my cat is barely eating or drinking. he's been to the vet twice with no results - what should I do?

Question

My cat suddenly lost interest in food and water about four days ago. I took him to the vet immediately. The vet can't find anything wrong with him. All test results are normal including bloodwork and xrays. He's been getting shots of fluid but this is getting expensive with little results. Am I just being jerked around? I spent $250 for 2 visits and my cat is just getting weaker. I don't have much money and have been charging the bills on my credit card. Any advice?

Answer 1

Sounds like there is definitely something wrong with your cat. I would find another vet for a second opinion. You should also request copies of the blood work and test results. You can then research the results online. If you can't find any information online you can also ask some web vets their advise (if you have the test results to give the web vets it will help them to help you and you can get the advise of manys different vets).

Answer 2

Get your cat's full medical record from the Vet (they have to at least give a copy) and take that to a new vet (check around). WHEN (not if) the new vet finds out what is wrong go back to the first and confront calmly. No excuses. Just calmly ask to have your card account credited. Do this at a busy time of their day - when lots of customers are around. Again very calmly - no emotion - just the facts. A good Vet will admit he missed something and credit. Fluid shots when nothing is wrong? No.

Answer 3

I imagine the vets are stumped too if the blood work doesn't show anything going on. Having the fluids injected in his body is important if he is not eating or drinking. Dehydration can take him out very fast.

Have you tried giving him baby food - the meat only with NO onion or garlic powder to get some nutrition in him?Chicken or turkey are best - beef doesn't agree with some cats. Also the vets have a food called a/d which is high in calories and nutrition for him. Many cats will eat one or the other when they won't eat anything else. Feed him one or the other from your finger to get him to eat something as he cannot live without food.

Answer 4

I agree with Maperoute, why do the fluid when nothing is wrong? That doesn't make sense, and a good vet would do more to come up with the correct diagnosis. Find another vet as soon as possible, and ask around. Other pet owners in your area will be a good source for recommendations. Petsmart also has a vet on-site, but I have never used their vet services before. There are also vets that specialize in feline care.
These symptoms need attention, but it sounds like you need to consult another vet to resolve the problem.

Answer 5

try cat milk and/or baby food, as someone suggested above, maybe wet/canned kitten food - it has more nutrition, so what little he eats will be of more value. also mix extra water into his food to help keep him hydrated.

i would also get a copy of all his results from the first vet and take them to a new vet, especially if the vet you are with doesn't seem to be getting anywhere. maybe try and find a specialty vet or clinic that does only cats. most sizable cities have at least one or two cat clinics.

Answer 6

My cat who's 15 years decided that the other day, our cure was cooked chicken, this definatly got him eating again, in the long run it actually ends up being cheaper than cat food, and is slightly more healthy

Answer 7

I would go to a different vet....I've experienced vets where you feel like they are milking you. Get your pet and go to a different vet for another opinion. SOMETHING is wrong with your pet.....they just need to figure it out. Good luck.

Answer 8

Could just be a hairball, too. Buy the ribbon or the cream from a pet store.

Answer 9

I HAD A CAT AND WHEN SHE WAS SICK AND DIDN'T WANT TO EAT I MADE HER A BAKED BREAST AND USEUALLY CATS WILL EAT THIS A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME...GOOD-LUCK....