Cat stomach virus?

[Suess54]

My cat is 2 1/2 years old.  He is crate trained and loves to stay in his condo.   ( 4 feet X 3 feet X 3 feet)  He has a covered potty box and is a very clean kitty.  Night before last he was normal, eating, drinking, and playing, all was well.  I went out yesterday morning and arrived back around 6:00 pm.  He was a bit fussy but nothing appeared wrong.   About 8:00 pm he started vomiting, clear liquid, sometimes foamy.  This happened about 5 times until 1:30 am this morning, and twice before 10:00 am,  he has not eaten or drank anything since, this time.  He sat on top of his box and watched me all night long and did not sleep.  He still has not eaten but did drink a (very) little this evening, and did lay down and sleep a little late today.  I took his food and water for several hours and I have put the water back.  I fixed boil chicken breast and he would not eat it.  Does anyone have any idea what is going on?  I guess by morning if he hasn't improved we will need to go to the Vet.  I am on a fixed income and do not have money for a big bill and am feeling guilty, I've always taken great care of my fur babies.

[CML2014]

There has never been a time that we all haven't asked ourselves "why did we not know" or "would knowing sooner have made a difference'. We are all in this together Suess.

The reason is we choose to share our love with a very special being--the Cat. These little balls of energy are NOT like dogs, They are Not pack animals, they are VERY private creatures and showing any kind of weakness would be a death sentence to them in the wild. Predators would sense it and they would be defenseless due to their illness.

We are very blessed though when one of them allows us into their life and trusts us with theirs. So please know Slate knew you loved him very much and he loved you so much in return. He would never have allowed you to help him if he did not trust you. So for being NEW at this Cat Thing you "Did Good Mom".

Everyone of us have had the pain of losing a little kit we loved very much---sometimes we just did not know until it was a little too late......but that is LIFE and death in the cat world . their secretiveness is there undoing , but it is their nature and we must respect it.

Ifelt exactly like you did the first time I began work in rescue. When I think of all the SIGNS I missed in cats I loved dearly I still cry, but I hope I make it up to them by helping other new bees see what I did not, much sooner. In doing that I hope I have made up for the senseless deaths of some of my precious babies. It is good for the soul, believe me, Suess. Stay and help others and by all means let another kit chose you for their mom--because you know they do just show up one day in your life as a stray or as you walk by a pet store or rescue--there is always that one that beckons you to be their ONE. Please open your mind and see their need.

I love ALL animals especially dogs, but Dogs give love so freely, Cats give love only to those who they know Deserve such a special gift from them.
You have been honored to have been loved by Slate. Some cats will never be Lap cats, but their love is just as deep. That I believe was your Slate.

God Bless you both,
CML    

[Suess54]

I don't know what I would have to offer this group being that Slate was my first cat and it was a learning curve me.  This tragedy has left me feeling very naïve as far as a Mom for a cat.  I'm trying to figure out if dogs are easier to read because nothing like this ever happened with my Schnauzers and I had three of them that all lived to be eighteen years old.  Everyone said cats were easier to take care of but right now I would have to disagree.  I keep telling my self that this will pass and I know it will.
Truly I am an animal lover and really enjoy spoiling them!  My aunt says I know how to raise the sweeties girls, Slate was my first male fur baby.
Yes, he will always be with me, he was such a funny boy, and very smart.  He knew how to play pip-eye with me while in the shower, the no, no word, to get back when filling his bowl and lots more.  He would walk on a leash, eat out of my hand and take food from my fingers.  To be a big boy he was scare of many things....the wind, the birds flying by, a car going down the street but a bee flying around, he would go for.  I would tell him he was Moms sissy boy!  I never got him to be a lovey cat, he always remained distant to me and I hated that part.  I would have loved for him to sleep with me, sit on my lap or anything to have shown him the affection that I was able to show my girls.  I missed that part of having a pet and I hope he knew how much he was cared for.  
I apologize for bending your ear with this.  I will monitor this site and try and offer the encouragement that you have given me, and I do appreciate your kindness and support through out this past several days.  
I hope you have a good week,
Debbie

[CML2014]

OH Sue!

I am deeply saddened to hear that Slate did not make it. You are right in allowing him to move on     , just living isn't what it is about , it is the quality of a life that counts.
Slate is free of pain now and has had a wonderful loving mom to thank for allowing him to leave this life peacefully.

Sometimes that is all we can do for our beloved pets. Know that this happens sooooo very many times where we just can't get to them soon enough....but that is how we learn and hope from one precious death we can save many others..........and you will now  know what to look for. , Many on this forum can be helped by Slates experience.

So in death Slate will continue his legacy of helping others traverse the delicate balance of life death.. . Please , we need you to be here with us to lend a helping hand to others who can learn from your ordeal.

Slate will always be there with you in spirit , they never really leave us, you know.
Thank you for being such a loving and caring mom. Gaining one caring human every day may one day bring us a perfect world for all God's creatures--humans included, LOL!

Stay with us, Slate is one of OURS now----so Welcome!

RIP SLATE!
Sincerely,
CML

[garrettmarvel]

So sorry to hear that you had to take that decision, but sometimes it the best thing you can do.

[opus88]

I am so sorry Suess.....wish it had been better news. :(

[Suess54]

It did not turn out well, and I had to make the "decision".....He would have been uncomfortable and had diarrhea for the remainder of his life if they had removed the entire section and when they tried to removed the string and repaired each segment the tissue would just turn black.  I'm sorry I didn't get back sooner.  I had to get my son and decide what I wanted him to do, then get things ready.  Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement.

[CML2014]

So we are All on call---so to speak!! Waiting for any word from the vet.....and worrying with you!

Oh and please don't feel quilty about the string--those little creatures can dig out anything from anywhere. A string is one of the most common things.

Prayers for both of you and waiting to hear how things go!

CML

[opus88]

thx for the update, so good you got him in and checked out and not waited!!! don't beat yourself up Sue, we can't possibly keep everything out of their reach...cats can find the simplest objects, but yes string is especially bad b/c they see this as a toy and it can cause such problems.
I am sending my prayers and for the little guy.....let us know when its all over, oh and tell us his name too plz...((hugs))

[Suess54]

Hi CLM,
Both the Vet and the staff said the surgery would be this morning....I have called to check on Slate and the surgery will not take place until they finish seeing patient's at noon.  I'm not sure how they can call that morning.  I guess I'm just nervous and want this over for him.  The only new was he hasn't had any more fluids but I'm sure he will receive them with surgery.  I will post again after I hear how the surgery went.  Thanks for the kind words, I am feeling guilty because of the string...I do sew a lot and feel I caused this for him,

[CML2014]

Hi Sue,

So very happy you have solved the kit problem. It sure sounds like you are very good with your kit. Monitoring their actions is so crucial with these little guys. The minute they break their routine (and we parents always know their little habits) they are telling us something. It is the only way they speak.

Anytime a cat does not eat, drink and stares at you ALL night(LOL) you can bet he wants the number for the vet. It is all but dialing the phone and handing it to you.

Your little guy still has some things to go through, but he will be fine now that the problem has been identified. Good Luck to you both, and PLEASE keep us posted on his condition.

Thanks,
CML

[Suess54]

Slate and I went to the Vet yesterday and he does have an obstruction, he has a string or thread wrapped around his intestines.  He is being treated for pain and dehydration until the morning and then having surgery.  He was having x-rays every two hours to watch the area and monitor any change.  The blood work was showing some changes and the Vet couldn't identify anything conclusive from that, before the x-rays.  He is young and weighes almost 12 pounds so he should be ok to go through this.  I'll post again after the surgery to keep you'll updated.  Thanks for the help and concern, I'm like a new mother with her first born, I need the advice from the more experienced Mom's.

[CML2014]

Hi Sue,

I woold take him to an emergency clinic , Now! Not to be an alarmist but he is 10 lbs abd has not eaten and is regurgitating bile only.


#1--He is no dpubt severely dehydrated and may need IV fluids
#2-He could have an obstruction somewhere that is not allowing him to swallow or void.
#3-NO cat stay up all night and does not drift off to sleep
#4-This has been going on for several days now--not good

Emergency clinics will work with you on payment if money is a problem. IMOO he needs to see a vet-now.

Pleas let us know what happens , we are worried too.

Sincerely,
CML

[Suess54]

Thanks for the advice, I haven't tried any hairball remedies and will look into that.  PetMD suggested to remove the food and water for a couple of hours to give the stomach time to rest, that is why I did that and I gave the water back in two hours.  The food was put back as soon as I got the chicken cooked and cooled.  As for keeping him crated, he comes and goes at will, the door is open, but he does spend most of his time in the crate.  I always had Schnauzers and this is my first cat, so I am learning, off to research hairballs.

[opus88]

Could possibly be a hairball lodged that is upsetting his tummy, they make themselves heave to attempt to bring it up, do you give regular hairball remedy? Never ever with hold water!!!! If he's not eating by tomorrow he does need to see a Vet. Not sure why you feel it's required to kennel him all day?
I do hope he is active and eating for you by morning, keep us posted ok

[Suess54]

I forgot, he is an indoor cat and no other pets in the house and a big boy, 10 pounds or more.