Minutus

One of our cats is sick (if not lots better by Monday, I'll take him to
the vet!) and I don't even know where to begin. Maybe I just don't
have enough to do anything with, but would love any thoughts.

Constitutionally I don't know--he's always been healthy, and tho I've
kind of pegged him for a possible bufo (goofy expression and
behaviors!) I've never given him any remedies. (But I'll send for it,
and maybe try it out.)

He's (Irene, don't scold me...) indoor-outdoor (we're in the country)
and eats a combination of kibble and mice. He's about eight years old,
never been sick before.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed he was less tubby than usual, and
figured he'd just been locked outside more than usual (I've been taking
frequent short trips out of town), and also they do tend to lose weight
in the summer.

Then about five days ago I suddenly realized he'd lost a *lot* of
weight; can feel his little ribs thru his fur. Also realized his fur
is looking duller and rougher than usual, and he's begun to do
occasional coughs (like a hairball hawk, but just slight) and sneezes.
Not a *lot* of either, but way too frequent to dismiss. (I was gone,
so not able to follow up until today.)

His behavior seems nearly normal; a *little* bit sleepier or droopier
than usual I think, but he's eating (and very enthusiastic about the
occasional treat), purring, doing his usual affectionate and
attention-seeking behaviors. He's going in and out pretty much as
ever, and snoozing happily, same as ever. I haven't confined him to
get info about his pottying, yet. Other than the slightly rougher and
duller fur (and more shedding, I think), he looks pretty much as ever.

Is this just a case of "no case", or can anyone suggest anything?
What might cause these symptoms?
I'm suspecting he *may* have worms (because one of our others did
recently) and have started him on some herbal drops (intended for cats,
so hopefully safe!), but too soon to say if they'll help. I'll be
"enriching" his diet, but I don't know what else to do!

Thanks for any thoughts,
Shannon

> I'm suspecting he *may* have worms (because one of our others did

It does sound like worms. I treat worms in my cats by feeding them tabacco.
Just mix a teaspoon or so in some wet food to encourage them to eat it.
YMMV.
Cee

Yikes, if i were a worm that would drive me out!!!!!!
It doesn't make the cat sick?? Is this just a one-dose thing?

why not take the case and look for a worming remedy. there are many in the
reperatory.
if in doubt why not get a stool sample analyzed?
tanya

What I gave is all, only, and entirely the case that I have--in other
words, hardly anything. Hence my question... If need be, I'll confine
him so that I can *get* a stool sample, but haven't done that yet.
I've looked thru the "worm" rubrics and there are possibilities, but it
would be really scattershot... Meanwhile I'm giving him the herbs, and
will see what's changed by Monday!
Thanks,
Shannon

I didn't read your description before this. I have an outdoor barn cat that does exactly the same thing. Have you noticed any sort of yellow rice like things around the rectum on the fur? Those would be tapeworm segaments (egg packets) Sounds like he has tapeworm which he can get from eating mice. Fleas are an intermediate host and then the cat grooms and can ingest the fleas, or eats the mouse which has the intermediate life stage in it (or birds also) and ingests the eggs and the cycle can complete. Tapeworm must go through an intermediate host and outside barn cats are always getting tapes. The suggestion I made early of DE will help. Just add a tbsp in canned food, there is no taste and he should eat it. You would be better to feed him raw food rather than kibble though. The raw food is a better diet choice and strengthens the immune system, not to mention the PH of the gut changes so that it is not as hospitable to the parasite. Kibble is associated with many serious health problems in animals. You could supplement with a preground raw you get from the butcher or pet store, don't get one with veggies, if you aren't comfortable feeding a variety of raw foods including organ. I use chicken, hearts, gizzards, drumsticks, etc.
Leora

Not a remedy but food grade Diatomaceous earth in the food will work for deworming. It must be FOOD grade though. I have used it for pinworms in my kids and myself. Be careful of giving anything like black walnut to cats, I think it is toxic for them. Cats cannot tolerate the same things dogs can and can die from stuff that is ok for a dog. Oh, lots of people will use crushed garlic for deworming in dogs. Definitely not for cats.
Leora

Thanks, I'll check his tail region.
Actually fleas we avoid quite successfully by putting brewers yeast in
their food--sprinkled generously on top, to taste, adding more when
they eat it off. It's very effective in apparently just making them
taste yukky to fleas, and they don't bring any into the house. (Which
they definitely do if I get lazy about the yeast for more than a day or
two at a time!)

DE--I'm surprised that it would work internally; I thought it needed to
be *dry* in order to do its work? But if you've *found* it to be
effective, there must be an additional mode of action besides the
mechanical effect of its sharp edges. (Maybe nutritional?) I'll look
for food grade. So--1 Tbsp in a can (6 oz I assume?)--and how much of
that, how often, and for how long?

How much have you used (and how taken/given it) for yourself and your
kids?

I'll ask the butcher re ground guts etc.--sounds yummy! I've
resisted making the change for practical reasons--I suppose that would
mean, "for reasons of laziness and complacency" (plus, they
*used* to eat mostly mice, but now they're lazier), but it does make
sense to start to deal with it...

Thanks!
Shannon

>Yikes, if i were a worm that would drive me out!!!!!!
It's usually a one-dose thing. It's never made my cats sick, and I know other people who do it (who I learned it from). I don't smoke, so I usually look around parking lots for butts that aren't all the way smoked. Icky, I know, but I wash my hands after. Just crumble up the tobacco and mix it well into some wet food and they gobble it right up.
Cee

LOL, that is absolutely *revolting*!!!! But hey, if it works and
doesn't make them sick, it does sound worth it--and definitely will fit
into my budget! (But maybe this time I'll see how the herbs go...)
*Thanks* for that!!