Question:
I am very new at this, so please bear with me. I have a 8 year old Maine Coon called Merlin. I have had several cats and one dog live with me over the years. I become very attached, they are a part of my inner circle of friends and Merlin has joined this group. In the past three months though, Merlin has become very sick. I have taken him to our vet who thought he might be a diabetic, put Merlin on insulin and then took him off the medicine. He has ran every test available to try and find out what is wrong and can't seem to figure it out. Merlin has stopped eating his regular food and drinking water out of the bowl. He will eat a little if I hand feed him and will drink water only out of the faucet. I have washed his bowls, given him fresh water and food. I work during the day and am not aware of what he is doing but from the look of him, he is withering away. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Has the vet done any xrays he may well of eaten something that has got its self stuck in his digestive system preventing him from being able to get any food or water down just an idea . i am also new to this site so from a newbie to a newbie welcome and good luck

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Did your vet run blood tests? To me, that's the first place to start.
(your first post makes it sound like the vet just guessed diabetes somehow and then changed his mind, so I wanted to be sure)

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Originally Posted by ritar1956
I have taken him to our vet who thought he might be a diabetic, put Merlin on insulin and then took him off the medicine. He has ran every test available to try and find out what is wrong and can't seem to figure it out.

go to a new vet. get a second, or if necessary, a third opinion. If your cat has stopped eating, and seems to be withering away, something is cetainly not right.

Originally Posted by ritar1956
Merlin has stopped eating his regular food and drinking water out of the bowl. He will eat a little if I hand feed him and will drink water only out of the faucet.

While you are seeking that 2nd opinion, maybe a kitty fountain would entice him to drink more water. I had a cat once who really prefered ice water or running water. I got the kitty fountain and it helped ALOT. they are relatively cheap at places like Wal-Mart.

What are you feeding your cat? dry (brand)? wet (brand)? have you tried some really tastey food like canned tuna?

btw, welcome to the board. My advice is just that, advice. I really think you should see a new vet if your current one can't find a problem.

Answer:
First of all, welcome to the board.

I would also take Merlin to a different vet so they can do some bloodwork. I can't imagine why the vet you already took him to just guessed it might be diabetes without doing any tests.

Please get a second opinion and let us know the results.

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I have taken him to our vet who thought he might be a diabetic, put Merlin on insulin and then took him off the medicine.
Whoa, he didn't even test him or anything?
Putting any animal who has normal blood sugar on insulin can cause their blood sugar to crash which in turn can cause death.

This vet's mistake isn't something to be taken lightly, I would definately seek out a new vet.

Answer:
Aww,Maine Coons,they are the most beautiful cats!!
Like everyone says,another vet is very important,if Merlin is not eating or drinking,his organs will start to shut down and he will more than likely die.
It could be anything from painful bad teeth,to something stuck in his intestines,or maybe even a thyroid problem,so please make sure he's tested.
I had a diabetic cat once and he had extensive testing before being put on insulin,I don't understand why a vet would put him on insulin on a hunch..
My cat too lost weight,but did not stop eating,he quickly bounced back with the insulin,only to succumb to cancer a couple of years later

Answer:
Hi, and welcome! I'm sorry your kitty is sick. I would certainly find a new vet as the one you have doesn't seem to know what to do for your cat. I would ask for your cat to be given a complete blood workup and make sure they test for anemia. Please let us know how Merlin is doing.

Answer:
Hi and welcome to the board! I'm sorry to hear your cat isn't eating very well right now. I've recently experienced this with my cat as well. There are so many factors that can be tested for as others have suggested. I strongly recommend you take your cat to another vet. Typically they will do a full panel bloodwork, which tests the thyroid at the same time. The next step is usually x-rays and possibly ultrasound or endoscopy if everything else comes back clean. There are medicines your vet can try as well. It wouldn't hurt to ask about an appetite stimulant as well. This has made a world of difference for my cat. He's suddenly eating again like a little piggy! It's a great sight.

It is scary and sad to know your baby is sick and not eating. All I can do is encourage you to not give up and insist on more tests until they find what's wrong! The answers can be found! Good luck and keep us updated with the progress!

Steph

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