Cat-O-Rama

What is the best way to treat Feline Coccidiosis until the cat/kitten can be taken to a vet to get the antibiotic?

We’re fostering kittens and have 2 cats of our own (a 10 year old tom and a 14 week old kitten). We’ve had the fosters 2 weeks today and I’ve read that some illnesses take about 14 days to show ‘up’. The 2 fosters have had constant diarrhea since they came home (thought it was a food change plus stress), but after 2 weeks, it hasn’t changed much. The 14 week old kitten also started to get diarrhea, but its starting to go back to ‘normal’.

So, what is the best preventative for the 10 year old and the 14 week old cat/kitten?

Please only answer is you have past veterinary experience and/or have fostered kittens or know a bit about this. This is something serious, so I don’t need willy-nilly answers. Thank you.

I have no veterinary experience but I have taken care of many cats and kittens other than my own and recently provided foster care for a cat and her kittens.

Coccidia may be present in cats who are not ill. Their immune systems keep it in check. The cats most likely to become ill are nursing queens and kittens who have not developed immunity. So it could be that your 10 year old cat might not get it even if the kittens are in fact infected. The 14 week old would probably have no immunity so its diarrhea is probably not random but has been aquired from exposure to whatever the other 2 kittens have.

What you can do to help the kittens is keep them all very well hydrated (wet food only with a little water added to each meal) and to keep all the areas they are in contact with very clean. I would clean all hard surfaces daily with soap and ammonia (ammonia kills coccidia) - the floors, the litter boxes and anything else they touch.

Scoop all the litter boxes at leaast twice a day and empty and clean with soap and ammonia daily.

Vacuum any rugs or soft surfaces daily.

Since you do not know for sure that it is coccidia you should also clean with bleach. You cannot use bleach at the same time as ammonia. The combination releases chlorine gas which could make the kittens very sick (and you too ) and even kill them.

I would clean first with an ammonia solution then rinse very well. After waiting for the ammonia gas to totally dissapate wash again with a 20% bleach solution and rinse well again.

Just got finished taking care of a stray mother cat and her kittens. I was fanatical about cleaning and all was well.

So sorry I can’t offer anything except extreme cleaning and hydration but I do wish you luck with your foster babies.

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My kitty is just 30 days old. Since we are new to kitties and since it was a street feline(separated from its Mother), we did not know what to feed it. So, we gave milk, biscuits, pieces of omelet /egg yolk etc.. The Kitty had it for about 3 days. From yesterday, it was withdrawn, did not eat anything and looked very sick. We were worried and called the Vet. He suggested a liver tonic (Liverol). Today morning we found it vomiting and excreting stools (diarhhea). The Vet suggested Roscillin (Ampicillin Trihydrate - 5 drops). We are giving it that. But it still does not eat anything. What has happened to my kitty? Does it have any serious illness?
I hear a sound (the kind of sound that we hear in our bowels when we have gastric problems) in the kitty’s stomach. Does this mean something fatal?

Cats are generally lactose intolerant past the age of 12 weeks. So, contrary to what some are saying, you didn’t do anything wrong by feeding milk. And you didn’t go wrong with the egg either. Eggs are a great source of protein and can be fed cooked or raw. But I wouldn’t recommend overdoing it.

Someone mentioned not giving cats dairy: Since cats are generally lactose intolerant past the age of 12 weeks, I, of course, usually tell people to avoid dairy products. But occasionally feeding yogurt and cottage cheese (very sparingly) won’t hurt and can sometimes help with an upset tummy.

Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms or coccidiosis, is a possible cause of vomiting in kittens. This can occur as the result of food sensitivities (i.e. food allergies and/or the inability to digest certain foods). Another possibility is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (which can start at a young age). Vomiting is often the only sign that this condition is present.

It may take several efforts to rule out potential causes of vomiting and discover the culprit. In this case, it would take a great deal of cooperation between you and your veterinarian in order to get to a diagnosis and find a treatment plan that works. You may even need to get a second opinion. Occasionally, the first problem found is the primary cause of the vomiting, and treatment is successful on the first try. But you definitely can’t count on that.

Disorders Causing Vomiting in Cats, By: Todd R. Tams, DVM — http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00423.htm
West Los Angeles, CA

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The shelter that I got him from was led by a woman who was very difficult to get a hold of when I needed his vaccination information which she refused to send to me after many phone calls, emails, and her empty promises. My cat had to get frequent vet care without any proof of his vaccinations. I thought after the first three months of hell with his feline flu that we were out of the woods. He was a very affectionate loving cat, and there is no way that I would have returned him to her, but because of her lack of communication when I begged her for information to get him well, and the fact that he had a terminal illness which he was born with, I would like to know my legal rights in this situation, and of course would like to protect any innocent pet adopter from going through this horror of falling in love with an animal and having to loose it due to the rescues negligence. True that I would have paid anything to help him recover, with bills occuring to over $4000 I am deeply in debt and brokenhearted. Please help.
After blood tests, x-rays, an ultrasound, and negative results on Feline Lukemia, and FIV, they did an MRI and found he had FIP, which is a fatal disease that they are not vaccinated for.
I do have all of the emails confirming her neglagence. As for the phone calls, I guess I will have to work on attaining them.
I adopted him through Pet Finder. Her shelter is called Kitty Colony. I had to have friends call her phone because she would not answer if I called. She did finally fax over the information to my vet this week after I threatened her with contacting the Humane Society (which I did anyway). But it is too late.
I am going to contact the PetSmart I met her and the sweet baby at right now also.

Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about your cat and it sounds like you went the extra mile in his care.

I am a cat rescuer and I can say this ‘rescuer’ sounds very shady and has NO business being in rescue. When I adopt out my cats, they have been tested for leukemi/AIDS, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, dewormed, treated for fleas with Advantage and microchipped. I turn over all copies of vet work to the new owner when I hand over the cat.

You didn’t say what terminal illness your kitty was born with but I’m thinking it is leukemia and NO reputable rescue would adopt out a terminally ill cat unless the prospective owner was willing to basically be a hospice for it.

If I were you I would seriously consider taking this woman to Small Claims Court and getting my money back. What she committed was fraud, and if you show the judge your phone records, copies of emails, etc. and that she gave your a sick cat, I think you have a good case.

I would also contact the local news or newspaper and see if they can help you. They love stories where people are cheating others. I know our news station here as a consumer advocate that looks into fraudulent situations, so yours might too.

If this woman lists her cats on www.petfinder.com or adopts through a rescue group that goes to Petsmart, I would contact them and tell them what happened - she’d get dropped like a hot potato. I have seen people adopt out through some of the Petsmart groups and if they have a gripe Petsmart will make it right. You might also consider reporting her to Animal Control so they can check her out and make sure she’s legitimate and caring for the cats properly.

Lastly, I would go on craigslist and do whatever I can to get the word out that this person is not a reputable rescuer. I think you may find you’re not the only person she has done this to.

This is a hard lesson to learn, but if you decide to get another kitty, I hope you will adopt from a reputable shelter so you can save another life and provide a loving home. Make sure the cat has been tested for leukemia/AIDS, has had its vet work done. Ask to see copies of the vet work when you’re looking at the cat so you can see what has been done and can ask questions. Copies of vet work should be provided at the time of adoption. If the "rescue" is not willing to do this then hold off on the adoption until they do so you can go home with the cat AND the vet record.

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Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline and Canine Recovery RS Formula Canned Food is a complete and balanced diet specifically designed to assist the management of dogs and cats with or recovering from critical illness. * Veterinarian Approved: Care about the health of your pet. This product should only be fed with your veterinarian’s approval. Nutritional Differences: (as compared to typical commercial pet foods) * Exceptional palatability * High energy density * High levels of high quality, highly digestible protein * Highly digestible * Enriched with antioxidants * Enriched with arginine, glutamine and branch chain amino acids * Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) * Enriched with FOS, and MOS to optimize intestinal health and the immune system * Optimal levels of mixed soluble and insoluble fiber * Optimal texture to facilitate syringe and tube feeding Additional Information: Indications: * Malnutrition, cachexia * Anorexia, inappetance * Nutritional support during critical illness and post surgical care * Convalescence * Tube feeding Contraindications: * Renal disease * Hyperlipidemia * Pancreatitis * Hepatic encephalopathy. Extra Information: Nutrition Statement: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline and Canine Recovery RS Formula Canned Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth and adult maintenance Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken liver, chicken, gelatin by-products, powdered cellulose, calcium caseinate, fish oil, vegetable oil, dried egg whites, guar gum, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, sodium tripolyphosphate, blood plasma, natural flavors, taurine, potassium chloride, Trace Minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], choline chloride, Vitamins [DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), thiamine mononitrate

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I have read so many posts the last few days where owners have sick cats/kittens and they can’t afford to get treatment for them. Rather than allow your pet to suffer, there are Organisations out there that may be able to help.

THERE ARE QUITE A FEW ORGANIZATIONS HERE, SO BE SURE TO SCROLL THE BOTTOM.

KEEP THIS INFO IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL PROVE TO BE HANDY.

Here is a list of organizations who can help owners that cannot afford
vet care. A couple are for rescue organizations and homeless pets.

Please forward this list to anyone you think it might help.

American Animal Hospital Association

http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/

"The heartbreak happens all too often ? a pet owner is unable to afford
treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the price.

"If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the cost of
care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook.

"Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job
layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship making it too
difficult to afford pet care.

"And some animals, brought to clinics
by Good Samaritans, don’t have an owner to pay for treatment.

"Whatever the situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured
animals
are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer.

"Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for
sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner
is
experiencing financial hardship."

————————-

Angels 4 Animals

http://www.Angels4Animals.org

"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner
Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian angel
of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial
situations.

"At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners should not have to say
goodbye to the animals that they love.

"Our work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across
the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as
possible.

"Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those
pets and pet owners in need."

————————

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)

http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/

"The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who have
lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of
these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved
companion."

"The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten
guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their
companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes."

———————-

Help-A-Pet

http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html

"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the working
poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged individuals and
children of working parents, pets represent much more than a diversion."

————————-

IMOM

http://www.imom.org

"Mission Statement:

"Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and
abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion
animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is
financially challenged."

———————–

The Pet Fund

http://thepetfund.com/

"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care.

"Often animals are put down or suffer
needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or
emergency vet visits.

"Companion animal owners must often make the difficult decision to put
an animal down or neglect urgent medical
needs because of the costs involved.

"The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future where decisions
about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of
cost."

————————-

United Animal Nations

http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html

"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued animals
suffering from life-threatening conditions that require specific and
immediate emergency veterinary care.

"We strive to serve Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick
or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens and
low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

——————–

UK Assistance with Veterinary Bills

http://www.petloversonline.co.uk/financial.htm

"Most of us can cope with the financial commitment involved in the day
to day care of our pets. However, how many of us come out in a cold
sweat when our pet is ill or injured and we know we have to take it to
the vet?

"Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford it but, some of us
who love our animals dearly cannot.

"Unfortunately we do not have a PDSA or a RSPCA Centre within our area,
but there are a few charities who may be able to help."
Thanks rrm, I’ll add that to the lists. If anyone can think of any others, can they please post on the thread and they can also be added. I’m also going to try and form a lists for clinics that offer free spaying/neutering so if anyone can email some links, I’ll put them all together and post them. Thanks, xxx

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/what_you_can_do_if_you_are_having_trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

Great info! Thanks for posting. I know there are a lot of people who are not aware that there is help out there. The US Humane Society also lists several agencies that can help people with veterinary costs. Some are national, but others are state specific programs.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/what_you_can_do_if_you_are_having_trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

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I got my cat in September 2008 (she’s just over a year old) and ever since I got her, she has had brown discharge coming from her eyes. I brought her to the vet in January and I was given an antibiotic called Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment which I had to give her 3 times a day for 21 days. It did not do anything and the doctor said that it might be herpes. I did some research on feline herpes and I found that it is an upper respiratory illness. She is not sick in any way, there is no discharge from her nose or mouth, there is no redness/swelling, she is not sneezing, and other than the brown discharge coming from her eyes, she’s healthy. It does not affect her at all, but she is leaving some brown tears in my apartment and she does not look very attractive to any visitors that may come. The brown discharge is a liquid and drips, it’s not the same as the brown crusty things ("sleepers") in the corner of cat’s eyes. I wipe her eyes at least half a dozen times a day. Does anyone know what this could be so that I can perhaps improve it?

I am sorry to hear about your cats problem. I would suggest a swab of the discharge to be taken by the vet and analysed that may show what is causing this. I don’t think it is an allergy as it would be more similar to tears. Is she suffering from blocked tear ducts. I think it maybe a better option to take her for a veterinary examination. It shouldn’t be too expensive and it will put ur mind and rest and make her much happier. It is something that will be uncomfortable and difficult for her to live with long term.

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A little over a month ago, we took in a scrawny female cat from the ‘boonies’. At first, she started to put on a great deal of weight, but now [around a month later] she’s rapidly losing weight.

We’re not sure why, we’ve tried every type of food from Canidae to Feline Fancy and everything in between and she either hasn’t eaten the food, or hasn’t gained weight on it.

Her blood work came back absolutely normal, no illnesses or anything. She’s around eight or nine years old, female, spayed and declawed [all was done prior to our getting her].

Any suggestions or ideas as to how to best put weight on her? She’s RAILWAY skinny.

Fisrt of all bless you for giving this girl a home.
if the vet didnt take a stool sample it might be a good idea along with
a urine sample.
cats go down hill very quickly without food. Get the blender out..tuna, catfood and water mix it up.try it very runny at first..and if she is eating (will b more like drinking)..decrease the water 2 thicken it up

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We’ve been feeding a couple of strays for the past year or so. A couple of months ago, we caught a couple of kittens, for the feline population in our backyard seems to be increasing.

Recently, as in, the last month or so, one of the kittens began to show symptoms of an illness.

The female kitten, which was a couple of months old, started out with mild symptoms, such as lack of appetite, sneezing, and coughing. She began to develop more serious symptoms such as nasal discharge and inflammation of the nose.

We not being old enough to drive, and our parents constantly at work, we were unable to take her to the vet, though we tried everything we could.

We gave her food and vitamin paste, but it didn’t work.

This morning, she contracted and spat/drooled upon the floor. I’m thinking it was a seizure? The point is, it was really horrible to watch, and my sisters felt helpless as they tried to call our parents. The kitten died instantly.

I wanted to know what her illness may have been, and if it is contagious to the other kittens and children.
Help?

You are very right to be concerned. I hope you did not clean up the mess on the floor with bare hands, but wore gloves. The kittens could have had any number of problems, from bacteria, virus or parasitic infection.

Disinfect the floor and all areas where you remember the kitten being in your house. If you handle any of the other cats, wash your hands thoroughly after touching them. DO not put your fingers in or around your mouth or nose after touching them.

I suggest you get the same ingredients that I recommend for protection and healing from "swine flu virus" because they are also effective for the "unknown" diseases as well.

Flu viruses mutate all the time. They mutate constantly. Some get stronger, others die off. And that’s the reason that it’s resistant to the anti-flu drug Tamiflu. But these are all natural things that work.

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