Emergency

[AnnaH]

I’m writing about one of my feral cats who has now gone about six days without eating or drinking. She has lost a lot of weight rapidly. She had been isolating under my porch, but today she returned to sit on the front porch where she usually spends time with her mother. I feel like this could be a sign of turning a leaf. She is only four years old. She did hunt and kill two birds recently so have no idea is this has anything to do with it but she has been increasing losing appetite over the course of about four or five months. Initially, I thought she was sourcing food from somewhere else that’s why I did not think it was a health concern. I also know cats are picky with food, so I kept changing the food. But I guess there was something else going on with her health to lead up to this.

Because she is feral, I cannot handle her directly or put food/medicine in her mouth. I have been offering food, but so far she has not been interested. I am very worried about the risk of hepatic lipidosis after so many days without food or water.

My questions are:

• If she begins to take small amounts of food again, is that enough to help her recover from hepatic lipidosis, or would she still need more intensive veterinary support?

• Given that she is feral and very stressed by handling, what options might there be for diagnostics or treatment if I am able to trap her?

• Can any supportive measures (such as homeopathy or other gentle interventions) help her alongside nutrition, or is caloric intake the absolute priority at this stage?



If (and the big question is IF) she begins to take small amounts of food again, is that enough to help her recover from hepatic lipidosis, would homeopathic medicine help or would she still need more intensive veterinary support? If homeopathic medicine can potentially help do you have a remedy you recommend that I can source ASAP?


• If she does survive this episode of hepatic lipidosis, what might her quality of life and long-term health look like in the future? Is there a risk of recurrence or ongoing liver issues?

• Or — if the prognosis is poor and she is likely to suffer permanently because of hepatic lipidosis — would humane euthanasia after trapping be the kindest option?

I want to do what is kindest and most realistic for her, but I am unsure if recovery is possible without intensive care. Any guidance you can give me would be so appreciated.

I know she feels safe on my property. I’ve been spending a lot of time near her, talking to her softly, doing Reiki, playing soothing music. I’ve been offering her food and water. I put a soft little bed under the porch for her to lay on.

I just want to do right by her. I’m really surprised she’s sitting in the front porch with her mama.


Thank you so much,

Anna

@Dr. Christina @Dr. Jean Hofve @Dr. Jeff @dr_ judy herman

 

[Dr. Christina]

Most importantly, let go of your worry. She chose to be feral (at least at some level). She is appreciative of your love and care. She has, in retrospect, been ill for a few months, so do not worry about hepatic lipidosis. I remember Dr. Pitcairn telling me decades ago of a cat who, while being treated, went a whole month with no food, then went on to recover.

You are doing right by her, the kindest for her, but I am unsure if recovery is possible without intensive care. Any guidance you can give me would be so appreciated. But which is needed - ICU with possible recovery or hanging with you & her mom? No right answer.

This is the very best for you to do. I know she feels safe on my property. I’ve been spending a lot of time near her, talking to her softly, doing Reiki, playing soothing music. I’ve been offering her food and water. I put a soft little bed under the porch for her to lay on.

Offer all types of foods - sardines, milk, parmesan cheese (Anitra Frazier's amazing book The Natural Cat says that and more are often liked, and listen to her 2 talks about how to think when you are feeding a not eating cat. Maybe do some Reiki on the food and water before putting them down.

Check with an animal intuitive/healer?

Dr. Christina

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Anna!

I see two options.

1. Stress her and take her to the vet. See what they say.

2. Help her feel safe, loved and supported. In other words, keep doing what you're doing. Perhaps see what Dr. Katz says.