Cat Recovery After URI

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

trevorhammond@gmail.com - 20 Dec 2005 19:15 GMT

My cat recently had a upper respiratory infection and ran a high fever
for over a week. That was about 2 weeks ago that he came down with the
illness, not long after adopting him from a local shelter. Since then
the fever appears to have stopped as he is now less lethargic, willing
to play, gets excited for food and follows me everywhere. Whereas
before he slept most of the day, wasn't interested in playing and I had
to syringe or spoon feed him. His nasal and eye discharge cleared up
about a week ago.

At his worst I had to syringe feed him Hill's A/D (at least 1/2 can per
day). I have since switched back to regular cat food (Whiska's pacakged
food in gravy). He eats close to 2 packages per day without any force
feeding. Yet according to his body weight (10 lbs 3 ounces) he should
be eating about 4 1/2 pacakges a day (based on Whiska's
recommendation). He is a 4 year old male maine coon that has tested
negative for FIV and FELV. His water intake is also fairly low. I
assume as I am feeding him foods with a lot of moisture he just doesn't
require a lot of water.

A typical adult male maine coon should weigh 14-17 lbs from what I have
read, so he is a little underweight. I am concerned he will slowly
waste away at his current nutrional intake level. He doesn't appear to
be weak, but I can't see him gaining or maintaining his current weight
if he continues to eat only that much.

My vet has recommended putting him on appetite stimulants. For his
current food intake is this maybe a little overboard? I was thinking of
trying to feed him higher calorie kitten food and maybe some nutrical.

I realize he is in a recovery stage, as a cat with a URI may take a few
weeks to get back to "normal". Should I be terribly concerned for his
health at his current food intake? Or is it something that needs to be
addressed but not deathly urgent?

Thanks
Trevor

Reply to this Message

alt4 - 20 Dec 2005 20:08 GMT

This is what I would do, I'm not a vet so keep that in mind. For a week keep
feeding him as you are. If he doesn't come back to what you think the eating
should be, let the vet put him on appetite stimulants. If that STILL isn't
to your satisfaction every so often we feed our cats kitten food and there
are 6 very healthy huge ones. One thing to keep in mind cats are very
resiliant. One of the strays we feed is a maine coon, she doesn't look
overweight, but then I don't know her age.

Signature

"Other than telling us how to live, think,
marry, pray, vote, invest, educate our
children and now, die, I think the
Republicans have done a fine job of
getting government out of our personal
lives."

> My cat recently had a upper respiratory infection and ran a high fever
> for over a week. That was about 2 weeks ago that he came down with the
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
> Thanks
> Trevor

Reply to this Message

Dr.Carla,DVM - 23 Dec 2005 05:04 GMT

Don't be afraid to question your vet. A good vet should be receptive to
owners that ask questions. Once I questioned my (human) dermatologist and I
got attitude. I left, never went back and made sure to tell everyone I know
of my experience. If you are concerned, I think that is reason enough to
talk to your vet. That's what your vet is for. That doesn't mean you have
to make an appointment and pay for an office visit. Call your vet's office
and if the vet is not available leave a message stating your concerns and
ask for a return call.
While 10 lbs does seem small for a Maine Coon remember body condition score
should be based on the individual cat, keeping mind breed normals, without
restricting yourself to breed normals. A Maine Coon from a shelter may not
be purebred. http://www.purina.com/cats/health/BodyCondition.aspx
Canned cat food does contain 40-60% water. I'm glad you are noticing your
cat's water intake because it is definitely important. Notice how much he
urinates in his box too, he may be supplementing his water from your toilet
bowl (which is generally not dangerous), potted plant run-overs, Christmas
tree water, or other source. When dehydrated, skin that is pinched does not
snap back as quickly. I common test is to pinch some skin, give it a 1/2
twist and release. If it doesn't snap back in a few seconds there may be
reason for concern. When you talk to your vet about your cat's water
intake be sure to let the vet know how much he seems to be urinating also so
your vet will have all the facts available.
Appetite stimulants are sometime recommended when the vet is concerned, so I
would recommend talking to your vet about your concerns about drug side
effects, and your ideas about high calorie food. If your vet is concerned,
I would pay attention and ask questions until you are satisfied with the
plan of action.
Lastly, URI's contracted at shelters are usually more resistant to
antibiotics and may take 2, 3 or even 4 weeks to clear.
Good Luck!

> My cat recently had a upper respiratory infection and ran a high fever
> for over a week. That was about 2 weeks ago that he came down with the
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
> Thanks
> Trevor

Reply to this Message