We live in rural area and a long way from anything. I don't know if she is just experiencing problems from something bad that she may have eaten outside. She is an inside cat, but does go outside to use the bathroom and sometimes stays a hour or two. I gave her some milk, which I don't normally do but she threw it up. She is about 5 yrs old and has never been sick before. She is our first pet and we don't know what to do tonight. Please help!
2006-10-02 18:55:55 · 16 answers · asked by Lindsey A 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
How nice for everyone to have immediate access to a vet.
We are also in a rural area, Lindsey, with one vet in the ENTIRE county, 40 miles from here. And no, he does not pick up his phone after business hours, the poor guy's half-dead.
We run a shelter for unwanted animals, and have learned the folly of taking one to the emergency vets 100 miles from here, too, unless we take out a mortgage on the shelter.
We once had a cat here that was often constipated due to his age. He was on a special diet most of his life, but nothing seemed to help completely.
Being constipated can bring them down quickly, as they can retain a lot of waste in their system.
Our cat had to have enemas, but this is NOT something you want to tackle yourself. Cats do not respond well to enemas. And if she has a blockage or an unknown internal injury, you could injure her further.
Don't indulge in home remedies, like mineral oil, milk, vaseline on her paws, or whatever. I'm sure you know not to give her any aspirin, it will kill a cat. Don't forcefeed her anything, including water. Do not massage her.
If she isn't bleeding from either end, you may be forced to wait this one out. People who live in cities do not understand that we don't have a lot of resources at our fingertips. Yes, she needs veterinary care, but it will have to wait until morning.
They will also cry and moan if they have been bitten by snakes, or have ingested a lizard or poisonous frog.
They will also carry on as you describe if they're about to have kittens.....I assume you've had her fixed????
I'm sorry I can only tell you what NOT to do. We know how frustrating it is when we have a 2 a.m. emergency and know we have to deal with it ourselves for the next six hours.
Good luck to you.
2006-10-02 19:57:32 · answer #1 · answered by Charlotte M 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Is It An Emergency? The problem you describe is one! Call your vetenarian immediately!
Most people want to provide their cats with the very best care, but don’t want to run to their veterinarians every time there’s a sign of trouble. Sometimes, though, even the most conscientious person can’t distinguish between a true emergency and when the problem can be resolved at home
Straining to eliminate. If a cat makes a great effort to eliminate — and especially if it vocalizes during the process — it could be experiencing severe constipation, urinary tract disease or a lower urinary tract obstruction. The latter ailment is common in males and may be fatal. But because it’s often difficult to differentiate between a cat struggling to defecate (not necessarily an emergency) and one that’s struggling to urinate (frequently an emergency), immediate consultation with a veterinarian is critical.
2006-10-02 22:10:18 · answer #2 · answered by ~Me~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Taking her to a vet would be best instead of guessing.
With the breathing problem She may have something stuck in her through or just blocking the airway . with the other problems listed . yes she has gotten into something more than her body can handle by its self. Possibly something she found that was thrown from a passing car . Or a dead bird.
Have you been providing her with water?or tried the warm water and soap trick through the anus to try and help clear any intestinal blockage.
2006-10-02 20:09:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You definitely need to take her to the vet, you can find an emergency vet in your area thru the computer. Also, don't give her any more milk. Cats are lactose intolerant after about a year and should only have water, so it's not helping her feel better. Lots of water and try gently massaging her tummy to stimulate her bowels. If you can't get her to a vet tonite, just watch her closely and keep her as comfortable as you can.
2006-10-02 19:07:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'd say that it would definetly be worth the drive to a vet. I would bring her as soon as you can, it may or may not be something serious, but it's best to find out. If she is constipated then you should leaver her at the vet and they can give her an enema and take care of her.
2006-10-02 19:00:34 · answer #5 · answered by Wilochka 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My boyfriends cat had similar problems and we took her to the vet to see what was wrong. She had swallowed a piece of a shoe and it was stuch in her intestines. They gave her a laxative. Really the best bet is to take her to a vet if in fact she did eat something, actually thats something you really need to do. Only a vet can really tell whats wrong
2006-10-02 19:01:17 · answer #6 · answered by dance2stayalive 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Poor girl
sounds like she ate something she wasnt supposed to get into outside
try calling a 24/7 vet hospital that WONT charge you an arm & a leg for checking her belly
2006-10-02 19:56:10 · answer #7 · answered by KittyMom 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Do you think you might need to take the cat to the vet? LISTEN to what everybody else has said. Take the cat to the vet, NOW. Don't wait, it may be to late if you keep putting it off.
Have a nice day!
2006-10-02 19:12:39 · answer #8 · answered by Uncle Alf 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
u need to take ur cat to the vet. i know u said u live in a small town but surely there is a vet somewhere around there. Cats are strong animals and when they show signs of being sick then that means they are sick. get ur cat to a vet or bury him or her.
2006-10-02 19:04:17 · answer #9 · answered by wolfepack9214 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
sounds like what happened when my cat ate a penny. Take her to a vet immediately. An x-ray will show if she has something blocked. Don't wait.
2006-10-03 00:50:08 · answer #10 · answered by asiansiam 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋