At my wits end....

Missconduct

I would book an appointment with an animal communicator such as Clare Metcalf. She can find out why the cat isn't eating and guide you with what may be wrong physically. She has worked wonders with our cat (happy to discuss via PM if it would help).

paddypaws101

well I am glad that he is eating again. if the mirtazapine continues to affect his behaviour please do look into Periactin which works really well but without side effects.

shoppingnoodles

Well at the moment he is still eating and it seems he can manage a bit more every day :-) He had his 2nd dose of mirtazapine this morning and is as happy as larry sitting next to me purring. He is still pretty constipated but the Lactulose will hopefully kick in soon.


I will definitely mention the periactin to the vet, but at the moment the only side effect he seems to have is that he is really happy!


If this keeps up I am considering renaming him Lazarus ;-)

paddypaws101

Does he like oily tinned fish likes sardines or pilchards? That would be a gentle way to encourage his bowels to move.

StrawberryJam132

Hi Shoppingnoodles,

I've just read your thread and wanted to say I'm very happy that Jack is eating again!:T

I had a similar experience last year. My 13 year old cat had never received his annual jabs. So last summer he had his first lot of jabs and suddenly became very ill. He wouldn't move or eat. After hundreds and hundreds spent at the vets, we were no where nearer an answer. They wanted to keep him in for a few days (that would have cost me £600+). I asked what they would be doing during that time, and they said drip feed etc and general monitoring.

I gave up on the vets at this point and took matters into my own hands. I syringe fed him mashed up cat food and water for nearly four days. I was so happy when he would take half a tea spoon morning and night. That first poop over 10 days after he became ill was a huge cause of celebration (crazy cat owner :rotfl:who else has been there?!). He has since returned to his old self, but now looks more frail at times. I think it took it out of him, poor boy. He's now cuddled up to me while I type this.

My point is to warn you to watch out for vets. (I don't want to tarnish all vets, so please no one take this the wrong way), but sometimes they see a devoted owner with an elderly pet and see a cash cow (in my opinion).

I wish Jack all the best! I'll be returning to see updates.

SJ x

shoppingnoodles

Awwwhh, Strawberry Jam 132, that is a fantastic story! I am so glad that your cat is doing OK.


Jack is still doing "OK". I wouldn't say he is stuffing his face, but he is eating regularly. The poo department isn't great though. I have upped his Lactulose dose to 4ml twice a day, but he seems quite unconcerned. He too is currently sitting next to me having a cuddle. I will bring him back to the vet at some point over the next week to get his weighed and discuss the constipation, so I will update then.


Thanks everyone for all your support.

shoppingnoodles

With huge sadness, we had to take the decision to put Jack to sleep 2 days ago. The appetite stimulants worked for a while, but he suddenly stopped eating or drinking again a few days ago and was a bit unsteady on his feet. We realised that this was only going to go one way now, despite our considerable efforts. We still have absolutely no idea why this happened as 2 vets found him perfectly healthy.


I will miss him terribly, but it was put into perspective a few days before we had him put to sleep when my brother suddenly passed away aged just 59. I am truly hoping that this is the end to what has been an awful year.


Thank you to everyone who followed the story and sent good wishes for Jack to recover.

WeAreGhosts

shoppingnoodles wrote: »

With huge sadness, we had to take the decision to put Jack to sleep 2 days ago. The appetite stimulants worked for a while, but he suddenly stopped eating or drinking again a few days ago and was a bit unsteady on his feet. We realised that this was only going to go one way now, despite our considerable efforts. We still have absolutely no idea why this happened as 2 vets found him perfectly healthy.


I will miss him terribly, but it was put into perspective a few days before we had him put to sleep when my brother suddenly passed away aged just 59. I am truly hoping that this is the end to what has been an awful year.


Thank you to everyone who followed the story and sent good wishes for Jack to recover.

I'm so sorry, shoppingnoodles, it's such an awful decision to make. I'm sorry to hear about your brother, also. Hope there are some more positive moments to come in the rest of the year.

Oddjob

I am so sorry to hear both about your brother and Jack. What an awful time for you. I hope things pick up for you from now on.
RIP to Jack and your brother. Your brother will be taking care of Jack.

Mrs_Z

So sorry to hear the sad news. I've been keeping an eye on this thread. It is so so difficult to decide when it is the time to let go. Still, you must take comfort that you cat reached a very respectable 16 years and had a very good quality of life with you during those years. At the end of the day that's the most important thing. And you did everything in your power that could reasonably expected to find out what was wrong.

All the best.