a severe chronic painful illness and do not have the funds to treat her or to take away the discomfort then possibly humanely putting her to sleep would be better than letting her live in so much pain (unless you have someone who could provide her with a lot of love&attn and afford the expenses)-If she ends up in a shelter, she may end up dying of the stress of being away from her home due to her age; however, if her condition can be treated&someone is willing to take her in then I think choosing that option would be best-

staring at water
by: brenda

Hi there , sorry to hear about your cats health issues , Im currently dealing with the same issue . My cat is 11 years old . Just recently stopped eating , and would only stare at her water . I took her to the vet (when even treats couldnt get her to eat) , and we think she has fatty liver syndrome . I have been force feeding her for about 17 days now , Today i m optimistic that she is improving . If your cat has not eaten normally for more than 2 days ... take her to your vet , Fatty liver is reversible if treated early enough . If your have questions I m here to help while i deal with the same thing

Thank You
by: Narcissie

Thank you so much for being candid with me and I am sure you are right. I have noticed a new development this morning, my cat(Abby Gail) seems to be trying to eat but can't seem to chew well so I gave her some chicken broth and she did drink that. As soon as I can get out of the house (we are snowed in here) I am going to go to the pet store and get some paste that I had to feed a sick kitten once and at least she will get some nourishment. hoping she can hold on for a while longer and I will take her to her vet. I will keep you updated if that is o.k. Again, Thank You

Comment from Kate
Hi yes i would Love to know how she gets on.

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