Question:
My 11 year old cat is not doing well. Within 4 months he has had a rhino virus, an infection of the soft palette, then a severe eye infection. It seems as soon as he is off medication for a week or so, something else happens.

Although yesterday he felt well enough to catch a mouse (didn't eat it), today he just doesn't look well and hasn't eaten much. He is twitching his ears and tail somewhat. He just doesn't look well.

This cat has been treated by two vets. Neither knows - they said this - exactly what is wrong. The cat has had blood tests/other necessary tests - normal. I just don't know what to do. Vets are expensive, especially since they can't pinpoint the problem. Is there a specific virus you suspect, something he just can't shake?

Answer:
Does your cat go outside?

I'm no vet, and this is just my opinion, but it sounds like something is wrong with your cat's immune system. Was he specifically tested for FIV or FLeV?

Answer:
He was tested for FLeV. I'm not certain about FIV. The first vet thought he might have a tooth problem, which turned out to be the soft palette infection. At that time the vet did a pre-op, which included the FLeV. I'll ask about FIV. The vet said the blood work was normal. The vet also x-rayed the soft palette area, found nothing.

When he eats, he turns his head to the left, as though there's a tooth problem, but there isn't one. I just don't know where to turn.

He goes outside, but nothing much more than 10 feet from the door. We have another cat who is having no problems.

Answer:
I guess his teeth were all checked - did he have a dental x-ray, in case of an abcess?

Answer:
Yes. He had dental x-rays.
Actually, he seems to be feeling better now. He's eating better. I'm wondering if he has an immune system problem.

Answer:
Hi,

I am just wondering of it is the immune system. I have had elderly cats and like elderly people, they have bad days and good days. Though I am thinking elderly as in 15 plus years. Yours is in middle age. <g>

I'd wait and see how he does and if he does not imprive, see another vet. Is there a vet in the area who specializes in cats? (We have none here but I know some larger cities do)

Hope your kitty feels better soon!

Answer:
We do have a cat specialist. I swore I'd never take another cat there. My other cat died just days after seeing our cat 'specialist.' When I took him, I specifically said the cat was ill. All this clinic did was take a profile, and they said he was fine, no problems. I had to rush him to emergency the same evening. The emergency vet said there was no way he could have not had a temp. The vet there treated him, he recovered temporarily, then died at home.

The vet I'm going to see is good; he just don't know what to think - suggested the cat see a specialist if he doesn't improve. The cat does seem better this week. If it's an immune problem, what should I do to keep him healthy? Any suggestions?

Answer:
Sounds like the cat "specialist" was not much help. That's too bad!

There are a number of products that claim to boost a cat's immunity. I am not sure if they work or not. I think keeping a pet (I've had an elderly rabbit, cats and dogs), requires the kind of things we do for ourselves. A clean environment (and not being an outdoor pet - impossible for a dog but most helpful for small animals like bunnies and kitties), a good well balanced diet, enough exercise, - are probably more important (imho) than so called immunity boosters in a bottle.

Glad to hear your cat is seems better!

Answer:
Hi, curious how your kitty is doing. I have a few suggestions for immunity etc.. if you are still looking for suggestions.

Answer: