update #16- Seine passed away

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I recently went away for 2 weeks, and when I came home Seine was very skinny. (I got home last Sunday evening). She is a little cat, so even losing a small amount of weight is a lot for her. The pets had someone watching them the whole time, so I know Seine had access to food, but for some reason lost weight. She seems to be acting fine, except that I have been trying to get her to eat more (I got her some canned food, treats, etc.) and while she is normally quite a voracious eater of treats, she will eat a small amount then leave it.

The last time she was left (only for 3 days) she also lost weight, so it's possible she was unhappy at being left for so long. I think she has put on a little weight since we've returned, but she still does look really thin. If she doesn't make any more improvement soon, I will take her to the vet, but I was hoping for suggestions or any symptoms I should look for to let me know she needs to be seen right away.

Thank you!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I should probably also add that Seine is only 4 years old. I don't think it's hyperthyroidism because she hasn't been peeing anywhere other than the litter box and she hasn't been eating much.

[Moesha]

How is her water consumption? Has she been vomiting? Has she been peeing and pooping? It could have been stress related that she wasn't eating much. I have a friend who is gone now to Canada for her brother in law's funeral. She has a cat that gets "runny butt" every time she leaves for longer a day or two. The vet told her it is stress related.

[columbine]

It would probably be best to have her checked by a vet. Meanwhile, you could try giving her some kitten food.

Please keep us posted!

Love, Columbine

[krazyaboutkatz]

She most likely lost weight because she became stressed out and didn't like some one new feeding her. I was also going to suggest some high calorie kitten food. I hope she'll gain her weight back quickly. Good luck.

[Freedom]

With her age and history (of losing weight when left) I would just watch her. I like the kitten food idea, to try and encourage her to eat a bit more, add a bit of weight.

Is she a cat who normally plays with you? Maybe set a few play times, with a dangling toy. This will get her active which can increase her appetite.

I know taking them to the vet is also a stress for mot cats. But maybe you can take her in just for a weight? Then go back in 4 to 6 weeks to ensure she is putting it back on. At my vet, I take them in for weight during surgery hours -- the examine rooms are just sitting there empty. There is no charge. You could just call ahead and pick a time which works for them.

[Medusa]

Check to see if she's at all dehydrated by tugging on her fur a little to see if the skin snaps back. If not, she's dehydrated. Also, my Boo was just recently diagnosed as hyperthyroid but he doesn't eat much either. Usually their appetites are voracious and they still lose weight but he doesn't eat much at all. It's because he became so thin that I had my vet check him out. You probably should do that anyhow just to be on the safe side. I sure hope all is well w/Seine.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Thanks for the advice. I have noticed a bit of an improvement already, so I think she is starting to gain. She also isn't dehydrated, I checked her skin and I see her frequent the water bowl several times a day.

I'm pretty sure she was stressed because we were gone and also because she and Pippin don't always get along and sometimes when I am not there he bullies her by staring her down. She was probably upset. I've started to let them outside separately (they have an enclosed cat area outside) for an hour or two each day and I think that calms them down so they don't have staring contests.

[Pinot's Mom]

I also have a kitty with separation issues...stress could very probably be your culprit. There are some kitties who are OK with their humans on vacation, and others that are not. Mine is OK with eating, mostly, she shows her stress at the other end, but it'll be back to normal soon. It's very tough, though, to know they're going through that!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Well things seemed to be going better then last night I noticed her ears were jaundiced. I took her to the vet and she will have to be there a few days to get her liver flushed and a feeding tube placed. She has fatty liver disease from not eating which thankfully can be reversed with the treatment. Please keep her in your thoughts!

[Medusa]

Oh my goodness, that would've scared me to death! I'm so glad that it's under control. Get better, Seine! (((HUGS))) to your mom, too.

[jenluckenbach]

Oh my, I really hope she will be better soon.

[Pinot's Mom]

Poor baby! (((((hugs))))) to both of you!

[Catty1]

Prayers for Seine - I am glad the fatty disease can be reversed!

In the future - gosh, if you go away, will she have to be on a mild tranny or something? See what the vet suggests. Or get a reading from Nancy Efrusy - she is amazing. Will find her email addy for you if you want to go this route.

{{{{hugs}}}}

[mom2thomas]

Glad to hear she will be on the mend - keep your chin up - and keep scratching hers!

Hillary