My cat is sick, lethargic, not eating or drinking. Home care tips?

Your cat really needs to be seen by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. She is likely dehydrated from not eating or drinking well and will require subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. Because she hasn't been eating, she is also at risk of developing a condition called hepatic lipodosis. This disease is the most common cause of metabolic liver failure. At home encourage your cat to eat by offering highly palatable food, such as fish-flavored canned cat food or Stage 1 strained chicken or turkey baby food (no onions or garlic). If necessary, gently open her mouth and place a small amount of moist food on her tongue. Watch to see if she swallows it. If she does, place a couple more dollops of food on her tongue, then encourage her to eat a bit on her own.

These symptoms can be caused by a range of diseases, and are often accompanied by severe dehydration. Without an exam and some testing, I can't make a diagnosis, and it is illegal for us to make specific recommendations on medications. You should call your local vet for further advice.

Mittens is a lovely looking girl! Unfortunately there isn't anything you can do at home for her, she has to see a vet as soon as possible because she sounds quite sick. It's serious that she's had diarrhea with blood in it, she's not eating much, she's quite thirsty, and is lethargic. I would see if you can borrow money from family or friends, if your vet will accept payment plans, or you can apply for VetCare Finance to afford a vet for her. I would take her into a vet first thing in the morning, and I hope one of my resources helps you afford a vet! http://www.vetcarefinance.co.nz/

Your cat needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible for an exam and labwork so that he can be treated for his ailment right away. Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. Your cat needs to be seen by your vet for an exam and bloodwork to determine the cause for your cat’s loss of appetite. Based on the findings, your vet will be able to give you a clearer picture of what is going on with your cat and be able to offer you treatment options. Try enticing your pet to eat with beef or chicken baby food that does not contain onion or garlic powder. Onion and garlic causes anemia. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Stir it with your finger first to make sure there are no hot spots and that it isn't too hot. This makes it more aromatic and appealing to your pet. Wetting dry food or mixing wet food with low sodium chicken broth, also warmed, might entice your pet to eat. Some cats like to be petted while they eat, some want to be left alone. You'll know your cat's habits and be able to act accordingly.

I’m so sorry to hear about Scruff :( unfortunately, she sounds serious enough that there is nothing I would recommend for doing at home. Keep her warm and encourage drinking. Consider carecredit.com - it’s a line of credit you can apply for instantly online and can be used for human or animal healthcare. It’s generally low or no interest for 3-6 months and is accepted at many vet hospitals. If you are approved, go to the nearest 24 hour ER clinic. Be warned that dependinf on her underlying condition and status on arrival, the doctor may recommend intensive measures (hospitalizing IV, etc.) or humane euthanasia. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no realistic “in-between” option. I’m so sorry again and hope for peace no matter the outcome.

Poor Also sounds very sick, and it's extremely serious she won't eat or drink. She has to see a vet now, and I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet. I can give you some resources that may help as well. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Carefree Credit online. http://www.carefreecredit.co.uk https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/vetcare http://www.easipetcare.com Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and please take her into a vet immediately.

Unfortunately there may not be anything you can do for Matt at home except to try to offer him tasty foods and encourage him to eat and drink. The fact that he has lost weight indicates that he may have an ongoing disease process. Many things can cause weight loss including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, parasites, cancer and other causes as well. The only way to know for certain what is happening is if physical exam and blood work. Other diagnostics may also be needed. Most health conditions are best addressed early and need to be for the best prognosis. You may look into financing with a company like Care Credit or Scratch Pay. You can go online to find information about these companies and requirements. Certainly try to get a ride from friends and family. Other services may also be available like rideshare. I hope this helps and best of luck.