2 sick cats, one with ear mites, the other one sleeping a lot?

Question

This post is the third in a series involving Melvin and Oliver. I called the vet this morning that diagnosed earmites only in Melvin. I told them that both cats were still sleeping a lot and that I wanted to bring them in. The vet was on an emergency call and I was told that I could bring them in and they would try to observe them over 2 or 3 days. If I take them in, I want them to be looked at while I am there and/or tested for such things as Fe. Leukemia or FIV. There are only 2 people in the office on a regular basis....the recep. is always busy, in fact probably too busy to phone me to tell me when the vet returns to the office from the emer. call. I can observe the cats at home for free! Oliver is a little perkier today, Melvin is about the same. He is still not liking his forehead touched and is still shaking his ears. if I had bugs in my head, I may lay around a lot too. I go back and forth with the worry. Another vet suggested the tests that i mentioned. Thoughts?

Answer 1

cats always sleep and the 1 with ear mites?there is medicine for that (cat ear drops)

Answer 2

Ear mites is something that is easily taken care of with ear drops.

When you say they're sleeping alot, how much is alot? 12 hours a day? 16 hours a day? What makes you believe that they are ill? Are they eating? Drinking? Are they going to the bathroom ok (no loose stools or over urinating)?

Have they been in for an exam? If they were adopted at a shelter, then the shelter should have checked them ofr FELV/FIV. If you have found them (sorry, I havent read the other entry) and they weren't checked for FELV/FIV, then they should be.

I can tell you in fact that the receptionist is probably too busy to give you a call back immediately. If it's like the clinic I work at, you're fielding calls, making meds, cleaning rooms, checking out clients.....and taking calls. Multitasking to the next level. But someone should call you back either when they rush of people dies down or at the end of the day when there are not more appointments.

If you are unhappy with your vet and their service, then by all means you should look into getting another one. You should definitely feel comfortable with the doctor you'll be dealing with for years to come.

Answer 3

The first thought that occurred to me is that you might seriously consider switching to another vet. It sounds like the one you have now will never be available when you need them.
Next, cats do like to sleep a lot sometimes, but they could also be sick. Do they seem to have an elevated temperature? Are their noses hot and dry or cold and moist? Are they eating and drinking normally? Do they have diarrhea? Does their breath stink more than usual? Is their skin hanging in folds on their back? Are they sneezing a lot? Coughing a lot, even though they have fur-ball medications? Can they stand steady on their legs? Check them carefully all over for tiny bite wounds. They could have gotten into a scrap with another adult cat and could be infected from the wound.
You must have noticed something strange to be so worried. Try to think what it is. If there is really anything more that is weird, do not hesitate to switch vets immediately, and get an appointment today or tomorrow. Do not feed them anything with onions or let them eat houseplants.

They need to have their FIV and FLV vaccines as well as the tests, as you mentioned. The also will need 2 other shots given separately called "Feline Booster", which is a combo of different shots. After that, they don't really need the "Boosters" again. If they go outside at all, rabies is also necessary.

Answer 4

For the ear mites.Use clean cotton swabs and peroxide.If you have someone to help hold it down pour a small amount into its ears.The bubbling effect will remove the mites.If his head hurts like he has a headache.Break up a baby aspirin and mix in with his water or milk.The other one my be behaving like he is out of sympathy for his companion.I have rescued a lot of cats and I have always been able to get rid of the ear mites without vet help.
Just make sure you keep cleaning his ears everyday until you don't notice him having anymore in his ears for several day's.

Answer 5

pets that sleep alot are usually comphortable in thier environment. It could be the type of food you have them on. For instance, when you eat a big meal, dont' you get sleepy? I would first start by regulating when and how much they eat. Give them excersize, how? Buy a remote control mouse, or a mouse on a stick. Play with them often. It builds thier metabolizm up. It also helps them stay active.

You could buy a Pit Bulldog and let him chase them around. That might cause another problem, but it would be fun to watch!

Answer 6

when my animals get ear mites you can get rid of this way..in a small bottle mix vinigar and water.. shake the bottle well and place some drops into each ear.. then take some quitips and gradually clean out the ears being careful not to go to deep.. what the vinigar does is it breaks up the crappy stuff and brings it to the surface of the ear.. im telling you it works.. foxi

Answer 7

I think you need to get another Vet the first thing.
Ear mites can easily be cured by meds.
And cats are nocturnal (night) animals by nature. It is normal for them to sleep most of the day and only be awake for short periods.

Answer 8

cats just sleep a lot...its a rule of thumb. and earmites can be cured with medicine. you should definately get a second and third opinion from different vets before acting.

Answer 9

I would suggest getting both cats tested for FIV/FeLV if they have never been. It's just my opinion, that every cat should be tested for those two things.

Answer 10

my dog had ear mites and was told they are VERY painfull. ear drops and warm towels behind the ear help out.