Question:
I had 2 cats, one was 4 years old, the other is just about 2 years old. The 4 year old ran away about 3 weeks ago and the 2 year old stopped eating. I took her to the vet about a week ago and the vet says that this causes liver problems in cats when they stop eating. They force feed her and gave her fluid and after 4 nights at the vet, they sent her home with me hoping that would encourage her to eat. She is still not eating!!! I try to force feed her, but it is very difficult and she is begining to hide from me. She is on reglan b4 feedings and amoxidrops, 50 mg 2x a day. What can I do to get her to eat??? I am at the end of my rope. What other options are there for her? Does anyone have an answer???

Answer:
Have you tried to feed her with a syringe (with the needle removed)? The vet has these. You get a good quality canned cat food, maybe from the vet, high protein, high fat, mix with water until it is soupy and can be drawn into the syringe and then shoot it into her mouth. My cat doesn't mind it. Obviously, you can also do this with just plain water. Then do it every couple of hours, just two or three squirts or more if she can take it.

Confine her in a small space (a bathroom? Not a closet - this is not punishment) where you can get at her easily without chasing her, which just creates more stress. Make her comfortable with a favourite blanket, regular food in a dish, etc. Talk to her while you're feeding her, in a soothing voice, praise her when she complies.

Good luck. Tough to see an animal suffer. Her appetite loss may have something to do with the drugs you are giving her. Have you talked to the vet about this possibility?

Answer:
I assume she is no longer eating due to the fact that you other cat ran away, and she is now lonely and sad. Do you think that getting another cat to keep her company would help. Maybe she just wants some feline companionship.

Answer:
What was the vet's diagnosis? Does he think she has an infection? (amoxicillin is an antibiotic). If she absolutely refuses to eat, you're going to have to take her back in. There are actually drugs for depression in cats, ask your vet. A second cat is a good idea, but not right now.

Answer:
Reglan is a pro-kinetic drug, meaning it stimulates the digestive tract. It can cause cramps and make the kitty REALLY stoned! I know this because I've taken it. The Reglan alone might be the reason for lack of appetite. I would ask your vet why it was prescribed, and if there is anything else you can try in its place.

Answer:
thank you all for your concern. I have tried everything you have suggested, besides getting another cat. In my gut, I think this is why she is so sick. I have a friend who is gonna take her and she has a few cats in her home. If this does not work, I don't know what to do. I am continuing to take her to the vet, but this is begining to be a strain on my pocketbook!!! Yesterday she drank water on her own, so maybe I am making some progress, although, very slow. I have thought about confining her to the bathroom with a comfy bed, but I feel this may cause more depression. I just don't know what to do. I am sad about the loss of the other cat, I cant go through this again with loosint this cat too. I really appreciate all your help and I will keep plugging along!!

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