Need Help for Digestion Problems in Rescue Cat
Over 2 years ago I adopted a cat ( her name is Pearl) from the local rescue centre. Anyway to cut a long story short, from day one Pearl has turned her nose up at every bit of food I have given her after initially eating it for a week or so, which have ranged from normal supermarket cat food (both in gravy and jelly) luxury range cat food and pates. Now and again she will eat the mouse type version but them ends up vomiting. She is surviving on the same brand of dried food, and cat soup sachets. I have tried fresh tuna, tuna from a tin, fresh chicken, left over food from the family...literally everything. She does like licking the butter from my toast if I leave it unattended too long. I believe she has digestive problems (she is even vomiting as I write, although its never much.) Notably she has never lost any weight and remains a good size. I am at a loss as to what to do with her. She will be nearly 7 soon as she was about 4 when I got her from the rescue centre. I worm her regularly and give her a paste to clear any hairballs. She is a domestic shorthair. Anyway I cannot afford a consultation with a vet let alone any fees that will accumulate as a result and was wondering if anyone can help with a suggestion on what to give her that may help? Any suggestions will be very much appreciated. Thanks
Kentucky
11/10/2023
UK
11/10/2023
Hi Rob, thank you for responding, I'm new to posting on Earth Clinic but I have been reading and using the advice on here for a while now. I tried to update the post yesterday to say that I have used a parasite cleanse and wormer on Pearl but I couldn't quite figure out how to update. So in response to your advice, yes I have but maybe I should try again. She doesn't seem in any pain, although I know that cats are very good at hiding it and she doesn't seem 'off' in any way but it just doesn't seem right for a cat to not like any wet food. I've even given her organic, no grain, no cereal all singing all dancing quality food, even ones especially for digestion which has slippery Elm in it....complete mystery. Anyway thanks again for taking the time to respond.
Kentucky
11/10/2023
From my notes:
Coconut oil for Vomiting -vomiting is a very common problem with cats with a multitude of causes. They range from eating something poisonous or inedible (like string), to infection, urinary tract disease, or diabetes to hairballs.
Symptoms are usually obvious, and include drooling and abdominal heaving. Vomiting can quickly leave your cat dehydrated, so if kitty continues vomiting or acts ill,
Coconut Oil - it has helped my very sick cat 100% she was vomiting constantly until she was spitting up blood, I took her to the vets, costing me $150.00 and I could not see any results, so the coconut oil has done wonders for my cat, because she was a dumpster diver (stray) her immune system was damaged to almost no repairing. I cook her chicken and mix coconut oil in with her food every time she eats (3 or more times a day) and she seems to stay stable & she just loves the taste. Another thing every one should remember or know is that "All"animals eat grass because it's their form of medicine, if cats are held inside for the duration they crave this fresh grass like I crave sweets etc..
Tapeworm – Cat One of the most common feline health problems inside your cat, tapeworms live in kitty's small intestine and sometimes grow as long as 2 feet.
Symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be subtle but may include vomiting and weightloss. The easiest way to tell if your cat has tapeworms is to look at its feces and around its anus. If you see small white worms or what look like grains of rice or sesame seeds, your cat likely has tapeworms.
Treatment options include injection, oral, or topical medication. But because cats almost always get tapeworms as a result of swallowing a flea, be sure to handle any flea problems your cat has before tackling tapeworms.
Onion: Dr. Falin also notes another study that showed “onion powder, when combined with coconut extract, completely eliminated roundworm infection in mice after just 8 days of treatment.”
UK
11/14/2023
Thanks Rob, this is very informative, I have 100% cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil in my cupboard so will give this a try and keep an eye on her poops.
