Elderly cat not eating.

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I am sorry to hear that Tootsie is having these issues. In my opinion, any time that a cat does not want to eat then there is something serious going on.

There is a chance that this is all due to a respiratory virus. Perhaps there is a secondary infection that needs a different kind of antibiotic than the one given. If there is a fever then this can cause an appetite loss. If this was the case, it's possible that a change in antibiotics could make a difference.

However, the more serious worry that I have is that the upper respiratory tract infection is secondary to something else. In an elderly cat, if the immune system is struggling with something else such as cancer or liver or kidney disease, etc. then they can be more susceptible to infections. When I see an elderly animal who is struggling with recovering from a mild infection then I really do get worried that there is something serious going on.

Another possibility is if the diabetes is out of control. If this is the case, then this could be a treatable condition. I'm concerned about a condition called DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) where sugar levels get really out of whack.

Has Tootsie had blood tests? Often bloodwork can determine if there is an illness that is serious enough to consider euthanasia.

If tests are normal, then an xray may be in order to determine if what we thought was an upper respiratory tract infection is actually a cancer in the chest or a heart condition.

Your vet will be the best guide to as to helping you make the decision for euthanasia if it is time.

From what you have told me, I think we may need to prepare ourselves that it could be bad news. I hope I am wrong though.

Dr. Marie.



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Dr. Marie replied:

I suppose the biggest thing to watch for is her appetite. If she goes more than a day or two without eating then she really should be seen. This is even more important in a diabetic cat.

The laboured breathing has me concerned. I generally say that any time a cat has laboured breathing they need to be seen right away. If there is laboured breathing to the point that you can notice that something is not right then it means that she is uncomfortable. In my opinion, it is not fair to allow a cat to have difficulties with breathing.

I understand that vet visits are traumatic. But I really would recommend that you take her in.

Dr. Marie.