Cat

[Skittersmom]

Dear anybody who cares-- I guess I'm looking for understanding, as I don't really have hope for curing the symptoms. My beloved cat, Skitter, has had very loose stools now for a year or two (liquid, lately) and I've tried everything, including Plantaeris and Fortiflora (which I still give him), to treat it. Now I'm home full-time after a layoff and am able to clean up after him all day each day, but I don't see how I can go on like this without becoming so depressed that both of us have lost our quality of life. I know this sounds silly, but it's a huge problem for me; it's probably still more my problem than his, but that matters too. I'm heartbroken. Any suggestions are very welcome. Skitter's Mom

[meezermom]

Hi Skittersmom and thanks for stopping by....... If it helps, I care. You sound so very sad. Skitters is really an elderly gentleman cat and that is quite the testament to your loving care. He must really love you a great deal to be with you still when he is beyond the normal lifespan of a cat.... Not all of this is because of genetics, much is said of plain loving care! A couple questions first! What are you feeding him? When was the last time he was wormed? I am guessing he is an indoor kitty all the time right? Is there anything at all unusual in the stool.......blood? Mucous? Weird color? Really off smell? Does he make the litterbox all the time? Is he losing weight? How are his teeth? What about his coat? Does he still groom himself? Have you taken his temp? What does he do with himself during the day? Is he willing to play the play of an elderly cat? When he lays, how does he lay? On his side or forward on his chest? Does he moan at all? Are his eyes bright? If you gently run your hands down his body, do you feel any lumps? Does he tense? Cry out? Anything at all? What I am getting at is does he appear to be in any pain? If you touch his abdomen, does he tense up or cry? I know you are not a vet and neither am I.....but it is important to know if he is suffering... Sometimes all it takes is a change in diet because when they get very elderly, they simply can't handle the same food they have always been on... is he still peeing the same? No blood or straining? Now, you are seriously depressed my friend. In these harsh economic times, being laid off is difficult at best and terrifying at worst. Is this a temporary lay off or permanent? Are you getting unemployment and are you looking for something else? Remember, no matter what, there is no shame in this. Many many excellent people are out of jobs now. People are afraid and right now, everyone is hurting badly...If you need to, check with a mental health clinic because depression is dangerous. Skitter needs you to feel good for him and to stay positive. This is a bad time in your life to have an elderly cat. He isn't going to want you to crash at all. Stay positive. If you need me, I am here for you. Do not hesitate to give a yell if you just want to talk.........(((HUG)))