Moon's Graden

by **Doffatho** » Tue, 11 Mar 2003 00:22:21

We got a rescue cat a month ago, the very next day he went down with cat flu
and now seems to be recovering from it and eating a bit more now. He also had
had an abcess and was left with a bald patch which he***ed and chewed and had
another abcess. He is now on his fourth set of antibiotics as we caught it
earlier this time and told he has a skin infection. They will wait another week
before testing him for ringworm (as hair on his ears fallen out mostly). He has
been put on Antirobe pills and I am assuming these are giving him the runs. He
is a long haired cat and got into one hell of a mess. Has any one any tips on
how to deal with this as he does not know us that well and it is an ordeal for
him (as well as us) in chasing him and trying to clear up his rear end. He has
had us giving him pills, cleaning drool from his face and putting a collar on
to stop him from***ing his skin and he has had enough off us pulling him
about in these ways.
He is our first cat and to say we are getting desperate is an understatement.
Any handy tips or ideas much appreciated.
Doff

by **Kare** » Tue, 11 Mar 2003 01:11:26

Quote:

> We got a rescue cat a month ago, the very next day he went down with cat flu
> and now seems to be recovering from it and eating a bit more now. He also had
> had an abcess and was left with a bald patch which he***ed and chewed and
> had
> another abcess. He is now on his fourth set of antibiotics as we caught it
> earlier this time and told he has a skin infection. They will wait another
> week
> before testing him for ringworm (as hair on his ears fallen out mostly). He
> has
> been put on Antirobe pills and I am assuming these are giving him the runs. He
> is a long haired cat and got into one hell of a mess. Has any one any tips on
> how to deal with this as he does not know us that well and it is an ordeal for
> him (as well as us) in chasing him and trying to clear up his rear end. He has
> had us giving him pills, cleaning drool from his face and putting a collar on
> to stop him from***ing his skin and he has had enough off us pulling him
> about in these ways.
> He is our first cat and to say we are getting desperate is an understatement.
> Any handy tips or ideas much appreciated.
> Doff

Wow. That's a tough one. Don't just test for ringworm, have them test for
skin parasites too. It is also a possibility that he is allergic to some
food protien. There are foods you can get from the vet (yes, expensive but
you don't have to feed it forever, just until you figure out what he's
allergic to.) I think the key here is that right now, you are just giving
him general coverage in antibiotics and not knowing the source of the
problem (which can be very tough to suss out.)

Until then, perhaps you can make things better on the medicating end by
being very consistant.

Pill at exactly the same time, to create a routine. Routine in itself is
comforting. Try to have a specific spot for pilling (again routine) that is
calm at the time of pilling. I don't know if you have other animals or
children, but there should be calm at this time, so tell the kids to go
elsewhere, and put the dog somewhere else (if you have any that is).

Now, there are two friends to you in pilling. Number one, have it all set up
ahead of time and ready at hand. I HIGHLY!!!!!! recommend getting a 5 dollar
pill gun from the vet. Makes a huge difference. Also, put a thin coat of
butter on the pill. It will slip down quickly and be less traumatic and keep
the cat from tasting it.

Pills should be put at the back of the tongue (pill popper will help
tremendously with that).

Be calm. Pysche yourself into the feeling this is no big deal. Animals are
VERY receptive to us and our emotions. If you are calm it will assist him.

The best means of restraing are towel wrapping. See the below link in the
method I use. I have gotten it down to a science when I've had to pill and
following the above, got the process down to about a 30 second ordeal,
quickly forgotten.

Last follow it immediately with a treat (already prepared) that he can't
resist, like maybe some canned chicken in broth. This serves two purposes.
It helps him associate good things with the medications and also helps get
that medicine down his throat and into his stomach. Hope this helps and
please keep us posted. I *know* that this can work out for you.

Below is the link to wrapping the cat:

http://www.moonsgarden.com/#fr

Karen

by **Ollie Burge** » Tue, 11 Mar 2003 05:18:37

Quote:

> We got a rescue cat a month ago, the very next day he went down with cat flu
> and now seems to be recovering from it and eating a bit more now. He also had
> had an abcess and was left with a bald patch which he***ed and chewed and had
> another abcess. He is now on his fourth set of antibiotics as we caught it
> earlier this time and told he has a skin infection. They will wait another week
> before testing him for ringworm (as hair on his ears fallen out mostly). He has
> been put on Antirobe pills and I am assuming these are giving him the runs. He
> is a long haired cat and got into one hell of a mess. Has any one any tips on
> how to deal with this as he does not know us that well and it is an ordeal for
> him (as well as us) in chasing him and trying to clear up his rear end. He has
> had us giving him pills, cleaning drool from his face and putting a collar on
> to stop him from***ing his skin and he has had enough off us pulling him
> about in these ways.
> He is our first cat and to say we are getting desperate is an understatement.
> Any handy tips or ideas much appreciated.
> Doff

First of all, bless you for being so kind.

Karen has given you some valuable advice in her response. I have, in the past, been
through what you describe as well - nursing a rescued cat back to health - with the
ultimate reward of having a devoted friend for life. Please continue in this quest, I
guarantee you'll not regret it!

OB

Moon's Graden

New Cat/Cat Flu,Abcess now diarrhoea HELP

New Cat/Cat Flu,Abcess now diarrhoea HELP

New Cat/Cat Flu,Abcess now diarrhoea HELP

New Cat/Cat Flu,Abcess now diarrhoea HELP