I have a cat, Zeek, that has FIP. He was diagnosed 4 years ago after I had another cat die of it. Zeek recently started losing significant amounts of weight.. He has been kinda skinny for a while, but I think it is getting worse.
I know he eats normally (because I monitor that closely) but he is still loosing weight. Does anyone know anything around the house I can safely feed (or force on) him a couple of times a day to help him gain some weight. I am afraid that if he keeps going he is going to die.
I asked the vet, they said to just prepare for the inevitable, but I am not going to sit here and let him go that easily! If that were the case he would have died 4 years ago with my other cat!
PS He is not lethargic, depressed, feverish and does NOT exhibit any other of the symptoms thus far!
2007-12-20 04:04:15 · 10 answers · asked by April M 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
I am pretty positive that he has FIP. There were blood panels, and the other cat was a DEFINATE case (wet, it was terrible). I am just looking for something to faten him up to buy some more time
2007-12-20 04:19:38 · update #1
Again.. he HAS had blood panels.. Fecal tests.. the whole barrage! It was all done after the other cat was died.
The one still alive WAS diagnosed after multiple tests to have it too!
I am not questioning the illness, I am looking for things to give him to fatten him up!
2007-12-20 05:34:43 · update #2
There are FIP groups over on yahoo groups, I'd recommending joining up with one and talking directly to a lot of owners who are up on the disease.
2007-12-20 12:36:34 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A cat with FIP will not survive four years. If he had FIP, it would have killed him in 6-10 months at the very most. You might want to consider having your cat tested for thyroid disease. If he's eating fine and losing weight, hyperthyroidism is often the cause. It will also usually causes the hair coat to be a bit rough.
You need a new vet.
2007-12-21 15:15:38 · answer #2 · answered by catiators 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some cats carry FIP their whole lives, some die from it right away, and some carry it for a *while* before succumbing to the symptoms.
However, there are OTHER reasons for a cat to eat normal amounts of food and lose weight, including hyperthyroidism, severe parasite infection, and cancers. If I were you, I would encourage my veterinarian to look beyond the FIP and check for other causes that may be unrelated. Hyperthyroidism and parasites are, of course, quite treatable, as well as some forms of cancers.
Either way you should get an answer. If the diagnosis is grim then you have the opportunity to euthanize him before he suffers. If the diagnosis is positive then you have the opportunity to return him to a healthy, happy, lifestyle.
2007-12-20 04:16:15 · answer #3 · answered by JeN 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
regrettably this does sound like FIP the fact that the chest is crammed with fluid ability kitty would be in some soreness already. i myself dont have any suggestion to furnish you sweetheart, FIP is a unfavorable difficulty which regrettably has no scientific care. All i will say is dont enable Kitty go through too long darling, i myself experience for you, desire i'd desire to furnish you a hug xxx
2016-10-08 23:54:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since this cat has not had any blood work himself, I would want to start there and find out what is going on. You don't say how old Zeek is specifically, but it could be any thing. Get a general physical exam and a fecal.....then tell the Vet your concerns regarding his weight loss. I would hate for your cat to have something that is much more treatable and go without what he needs.
There are high calorie supplements that you can offer if that is what you want......you can find them at petco or petsmart.....nutrical is one, I am sure there are others.
2007-12-20 05:06:23 · answer #5 · answered by lt4827 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Find another veterinarian. Your first vet probably 'diagnosed' him based on a positive corona virus titer; which is *NOT* diagnostic for FIP! Any vet who says so is incompetent.
There are numerous causes of weight loss - in a middle aged to older cat I'd be most suspicious of kidney disease (which is still bad but treatable to an extent). But you need a veterinarian with enough curiosity to actually look for the cause, which will probably mean a complete blood chemistry to start. You could also be dealing with parasites, hyperthyroidism, cancer, or a dozen other conditions.
2007-12-20 04:14:52 · answer #6 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in treating hypothyroidism. Learn here https://tr.im/JWqnt
Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. I’ve dubbed these rascals the terrible twosome, as they can burn out your thyroid (and destabilize blood sugar).
1. Just say no to the dietary bungee cord. Greatly reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour, which the body treats like sugar. Make grain-based carbohydrates lesser of a focus, eating non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content.
2. Up the protein. Protein transports thyroid hormone to all your tissues and enjoying it at each meal can help normalize thyroid function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.
2016-04-22 03:41:59 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-10 06:37:35 · answer #8 · answered by reginald 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FIP is a tough one. The best thing you can do is tempt him with his favorite foods and hope he rallies. But your vet might be right. I'm so sorry. I hope he pulls through.
If he succumbs, veterinary advice is to wait at least 30 days before acquiring another cat to prevent transmission to the new cat.
2007-12-20 04:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A shotgun will help.
2007-12-20 04:11:14 · answer #10 · answered by Justico P 2 · 0⤊ 6⤋