Hissie not doing good...AGAIN!!!

[lynnkay]

Late in January I came here telling about my 15 yr. old cat Hissie. I made a number of posts, as I was beside myself worrying about my kitty. Hissie in late Jan. stopped eating, throwing up a lot, etc. Took her to the vet. She had a large dried up hairball in her intestines that required surgery. Vet did exploratory surgery as well. All looked normal to the vet. Several blood tests were done and xrays. Other than the hairball, Hissie is a healthy cat. The night before I took her to the vet, I did not think she would make it through the night. She stayed at the vet's for 4 days, before and after surgery. Once she got to come back home, I had to nurse Hissie back onto her feet. It took almost 2 weeks of spoon feeding her, loving her to pieces, etc. Well, after she got through all that, she was back to her old self. Eating like a little piggy, no longer vomitting, etc. That went on for several weeks or more of doing so good. Well, we are back to her not doing good. She has about stopped eating again. The last time she did eat good, she ended up throwing up all over the bedroom. Now, she is throwing up foam and yellow stomach bile. She threw up the foam before surgery. And she has not had a bowel movement in some days. I have given her cod liver oil and some vegetable oil. So far that has not worked. Next step is to do a glycerin suppository. If that does not work, then it is another trip to the vet. Hissie hates going the vet so. She acts good for them. But, Hissie is a very reclusive cat that was severely abused before we got her. It traumatizes her to go to the vet. I am just wondering that once a cat has intestional surgery, will constipation be a part of life for Hissie. Never had any problems with constipation before. I sure do love my old girl. When she was sick before and at the vet's for those 4 days, I was a total wreck. All I could do was cry. With me she is a gentle spoiled baby. But only with me. I just am so scared that she is 15 and that I will lose her. I was just so thrilled and happy, when she got to improving here recently. Now, she is going back downhill. It just breaks my heart. She went through so much with this intestional surgery. Thank you for listening to me. This cat means the absolute world to me. She is like my child and I will do anything to get her through all this.

[PrettyKitty1]

That’s the spirit!!!! I loved your post. Thank you! Yes, there is no reason to give up. Your girly girl may be 15 years, but many cats live to be 20-24. So, she definitely has some good years to live a wonderful cat life.  

About the raw diet, I do it no differently than the lady who put up the following website: www.catnutrition.org. You will find reliable information, comments made by other experts who practice veterinary medicine, and you can always ask me if you have any questions. She explained to me lots of good points from her website and it all makes so much sense.

She has taught me a great deal. She has been a great teacher and mentor. I owe her a lot for teaching me some good facts about the raw diet. If you wish to talk about the raw diet, we can do so. It’d make me very happy to tell you what I do with my cats. There is a Health Page I put up which is pretty easy to read and follow. It is titled ‘Cat Nutrition: The BARF Diet’.  You could look for it. Let me know if you can’t find it. I also have some other tricks I can tell you about if you’d like.  Why I’m doing this? Hmm…let’s see. This community has witnessed my stress over my once sick cat. Everybody knows what I went through with him. The vet gave me no hope, but said Abby would end up with cancer in the colon which is, after all, how cats with IBD end up, with cancer. He said I’d have to keep my cats on meds and prescription foods. I tried it and it didn’t work. My cat got worse, to the point where he wasn’t able to sit!! I would clean my house sometimes up to twice a day because there would be blood and diarrhea all over my carpet, bed sheets, counter etc. It was sad to see him waste away. That’s what made me research on cat nutrition. It all makes sense now. IBD, obesity, diabetes, UTI and some types of cancer are caused by what we feed them! Mother Nature built them to eat other animals, right? They get the raw meat, fresh from the source, blood and all, and they do fine like that.  I don’t worry about bacteria in them. A cat has a very fast gut transit time (about 12 hours compared to 35 to 55 hours in humans) which gives very little time for bacteria to multiply in the intestines.   Well, I started transitioning Abby to raw foods slowly but shortly. I can tell you, and my God knows this is the truth, that he had been severely bleeding through the rectum that day in the morning. I took him to the vet and the cat came back worse. I gave him cooked tilapia and he ate it………and the bleeding stopped and so far I have not seen diarrhea or blood again.  

You still have tomorrow to stimulate her nonstop, give her the pumpkin and try to do the diet change.  Since money isn’t an issue for you, treating her and bringing her back to health will not be a problem. I also don’t think twice when it comes to my cats. Whatever I have to do, I do it, even if it takes waking up at 4:00 am to prepare their foods. It makes me happy!! I’m sure you know what I mean. So, try to get her to eat the food. She must find something worth eating!! The vet on the expert forum recommended that I buy a product called Missing Link. It’s got just the fiber amounts your cat needs to stay regular. I get it online. In fact, I get all of my cats’ nutrients online, except the salmon oil, which I buy at the Vitaminshoppe.  

Lastly, I wanted to let you know that you can ask anything you wish. If I know the answer, I will assist you. If I don’t, I will seek answers with you. Be convinced that YOU yourself can cure your cat. In this case, knowledge of what you need to do can safe her. Yes, take her to the vet on Monday is she gets worse; but remember constipation is related to nothing but food, and it makes sense. Hairballs? A diet fit for carnivores will prevent those from forming, trust me. I am seeing it!!  

Why do I make emphasis on the digestive enzymes? Nearly every pet can benefit from supplementation with enzymes. Animals  eating enzymes usually notice  increased energy, faster emptying of the stomach contents, decreased gas, and (this one is for you, Lynn)more regular bowel habits.  I trust digestive enzymes so much, I give one tablet daily to each cat of mine, and their stools are formed, clear, and normal. Hissie would benefit greatly from these. I wouldn’t recommend it if I wouldn’t be seeing it with my own eyes!!

I am so sorry that you’re going through this with her. I bet you’re even losing sleep over it. I know exactly how you feel. I don’t know what I’d do without Abby. When my day goes wrong I just have to look at him. My husband loves this cat so, so much. I definitely know how you feel, girl.

I know you’ll do what’s right. I know she is in good hands. She will be going to the vet on Monday if nothing works. But just remember to never give up on the high quality food. Eating good food is her right and that is enough to get her to eat it, and it will keep her fro going to the vet. You’re a great cat owner and this community has a lot to learn from you. We, the folks on the cat forum don’t usually see responsible owners like you and Jade. God bless your soul. Your kitty will be fine!!!

[lynnkay]

I am so very glad and relieved that your Abby pulled through. For Abby's sake and for your sake. So, you do understand just how much I love Hissie. Hissie is still not eating nor has she had any bowel movement. My husband and me are getting ready to get a warm wash cloth and apply it to her anal area. It will take two of us attempting this. But, it has to be done. I have read on the net this technique. I also have read much on giving her pumpkin. And I would very much like to know how you prepare your kitties' raw meat diet. I have wrote down the names of all the recommended cat foods as well. Luckily, we have a Feeders Supply in our town, which carries anything from A to Z for animals and pets. And I do believe the woman's testimony about Nine Lives killing her cat. As you stated, some cats systems can handle such food and some cannot. You think you are doing your cat good by feeding it what it likes. And you end up causing harm and so not meaning to. All commercial catfood is from here on, gone from Hissie's diet. She is a hardheaded old girl, but me her Momma can be just as stubborn. Especially when I am trying so very hard to get her well again. I have been doing much research over the weeks that Hissie has been so sick. I know her diet is highly important. I know cats are carnivores. And these commercial foods have fillers, that are not healthy for a cat. So, everything you have told me, you have been absolutely correct on. I am trying all I know to get her to have a bowel movement. Will do the wet cloth to her bottom, as soon as I type this to you. Next, will come the pumpkin. Sending my husband out to Feeders Supply, to get several brands of your suggested catfood. If though no bowel movement by Monday morning, then I am going to take her to a vet. She has not ate nor had a bowel movement in some days now. She is up and alert, but I am starting to see, the effects of this downhill turn in Hissie. I thank you so much for all your very good advice and your sincere concern. As I previously mentioned, I do want to know about this raw meat diet. And also this enzyme that you mentioned. The cost of these foods do not matter to us. All that matters is that we get Hissie well and keep her well. My husband is just as crazy about Hiss as me. Hissie though is the closest to me. There just has always been this very special bond between me and my old girl. I treat her like a baby. I found Hissie in a parking lot starved and so scared about 3 yrs. ago. Obviously she has been abused in the previous 12 yrs. that I did not have her. So, she so deserves to be spoiled and pampered. I only want to give her the very best years of her life. I love her deeply and I know she loves me just as deeply. Anyone that believes animals cannot love simply don't know what they are talking about do they? I well understand how you felt when your sweet Abby was so ill. I am fretting over Hissie, just as if she were one of my children. I have worked night and day with her over these weeks. And have cried just like a baby over her. I am not ashamed at all to admit that. Hissie has seen me through some tough times. The loss of my dear Momma and then me being diagnosed with a serious lung disease. She gave me comfort and love. Now, it is my turn to do the same for this sweet little kitty. Me and Hissie are not giving up. We will figure out what her problem is and resolve it. I know it is the diet she has been on. Thank you so so very much. May God watch over you and your precious kitties.

[Jade59]

Hi Lynn,

I'm sorry to hear Hissie isn't doing well again.  I kept checking this forum for an update from her first illness.  I figured no news was good news.  Please don't feel silly at the extent of your love for Hissie.  She is a very lucky girl to have such a wonderful mom.  When our first cat got sick we, unfortunately, had to euthenize and I cried for six solid months.  I can completely relate to how much you love your girl.  

We are in the process of trying to change our cats "wet" diet also.   It's not easy to say the very least.  Our cat vomits too and we've been able to change the dry food to a grain free, human grade brand, but the wet is another story and as you've read, and already know, the wet is VERY important.  I think it's stressful on both cat and parent.  Have you tried mixing a little of some new food in with the old?  Probably PK already said this.  PK, ZQ, the Savas, have incredible knowledge and this forum is the place to be if advice is needed on diet change or if kitty is ill.  You've probably noticed this : )  

Just wanted you to know that you and Hissie have been in my thoughts since you first posted.  Your post made me cry because I know just what you must be going through.  The helpless feeling is just the worst, but it sounds like you're doing every single thing you can think of and more to figure out what's wrong.    

I see your post was yesterday.  I hope Hissie is doing better today.  

Thinking of you....

[dominosarah]

Hope Hissie is feeling better today........sara

[zodiacqueen]

You shouldn't feel silly at all loving your cat so much.  I've gone to the ends of the earth for mine, and I've got the credit card debt to prove it.  LOL  It's easy to love cats so much, they are comforting, non-judgemental, and love you no matter what, unlike "friends" and family.  They accept us no matter what, and they are so much fun!!  

I will say that was reassuring to hear that the bloodwork is good and the exploratory your vet performed went well.  I would seriously look into the possibility of another hairball blockage again, since the symptoms are the same.  It would be worth it to do another barium x-ray, and see if a blockage is in the same segment of colon as before.  If it's in the same general area, I would get a biopsy of that area to see what's going on.  

Best wishes to you!!  Hang in there, and stay positive.  Hissie having normal bloodwork at her age is a great sign, and that should give you a lot of reassurance.

[PrettyKitty1]

Oh, Lynn, I forgot to mention something I think it's imperative for you to know. Most, if not ALL cats with food allergies (diarrhea or constipation) will appear to be healthy during blood or fecal tests, or any other test for that matter. Generally, a biopsy or endoscopy can get you the answer. But I think it's obvious your cat is constipated because of some ingredient in her food which is messing with her digestive system.

[PrettyKitty1]

Lynn,

Don’t feel silly about loving your cat so very much. I am the same way. When my older cat, Abby, was this close to giving up on me because of his IBD (another condition caused by grains in low quality foods)I almost went crazy and my health went downhill. Trust me, I know how you feel.  You’re a good momma and Hissie knows it!!!

Now, I could recommend something to stimulate her. Don’t know if you’ve tried it. I am sure you’ve seen how mama cats stimulate their babies, right? They lick their booties a lot. You could use a wet towel and rub it up against Hiss’s anus, see what you get.

Now, your cat is suffering constipation due to what you’re currently feeding her. 9 lives KILLED the cat of one of the members at yahoo.com, and she gave testimony about it. I can copy the link if you want. Science Diet and Purina were also killing my cat. I do not mean to scare you. There are cats who do well on these foods but others, unfortunately don’t. That would be the case of your cat and mine. I personally am feeding my cats raw foods, but I carefully prepare it to balance the nutrients. The minute I started feeding my cats the BARF diet, all the diarrhea and blood stopped literally overnight. I’d recommend it to anyone. Now, for an easier life, I would tell you to try to switch her to Wellness, Solid Gold, Felidae, Fromm Four Star, Merrick, GO Natural, Nature's Variety Prairie, Nature's Logic, Artemis Fresh Mix or Timber Wolf Organics. These foods do not contain grains, and the ash content is pretty acceptable, and also the moisture levels. I strongly believe grains are messing up her digestive system. Your cat does not take benefit from grains, doesn’t need them and doesn’t digest them well. A pretty “healthy” way the body has to tell you something is wrong is Diarrhea. Your cat being constipated is also another sign that there are ingredients in that food which are pretty much rejected by her body.

Try switching her little by little. Have you tried it? You might be surprised if one day you brought some high quality diet and she gladly ate it after sniffing it. I know they hate change!! My older baby gets extremely sensitive about it. I know what you’re saying about your Hissie hating on change. Cats are creatures of habit, and like to have a predictable life. If Ms. Hissie gets enough moisture in her canned foods then don’t worry about her not drinking a lot of water. My cats drink very, very little water but they’re not dehydrated.

I’d quit the dry food, and switch her to one of the above foods as soon as possible see if she starts evacuating. Canned pumpkin is a stool softener. Force her if you have to, and make her eat pumpkin so her stools can pass better. I would also add digestive enzymes to her meals. You will be amazed at how great she’ll do once you start adding this to her diet. I get mine at petenzymes.com.  I get the one which comes with probiotics already. These enzymes aid digestion and help cats who cannot evacuate, or who cannot stop evacuating.  So, if you cannot get high quality foods, you can always get digestive enzymes and you can read all about it. These are good!!! I strongly believe your cat needs digestive enzymes, and for hairballs prevention, these are great!!

Hissie may hate any change in food or environment, but Lyn, you can always try to change her mind set and succeed. After all, it’s for her own sake.  Personally, I am against feeding a cat ANY commercial foods. But I understand that we all live different life styles and don’t always have the time to carefully prepare a diet fit for carnivores. You are reading the words of a woman who lived a nightmare because of her ignorance on the subject, who is still learning, but who have seen with her own eyes what feeding raw meat brings to her once sick cat. If nothing can be done, then a high quality food will always come handy. Just remember the ones I mentioned. I did try some of the above and got zero results but my cat’s case was different, and no two cats are the same.  Your cat may very well do well on a better diet.

If you need tips on how to switch diets…..let me know. I am the owner of a cat who is STILL addicted to the junk food; but who happily eats his raw meals without complains.  I managed to get him to eat raw chicken with heart, liver and bones!!!! I even give him a whole heart as treat and he just devours it!!!! I  believe balanced raw foods also help with hairball prevention.  I see, every day, hair in both my cats’ stools, a lot of hair……..a lot. So, definitely something there is preventing hairballs from forming, and I KNOW it is digestive enzymes doing the trick.

Please let me know what you think. I will keep you in my thoughts.  You’re a great mom to Hissie. Good Luck hon.

[lynnkay]

Thank you very much for your reply. The vet ran a number of tests on Hissie. While she was performing the intestional surgery, she said she did exploratory on her as well. Vet said all looked normal and healthy. She even looked at her liver. Hissie's kidneys are fully functioning. Several blood tests were ran and just a plain xray ran. The vet could not find anything wrong with her. The vet did do the barium study. That is how she discovered the blockage with the hairball. This was done the day before her surgery. The vet even ran another xray the day of the surgery. The barium still had no passed through the hairball. So, the vet made double sure that this was Hissie's problem. Yes, it is all the same symptoms all over again. You can read my post to PrettyKitty1. Her water intake has never been very good. And I have never been able to get her to eat a high quality cat food. But for well over 2 yrs. this all worked. Could be another hairball. I am hoping not. Hissie is not grooming herself. And I do keep her brushed. I am beginning to wonder if there is not an underlying problem, that just is not showing up. Somehow, cancer keeps popping into my mind. I am back to worrying myself silly over my girl. She was back to doing so good these past few weeks or so. After surgery it was a struggle there for close to several weeks. Hissie and me both worked hard to get her back on her feet. She is old, but she is a tough one. I am working with her now, to try to get her to have a bowel movement. Have been for several days. If there is no improvement by Monday morning, then I do have another vet, that I am going to take her to. Until the former vet found the hairball in her intestines, she was just plain stumped, as to what was wrong with Hissie. Vet even admitted that to me. After surgery she lost quite a bit of weight. But, in last few weeks had about put all her weight back on. Now, we are back to the place we started or so it is seeming. Sure do love my Hissie. I just want her back to being well again. I so hate seeing her suffering. Any comments would be so greatly appreciated. And thank your kitty for crossing the paws for my cat. I know Hissie would appreciate that...Lol   And thank you for your interest and concern.

[lynnkay]

Thank you so very much for your reply. My answers to your questions, will not be good ones. Hissie has never been much of a water drinker. I give her distilled water. I will catch her at times taking a sip or two. I empty out her water bowl daily. So, I do monitor her water intake. The water level does not much go down. I told the vet about this problem with the drinking. She told me to get one of those bowls that has a fountain like effect. I would get this for Hissie immediately. But, I know Hiss too well. That type of bowl would only scare her. She is old and very set in her ways. Plus, she is a very scared and nervous cat. She doesn't like change at all. I feed her 9 Lives. I know that is probably not the best food. But, I have tried in the past, to introduce her to Iams, Science Diet and the vet even gave me 6 cans of AH. Vet said cats just love the AH. Hissie likes none of these brands of food. It always comes back to the 9 Lives. I would love nothing better, than her to eat a high quality food. She just won't do it for me. She eats some dry food, but mostly canned. I do try to get her cans of 9 Lives, that I know have plenty of juice in them. That way she is getting some fluids. Hissie when she went to the vet weighed close to 14 lbs. At that time she had not lost much weight. Hiss is a turkish van. So, she is a husky built cat. Of course, I am working with her to end the constipation. She stays in our bedroom a lot. I have a little bed in there for her. I have even been shutting the bedroom door and making her come out into other areas of the house. Trying to get her some exercise. I know just lying around will cause constipation. I trusted my vet. She was very concerned and caring about Hissie. She is a big cat lover. But, if we are going to go through this again, I will be getting a second opinion. Hissie is still alert and she looks good through her eyes. They are very bright. When she got sick before, I could well tell it through her eyes. We just know our kitties don't we? Plus, she is still looking me in the eye. When she was sick before and then recovering from surgery, she would never look me in my eyes. I know she was trying to hide from me, the fact that she was so sick. But, my old girl cannot hide it from me. I know she is going downhill on me again. I love Hissie so so much. Probably too much. I have worked so hard to get her back on her feet. And she worked so hard to. Yes, I do believe with all my heart, that she is strong and a survivor. I do realize they know when their time has come. When that time comes, I know it will be out of my hands. I never want to hold onto to her, if she cannot be helped and is suffering. But, until that time, we are going to give it one more of a fight. PretyKitty, there is just something about this cat. I am an animal lover, but never loved one like this one. I am sitting here in tears now, just thinking about how much I love her. I feel silly for it, but she has that effect on me. And she loves me as much as I love her. Please give me your advice. It would be so much appreciated. I know her water intake and the brand of cat food is not good. Thank you for listening to me.

[PrettyKitty1]

I remember you and Hissie. I know how much you love that cat. I can feel it in your words. I remember your case. I am so, so sorry for this. You shouldn't have to go through this again. It's sad. But you know what? I am sure she'll pull through one more time. Your cat is a fighter, my dear.

Got three questions:

1. What are you feeding her?
2- Is she overweight?
3- How much water does she drink?

About intestinal surgery...usually, cats do well afterwards and don't have to be put through that unless the vet didn't address the real issue or if treatment after surgery and such wasn't of much help. Some diseases tend to attack from time to time. That said, it could be hairballs again. Some cats are more prone to having hairballs than others. My older cat hasn't had hairballs. Some cats start throwing up hair at a young age. So it does depend on the cat. Your girl is a senior kitty; so I would not doubt it all of these problems were caused by her age. Older cats tend to have reoccurring digestive issues and it's just age related and , of course......food.

Don't worry. You will not lose her. If your cat puts up a fight then it isn't her time to go. They KNOW when their time has come. Talk to the vet. Seek a second opinion to be 101% sure. And, of course, keep us updated on her progress. I'll think of something once you answer my questions. I'm sure others will try to help you as much as possible. So you can definitely count on our support.

Oh......do you add digestive enzymes to her food?

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, I am so sorry to hear that Hissie is throwing up again!!!  ={  I think it's possible that she might be blocked or be constipated again.  It sounds like the same symptoms as before.

Please, remind me of her history!  How are her kidneys, liver, etc????

You should ask the vet for a barium study to check for a blockage again!  They can give a barium enema and take x-rays.  This is also done for people to check for different disorders-I'm in the x-ray field and have seen some of these studies done.

I've got my fingers crossed and my kitty has her paws crossed!!  =D

Hugs
ZQ