Poorly cat

Hi Kat,

I thought I´d ask you for your advice, as I didn´t want to seem like a paranoid owner, although I do think it´s better to be safe than sorry! I´ve just moved to a new area and as yet I haven´t found a vet yet (I have chinchillas and I wanted a practice that had experience with this species - maybe I´m being too fussy?)

Anyway, Blake, my 14-ish year old cat has had a bit of diarrhoea today, he almost missed his litter tray, which is most unlike him. Last night he managed to open a plastic packet and eat a small amount danish pastry, as well as a bit of carrot cake. I´m presuming that this is probably the reason why he´s poorly, but he´s not been himself today, I know he´s elderly but he´s always been quite active, however today he just slept. I´m worried because I´ve read about all the potential diseases and problems elderly cats get and I think I just need some reassurance!

Do you think it´s worth taking him to a vet anyway? Or I could see how long his diarrhoea episode will last? He was at my old vets about a month ago for his boosters and the vet had commented about healthy and well he looked, but then of course he didn´t take any bloods or anything, it was just a checkup.

Thanks for any advice you can give me,
Cally :)

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22 Jan 2010 16:56

Cat the Vet

Hi Cally,

It is always a worry when an older animal shows signs of illness and often your thoughts turn to the worst case scenario!

If he is just quiet in himself but otherwise fairly well then waiting and seeing how he goes over the next 24 hours is probably the best course of action, especially as there may be a good reason for his upset tummy. We don´t see diarrhoea much in cats because they tend to be fussier than dogs in what they eat but obviously not Blake! Don´t offer him any food for about 12 hours but do allow him to drink water and if he does feel like a small meal later, make it a small amount of something quite bland like chicken or fish. Also, a little plain natural yogurt can be helpful in settling runny poo.

Hopefully he will perk up by tomorrow but if he doesn´t, or he develops other symptoms such as vomiting or the diarrhoea continues at the same rate, then it may be sensible to have him checked over by a vet, especially as it will be the weekend. The RCVS website has a good ´find a vet´ facility where you can locate the nearest practice to you.

Cat

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